2024 Alumni Awards recipients

Olivia Dippo

MSE/BME 2015

Olivia Dippo, CEO and Co-Founder of Limelight Steel, pioneers laser light technology in ironmaking, achieving energy savings and zero CO2 emissions, demonstrating a commitment to global challenges like climate change.

Dippo is currently an Activate Fellow, which empowers scientists to launch startups addressing global issues. She pursued a Ph.D. at UC San Diego, where she received a Powell Foundation Research Fellowship and the Gordon Engineering Leadership Award.

Dippo’s research spans Los Alamos National Laboratory and Carnegie Mellon University, advancing materials science. Notably, her work includes optimizing alloys for 3D printing and developing ceramics for extreme environments.

Recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list in 2023, she also served as a Distinguished Lecturer at the Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation.

Dippo’s leadership at Limelight Steel drives innovation in the steel industry towards decarbonization and sustainability, inspiring others with her visionary approach and dedication to technological innovation.

Dylan Lew

MSE 2021

Dylan Lew, CEO of Ecotone Renewables, leads sustainability in food and agriculture beyond industrial scales, achieving notable milestones since 2017. His leadership secured over $2 million in equity investments, formed strategic partnerships with equipment financing partners for hardware expansion, and developed and filed two utility patents and trademarks.

With expertise in materials science and engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, GE Renewable Energy, and NASA, Lew excels in product development, particularly in anaerobic digestion systems, crucial for advancing Ecotone Renewables’ commercialization.

Outside his professional role, Lew champions inclusivity in STEM as founder and president of oSTEM, promoting LGBTQ+ representation. He’s recognized for leadership in tackling global challenges like food waste and climate change, demonstrating a deep commitment to sustainability.

Lew’s advocacy extends to creating internship opportunities for Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) students through the Ecotone Internship Program, fostering environmental conservation efforts and professional growth.

His dedication to sustainability and empowering future leaders highlights his positive impact on both the environment and the CMU community, serving as an inspiration for innovative problem-solving and proactive engagement.

Andre Sutanto

MechE/BME/EPP 2013

Andre Sutanto, a senior mechanical engineer at the National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC), drives innovation and problem-solving with his expertise in hardware engineering. Prior to joining NREC in 2017, he excelled as a mechanical engineer at Microsoft, demonstrating a knack for product improvement and profit margin optimization.

Renowned for his results-oriented approach and data-driven mindset, Sutanto thrives in cross-functional environments, credited with two patents for his innovative contributions to product design.

In addition to his professional achievements, Sutano actively contributes to Carnegie Mellon University’s academic community. As a member of the Andrew Carnegie Society Board and the Mechanical Engineering Department Council, he shapes strategic direction and fosters academic excellence. Andre's commitment to mentorship and academic achievement dates back to his student days, where he distinguished himself as a head teaching assistant, research assistant, and peer tutor.

Andre Sutanto’s dedication to Carnegie Mellon University, the College of Engineering, and the Mechanical Engineering Department is evident through his service on the Mechanical Engineering Advocacy Council and the university’s ACS Board. He plays a pivotal role in shaping initiatives and fostering academic excellence.

His commitment to student success is remarkable, providing mentorship and support to international students in their job search endeavors, empowering them to navigate the job market with confidence and resilience.

Sutanto’s contributions epitomize the spirit of service and leadership within the university community. His unwavering commitment to student mentorship and academic advocacy leaves a lasting legacy of support and empowerment for future generations.

Philip Dowd

MSE 1963, Trustee

Philip “Phil” Dowd, a distinguished alumnus of Carnegie Mellon University, has made significant contributions to both the engineering industry and his alma mater. After earning his bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineering from Carnegie Mellon in 1963 and completing his MBA at the University of Chicago in 1967, Dowd served with distinction in the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, including a tour in South Vietnam with the 168th Engineer Battalion.

Dowd’s professional journey ultimately led him to become the co-founder and senior executive of SunGard Data Systems, a prominent provider of specialized software and processing solutions. As a co-founder of SunGard Investment Systems Inc., he played a pivotal role in the company’s growth and success, holding various senior leadership positions until retiring in 2002. Phil currently serves as the managing director of Sherick Enterprises LLC.

His steadfast advocacy and support have played a pivotal role in advancing the mission and initiatives of Carnegie Mellon and its College of Engineering. Dowd joined CMU’s Board of Trustees in 1996 and was named emeritus in 2017. He is also a longtime member of the College of Engineering’s Dean's Advocacy Council, providing invaluable insights and guidance, contributing to the enhancement of academic programs and the overall student experience.

