2024 Manners Awardees
Conner · Bilec & Brooks

"Black Pittsburgh Satisfaction and Retention Study"

Kyaien Conner, PhD, LSW, MPH

Professor and Donald M. Henderson Endowed Chair
Director of the Center on Race and Social Problems
School of Social Work
University of Pittsburgh

ABSTRACT: Recent research suggests the city of Pittsburgh is losing Black households at an alarming rate. While Pittsburgh has been identified as one of the most “livable” cities in the United States, this perspective is not shared equally by all its residents. Black Pittsburghers experience significant disparities in Pittsburgh in multiple areas, which have impacted Black Pittsburgher's decisions to stay in the region. This loss has led to significant challenges in the diversification of our workforce and developing healthy and thriving Black communities. Research has consistently called attention to the disparities facing Black Pittsburghers, there is, however, a dearth of research that has systematically studied a representative sample of the Black Pittsburgh population to attain their perspectives on why they left Pittsburgh and why they have chosen to stay in the region. The current project plans to evaluate significant predictors through our Black Pittsburgh Satisfaction and Retention Survey. We propose a sequential exploratory mixed methods design (cross-sectional survey followed by semi-structured interviews) to evaluate the predictors of decisions to stay in the Pittsburgh region long-term, or to leave the Pittsburgh region, among Black Pittsburgh residents (current and previous residents). We will utilize this robust data to develop testable recommendations, strategies, and potential interventions with key community stakeholders to enhance the contributing factors and mitigate those that are predictive of intentions to leave the region.

"Uncovering challenges and opportunities for advancing the University of Pittsburgh's transition to the circular economy"

Melissa M. Bilec, PhD

Co-Director of the Mascaro Center for Sustainable Innovation
Bevier Professor
Civil & Environmental Engineering
University of Pittsburgh

Amy L. Brooks, PhD

Postdoctoral Associate
Civil & Environmental Engineering
University of Pittsburgh

ABSTRACT: In 2023, the University of Pittsburgh committed to reaching carbon neutrality by 2037. As part of a portfolio of tools for pursuing carbon neutrality, the circular economy (CE) will play a major role in advancing the University's progress through eliminating waste and pollution, retaining embodied energy through material circulation, and sequestering carbon. Higher education institutions play a critical role in advancing the CE through workforce development, research and innovation, and collaborations with policymakers, other institutions, and local communities. At Pitt, current CE activities remain disconnected, representing an opportunity to identify synergies and pathways for strengthening existing efforts or integrating new ones. To this end, we propose three specific aims to complete this project: 1) Investigate characteristics of CE initiatives among Pitt peers and sustainability leaders; 2) Generate an inventory of CE initiatives at the Pitt; and 3) Identify opportunities for advancing Pitt's CE strategy. To meet these objectives, we will generate an inventory of CE activities through researching publicly available information and conducting research interviews with representatives from Pitt's peers and key stakeholders on Pitt's campus. By synthesizing findings from these efforts, we will develop a strategic plan for the University's CE transition that highlights existing efforts and successes, summarizes short and long-term goals for the University, and shares best practices learned from other CE initiatives at peer institutions to benefit Pitt, the greater HEI community, and the local Pittsburgh community.