Mentions

2026

June

CMU-Africa program participant named in Forbes Africa 30 Under 30
Forbes Africa

Forbes Africa selected Elly Savatia, a recent participant in Carnegie Mellon University Africa’s Business Incubation Program, as a member of their 30 Under 30 class of 2026. Savatia co-founded Signvrse, a startup creating 3D avatars that translate speech into sign language in real-time.

Ren discusses the future of bioengineered lungs
Popular Mechanics

BME's Charlie Ren spoke with Popular Mechanics about how advances in bioengineered lungs could transform healthcare in the coming decades.

New MechE master's course blends AI and manufacturing
Manufacturing Futures Institute

This spring, MechE’s Rahul Panat debuted the Application of AI and ML Methods for Modern Manufacturing course. This course has master’s students participate in projects that teach them how to employ artificial intelligence and machine learning models for speedier and less expensive manufacturing.

Moura received honorary Doctor of Laws
Lassonde School of Engineering

ECE’s José Moura received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Lassonde School of Engineering at York University and gave the convocation speech. Moura was honored for his achievements that include seminal contributions toward developing technology that has powered more than three billion disk drive chips.

Samaras talks adding data centers to the power grid
IEEE Spectrum

Scott Institute Director Costa Samaras spoke with IEEE Spectrum about connecting data centers to the power grid in light of recent directives released by the U.S. Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to help accelerate the process. Samaras noted that data centers aren’t the only large, concentrated loads that the grid will have to accommodate — future electrification of industry and transportation will also bring about new demands.

Samaras provides insight into designing cities for future weather
The Wall Street Journal

Scott Institute Director Costa Samaras offers an architectural design solution to help cities adapt to climates that are increasingly warmer than those of the 1950s and 60s for which they were designed. He suggests using artificial intelligence to analyze and predict the power demands and reroute power as efficiently as possible.

Eni Halilaj talked with TribLIVE about the biomechanics behind the FIFA World Cup
TribLIVE

MechE's Eni Halilaj spoke with the TribLIVE about the biomechanics behind the FIFA World Cup. Halilaj explained that elite athletes push their bodies to the limits, making injuries an inherent part of the sport. She highlighted how wearable sensors could improve recovery and help athletes return to play more safely.

Whitehead receives Women in Science Award
Controlled Release Society Women in Science

ChemE’s Kathryn Whitehead has received the Controlled Release Society’s 2026 Women in Science Award, which recognizes an internationally renowned woman scientist for outstanding contributions to delivery science and technology.  

Ramnath provides industry insights into low-outgassing adhesives
AZoM

Rohit Ramnath, who received his master’s in ChemE from the College of Engineering in 2011, was recently interviewed on outgassing and why its minimization is essential for adhesives used in space. Outgassing is the gradual release of chemical compounds and can interfere with sensitive instrumentation such as cameras and telescopes.

Peha publishes memo on AI and policing
Federation of American Scientists

EPP's Jon Peha authored a memo published by the Federation of American Scientists examining the potential benefits and challenges of using generative AI to help police officers write reports. In the memo, Peha recommends that federal agencies develop frameworks to guide police departments in considering the use of AI for report writing.

Samaras, Jayan on hand as Allegheny County launches clean tech initiative
Axios

Scott Institute Director Costa Samaras and MechE’s Reeja Jayan were on hand when County Executive Sara Innamorato signed the ACT NOW Executive Order establishing a series of initiatives designed to position Allegheny County as a national leader in clean technology and advanced manufacturing. Samaras and Jayan each spoke to Axios about research and startup prospects in the region.

Samaras discusses impact of proposed federal science funding changes
Bloomberg

CEE’s Costa Samaras was featured in a Bloomberg article examining the Trump administration’s proposed changes to federal science funding. Samaras noted that research on the unequal impacts of air pollution across communities is foundational to understanding and addressing environmental challenges, and warned that restrictions on this type of work could limit critical climate and environmental research.

Aitbekova awarded for innovative research
C&EN

ChemE’s Aisulu Aitbekova was recently honored as one of Chemical and Engineering News’ Talented Twelve. The award recognizes scientists tackling major challenges through chemistry, with Aitbekova selected from more than 500 nominations. She was chosen in part for her research into the catalytic potential of light.

Pistorius talks sustainable production on podcast
The Business of Materials

MSE’s Chris Pistorius appeared on the twelfth episode of The Business of Materials podcast hosted by Isha Ghiya alongside guest co-host Anish Ghiya. In the episode, Pistorius revealed how sustainable iron and steel production is evolving and the practical change driven by research breakthroughs.

