Summer 2026 Newsletter

CSE3 Welcomes Dean Phil Lewis to ECU

Dr. Phil Lewis, dean of ECU’s College of Engineering and Technology, shares his vision for the college during the Welcome Back College Meeting. Image Credit: ECU CSE3.

The Center for Sustainable Energy and Environmental Engineering (CSE3) welcomes Dr. Phil Lewis, the new dean of ECU’s College of Engineering and Technology. Dr. Lewis joined ECU on July 1, bringing leadership and academic experience from Texas A&M University, where he served as professor and head of the Department of Construction Science. Dean Lewis’s vision for the college emphasizes connection, collaboration, and strong relationships. At CSE3, we look forward to supporting this shared vision and exploring new opportunities to collaborate across the college and beyond.

Welcome to ECU and the College of Engineering and Technology, Dean Lewis!

Read More on ECU News: Lewis to become new dean of ECU’s College of Engineering and Technology

CSE3 Recognizes Student and Faculty Excellence

Dr. Massara (Left), Dr. Abdel-Salam (Left-Middle), student Zasha Griffin (Right-Middle), and Dr. Etheridge standing together as Griffin and Dr. Massara hold their respective awards. Image Credit: East Carolina University

On Wednesday, April 9th, CSE3 recognized two members of its academic community during an award event held at ECU’s Student Center. CSE3 student Zasha Griffin received the Outstanding Student Researcher Award in recognition of his dedication to research and academic excellence. The award highlights his contributions as a student researcher and his commitment to advancing scholarly work through CSE3. Dr. Carol Masarra, faculty member in the Department of Construction Management and part of the CSE3 Pollution Prevention team, was also recognized for her outstanding contributions as a faculty member and for her research and scholarly activities. CSE3 congratulates Zasha Griffin and Dr. Masarra on their well-deserved recognition and celebrates their continued contributions to research, education, and sustainability-focused work at ECU.

CSE3 P2 Program Recognized as Part of Hyster-Yale’s Sustainability Journey

Representatives from Hyster-Yale, NCDEQ, and ECU CSE3 gather at Hyster-Yale’s Greenville facility during the company’s Environmental Steward Award recognition ceremony. Image Credit: Hyster-Yale

On June 23, members of CSE3 attended a special recognition event at Hyster-Yale Materials Handling’s Greenville, NC plant, where the company received its official Environmental Steward Award from the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality. CSE3’s Pollution Prevention team was invited in recognition of its role in supporting Hyster-Yale’s sustainability efforts, including the 12-week ECU Pollution Prevention Internship Program that connected ECU engineering students with the plant’s Environmental Health & Safety team to identify opportunities for energy savings, waste reduction, and improved operational efficiency.

One of the most impactful collaborations focused on compressed air leak detection. During a planned summer shutdown, CSE3 interns used ultrasonic leak detection equipment to help identify 97 compressed air leaks that were later repaired, resulting in an estimated $107,000 in annual energy savings and 619 tons of avoided CO₂ emissions. Hyster-Yale later expanded the effort through a plant-wide leak detection contest, bringing total estimated annual savings to approximately $177,000 and 858 tons of avoided CO₂ emissions. CSE3 is proud to support industry partners like Hyster-Yale and to help ECU students contribute to measurable environmental outcomes for North Carolina manufacturers.

CSE3 Faculty Member Inducted into Phi Kappa Phi

CSE3 congratulates Dr. Nehad Elsawaf, Teaching Associate Professor in the Department of Economics and a member of the Pollution Prevention Project team, on being inducted into The Honor Society of Phi Kappa Phi, one of the nation’s most prestigious academic honor societies. Founded in 1897, Phi Kappa Phi recognizes excellence in scholarship across all academic disciplines. Membership is by invitation and reserved for individuals who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement, integrity, and a commitment to excellence. This well-deserved recognition reflects Dr. Elsawaf’s dedication to research, teaching, and service.

CSE3 Associate Director Dr. Randall Etheridge Receives ECU Teaching Excellence Award

Dr. Etheridge holding his newly received award. Image Credit: East Carolina University

Congratulations to Dr. Randall Etheridge, Associate Director of CSE3, on receiving the Board of Governors Award for Excellence in Teaching, one of ECU’s highest teaching honors. This recognition celebrates Dr. Etheridge’s outstanding dedication to student success, real-world learning, and high-impact educational experiences that prepare students to serve our region. We are grateful for his leadership, mentorship, and continued contributions to CSE3 and the College of Engineering and Technology.

