2013 Member Bios - Pennsylvania

Elyse Bilardo grew up in Aston, PA and graduated from the University of Maryland Baltimore County (UMBC) with a B.A. in Geography and Environmental Systems, and a minor in History. She is now pursuing her M.S. in Environmental Policy from Drexel University (graduation summer, 2013). Some of her previous internship experiences include the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, on their Urban Waters team in Washington, D.C., and the Academy of Natural Sciences, in their Center for Environmental Policy in Philadelphia, PA. Elyse is excited to serve as an Energy Corps member at the Energy Coordinating Agency in Philadelphia, and she is eager to engage communities and schools in energy efficiency practices. She enjoys playing sports, especially soccer and loves to cook and be outdoors. After serving, Elyse hopes to travel.

Alyssa Burkot graduated from Salisbury University in May 2013 with a BA in International Relations and minors in Environmental Studies, Conflict & Analysis and History. Originally from Sinking Spring, Pa, Alyssa has studied abroad in Morocco and India. She has also traveled extensively throughout Europe. These travel experiences have given her world perspective and awareness of environmental problems. At the Energy Coordinating Agency, Alyssa will play an integral part in the planning and execution of a regional energy conference. She will also organize and conduct weatherization workshops for community members. She is excited to serve with Energy Corps at ECA in Philadelphia and to learn more about energy efficient technology.

Dan Certo graduated from Allegheny College in December of 2013. He engaged kids about systems thinking using aquaponics. Highlights included building an aquaponics system from scrap materials, and improving recycling rates on campus. Dan will be working with Gtech Strategies on their Refuel Initiative. His duties will include collecting waste vegetable oil (WVO), identifying additional sources of WVO, increase public participation through education and outreach, and contributing to the planning and development of the Refuel PGH program.

Whitney Fenton graduated in May of 2012 from Gordon College in Wenham, MA with a B.S. in Biology and minors of study in outdoor education and chemistry. She's held a variety of positions including backpacking trip leader, food service worker, and college Sustainability Tracking, Assessment, and Rating Systems intern. She also participated in landscape ecology research during her undergrad years. This year, she's looking forward to learning a great deal about energy efficient technology and a chance to invest my education and experience in a mission I love. In her role as an Energy Corps member she will be providing home assessments and education to PA residents seeking to decrease their energy consumption and lower their monthly utility bills. Additionally, she plans to research and develop the Energy Corps' set of best practices for effectively helping communities reduce their energy consumption.

Russell King grew up in Maryland and graduated from Colorado State University. He earned his bachelor's degree in Environmental Sociology and a minor in Business Administration. He is a passionate outdoorsman and spent his adolescent summer's camping his way across America and visiting National Parks. Russell became an Energy Corps member to further his involvement in the sustainability field and is very excited to learn about the energy efficiency opportunities in the greater Philadelphia area. His primary focus will be participating in the Energy Works program where he will help local residents identify the best home weatherization options available to them. Outside of work Russell enjoys white water kayaking, running, and backpacking.

Roxanne Li graduated from Cornell University in May 2012 with a B.S. in Environmental Engineering and a minor in Sustainable Energy Systems. She then went on to complete a six month internship with an environmental consulting company in Johannesburg, South Africa. Roxanne will be working on the Weatherization Innovation Pilot Project at the Commission of Economic Opportunity (CEO) in Wilkes-Barre, PA. She will provide energy education for low-income households and develop strategies to overcome barriers related to behavior changes that could reduce residential energy consumption.

Nicole Miller is a native Pittsburgher, Nicole is excited to return home and serve as an EnergyCorps member. After graduating from Denison University with a degree in environmental studies and religion, Nicole spent time on the west coast teaching outdoor education. Having previously worked to develop environmental education programs, she understands the challenges facing both educators and environmentalists. Nicole is ready to serve with The Penn State Center and hopes to offer her experience and energy to the program.

Gary Musgrave is a native of southwestern PA. A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University and The George Washington University, Gary spent ten years in the Army Corps of Engineers stationed in Virginia and Germany and then 28 years with the local electric utility. Most recently, he worked in Energy Efficiency and Conservation and found it interesting and particularly worthwhile since a conserved kilowatt-hour is best both for the environment and the wallet. He is presently assisting with the establishment of a biomass co-firing project at a nearby combined heat and power facility and improving the compensation of photo-voltaic system owners by pursuing capacity payments from the electric grid system operator.

Elizabeth Resenic recently graduated from Kent State University where she majored in Architecture and Environmental Design and minored in Art History. Liz will work with Penn State University's Center for Sustainability, more specifically on their NELC Energy Program holding the title of Energy Assessor. She will conduct in home energy assessments, assist in the coordination of NELC programs and development of curriculum. During her service term, she hopes to increase her knowledge of residential energy consumption as well as methods of energy reduction and specific retrofit practices.

Bill Pedersen, a native of Wellesley, Massachusetts, Bill attended Hamilton College in Clinton, New York graduating in May 2013. As an undergraduate Bill majored in Environmental Studies with a focus in American Studies, and minored in History. Bill has previous internship experiences with the Appalachian Mountain Club and a Boston based solar development company. Outside of work, Bill is an avid outdoors man who enjoys hiking, fishing, biking, and boating. Bill is serving as an energy auditing intern with the Energy Coordinating Agency of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Bill is very excited about serving with the Energy Corps and making a difference in Philadelphia communities.

Matthew Wilk completed his studies at Marist College, majoring in Communications with a minor in Public Praxis. He has experience coordinating public service events, preparing interactive environmental educational activities and making documentaries. Matt will be the Communications and Development Member at the Energy Coordinating Agency. He will prepare proposals, deliver region-wide presentations and ensure the sustainability of ECA's services in the community.