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August 7, 2017

Axios Quotes Venkat Viswanathan on Tesla Model 3 Battery

In an Axios article, Mechanical Engineering Professor Venkat Viswanathan shared his findings on Tesla's Model 3 Battery. The car's 220-mile version appears to be powered by a 53.5 kWh battery, just smaller than the 60 kWh version in the smallest Model S battery.

August 7, 2017

CMU Robotics Initiative is Anchor Tenant in Almono Development

The Carnegie Mellon University Advanced Robotics for Manufacturing Institute is to be the first tenant in the Almono redevelopment, located in a former steel mill in Hazelwood. The institute plans to be established in the 178-acre property by next year.

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August 5, 2017

Energy & Capital Article on Lithium Battery Prices cites CMU Research

An Energy & Capital article discusses why lithium batteries are so expensive. The article cites a Carnegie Mellon University study by Engineering and Public Policy PhD Student Rebecca Ciez and Scott Institute Director Jay Whitacre. The study found that even if lithium were free, the price of lithium batteries would only drop about three percent.

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August 4, 2017

Jeffrey Kupfer Writes Commentary on Importance of Energy Infrastructure

In a commentary published by Investor's Business Daily, Heinz College Adjunct Faculty Member Jeffrey Kupfer responds to U.S. Bancorp's policy against support for oil and natural gas pipelines by explaining the importance of a modernized energy infrastructure.

August 3, 2017

Venkat Viswanathan's Autopilot Cross-Country Trip

This summer, Mechanical Engineering Professor Venkat Viswanathan's went on a cross-country trip from the future. The Tesla 3 autopilot drove more than 90% of his 4-day trip from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Palo Alto, California.

August 3, 2017

M. Granger Morgan Writes Feature Article on Greenhouse Gas Assessment

Issues in Science and Technology published a feature article written by Engineering and Public Policy Professor Granger Morgan. Morgan's article addresses how benefit/cost analysis can fall short when assessing greenhouse gas.

August 3, 2017

E&E News Cites Michael Roth's Research on Nuclear Power

An Environment & Energy News article discussing the abandonment of two nuclear reactors in a South Carolina power plant cites Engineering and Public Policy PhD candidate Michael Roth, whose research delves into the consequences of replacing nuclear energy with natural gas and coal.

August 3, 2017

The Hill Opinion Article Cites CMU Research on Nuclear Power Subsidies

The Hill published an opinion article supporting America's nuclear option. The article cites CMU research on the cost-effectiveness of nuclear power subsidies.

August 2, 2017

MSE Ph.D Candidate Ajay Pisat Maximizing Photocatalysis Efficiency

Materials Science and Engineering Ph.D. candidate Ajay Pisat is researching a way to make photocatalysis more efficient. This could unlock hydrogen's potential as a clean, mainstream energy source. Phys.org published an article explaining his research.

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August 1, 2017

BME Professors Cohen-Karni and Yang Research Graphene's Nanotechnology Potential

Biomedical Engineering Professors Tzahi Cohen-Karni and Ge Yang are researching how to grow graphene in 3D. Graphene's biocompatibility and ability to store electric charge make it an ideal material for thin-film supercapacitors.

July 31, 2017

MSE's Lisa Porter Talks About Semiconductors on Energy Bite

On the Energy Bite podcast, Scott Institute energy expert and Materials Science and Engineering Professor Lisa Porter explains what semiconductors are and why they're important. 

July 28, 2017

Op-Ed on Electrifying Transportation System Mentions CMU Vehicle Electrification Group

An opinion editorial published in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette points to the advancements of the Carnegie Mellon Vehicle Electrification Group while calling for the electrification of Pennsylvania's transportation system.

July 28, 2017

NSF Awards Deborah Stine $50K for Science Policy Video Project

The National Science Foundation awarded Scott Institute Associate Director for Policy Outreach Deborah Stine $50,000 for her project titled, "Science Policy Research Reports: Educational Videos on Science Technology Innovation." The videos will make relevant scientific research accessible to policymakers.

July 27, 2017

The Conversation Cites Viswanathan's Study on Battery Hype

Conversation article on understanding the future of batteries cites Mechanical Engineering Professor Venkat Viswanathan's study quantifying the hype around battery innovation. 

July 27, 2017

Inês Azevedo Receives NSF Grant for Electricity Grid Research

The National Science Foundation awarded a grant to Engineering and Public Policy Professor Ines Azevedo for electricity grid research. In collaboration with the Rochester Institute of Technology, Azevedo and her students are researching the effects of energy storage on U.S. grid emissions.