Read the Full Story: Faculty excellence honored at annual teaching awards

CSE3 Advances Clean Energy Dialogue at Third ECU Sustainability Symposium

Opening session of the Third Sustainability Symposium at the ECU Heart Institute, featuring keynote speaker Brian Wrenn, Environmental Director at Strata Clean Energy. Image Credit: ECU CSE3

The 2026 ECU Sustainability Symposium was held on May 18 at the ECU Heart Institute, bringing together industry leaders, faculty, and community partners for a focused day of conversations on clean energy and sustainable development. The event opened with a keynote presentation from Brian Wrenn, Environmental Director at Strata Clean Energy, who connected policy, compliance, and on-the-ground implementation. Following the keynote, Panel 1 focused on real-world industrial solar deployment, featuring speakers from Strata Clean Energy, Yes Solar Solutions, and East Energy Renewables.

Panel 2 shifted to energy efficiency and process optimization, featuring speakers from Hyster‑Yale, Bridgestone, and Greenville Utilities. Guided by moderator Dr. Ranjeet Agarwala, Associate Professor at the College of Engineering and Technology, the discussion emphasized strategies for improving performance in manufacturing while encouraging collaboration between academia and industry.

Support from partners such as the NC Clean Energy Technology Center, the NC Sustainable Energy Association, and Bridgestone Americas helped make the event possible. Attendees left with valuable insights, stronger networks, and a shared commitment to advancing sustainable solutions across the region.

To learn more about the symposium, below are the news coverage stories highlighting the event.

: Matt Abele, Executive Director from NC Sustainable Energy Association presenting at 2026 ECU Sustainability Symposium. Image Credit: ECU CSE3

CSE3 Pollution Prevention team members Pablo Nunez, Environmental Specialist II, and Dr. Marly Irby, Environmental Specialist II, with CSE3 Director Dr. Tarek Abdel-Salam.

Symposium Media Coverage

Read the Full Story: Clean energy takes focus at ECU Sustainability Symposium

CSE3 Presents to Manufacturers at Joint Regional Luncheon in Lenoir County

Manufacturing professionals from the Lenoir County Manufacturers Association and Greene County Manufacturers Association gathered at the Jim Perry Aviation Center for Excellence for a joint regional luncheon featuring a presentation by CSE3.

On June 3, Dr. Marly Irby and Pablo Nuñez, Environmental Specialists with CSE3, delivered a presentation during a joint luncheon hosted by the Lenoir County Manufacturers Association and the Greene County Manufacturers Association at the Jim Perry Aviation Center for Excellence. The event brought together manufacturers, economic development professionals, and industry partners from across Eastern North Carolina to exchange ideas, strengthen regional relationships, and discuss opportunities affecting the future of manufacturing. During the presentation, the CSE3 team highlighted the Center’s regional mission and explained how its Pollution Prevention Program supports manufacturers through no-cost energy, water, and lean assessments, technical courses, and other industry-focused resources.

CSE3 Advisory Board Helps Shape 2026 – 2029 Strategic Plan

CSE3 Advisory Board members with ECU College of Engineering and Technology faculty, staff, and students. Image Credit: CSE3.

Dr. Tarek Abdel-Salam, CSE3 Director and Associate Dean for Research in ECU’s College of Engineering and Technology, sharing insights about the 2026 CSE3 Sustainability Symposium.

On May 1, CSE3 met with its Advisory Board to review progress, discuss priorities, and support the development of the center’s 2026–2029 strategic plan. The Advisory Board plays an important role in helping guide CSE3’s direction, and its input supports the center’s ability to move forward with a clear vision for research, outreach, technical assistance, education, and regional impact. The session included remarks from Angela Lamson, Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research Strategy, who emphasized the important role that centers and institutes play in advancing applied research, strengthening partnerships, and driving meaningful regional impact. Her remarks reinforced the value of CSE3’s work in connecting university expertise with the needs of communities, industries, and organizations across North Carolina.

Building and maintaining partnerships with industry, university centers, academic institutions, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations is essential to CSE3’s mission. During the session, board members participated in a guided discussion led by CSE3 Associate Director Dr. Randall Etheridge to brainstorm priority actions and identify opportunities to further advance CSE3 projects across the region.

