The Sustainability Capstone is the capstone course for the Mascaro Center's Undergraduate Certificate in Sustainability and MS in Sustainable Engineering degree.
This project-based course provides interdisciplinary teams of students with the opportunity to partner with external stakeholders and synthesize solutions to complex, real-world sustainability challenges.
Project topics are developed in consultation with instructors and sustainability stakeholders. Innovative solutions require the application of critical thinking and collaboration to resolve. By the end of the course the students will have a deeper understanding of:
- The multi-faceted nature of Sustainability solutions,
- Approaches to problem solving across fields, and
- How to communicate sustainable solutions and concepts in an interdisciplinary team environment.
Explore student projects from previous years below.
Recent Student Projects
Oasis Farm & Fishery
Operation Better Block
Acknowledgments: Catherine Barone, Fiona Benge, Allyson Frantz, Martina Frederick, Ethan Rihn, Dr. David Sanchez, and Dr. Tony Kerzmann
Etsy Electrification
Acknowledgments: Margaret Balich, Luke Barnett, Brittany Gallo, Alexandra Lopez, Olivia Rossi, Dr. David Sanchez, and Dr. Tony Kerzmann
Sustainability Capstone Partners
Explore MCSI's past Sustainability Capstone partners using the tabs below.
- 2026 Partners
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3R Sustainability and PNC Park
BSI
Department of Energy Solar District Cup
Department of Environmental Protection - Local Climate Action Program
Off-Grid Solar
- 2025 Partners
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Allegheny County Airport Authority
Allegheny County Health Department
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Department of Energy Solar District Cup
Department of Environmental Protection
Department of Environmental Protection - Local Climate Action Program - Millvale
Fayette County Chamber of Commerce
Perks Solar Energy
- 2024 Partners
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Bureau of Acid Mine Reclamation (BAMR)
- 2023 Partners
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Appalachian Sustainable Development
Congress of Neighboring Communities (CONNECT)
Graduate School of Public and International Affairs, University of Pittsburgh - 2022 Partners
- 2021 Partners
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Pillars Assets
- 2020 Partners
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Town of McCandless Pennsylvania
- 2019 Partners
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Center for Social & Urban Research,
University of PittsburghFifth Season
- 2018 Partners
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The City of Pittsburgh, Mobility & Infrastructure
Cropolis
RoBotany