The Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation celebrated its 21st Annual Undergraduate Symposium, showcasing projects from 29 students, including Breckenridge scholars. The Summer Undergraduate Research Program featured projects with diverse topics such as alternative energy solutions, sustainable consumption behavior in Pennsylvania, and the optimization of traffic signals to reduce fuel consumption and emissions. Congratulations to all the students for advancing sustainable innovation, and special congratulations to this year’s winners!
Visit Pitt Sustainability on YouTube to see all the project videos, or learn more about the summer research scholars, projects, and advisors here.
Best Presentation Award
The Effect of In-Solution Particles on Reusable, Additive Manufactured Metal Filters
Advisor: Markus Chmielus, mechanical engineering & materials science
Student: Steven Panico, mechanical engineering & materials science (John C. Mascaro Scholar)
Materials Design for Advanced Manufacturing of Co-free Cemented Carbides
Advisor: Wei Xiong, mechanical engineering & materials science
Student: Pocket Pizzutillo, mechanical engineering & materials science (John C. Mascaro Scholar)
Alternative Energy Opportunities
Advisor: Kate Zettl, UPMC Center for Sustainability
Student: Neeharika Kolli, environmental science & geology (John C. Mascaro Scholar)
Best Video Award
Storm Chasing to Understand the Nutrient Cycling in the Urban Tree Canopy
Advisor: Emily Elliott, geology & environmental science
Student: Olivia Rossi, geology & environmental science (John C. Mascaro Scholar)
MCSI Special Awards
Advisor: Paul Leu, Industrial Engineering
Student: Aliya Abildayeva, industrial engineering (Doug Condon Scholar)
Practical Optimization of Traffic Signals to Reduce Fuel Consumption and Vehicular Emissions
Advisor: Alek Stevanovic, civil & environmental engineering
Student: Jake Winter, urban studies (Frank and Daphna Lederman Scholar)