The meeting highlighted student research and impact. CSE3 students Zasha Griffin and Maximilian Martinez presented their research on nutrient dynamics and automated controlled drainage, respectively. Dr. Tarek Abdel-Salam, CSE3 Director, also shared updates and future vision for the annual Sustainability Symposium.

Additional agenda items included Pollution Prevention project impacts presented by Pablo Nuñez, Environmental Specialist, and a discussion led by Environmental Specialist Dr. Marly Irby on the strategic direction of CSE3’s communications and outreach efforts.

Advisory Board members participate in a brainstorming session focused on future opportunities and strategic priorities for the center. Image Credit: CSE3

ECU student Maximilian Martinez presenting his research during CSE3 Advisory Board Meeting. Image Credit: CSE3

CSE3 Advances Pollution Prevention Through ECU Workshops

Dr. Tarek Abdel-Salam presents during the June 1 workshop, Advancing Sustainable Manufacturing. Image Credit: ECU CSE3.

This year, CSE3 hosted two technical workshops at East Carolina University on March 25 and June 1, 2026. The workshops brought together industry professionals from across North Carolina for discussions on pollution prevention and sustainable manufacturing.

The March workshop featured industry speakers from Bridgestone and Hyster-Yale, who shared real-world perspectives on environmental audits and environmental stewardship. Additional presentations included an overview of CSE3’s Pollution Prevention Program by Dr. Marly Irby and an introduction to ISO 50001 energy management systems by Pablo Nuñez.

The June workshop brought together expertise from across ECU and regional partner organizations. Dr. Kirchoff from the College of Business discussed sustainable supply chains, while Dr. Nehad Elsawaf from the Department of Economics presented approaches to cost-benefit analysis for pollution prevention decision-making. Dr. Tarek Abdel-Salam presented on CSE3’s Pollution Prevention and Source Reduction Program, Dr. Marly Irby discussed integrating pollution prevention principles with ISO 14001 environmental management systems, and Matthew Byrne, Director of the Small Business and Technology Development Center, shared perspectives on supporting North Carolina businesses.

The success of these workshops reflects the collaborative efforts of faculty, staff, industry partners, and regional stakeholders committed to advancing environmental and manufacturing excellence across North Carolina. CSE3 extends its appreciation to Merrill Flood, ECU’s Director of Research and Innovation Campus Development, Pitt County Economic Development, and Invest Greenville for helping connect eastern North Carolina manufacturers with pollution prevention resources, training, and technical assistance.

CSE3 Connects with Energy Professionals at the 2026 State Energy Conference

ECU College of Engineering and Technology faculty and staff, who are active members of CSE3, attend the 2026 State Energy Conference of North Carolina. Image Credit: CSE3.

On April 28-29, faculty and staff representing CSE3 and ECU’s College of Engineering and Technology participated in the 2026 State Energy Conference of North Carolina in Raleigh. The conference provided an opportunity to connect with energy professionals, partners, and stakeholders from across the state. Through its exhibitor table, the CSE3 team shared information about its programs, technical assistance efforts, and ongoing work to support energy efficiency and sustainability across the state. The conference also featured Dr. Ranjeet Agarwala, who moderated a panel on Master Planning for Energy & Sustainability in K–12 Schools. The session highlighted the importance of strategic energy planning in educational facilities and the role of sustainability in supporting more efficient and resilient school systems.

CSE3 Engages High School Students at Clean Energy Career Fair in Roanoke Rapids

CSE3 Environmental Specialist II, Pablo Nuñez engages high school students through a hands-on clean energy demonstration during the Clean Energy Career Fair in Roanoke Rapids, NC. Image Credit: CSE3.

The Center for Energy Education (C4EE) in Roanoke Rapids, North Carolina, hosts an annual educational event that introduces high school students to clean energy careers and connects them with industry leaders from across the region. On May 6, the CSE3 team engaged students through hands-on solar and hydrogen demonstrations, showcasing how clean energy technologies can power vehicles and contribute to the evolving energy landscape. CSE3 supports educational opportunities that introduce students to emerging technologies and help prepare the next generation of environmental and energy professionals.

