CMU's Metro21 Names Executive Director
By Ken Walters
Building on its growing reputation as a major research center focused on making cities smarter, Carnegie Mellon University's Metro21 named Karen Lightman its executive director, effective Oct. 16.
The appointment comes at a time when Metro21, a university-wide initiative, is exploring a variety of smart city topics expected to have global implications. Working with the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County, Metro21 uses the region as a "living laboratory" to research and develop solutions for issues such as traffic congestion, pedestrian safety, road infrastructure, ride-sharing, street lights, and air and water quality. CMU, the city and the county expect to showcase the region as a vibrant community deploying technologies and models that can be used throughout the U.S. and the world.