Caption: Student Sustainability Champions accepting their awards at the 2025 Pitt Sustainability Awards on April 18, 2025. (Photo provided by Pitt Sustainability)
By Kat Procyk
Several University of Pittsburgh schools of the health sciences faculty, students and staff were honored for their meaningful contributions to campus sustainability as part of the 2025 Pitt Sustainability Awards.
The award recipients—both groups and individuals—have made an impact in at least three areas of the Pitt Sustainability Plan: stewardship, exploration and/or community and culture. Through their ideas, talents and passions, they have helped cultivate a thriving culture of sustainability at the University.
“I’m so impressed by the dedication shown by the health sciences community to better our planet,” said Corey Flynn, sustainability program manager in Pitt’s Office of Sustainability for the Health Sciences. “This work is hard and these are busy people, but all six schools are actively working together toward creating a better workspace and educating others on how to imbed these practices in their daily lives.”
Faculty Awardee
Amanda Artsen, assistant professor of obstetrics, gynecology and reproductive sciences, School of Medicine, demonstrated exceptional leadership in health care sustainability. She cofounded green teams, advanced environmental education and contributed to sustainability-focused research.
Student Awardees
Kelly Barko, a PhD student in the School of Medicine, initiated a pilot composting program for animal-related waste at Bridgeside Point II, with plans to expand the program to all 10 animal research facilities.
Staff Awardee
Swati Banerjee, lab manager in the Department of Neurobiology, School of Medicine, implemented energy-saving measures and fostered a strong sustainability culture in the lab of Amantha Thathiah.
Group Awardee
Caps for a Cause
Led by Tara Stakich, senior clinical program manager for the Division of Geriatric Medicine, School of Medicine, collected more than 1,100 pounds of plastic caps for reuse as park benches.
Sustainability Champions – Class of 2025
Katie Bergstrom, a fourth-year student studying communication science and disorders, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, and Pitt Green Fund director. She created a more rigorous application process and always leads by example in her work as the director.
Emma Thomas, a fourth-year student studying emergency medicine, School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, and Pitt Pantry student coordinator. She organized volunteers for the Greater PGH Community Food Bank donation deliveries to the Pitt Pantry and planned the Hot Ones Blaze Battle event in March.
Congratulations to all the winners. For more information on sustainability efforts in the health sciences, go to https://www.sustainability.health.pitt.edu/.