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July 27, 2017

Scientific American Features CMU Robotic Exoskeleton Research

Scientific American article features the minimalist robotic exoskeleton developed by Mechanical Engineering Professor Steve Collins and his team. The exoskeleton adapts to each unique wearer, reducing energy use without getting in the way.

July 27, 2017

VentureWell Awards Deborah Stine $10K Faculty Grant

VentureWell recently awarded Scott Institute for Energy Innovation Associate Director for Policy Outreach Deborah Stine a $10K faculty grant for her new course on energy innovation and entrepreneurship, which will be offered fall 2017.

July 27, 2017

WIRED Quotes Costa Samaras in Article on Tesla Model 3 and EV Success

In a WIRED article, Civil and Environmental Engineering Professor Costa Samaras explains how a false sense of range anxiety holds back the electric vehicle (EV) market, even as the approach of the Tesla Model 3 improves EV public image.

July 26, 2017

Anthony Rollett Presents at Briefing on DOE Light Sources

Materials Science and Engineering Professor Anthony Rollett traveled to Washington, D.C. for a briefing on Department of Energy light sources with the House and Senate National Lab Caucuses, organized by Argonne National Laboratory. The briefing discussed the importance of light sources to innovation, growing international competition and upgrades to light facilities.

July 26, 2017

Jayan Teaches Materials Science Using Computer Game

Mechanical Engineering Professor B. Reeja Jayan is using the computer game Minecraft to teach materials science. The creative building game lets students visualize and interact with materials in 3D.

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July 26, 2017

Barb Kviz Works to Make CMU Environmentally Friendly

The Piper featured Barb Kviz for her dedication to making CMU's campus environmentally friendly. As CMU's Environmental Coordinator, Kviz has been actively supporting green campus initiatives for 30 years.

July 24, 2017

NPR Quotes Anthony Rowe in Story on Autonomous Cars and Bicycles

National Public Radio story on how autonomous vehicles are being programmed to protect bicyclists spoke to Electrical and Computer Engineering Professor Anthony Rowe about his research with cycling data.

July 22, 2017

New York Times Traces Pittsburgh's Transformation to CMU Innovations 

New York Times article credits Carnegie Mellon University innovations, like the School of Computer Science's smart traffic technology, as the cause of Pittsburgh's transformation into an urban hotspot.

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July 21, 2017

Vivek Wadhwa Writes Article on Tesla's Advantages in Electric Vehicle Arena

In an article published by the Washington Post, Carnegie Mellon University Professor Vivek Wadhwa explains his confidence in Tesla despite the recent hit in stock price.

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July 20, 2017

Chemical Engineering Student Wins DOE Fellowship

Chemical Engineering Ph.D. Student Christopher Lee Hanselman was awarded the Office of Science Graduate Student Research fellowship for his doctoral thesis research at the National Energy Technology Laboratory in Pittsburgh.

July 20, 2017

CMU Mentioned as Leader in Hyperloop Development

In a TribLIVE article covering the verbal government approval for a hyperloop between New York and D.C., the Carnegie Mellon Hyperloop team is referenced as a leader in hyperloop pod prototypes

July 20, 2017

M. Granger Morgan Chairs Committee for Report on "Enhancing the Resilience of the Nation's Electricity System"

A National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine committee, chaired by Engineering and Public Policy Professor Granger Morgan, wrote a report on promising innovations for the nation's electricity system. Access the informational webinar recording and slides.

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July 20, 2017

CMU Spinoff Rapid Flow Technologies Featured in Smart Cities DIVE Article

Scott Institute affiliate and Professor of Robotics Stephen Smith, CEO of Rapid Flow Technologies, has worked hard with his team to improve Pittsburgh traffic. Their AI traffic system, Surtrac, was featured in a Smart Cities DIVE article.

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July 20, 2017

VIDEO: CEE Professor Costa Samaras Speaks on "The Next Generation of Transportation" Panel

The 2017 Pittsburgh Energy Forum Series continued on July 10 with a panel discussion on "The Next Generation of Transportation." Civil and Environmental Engineering Professor Costa Samaras spoke on advances in transportation technology.

July 19, 2017

CMU Alumnus Gaurav Singh Helps Develop Driverless Vehicle

CMU alumnus Gaurav Singh has been working with the Indian firm Hi-Tech Robotics Systemz Ltd. to develop a completely driverless transport called Novus Drive.

