Leonard Peters Faculty Fellows are annually invited to join the MCSI team as key partners, often helping to envision, create and implement core programs for the Center.
Leonard Peters Faculty Fellowships provide faculty members with the opportunity to focus on and further strategic MCSI goals over the academic year. Peters Faculty Fellows help to positively impact Pitt’s research, education, and outreach efforts as detailed in the Pitt Sustainability Plan.
- About Leonard "Len" K. Peters, PhD
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Dr. Len Peters (March 16, 1940 - August 5, 2019) earned his B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Pittsburgh in 1971 and, after holding a brief teaching position at Cleveland State University, began a twenty-plus-year career at the University of Kentucky in 1974. During this time, he held positions as Chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering and Vice Chancellor for Research, established a nationally recognized aerosol research group, and developed a research program in atmospheric modeling. He additionally chaired the EPA’s advisory committee on global climate change research programs and received the NSF Award in Recognition of Contributions to Science and Technology in Kentucky.Peters moved to Virginia Tech University in 1993, where he held the roles of Vice Provost for Research and Dean of the Graduate School; in 2003, he was appointed director of the U.S. Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, where he directed the lab's research, development, and staff. After retiring from this position in 2006, Kentucky Governor Steven Beshear recruited Peters as head of the State Cabinet's Energy and Environment Department, where he served two consecutive terms. He guided the state through transformational shifts in the coal industry while advocating for a cleaner Kentucky environment.
Peters served as an MCSI External Advisory Board member since the Center’s inception in 2003 until his passing in 2019, providing valuable insight regarding the development and execution of the Center's sustainable research initiatives.
Current and Past Peters Fellows
2024-25
- Tony Kerzmann, Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science
- Ruth Mostern, History
- Tina Ndoh, School of Public Health
- Joaquin Rodriguez, Chemical & Petroleum Engineering
- Patrick Shirey, Geology & Environmental Science
- Götz Veser, Chemical & Petroleum Engineering
2023-24
- Tony Kerzmann, Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science
- Ruth Mostern, History
- Tina Ndoh, School of Public Health
- Patrick Shirey, Geology & Environmental Science
- Götz Veser, Chemical & Petroleum Engineering
2022-23
- Danielle Andrews-Brown, Geology & Environmental Science
- Michael Blackhurst, University Center for Social & Urban Research
- Tony Kerzmann, Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science
- Patrick Shirey, Geology & Environmental Science
- Götz Veser, Chemical & Petroleum Engineering
2021-22
- Danielle Andrews-Brown, Geology & Environmental Science
- Michael Blackhurst, University Center for Social & Urban Research
- Tony Kerzmann, Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science
2020-21
- Danielle Andrews-Brown, Geology & Environmental Science
- Michael Blackhurst, University Center for Social & Urban Research
- Tony Kerzmann, Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science
2019-20
- Danielle Andrews-Brown, Geology & Environmental Science
- Michael Blackhurst, University Center for Social & Urban Research