Dowd is deeply engaged in philanthropy and civic involvement. Alongside his wife, Marsha, the Dowds have generously supported Carnegie Mellon University and their local community in Chicago. At CMU, their support in the College of Engineering has made an extraordinary impact, especially through The Philip L. and Marsha Dowd Professorship in Engineering, The Philip L. and Marsha Dowd Teaching Fellowship in the College of Engineering, and the Dowd Engineering Seed Fund for Graduate Student Fellowships.

Through his steadfast advocacy and support, Phil has played a pivotal role in advancing the mission and initiatives of the College of Engineering. His commitment to the Dowd Fellowships underscores his dedication to fostering the academic and professional growth of students. His support has empowered students to pursue their scholarly and research endeavors, enabling them to excel and make meaningful contributions to their respective fields.

Phil Dowd’s exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication to higher education is an inspiration to the Carnegie Mellon community. His profound impact on student success and the advancement of engineering education epitomizes the spirit of service and excellence within the College of Engineering.

Lisa Salley

MSE 1987

Lisa Salley (Elle) is a strategist at heart.

She is also a thought leader on national security at the intersections of manufacturing, materials science, recyclability, and future workforce.

She is the founder of Heritage Solutions Group, a boutique strategic growth consultancy focused on economic development from ESG and commercialization of emerging technologies that enable net carbon reduction and accelerate the 2050 energy grid. Heritage provides technical staffing prior to funding and advises on product life cycle management, intellectual property, and rapid commercialization.

Salley is currently in year five of a build and launch of a recyclability company built on licensed green chemistry. She has previously advised four start-up companies from virtual stage to fully operating (with the first near IPO) and teaches business growth and risk assessment in the Goldman Sachs’ 10,000 Small Businesses Program.

Prior energy industry experiences include global division president jobs in Fortune 50 companies and large product-safety entities, including laboratories and member-based associations. She spent formative years at GE during the Jack Welch era, where she distinguished herself by running both day-to-day manufacturing operations and high-growth incubator strategies. She established a reputation as an entrepreneurial catalyst, a talent developer, and a turnaround leader. She was repeatedly recognized for top-tier leadership and performance.

Over the past 25+ years, Salley has led multiple global P&Ls, with the largest in a $13B highly regulated market. She has also doubled the size of a specialty chemical business within five years, and she has led restored market confidence post-corruption for a 100-year-old brand. Her experiences span multiple sectors, including energy, manufacturing, and specialty chemicals.

Salley founded the energy industry’s Renewables Council during employment at Underwriters’ Laboratories. She served as moderator or panelist on numerous “product safety standards and free trade” discussions all over the world, including such countries as the United States, Canada, Germany, Ireland, China, Korea, Singapore, Turkey, Africa, and Dubai. She has a passion for future workforce and employability. She serves on several boards, including Blacks in Energy, a regional manufacturing consortium, and the Philadelphia Board of Education. She also sits on the Alumni Board of the Materials Engineering Department at Carnegie Mellon University.

Salley was a 2015 participant in the US Department of Commerce Energy Trade Mission to Africa. She is a repeat guest lecturer at Carnegie Mellon and was one of three judges for the US Department of Energy 2022 and 2020 Made-in-America Solar Prize. She is the 2024 inaugural winner of the Carnegie Mellon University Engineering School Alumni Service Award.

Lisa Salley hails from Philadelphia. She wants every student to pursue life dreams, is a super-engaged auntie, and is an avid genealogist of her South Carolina Gullah culture. She is a life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and a member of Enon Tabernacle Baptist Church. Her number one hobby is “trying to find a hobby.”

She holds a BS in metallurgical engineering & materials science, as well as an MS in decision sciences and engineering sciences from Carnegie Mellon University and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, respectively.
Her multifaceted contributions to corporate leadership and community service exemplify her dedication to driving positive change and fostering sustainable growth for future generations. Salley is recognized for her exceptional dedication to the College of Engineering and the Materials Science Department, where her contributions have enriched initiatives and fostered a vibrant alumni community. Her impact was felt during the MSE Graduate Student Symposium in 2022, where she delivered an inspirational keynote address, motivating future generations of materials scientists and engineers. Through her support and engagement, Lisa Salley has left an indelible mark on the College of Engineering and the Materials Science Department, embodying the spirit of excellence and leadership within the academic community.

Carol Williams

ChemE 1980

Carol Williams is a distinguished engineering leader and board member known for her significant contributions to the industry. With more than three decades at Dow Chemical, she rose to executive vice president of Manufacturing & Engineering, overseeing supply chain and EH&S operations with expertise in driving operational excellence.

Williams serves on the Boards of Directors of Owens-Illinois and Olin Chemical, showcasing her commitment to governance and strategic leadership in the chemical and manufacturing sectors. She also held positions at the United States Department of Commerce Manufacturing Council, Sadara, Dow-Mitsui Chlor-Alkali LLC., and Zep Inc.