Two engineering alumni receive Fulbright Awards
CMU News

ChemE alum Keenan Norton and MechE alum Jeanie Xu were recipients of the 2026-27 Fulbright Award. Norton will continue his research in improving the Americas’ water quality and access in Ecuador. Xu will be an English teaching assistant in Taiwan, broadening both her own knowledge and that of her students.

Jen investigates Pittsburgh’s pungent nocturnal pollution
Chemical Engineering

ChemE’s Coty Jen worked alongside other researchers at CMU’s Center for Atmospheric Particle Studies to identify the source of nighttime stenches in Southwestern PA. Findings from field campaigns in 2023 and 2024 revealed sulfuric acid concentrations that are much too high given the conditions. More research will reveal why this is happening and how it can be mitigated.

Grossmann and Torres contribute to book on optimization

ChemE faculty Ignacio Grossmann and Ana Torres and alumna Seolhee Cho are among the contributors to a new book, Optimization of Sustainable Process Systems: Multiscale Models and Uncertainties. Grossmann and Cho wrote the chapter titled “Optimization Models and Algorithms for Design and Planning of Sustainable Processes and Energy Systems.” Torres and her international collaborators authored the chapter titled “Repurposing a Conventional Oil Refinery for Biomass Processing to Aviation Fuel: Process Design and Techno-Environmental Evaluation for a Real Operating Plant.”

Two ChemE scholars earn NSF Graduate Research Fellowships
NSF

ChemE student Rebecca So and graduate Bilal Chaudhry received the National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowships for the 2026–2027 academic year. So is studying the mixing dynamics of biomolecular condensates as a Ph.D. student in ChemE’s James Schneider’s research group. She is co-advised by Huaiying Zhang from CMU’s Department of Biological Sciences. Chaudhry completed his senior honors research project in Schneider’s group last year, focusing on surfactant solubilization methods to assess the stability of lipid nanoparticles. Today, he is a Ph.D. student in Martin Wuhr’s research group at Princeton University.

Zhang to deliver a plenary lecture at WCCM-ECCOMAS 2026
IACM

MechE’s Jessica Zhang was invited to deliver a plenary lecture at the the 17th World Congress on Computational Mechanics & 10th European Congress on Computational Methods in Applied Sciences and Engineering (WCCM-ECCOMAS 2026), which will be held in Munich, Germany on July 19-24, 2026. WCCM-ECCOMAS 2026 is expected to be one of the largest congresses in the field of computational mechanics and computational methods in applied sciences and engineering. It is anticipated to attract a diverse and global audience from academia, government, and industry, encompassing all areas of engineering and science.

Sekar quoted on social media fingerprint hacking worries
CBS News

ECE’s Vyas Sekar was quoted in a CBS News article responding to viral concerns that a hacker could lift a person’s fingerprints from a photo posted on social media. He said that the risk was possible in theory, but that it would be difficult for hackers to actually target someone this way.

Michalek quoted on electric vehicle costs and climate impact
NPR

EPP/MechE’s Jeremy Michalek was quoted in an NPR article assessing the costs and environmental friendliness of a gasoline versus an electric vehicle. Michalek concluded the electric vehicle was more cost-effective and would generate fewer emissions long term.

May

Samaras moderates National Academies webinar
The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

Scott Institute Director Costa Samaras moderated a May 26 webinar hosted by The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. The event featured an interview-style discussion with Carbon Mapper's Riley Duren and set out to examine the current state of greenhouse gas data and where critical gaps persist, with particular attention to how advances in AI, data infrastructure, and remote sensing are reshaping emissions monitoring and transparency.

Taheri-Mousvai research featured at DOE summit
Association of American Universities

At the Department of Energy sponsored Genesis summit, CMU President Farnam Jahanian highlighted research from the Taheri-Mousvai research group that used computational simulations and machine learning techniques to identify a new aluminum alloy that is capable of withstanding extremely high temperatures and that could have applications in the automotive and aviation industries while delivering significant cost savings.

Farag named as a Google Higher Ed Faculty AI Fellow
CyLab

INI’s Mohamed Farag has been selected as a Google Higher Ed Faculty AI Fellow. The fellowship recognizes university faculty members who are integrating AI into teaching, research, and institutional innovation. Farag’s fellowship project will focus on identifying processes, guidelines, and potential tools that can help students use AI to support their intellectual growth and learning development.

