Kurtik Builds Experiences That Matter
Heidi Opdyke
- Associate Dean of Marketing and Communications, MCS
- Email opdyke@andrew.cmu.edu
- Phone 412-268-9982
Creating meaningful experiences and strong communities has been a constant throughout Brittany Kurtik's career. Now at Carnegie Mellon University, she's bringing that people-first approach to the Mellon College of Science.
As administrative assistant in the Dean’s Office, Kurtik supports a diverse portfolio of programs and initiatives, including the Summer Scholars Program, DASIE and the Master of Science in Data Analytics for Science (MS-DAS) graduate program.
“Brittany has been an invaluable addition to our team,” said Michael Young, associate dean for community engagement in MCS. “Since joining us, she has already made a meaningful impact across all of our programs. We are incredibly fortunate to have someone who bring such a strong combination of experience, a STEM background, and commitment to people.”
Her role includes coordinating events and social activities, managing vendors and budgets, tracking program logistics, collaborating with students and staff and helping ensure that programs run smoothly from start to finish.
"I've always had a passion for learning and education," she said.
A Pittsburgh native, Kurtik previously worked at the University of Pittsburgh before spending nearly a decade at the Pittsburgh Zoo & Aquarium.
"My major and master's degree are both in STEM fields, so it felt right to return to them," she said. Kurtik has a master of science degree in park and resource management from Slippery Rock University and a Bachelor’s Degree from Penn State Erie in biology, ecology and evolutionary biology. "A huge bonus is being able to continue my own education and eventually pursue a doctorate."
At the Pittsburgh Zoo, she worked on a small team responsible for planning and executing dozens of community events each year. The experience sharpened her project management skills.
"Having just two people in charge of creating at least 30 events a year helped me learn how to prioritize, manage and delegate," she said. "Those are skills I feel are valuable in any setting."
The zoo also played an important role in her personal life. She met her husband there while they were Zoo Camp teachers, and the couple became engaged at the zoo.
"The Pittsburgh Zoo holds a very special place in my heart," she said. "While I no longer work there, I still think highly of the education and animal care teams because I know those departments have some incredible staff doing amazing work for our animals, conservation and sustainability."
Kurtik, who joined CMU in May, discovered she enjoys shaping her role around the evolving needs of the department.
"I've already learned in my two months here that this role is very moldable to what is needed or wanted from the department, which is something I really like," she said.
