Who's Who

U.S. Steel Dean of Engineering

headshot of Dean Michele Manuel

U.S. Steel Dean of Engineering

For 175 years, engineering at Pitt has helped to transform our world, as well as the lives of generations of students, alumni, and faculty. Our commitment to innovation is as strong as ever as we contribute to the advancement of engineering education and research.

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ssoedean@pitt.edu

Graduate Studies Team

Robert Parker

Associate Dean for Graduate Education

Professor, Department of Chemical and Petroleum Engineering

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rparker@pitt.edu

412-624-7364

Stephanie Opalinski

Director of Graduate Recruitment and Enrollment Marketing

What I love most about my role is that I get to see a student’s role through the decision process of which school to apply to, which to enroll in, and ultimately the celebration of their educational pursuits upon graduation. I like to say that as a member of the staff of SSOE, I am an ally to our graduate student community. If you ever need a helping hand or a familiar face, my door (virtually too) is always open.

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stephanie.opalinski@pitt.edu

412-383-7027

Cheryl Paul

Senior Director for Advocacy and Well Being

As the Ombudsperson within the Swanson School of Engineering, please look to me as a thought partner should challenges arise. My role is as a designated neutral, so please feel free to contact me to confidentially evaluate your situation, share your concerns, and plan your next step. Or, should you need assistance with information on campus and community support systems please never hesitate to ask! My goal is to join with our students in tackling their challenges so that they do not feel alone in the process. I’m here to help you thrive in your life at University of Pittsburgh!

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cheryl35@pitt.edu

O: 412-624-4042

C: 412-627-5609

Tracy Anderson

Graduate Programs Administrative Director

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tra42@pitt.edu

Valerie Kerr

Graduate Career & Professional Development Consultant

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vek32@pitt.edu

Bioengineering Graduate Team

Kurt Beschorner

Bioengineering Graduate Director, Professor

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biogc@pitt.edu

Pratap Khanwilkar

Bioengineering MS-MPE Program Administrator

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msmpe@pitt.edu

Aaron Gibson

Assistant Director of Graduate Programs

My goal each day is to help students achieve their goals! It is that simple. Working to make the processes and procedures easier to navigate so you can concentrate on your studies, that's why I'm here for you.

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ATG34@pitt.edu

Aaron Gibson

Interim Assistant Director of MS Program

My goal each day is to help students achieve their goals! It is that simple. Working to make the processes and procedures easier to navigate so you can concentrate on your studies, that's why I'm here for you.

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ATG34@pitt.edu

Chemical & Petroleum Engineering Graduate Team

James McKone

Graduate Program Director

Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering & Chemistry

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jmckone@pitt.edu

412-383-7407

Rita Ann Leccia

Senior Academic Administrative Assistant

I love working with students from the time they fill out an application for graduate study in our department until they graduate and start the next exciting chapter of their lives. Should you have any questions/concerns about your application, offer of admission, enrollment, degree/graduation requirements, please contact me! The best is yet to come.

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ril3@pitt.edu

412-624-9646

Civil & Environmental Engineering Graduate Team

Andrew P. Bunger

Civil and Environmental Engineering - Director of Graduate Studies

I oversee the graduate programs offered by the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE). If you have any questions related to CEE PhD or MS programs’ curriculum, coursework, deadlines, advising, and other related questions, please feel free to contact me.

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bunger@pitt.edu

412-624-9875

Cheryl Morand

Civil and Environmental Engineering Academic Program Administrator

If you have questions about the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department’s graduate recruitment, admission, curriculum and coursework, outstanding requirements, important deadlines, or other department related concerns, contact me!

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chm168@pitt.edu

Electrical & Computer Engineering Graduate Team

Dr. Hong Koo Kim

Electrical and Computer Engineering Graduate Coordinator

hkk@pitt.edu

James Robnett

ECE Graduate Program Administrator (PhD & Research MS)

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jar425@pitt.edu

Industrial Engineering Graduate Team

Jayant Rajgopal

Industrial Engineering Graduate Coordinator

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rajgopal@pitt.edu

412-624-9840

Michael Sibenac

Industrial Engineering Graduate Program Administrator

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gradie@pitt.edu

412-624-9829

Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science Graduate Team (includes Nuclear)

Dr. Sangyeop Lee

Mechanical Engineering PhD and MS Coordinator

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sylee@pitt.edu

Dr. Mostafa Bedewy

Materials Science Graduate Coordinator

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mbedewy@pitt.edu

Sola Talabi

Nuclear Engineering Graduate Coordinator

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skt28@pitt.edu

Tara Rankin

MEMS Graduate Program Administrator

mems_gradadmin@pitt.edu

Peyman Givi

Computational Modeling and Simulation Grad Coordinator

peg10@pitt.edu

Sustainable Engineering Graduate Team

Dr. David Sanchez

Sustainable Engineering Graduate Coordinator

As the graduate coordinator and faculty lead in our sustainable engineering program, I have a passion for addressing Sustainability Grand Challenges. I want my students to get the most out of their education and find the research focus they’re passionate about. My research focuses on sustainable design, data driven models and analytical chemistry for sustainable water applications. I’m always willing to have a one-on-one meeting with students to discuss research and course options. Maybe I’ll see you in Current Issues in Sustainability (ENG 2905)!

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david.sanchez@pitt.edu

412-624-9793

Savannah Denlinger

Sustainability Academic Programs Manager

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sld127@pitt.edu

Office of Diversity Graduate Team

Dr. Sylvanus Wosu

Associate Dean for Diversity Affairs and Associate Professor

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snn2@pitt.edu

412-624-9842

Sussan Olaore

Pitt STRIVE Program Coordinator

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yso1@pitt.edu

412-624-2118