Hello, my name is . . . Melissa Lucas

On Mondays, the Daily Voice introduces you to a member of the UMass Medical School community—could be a new face, or maybe one that’s has been around for a while. We’ve asked our subjects to answer a few questions that might give you insight into their personalities. If you have a suggestion as to someone who might be profiled, let us know at UMassChanCommunications@umassmed.edu. 

Melissa Lucas is the sustainability and energy manager. She has been at the UMass Medical School since 2009.

 

What brought you here to UMass Medical School?
With creation of a new position for sustainability and energy efficiency, I saw it as a great opportunity to make a difference and work in a college campus setting.

What is the practical application of your work?
I educate the campus on sustainability and environmental issues and manage the energy efficiency projects in facilities.

What do you love most about the work that you do?
Working with a community of caring individuals that are all working together because they believe in the mission of our Growing Green program. We are making real progress to be green and it’s because the Medical School has embraced this as a challenge, all the way from operations to influencing behavior of those who teach, research, learn and work here.

Which trait do you most admire in yourself?
My ability to keep going, even when things get tough, and to learn from those experiences and grow.

What’s the question you’re most often asked about your work—and the answer?
Can we put solar panels on our roof? We are working on a solar project at South Street in Shrewsbury this year.

Describe yourself in six words or fewer.
Redhead mother who recycles.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, name three things you would want.
My two girls and my husband.

If you could have dinner with a famous person, living or dead, who would that be and why?
Walt Disney. He was a visionary beyond his years, plus I’m a huge Disney fan and I’d like to say thank you.

What are some of your hobbies/interests outside of work?
Going to concerts and travelling. I’ve been to 35 of the 50 U.S. states. OBX (Outer Banks of North Carolina) is one of my favorite spots.

What do you consider the most interesting thing about yourself that most people might not know (and you would want to tell them).
I’ve wanted to work in the environmental field since I was in high school. I got my start in my school’s “Recycling Club,” which went around to all of the classrooms to collect paper recycling.