Fischhoff explains miscommunication of experts and the public
Nautilus

EPP’s Baruch Fischhoff was quoted in Nautilus on the disconnect between public perception of natural phenomena and the actual science behind them, in this case specifically, the frequency and magnitude of earthquakes. Fischhoff explains that “people have plausible mental models of how things work,” but due to discrepancies in what each group values, experts might’ve just “done a terrible job of communicating” in a way that aligns with what the public can understand.

Zhao featured for robotics research
TechXplore

MechE’s Ding Zhao and Ph.D. student Yaru Niu have been highlighted for their work developing humanoid robots that can become more aware of their environments. These robots employ a model that is better at predicting touch and force, a process the research team calls “touch dreaming.” Their work was also featured in an article from Interesting Engineering.

Bergbreiter comments on drones trained by honeybees
Scientific American

MechE’s Sarah Bergbreiter was quoted in Scientific American, speaking on the effectiveness of the honeybee’s natural navigation system when utilized in miniature drones. “What I find especially exciting is how little computation is needed,” Bergbreiter said. “For the small-scale robots that my group and others work on, this is the kind of approach that makes serious outdoor deployments plausible.”

Majidi receives 2026 American Innovator Award
Mechanical Engineering

MechE’s Carmel Majidi was recognized in the Bayh-Dole Coalition’s 2026 Faces of American Innovation report for his development of flexible materials that are thermally and electrically conductive, with applications from cooling data centers to improving precision in robotics. The coalition preserves the Bayh-Dole Act of 1980, which empowers innovators to develop their inventions for broader public use. Majidi and the seven other awardees will receive this year’s American Innovator Award in Washington, D.C. on June 3, 2026.

ChemE graduate quoted in PR Newswire
PR Newswire

Recent ChemE alum and Fulbright scholar Keenan Norton was quoted in PR Newswire, describing how CMU has prepared him to be an “engineer of the future” in response to the inspiring commencement speeches by Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA, and Simi Olusola-Ajayi, a graduating master’s student. Alongside his ChemE degree, Norton also graduated with degrees in environmental and sustainability studies and Hispanic studies.

Fischhoff wins research book award

EPP’s Baruch Fischhoff has won a 2026 Responsible Research in Management Award for his book Bounded Disciplines & Unbounded Problems. Among 121 nominations, Fischhoff’s book was selected for both its scientific rigor as well as its benefit to society. 

Pistorius comments on international steel decarbonization efforts
Canary Media

MSE’s Chris Pistorius suggested in Canary Media that the energy-intensive iron-production phase of steelmaking could reasonably shift overseas to regions with cheaper renewables, noting that shipping iron is a more efficient way to transport embodied energy.

Cook praised for pulmonary assist system
Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs

The Congressionally Directed Medical Resource Program recently highlighted work from BME Head Keith Cook on a lightweight pulmonary assist system that could provide life support for soldiers and civilians. The CDMRP held up Cook’s ongoing work to bridge the gap from prototype development to clinical application as a success story of its Peer Review Medical Research Program.

Samaras delivers Stanford Energy Seminar
Stanford University

On April 27, Scott Institute Director Costa Samaras delivered a Stanford Energy Seminar at the university’s Precourt Institute for Energy. The talk centered on how the US can expand its energy capacity to meet the increasing demand of data centers and how these policies can be broadened to benefit the entire electric grid.

Muller highlighted for economic data center analysis
Fortune

Fortune referenced EPP’s Nick Muller in his recent working paper for the National Bureau of Economic Research, where he reveals the indirect economic effects of data centers on the health and increased mortality of residents near these sites. By converting premature mortality rates and severe adverse health effects caused by the data centers into monetary values, Muller estimates $25 billion in economic damages from environmental pollutants and energy consumption.

Tsamitis presents keynote at CAE Community Symposium
Information Networking Institute

INI Director Dena Haritos Tsamitis gave a keynote presentation at the 2026 National Centers for Academic Excellence (CAE) Community Symposum. The INI partnered with the National Cryptologic University National Centers for Academic Excellence Program Managment Office on the event, which brought together more than 700 cybersecurity experts from across CAE partner schools to share insights through presentations, workshops, and discussions.

April

Sriraman receives Anita Borg Award
Electrical and Computer Engineering

ECE’s Akshitha Sriraman is the 2026 recipient of the Computing Research Association (CRA) Anita Borg Early Career Award for her work advancing efficient, sustainable and fair hyperscale data center systems.