CSE3 Supports Workforce Development for North Carolina Manufacturing Professionals

Dr. Ethan Languri, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Tennessee Tech University delivering a technical course. Image Credit: ECU CSE3.

This year, CSE3 has supported workforce development for North Carolina manufacturing professionals through four technical courses focused on energy efficiency, cost reduction, and improved facility performance. On February 4 and 5, two courses were delivered on-site at Bridgestone’s Wilson, NC plant, where Dr. Ethan Languri, Director of the Industrial Assessment Center and Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at Tennessee Tech University, led training on energy efficiency and compressed air systems. On February 18, CSE3 hosted an online course led by Katerina Dimovski, Project Manager for Energy and Sustainability Services at Georgia Tech’s Manufacturing Extension Partnership, who provided training on implementing energy management systems and audit principles for manufacturers. On May 5, CSE3 also hosted an online course on industrial energy management with Dr. Cristian Cardenas-Lailhacar, Assistant Director of the Industrial Assessment Center and Mobile Energy Laboratory at the University of Florida.

CSE3 Connects with Industry Professionals at Bridgestone’s Earth Day Event

Pablo Nuñez, Environmental Specialist with CSE3’s Pollution Prevention team, speaks with industry professionals about pollution prevention during Bridgestone’s Earth Day event at the company’s Wilson, NC plant. Image Credit: CSE3

CSE3 participated as an exhibitor at Bridgestone’s Earth Day event in Wilson, North Carolina. The event provided an opportunity to connect with the professionals who help keep manufacturing operations running every day. During the event, the CSE3 Pollution Prevention team shared pollution prevention tips, discussed upcoming professional development opportunities, and highlighted the center’s mission to support industry across North Carolina.

Welcome to the Team, Dani Panzo!

CSE3 Research Assistant

We are proud to announce Dani Panzo as the newest member of our team! She will be working under our Environmental Specialist II, Pablo Nuñez, as his research assistant this summer. Dani is a hardworking sophomore completing her Bachelor of Science in Engineering with an Environmental concentration at ECU. Her duties will include researching air‑cooling performance for high‑power electronic components such as CPUs and GPUs under controlled airflow conditions, as well as examining how heat‑sink design, airflow behavior, and thermal‑interface quality influence cooling efficiency. She will also help explore how these findings can be applied to improve thermal management strategies in data‑center environments.

Katie Sperry Gains Industry Experience with LCI Corporation

CSE3 Research Assistant

Katie Sperry is spending her summer interning with LCI Corporation, a division of the Nederman Group. As part of Nederman’s new internship program, she joined a cohort of students across engineering, finance, and marketing and kicked off the experience with a leadership lunch, Q&A, and a full tour of the production floor and test lab. At LCI, Katie supports the team that provides process equipment and customer support across multiple industries. Her work focuses on improving data‑entry systems, digitizing legacy engineering drawings, and assisting with replacement and spare‑parts operations. We’re excited to see Katie apply her skills in a real‑world setting and continue building momentum in her engineering career.

CSE3 Alumni Spotlight: Bryan Mendoza Garcia Begins Environmental Engineering Internship with Bridgestone

Former CSE3 Research Assistant and Recent ECU Graduate

Bryan Mendoza recently graduated from East Carolina University with a B.S. in Engineering with a concentration in Environmental Engineering. As a member of the CSE3 student team, Bryan contributed to multiple projects, conducted research with Dr. Jungwoo Lee, presented at RCAW, and completed his senior capstone project, Buggy Buddy. Through the industry connections and hands-on experience gained through CSE3, Bryan secured his first professional position as an Environmental Engineering Intern with Bridgestone Americas in Wilson, NC. In this role, he supports environmental compliance, inspections, employee training, and facility operations. We are proud to see Bryan continue building on the skills and experience he developed through CSE3.

CSE3 Welcomes Ariel Lineberger to the Advisory Board

Former CSE3 Research Assistant and ECU CET Alumna

CSE3 is pleased to welcome Ariel Lineberger to its Advisory Board. Ariel is an alumna of ECU’s College of Engineering and Technology and previously served as CSE3’s Research Assistant and Pollution Prevention Coordinator. She currently works as an Environmental Compliance Engineer at Jacobs, where she continues to apply her expertise in environmental compliance and sustainability. We are excited to welcome Ariel back to CSE3 in this new capacity and appreciate the experience and dedication she brings to the center’s advisory board.