July 19, 2017

CMU's Gabrielle Wong-Parodi Quoted in Article on Global Warming Fears

In a Pittsburgh City Paper article, Engineering and Public Policy Assistant Research Professor Gabrielle Wong-Parodi says it's important to provide an adequate warning and a plan of action when addressing climate change.

July 18, 2017

CMU's Philip Dowd Quoted in Article on 100% Renewables Movement

In a Real Clear Energy article, CMU Board of Visitors member Philip Dowd points out that due to storage difficulties, electricity from solar energy is likely to cost ten times more than electricity from natural gas power plants.

July 17, 2017

BuildSimHub Inc. Selected for Techstars IoT 2017 Class

BuildSimHub Inc. is among 12 teams to join the Techstar IoT Accelerator 2017 class. Led by School of Architecture Ph.D. student Weili Xu, BuildSimHub is a big data management platform used to model building energy.

July 11, 2017

Keep on Trucking

Learn more about Hyliion and founder Thomas Healy, Hyliion CEO and a graduate of the Engineering and Public Policy and Mechanical Engineering Departments. Hyliion saves energy by hybridizing tractor-trailers.

July 11, 2017

Deborah Stine Speaks at Congressional Energy EXPO and Policy Forum in D.C.

Associate Director for Policy Outreach and Professor of the Practice in the Engineering and Public Policy Department Deborah Stine spoke on Pittsburgh's progress in energy at the Congressional Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency EXPO and Policy Forum hosted by the Sustainable Energy Coalition in Washington, D.C. 

July 10, 2017

CMU's Jack Beuth Cited in ENGINEERING.com Article for AM Solutions

CMU's NextManufacturing Center director and Mechanical Engineering Professor Jack Beuth shares his additive manufacturing (AM) expertise in an ENGINEERING.com article. He explains the importance of defining AM processing windows to solve porosity and density challenges.

July 10, 2017

CMU Alumni Win Pittsburgh Business Times 30 Under 30 Award 

CMU Alumni Hahna Alexander, Troy Demmer, Thomas Healy and Austin Webb were featured in the Pittsburgh Business Times as 30 Under 30 award winners. Congratulations!

Related Media:

Hahna Alexander

Troy Demmer

Thomas Healy

Austin Webb

July 6, 2017

CMU CEE's Costa Samaras Quoted in WiredArticle on Volvo's EV Announcment

In a Wired article covering Volvo's announcement to produce only electric and hybrid vehicles by 2019, Civil and Environmental Engineering Professor Costa Samaras points out the marketing benefits of Volvo's plan.

July 6, 2017

CMU EPP's Jeremy Michalek Cited in FortuneArticle on Electric Vehicles 

Engineering and Public Policy Professor Jeremy Michalek was quoted in a Fortune article discussing France's plan to ban fully-gasoline and diesel fuel vehicles by 2040. The article also cited a study co-authored by Michalek on how regional factors affect electric vehicles' carbon reduction.

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July 5, 2017

CMU's Akshaya Jha and Nicholas Muller Assess Dangers of Coal Storage

EurekAlert press release features Engineering and Public Policy Professors Akshaya Jha and Nicholas Muller's working paper on the dangers of coal storage. Fine particulates from coal stockpiles raise mortality rates within a 25 mile radius, with a local environmental cost of $183 per ton of coal.

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July 5, 2017

CMU's Lee Branstetter Quoted in Business Insider Article on Trump's Steel Tariff Idea

As a Heinz College Professor of Economics and a former member of President Obama's Council of Economic Advisors, Lee Branstetter explains his impression of Trump's radical trade proposal.

July 5, 2017

CMU Alumnus Thomas Healy Discusses Hybrid Tractor Trailers at Forbes Agtech Summit 

In June, Thomas Healy, Hyliion CEO and a graduate of the Engineering and Public Policy and Mechanical Engineering Departments, discussed hybrid tractor trailers at Forbes AgTech Summit in Salinas, CA.

July 4, 2017

CMU SCS's Stephen Smith Featured in Entrepreneur Article for Smart Traffic Lights

An Entrepreneur article reporting the latest developments for the Internet of Things featured Scott Institute affiliate and School of Computer Science Professor Stephen Smith for his work adding artificial intelligence to Pittsburgh's traffic signals.

