Pitt Undergraduate Phoebe Esser Katz Receives 2025 Pitt Sustainability Award
The Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation (MCSI) and the Office of Sustainability at the University of Pittsburgh have recognized Phoebe Esser Katz with a 2025 Pitt Sustainability Award, which honors individuals "who have made an extraordinary impact on sustainability at Pitt." An undergraduate in the class of 2025 studying mechanical engineering, Phoebe has served as a research manager for a rural solar power project.
“Growing up, I spent as much time as I could outdoors,” said Phoebe. “And I’ve always been worried about the environment and have wanted to work to preserve it.”
At Pitt’s Swanson School of Engineering, she has combined her long-standing fascination with building things and understanding how they work with her concern for the planet. She has focused on agricultural technology, served in Pitt Hydroponics, and built a hydroponic growing system for professor Joaquin Rodriguez. This summer after graduating, she will participate in an MCSI summer research program, continuing to work with Rodriguez.
Last year, when she heard of the opportunity to participate in the rural solar project, she joined and has been active ever since. The project is led by Shanti Gamper-Rabindran, professor in the School of Public and International Affairs, and Tony Kerzmann, associate professor of mechanical engineering and materials science. To better inform public policy, the project seeks to identify how people in rural communities around Pennsylvania view and use solar power.
As research manager, Phoebe has led a team of students collecting data from farmers and others living in rural areas. The team has created an online survey, and they have conducted phone and Zoom interviews as well. They have attended fall festivals to identify participants and learn about their views on solar. They have also investigated existing solar projects in rural communities to determine the efficacy and people’s perceptions.
“I’m proud of the work that the members of this team and I have done to collect data and to find ways to reach people in rural communities. It’s been great to work with so many students,” said Phoebe. “And I’m so honored that Dr. Kerzmann and Dr. Gamper-Rabindran nominated me.”
“Phoebe is a phenomenal student and researcher,” said Kerzmann. “She led our research team, including eight undergraduate and graduate students for the past year, and she has always been organized, thoughtful, and hard working. We truly appreciate all that she has brought to our research team.”
Phoebe, along with other undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff awardees, will be recognized at a banquet on Friday, April 18.