CMU-Africa and exchange program featured in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

CMU-Africa and its exchange program between the Kigali, Rwanda and Pittsburgh locations was featured by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. CMU-Africa student Sheila Wafalu discusses her experience in Pittsburgh. CMU-Africa faculty members Keith Straughan and Jesse Thornburg talk about CMU-Africa and Kigali. 

Bockstaller quoted on Reju textile recycling
Retail Brew

MSE’s Michael Bockstaller comments on Reju, a polyester recycling company, in Retail Brew, noting that the company’s work is very promising. “De-polymerization [is] the holy grail in polymer recycling,” Bockstaller said. “This is going to be the critical step in the circular economy if we want to make this a reality as far as polymers are concerned. I’m happy to see this progress.”

Qian featured on NFL Draft traffic
CMU News

CEE’s Sean Qian comments on the issues Pittsburgh’s infrastructure, especially bridges and tunnels, could face due to the massive influx of people coming for the NFL draft. He also proposes possible solutions, which include recommending that travelers shift their peak travel times and prioritize public transit, biking, or walking over private vehicles and ridesharing apps.

Nature Africa features work on culturally-sensitive robots
Nature Africa

Nature Africa recently highlighted CMU-Africa research associate and alumnus Birhanu Shimelis Girma for his work in culturally-sensitive social robotics.

Samaras weighs in on Maine’s proposed data center ban
Maine Morning Start

Costa Samaras, Director of the CMU Scott Institute for Energy Innovation and Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, spoke with the Maine Morning Star about the potential impact of Maine’s proposed bill to ban data centers larger than 20 megawatts through November 2027. The legislation has passed both the state's Senate and House of Representatives and now awaits the governor’s decision, potentially making it the first statewide data center moratorium in the U.S.

O’Connor facilitates “Squishy Science Sunday”
APS News

MSE’s Thomas O’Connor recently helped to facilitate “Squishy Science Sunday,” an outreach event inviting kids to better understand research through hands-on activities, in conjunction with the American Physical Society Global Physics Summit.

McComb collaborates with Pittsburgh schools
TribLive

MechE’s Chris McComb collaborated with Pittsburgh-area high schools on a human-centered AI initiative, guiding the development of student-designed tools aimed at improving K–12 education outcomes.

He awarded AIMBE Professional Impact Award for Leadership
AIMBE

BME’s Bin He is among the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering’s (AIMBE) 2026 award winners, honoring individuals whose groundbreaking contributions have advanced the fields of medical and biological engineering. He was awarded the Professional Impact Award - Leadership for outstanding leadership in establishing and advancing the field of neural engineering. These prestigious awards will be presented during the AIMBE Awards Banquet on April 12, 2026, at the AIMBE Annual Event in Washington, D.C.

Samaras on climate-resilient water systems
Politico

Scott Institute Director Costa Samaras spoke with Politico on the importance of publicly available climate data to make our drinking water infrastructure more resilient.

Nock on Resources Radio podcast
Resources Radio podcast

CEE and EPP’s Destenie Nock discusses measures utilities and policymakers can take to better capture energy-accessibility and affordability metrics.

CMU ranked in Forbes New Ivies
Forbes

Carnegie Mellon University took a spot in Forbes’ third annual list of the New Ivies: 20 top schools whose alums rate highly with employers. CMU, which is a known leader in AI, was ranked among the top 10 private institutions by the more than 100 C-Suite and hiring executives who were asked not only to rate schools, but also how AI was changing their hiring of new grads.

He quoted on brain-computer interfaces
The Wall Street Journal

BME’s Bin He spoke with The Wall Street Journal about brain-computer interfaces to control devices with thoughts. He predicts that researchers will overcome both the hardware and software challenges that will eventually enable billions of people to use brain-computer interfaces to do everything from messaging friends to switching on the lights and making coffee.

March

Data Analytics Center supports traffic incident management modernization project
The Daily Courier

CEE’s Sean Qian and CMU researchers partner with Westmoreland County to develop an AI-enabled system to protect first responders and reduce fatalities on PA roads.

Westinghouse CTO speaks at Energy Week
Pittsburgh Business Times 

Westinghouse Electric Company’s Lou Martinez Sancho, chief technology officer, delivered a keynote at CMU Energy Week, hosted by the Scott Institute for Energy Innovation. The Pittsburgh Business Times covered Martinez Sancho’s session, which touched on nuclear energy prospects.

