David and Susan Coulter Head of Mechanical Engineering
George Tallman and Florence Barrett Ladd University Professor, Mechanical Engineering
Courtesy Appointment, School of Design
Associate Director, Human+AI Design Initiative
Jonathan Cagan is the David and Susan Coulter Head and George Tallman and Florence Barrett Ladd University Professor of the Department of Mechanical Engineering. His career spans collaborative and innovative work in education, research, and industry.
Researching engineering design automation and methods, Cagan merges AI, machine learning, and optimization methods with cognitive science problem solving. One focal area is the cognitive basis and computational modeling of designer processes to improve the effectiveness of human designers, with a focus on hybrid human/AI teams. Another area includes computational methods for the design and diagnosis of biomechanical systems. An additional focus is in user-centered design and integrated product development practice. He exemplifies the college’s culture of advanced collaboration, having worked with engineers, psychologists, neuro-scientists, marketers, designers, computer scientists, and architects in his work.
At Carnegie Mellon, Cagan co-founded and co-directed the Integrated Innovation Institute and served as interim dean, and, prior, associate dean for graduate and faculty affairs and chief academic officer, of the College of Engineering. Cagan is a Member of the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), and a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. Cagan has been awarded the ASME Computers and Information in Engineering Division Lifetime Achievement, Design Theory and Methodology, Design Automation, and Ruth and Joel Spira Outstanding Design Educator Awards. Cagan serves as co-Editor-in-Chief of Design Science Journal. A registered Professional Engineer, Cagan received his Ph.D. from UC Berkeley, and has been on the faculty at CMU since 1990.
1990 Ph.D., Mechanical Engineering, University of California, Berkeley
1985 MS, Mechanical Engineering, University of Rochester
1983 BS, Mechanical Engineering, University of Rochester
CMU Engineering
Carnegie Mellon researchers are using explainable AI to uncover patterns hidden in centuries old paintings, to give experts a new tool for investigating who may have painted them.
CMU Engineering
By revealing the biological features behind its decision, a new AI model from Jon Cagan and Phil LeDuc working with Liron Pantanowitz at UPMC helps pathologists detect signs of preeclampsia while building trust in AI-assisted diagnosis.
Mechanical Engineering
New research from Jon Cagan’s lab reveals the possibility for more efficient and accurate numerical optimization using graphics processing units.
CMU Engineering
Jon Cagan is among six faculty members named as University Professors, recognizing their exceptional contributions to research, education, and interdisciplinary collaboration.
CMU Engineering
Carnegie Mellon University’s standing as a powerhouse in engineering research is underscored by the election of Jonathan Cagan, CMU President Farnam Jahanian, and alumnus Ira J. Pitel to the prestigious National Academy of Engineering’s 2026 class.
CMU Engineering
First-of-its-kind large language model converts consumer wants and needs into succinct product attributes to help designers think more strategically about the next generation of solutions.
Mechanical Engineering
From improving public health to making more efficient, more sustainable energy sources, researchers in Carnegie Mellon University’s Department of Mechanical Engineering devote their time to solving the world’s most complex problems.
CMU Engineering
Backed by psychology-informed AI, AI Coach is making high-performance teamwork more accessible than ever.
Mechanical Engineering
The American Society of Mechanical Engineers has awarded Jon Cagan the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Computers and Information in Engineering Division.
Design Science
MechE Head Jonathan Cagan has been named co-editor-in-chief of the international, multidisciplinary journal Design Science.
Mechanical Engineering
After years of developing an AI Coach in the lab, MechE PhD student has the opportunity to build a version for NASA design team use
MechE’s Jon Cagan and Chris McComb, BME’s Keith Cook and Rosalyn Abbott, and BME/MSE’s Adam Feinberg are leading sessions at SXSW 2025 that will focus on the application of AI in education and organ transplant technology.