Recognized by esteemed organizations like the Society of Women Engineers and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, Williams has received awards including Woman of the Year from the National Association of Professional Women and a Junior Achievement Mid-Michigan Laureate Award. Carnegie Mellon University honored her as Alumnae of the Year in 2009.

Beyond her professional achievements, Williams is dedicated to advancing opportunities for women in engineering through AIChE’s Women’s Initiatives Commitment and the Society of Women Engineers, impacting countless female engineers, faculty, and students with mentorship and advocacy.

Carol Williams is celebrated for her dedication to Carnegie Mellon University, serving in leadership roles including trustee, member of the College of Engineering Dean’s Advocacy Council, chair of the Chemical Engineering Board, and member of the Scott Institute External Advisory Committee.

Her visionary leadership and support significantly contributed to CMU’s academic and research endeavors, fostering innovation, collaboration, and excellence. Her enduring commitment to CMU’s mission and advocacy for engineering education and research exemplify the university's values of leadership and stewardship.

Anthony (Tony) DiGioia III, M.D.

CEE 1979, CEE/BME, 1982

Anthony DiGioia III, M.D., is a distinguished figure in Pittsburgh, renowned for his expertise as an engineer, entrepreneur, and orthopedic surgeon. As founder and medical director of the Bone and Joint Center at UPMC Magee-Womens Hospital and the UPMC Innovation Center, DiGioia has made significant contributions to healthcare innovation.

His visionary leadership extends to the AMD3 Foundation, where he leads the Operation Walk Pittsburgh medical mission that delivers free joint replacement surgery to those in need in Central America, demonstrating his commitment to global health equity. DiGioia’s recent initiative, the Wellness Center for Bone and Joint Health, empowers patients and reshapes traditional healthcare paradigms.

A trailblazer in medical robotics and computer-assisted surgery, DiGioia co-founded the Center for Medical Robotics and Computer Assisted Surgery at Carnegie Mellon University’s Robotics Institute. He transitioned to care delivery transformation that coupled technology with process improvement and developed the Patient-Centered Value System (PCVS), which is grounded in the experience-based design sciences and improves outcomes and patient experiences while reducing costs.

More recently, he and colleagues have developed an AI/machine learning platform called “Joint AI,” which is an innovative clinical decision support system that accurately diagnoses and recommends treatment plans for patients with hip and/or knee pain from arthritis.

Anthony DiGioia III is recognized for his multifaceted contributions, embodying a pioneering spirit that drives positive change in the healthcare industry and beyond.

Merline Saintil

III 2005

Merline Saintil is a software engineer turned Silicon Valley COO and investor who has taken six companies through their IPOs and an active angel investor in dozens of companies shaping enterprise technology, the future of work, and health tech.

Her Carnegie Mellon master’s degree serves her well in her Fortune 100 board service, which includes TD Synnex and high-growth companies including GitLab, Symbotic, and Rocket Lab, a space exploration company where she is the lead independent director (LID). Her role as LID at this public company is a distinction held by only a handful of Black women in the world.

Intuit, Yahoo!, PayPal, Adobe, Joyent, and Sun Microsystems are among the iconic Fortune 500 and private companies Saintil has successfully helped scale through various stages of rapid growth. She’s led product development teams in global digital transformations for B2B and B2C companies and executed M&A integrations and divestitures.

She enjoys advising CEOs and is passionate about supporting the next generation of leaders. This includes co-founding Black Women on Boards (BWOB), a global organization of 200 executives with a motto of “Lifting As We Climb” and strong success in preparing, placing, and propelling top talent into boardrooms of the most innovative companies.

Saintil’s perspectives on technology trends, innovation, strategy, cyber risk, and digital transformation have been featured in major media, including The Wall Street Journal, Fortune, Forbes, CIO Journal, CIO Review, CNET, and Business Insider.

Last year she became a film producer, creating the award-winning documentary OnBoard, which celebrates incredible women defying the odds and reaching the pinnacle of their careers. It chronicles the evolution starting from the pioneer Patricia Roberts Harris’ trailblazing appointment to the board of IBM in 1971. The film premiered during the Tribeca Film Festival and is now available globally online.

A frequent featured speaker, Saintil’s recent engagements have included the Council of Institutional Investors, Fortune’s Most Powerful Women, the National Association of Black Engineers, Dreamforce, and South By Southwest, among others.

Closer to home, she is a fan of the Stanford Women’s Soccer team, which includes her daughter, an equally ardent computer science student.

Merline Saintil is celebrated for her exceptional dedication and unwavering commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Her tireless efforts to champion diversity in boardrooms and advocate for increased representation have significantly advanced the cause of equity and inclusivity within corporate spaces. Her dedication to “lifting others as you climb” serves as a beacon of inspiration, emphasizing the importance of equity and inclusion in creating thriving and innovative workplaces.