2025 Pitt Sustainability Awards

Neeha Kolli has been an active advocate for sustainability on campus since her freshman year, beginning her involvement with Plant 2 Plate, serving as both a volunteer and board member. Neeha perpetuates this passion as the SOOS managing director. On campus, her work in sustainability extends to Greek life, the C4CA, the Office of Sustainability in the Health Sciences, and the Student Outreach Resources Center, with additional work to improve reproductive rights and accessibility. Her work has notably expanded to UPMC hospitals, both through her creation of the UPMC Greenhouse Gas Inventory tool and through her implementation of sustainable consumption and waste practices.

Dr. Amanda Artsen is an emerging leader in healthcare sustainability, demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication across multiple roles at UPMC and the University of Pittsburgh. She founded green teams at MWRI and Magee, co-leads Magee’s Environmental Quality Team, and has been a key figure in Clinicians for Climate Action. Dr. Artsen also established a special interest group for urogynecologists focused on sustainability. Her research includes life cycle cost analysis and environmental impact studies, and she actively contributes to educational outreach through invited talks and panel discussions on sustainability in healthcare.

Neha Devineni has made significant contributions to sustainability and food security at the University of Pittsburgh and beyond. As the Business Manager for Food Recovery Heroes, she increased food recoveries from twice a week to five days a week and launched initiatives like the Food Security Lockers Program. Neha has also been instrumental in forging partnerships with local organizations like Jubilee Kitchen and Mechanics Coffee to reduce food waste in the Pittsburgh community. As President of Students for Sustainability, she has led volunteer efforts and expanded the club’s outreach, working with organizations such as the Pittsburgh Parks Conservancy, the Western Pennsylvania Conservancy, Pittsburgh Downtown Partnership, among many others.

Kelly Barko successfully initiated a pilot composting program for animal related waste at Bridgeside II, already planning to extend this to all 10 of the University of Pittsburgh’s animal research facilities. Her continued leadership and determination for sustainable change makes exemplary contributions to Pitt’s Sustainability Plan.

Ernest Robinson is a vital partner and champion for sustainability at Pitt, and his work towards Pitt’s goal to reduce landfill waste 25% by 2030 is honorable. Amidst managing facilities campus Facilities Management and cross-campus staffing, Ernest prioritizes integration of sustainability measures. His expansion of and close involvement with waste diversion initiatives like composting, specialty waste diversion like Polycarbin Pipette Tip Boxes, and pilots to improve waste data tracking marks vital strides towards a more sustainable future. Throughout all of this, Ernest has been a patient, persistent, and helpful partner to Pitt Sustainability, as well as a champion of campus sustainability.

Karen Sebolt and Brynne Bashioum have transformed Heinz Memorial Chapel into a model of creative, small-scale sustainability. Despite the Chapel’s historic limitations, their teamwork led to achieving “Mighty Oak” status in Pitt’s Green Office program. Brynne, as Sustainability Ambassador, coordinated initiatives from staff Green Host training to printer and lighting upgrades, vase reuse, and creating event signage that promotes eco-consciousness. Karen’s leadership brought lasting impact, including a major lighting retrofit projected to save $15,000 annually. Together, they’ve proven that even a small, historic department can lead with innovation, inspire others, and embed sustainability into daily operations and long-term culture.