Pitt Professor Melissa Bilec Recognized as the Bevier Endowed Chair
The University of Pittsburgh announced that Chancellor Joan Gabel appointed Melissa Bilec the George M. and Eva M. Bevier Endowed Chair in the Swanson School of Engineering, effective October 1, 2025.
Bilec, who co-directs the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation and serves as Special Assistant to the Provost for Sustainability, previously held the title of George M. and Eva M. Bevier Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Her research focuses on sustainability and how the built environment and healthcare can help solve climate change.
"Professor Bilec’s research and leadership continue to redefine how we think about sustainability in the built environment,” said Vikas Khanna, professor and interim chair of civil and environmental engineering. “As the Bevier Endowed Chair, she will further advance innovations that connect people, planet, and infrastructure—helping position Pitt as a leader in sustainable engineering solutions for the future.”
“I am so honored to receive this distinguished appointment,” said Bilec. “I am grateful for Chancellor Gabel’s recognition and for all the support from my colleagues across the Swanson School and Pitt. I am excited to continue advancing the important work of the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation and helping prepare the next generation of engineers to meet the challenges of a fast-changing world.”
The Bevier Estate at Pitt funds the endowed chair position in honor of George M. Bevier (BS 1913), who served in World War I in the Department of Military Aeronautics and whose contributions in geology and seismology helped advance industries. Bevier received an honorary Doctor of Science in 1937 from Pitt, and the Swanson School named its library in his honor and recognized Bevier as a Distinguished Alumnus in 1964.
“I am elated that Melissa is receiving this well-deserved honor,” said Michele V. Manuel, U. S. Steel Dean of Engineering. “Her scholarship, commitment to our faculty, staff, and students, and leadership through the Mascaro Center continue to make a tremendous difference to the Pitt community and beyond.”
More about Melissa Bilec
Melissa Bilec is a triple alumna of the University of Pittsburgh, having earned her BS (Magna Cum Laude), MS, and PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering.
Her research centers on the sustainable built environment, as she takes a systems-level approach to how buildings and infrastructure consume resources, affect indoor air quality, use energy, and create waste.
Her commitment to improving air quality in and outdoors is reflected in her service to Pitt. Since 2008, Bilec has led Pitt’s greenhouse gas inventories, and she also serves on the Chancellor’s Sustainability Council, helping to guide the University’s climate strategy.
With more than 170 publications and over $20 million in funding, Bilec has received many honors for her expertise in life cycle assessment and her commitment to building an inclusive environment at Pitt where all students can thrive. A Roberta A. Luxbacher Faculty Fellow, she was recognized with the School of Engineering Diversity Award for 2017-2018 and the Senior Vice Chancellor for Engagement’s Partnerships of Distinction Award in 2019.
Along with research, awards, and service, Bilec has expanded opportunities for Pitt students. She developed a Master’s in Sustainable Engineering and co-developed a university-wide undergraduate certificate in sustainability as well as a graduate certificate in circular economy.