Samaras comments on new AI data centers in Alabama
WBRC News

Scott Institute Director Costa Samaras offers his input on Alabama building new data centers to fuel the rise in AI. He notes that with the appropriate protective measures, these data centers can offer multiple opportunities and benefits for the community.

Fischoff comments on self-vaccination
Baltimore Sun

EPP’s Baruch Fischhoff collaborated on an article highlighting painless yet effective methods for self-vaccination. He recommends investing in oral, nasal, and skin patch versions of the injected vaccines.

Canton named among Women of Influence 2026
Pittsburgh Business Times

Rita Canton, director of engineering outreach for the College of Engineering, was selected as a 2026 Women of Influence award winner by the Pittsburgh Business Times. This program honors businesswomen who are helping to lead their organizations into the future, making significant, impactful change in the region and getting deeply involved in their communities. An awards celebration is planned for May 14 at Acrisure Stadium.

February

Karplus speaks at National Academies webinar
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine

EPP’s Valerie Karplus was a panelist during a webinar hosted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine that explored the promise and potential of energy parks. The National Academies posted a related story on their website. 

Torres highlighted for research on optimal recycling plants
Rare Earth Exchanges

ChemE’s Ana Torres and her Ph.D. student Chris Laliwala were highlighted for their research on designing optimal recycling plants for various materials. They and their colleagues developed a superstructure optimization model to compare end-of-life magnet-recycling routes and determine the most economical pathway before building billion-dollar facilities, testing it on hard disk drives versus EV/HEV motors.

Feinberg featured for ARPA-H research
3D Printing Industry

BME/MSE’s Adam Feinberg’s work was described by 3D Printing Industry in their coverage of ARPA-H teams. Feinberg aims to FRESH 3D bioprint immune-compatible livers for acute liver failure, aiming for first-in-human trials within five years and eventually addressing all forms of liver failure.

Chase quoted on pressure and athletic performance
The New York Post

BME’s Steve Chase had research referenced in The New York Post about the pressures that affect athletes’ performance, in response to the surprising falls from Ilia Malinin, an Olympic U.S. figure skater. Chase’s neuroscience study with University of Pittsburgh partners found that the brain can become overly cautious in high-pressure scenarios.

January

Samaras and Rounce give insight on managing Pittsburgh's extreme weather
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Scott Institute Director Costa Samaras and CEE’s David Rounce discuss how severe weather patterns in Pittsburgh require immediate action to protect local communities. Rounce warns that the city’s century-old pipe system is unequipped for the modern “extreme precipitation” events. As new plans are being developed, Samaras emphasizes that “people are looking to Pittsburgh for leadership.”

Fischhoff featured on overconfidence and cognitive bias
Open Culture

EPP’s Baruch Fischhoff was featured by Open Culture for an interview about the dangers of overconfidence and cognitive bias. His study from the 1970s, which revealed the vast disparity between accuracy and perceived certainty, continues to be highly relevant today.

Gueye and Fanti featured in Security Boulevard
Security Boulevard

CMU-Africa’s Assane Gueye and Giulia Fanti served as advisors for a joint research initiative between the CyLab-Africa team and Upanzi Network to assess the security of common financial applications in Africa. This project, featured in Security Boulevard, highlights the security issues in Android packages, as well as provides strategic guidance for improvement.

Feinberg addresses breakthroughs in regenerative medicine
Tomorrow's Cure

BME/MSE’s Adam Feinberg, in conversation with Saranya Wyles, of Mayo Clinic, kicked off the season four premiere of Tomorrow’s Cure. The podcast episode explores advances in 3D bioprinting living, humanized skin models built from real human cells, and what it will take to translate this technology into clinical use. Together, they discuss applications ranging from improved wound healing to better ways to test therapies before they reach patients.

Bauer named 2025 ACM Fellow
Association for Computer Machinery

ECE’s Lujo Bauer has been named a 2025 Association for Computer Machinery Fellow for contributions to access control, usable security and privacy, and the security of machine learning.

Samaras talks data centers and energy use
WUWM 89.7

Scott Institute Director Costa Samaras spoke with WUWM 89.7—Milwaukee’s NPR—to unpack all things data centers, including what they do, how they consume energy, where the hubs are, and how they might evolve. “As the dramatic increase of computing has grown, it has required the construction of new data centers. Data centers are the main energy story that's happening right now. That's because computers use electricity and data centers are full of computers,” Samaras told the outlet.