Greg Zaimes earned his Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Pitt. At Pitt, he learned from outstanding faculty mentors like Dr. Vikas Khanna and Dr. Melissa Bilec, whose interdisciplinary approach to problem-solving showed him how engineering could drive meaningful progress toward sustainability. Since then, he's focused his career on advancing sustainability through data-driven analysis and interdisciplinary collaboration for federal agencies, national laboratories, and the private sector.
In his own words:
I began my professional journey with KeyLogic Systems as a site-support contractor to the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), where I conducted life cycle assessments and energy systems analysis of fossil energy and carbon management technologies. I supported the ONE Future coalition, contributed to NETL’s baseline life cycle profiles for power generation technologies, and performed greenhouse gas assessments for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Loan Programs Office. From there, I moved to Argonne National Laboratory, where I supported the development of new fuel, energy, and technology pathways within Argonne’s GREET (Greenhouse Gases, Regulated Emissions, and Energy Use in Technologies) model—advancing DOE initiatives spanning advanced biofuels, maritime decarbonization, and broader economy-wide decarbonization strategies.
Building on that foundation, I joined KPMG, where I worked with financial institutions to quantify their financed emissions footprint, assess climate-related risks, and integrate sustainability considerations into their strategic and regulatory planning. I later transitioned to the U.S. Department of Energy—first with the Loan Programs Office (LPO), conducting technical due diligence to support underwriting of multibillion-dollar clean energy loan guarantees, and then with the Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM). At FECM, I led technical reviews of life cycle assessment submissions for the 45Q tax credit, provided guidance on carbon accounting frameworks for engineered and nature-based carbon dioxide removal projects, and contributed analyses on the evolving role of fossil energy systems in meeting growing electricity demand from data centers.
I’ve since returned to KPMG, where I support model risk management and financial analytics for banking and financial services clients. My work focuses on integrating quantitative analysis, governance, and emerging applications of artificial intelligence to strengthen risk management and business resilience—while continuing to bring ESG and climate expertise to projects that intersect with sustainability.
My experiences at Pitt—and especially with the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation—were foundational to my career. MCSI provided a clear pathway to connect my analytical background with real-world sustainability challenges. Through the program, I had the opportunity to explore interdisciplinary research, deepen my interest in life cycle assessment and systems analysis, and begin working closely with Dr. Vikas Khanna, who would later become my Ph.D. advisor and a long-term mentor and friend. His guidance played a central role in shaping my academic direction and long-term professional interests.
Pitt also provided a collaborative, curiosity-driven environment that shaped both my technical foundation and my approach to interdisciplinary problem-solving. The mentorship and support I received from faculty and fellow students continue to influence how I tackle complex energy and climate challenges today, and I remain deeply grateful for the opportunities Pitt and MCSI enabled.
Pitt and MCSI played a pivotal role in shaping not only my academic interests but also my broader perspective on the future of energy and sustainability. I’m grateful for the opportunities, mentorship, and community I found during my time there. I’m always happy to speak with students or early-career professionals interested in life cycle assessment, energy systems, climate analytics, or sustainability-focused career paths—so please don’t hesitate to reach out.