July 3, 2017

RoBotany Building Vertical Farm in Former Steel Mill

RoBotany, co-founded by Tepper School of Business recent MBA graduate Austin Webb, was featured in TribLIVE for their expansion into a South Side steel mill. In the future, the 20,000 square-foot space could produce 2,000 pounds of food a day, bringing fresh produce to an urban center.

July 3, 2017

CMU Air Quality Research Featured in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

CMU Mechanical Engineering Research Scientist R Subramanian, in partnership with local startup SenSevere, is using 35 real-time affordable multi-pollutant (RAMP) air quality monitors to gather localized data on Pittsburgh air pollution.

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July 3, 2017

CMU EPP's Granger Morgan and Katharine Ricke Consider Solar Radiation Geoengineering a Solution for Global Warming

Daily Nation article featured CMU Engineering and Public Policy Professors Granger Morgan and Katharine Ricke's research on solar radiation management and global warming. Solar radiation management mimics a volcano effect, shooting sulphur dioxide particles directly into the stratosphere to achieve cooling within days

June 30, 2017

CMU's Chris Bettinger Researches Battery Applications of Synthetic Melanin Mimic

Public Radio International (PRI) article featured CMU Materials Science and Engineering Professor Chris Bettinger's research with synthetic melanin mimic. These synthetic polymers could later be used as a natural sunscreen, and Bettinger is researching the polymers' capabilities for storing electric charge.

June 29, 2017

White Paper Released on PEC's 2017 "Achieving Deep Carbon Reductions" Conference

On March 15 and 16, CMU Engineering and Public Policy Professors Jared Cohon, Neil Donahue, Inês Azevedo, Michael Griffin, Granger Morgan and recent PhD graduate Mike Ford spoke at the Pennsylvania Environmental Council conference on deep decarbonization and Pennsylvania's electricity future. Read the white paper summarizing the conference.

June 26, 2017

CMU's Viswanathan Talks To Axios About NASA Battery Project

NASA has funded a battery project to power a regional, nine-passenger all-electric aircraft. Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering Venkat Viswanathan, a member of the project, spoke with Axios about the challenges of a lithium-air battery.

June 24, 2017

CMU's Jon Malen Selected to Speak for NAE 2017 U.S. Frontiers of Engineering Symposium

Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science and Engineering Associate Professor Jon Malen will join the National Academy of Engineering for a symposium that brings together exceptional researchers from a variety of disciplines.

June 22, 2017

CMU CEE's Mitchell Small Honored with 2017 O'Melia Award

At this year's conference, the Association of Environmental Engineering and Science Professors honored Scott Institute energy expert and Civil and Environmental Engineering Professor Mitchell Small with the 2017 Charles R. O'Melia Distinguished Educator Award for his work with environmental risk-assessment and mathematical modeling. Congratulations! Professors David Dzombak, Greg Lowry, Meagan Mauter and Costa Samaras also attended the conference.

June 19, 2017

Power Sector Index Tracks Slight Rise in Carbon Emissions

The Carnegie Mellon Power Sector Carbon Index, created by the Scott Institute for Energy Innovation, reports a slight increase in carbon emissions intensity from 2016, and a 24% decrease from 2005 peak.

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June 19, 2017

Carnegie Mellon Researchers Find New Vehicle Emissions To Be Deceptively Clean

Researchers at Carnegie Mellon University’s College of Engineering found that newer gasoline vehicles emit less particulate matter, but vapors in the “cleaner” exhaust form particulate matter in the atmosphere long after exiting the tailpipe. 

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June 15, 2017

DOE Selects Litster for $2 Million Research Grant

Mechanical Engineering Associate Professor Shawn Litster has been selected to receive $2 million in DOE funding for “Advanced PGM-free Cathode Engineering for Higher Power Density and Durability.”

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June 15, 2017

$300,000 Up For Grabs in CMU's Smart Mobility Challenge

CMU's Traffic21 Institute announced the Smart Mobility Challenge, making up to $300,000 available to CMU faculty and students to pilot transportation projects in select communities.

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June 15, 2017

CMU's Jay Apt Mentioned in Smithsonian Magazine Article on Wind Turbines

In a Smithsonian Magazine article titled, "Two Myths and One Truth About Wind Turbines," the author points to energy expert Jay Apt's work.

June 14, 2017

Steinbrenner Institute's Neil Donahue Comments on Renewables in Pittsburgh City Paper

In response to President Trump's announcement to withdrawal from the Paris climate accord, Pittsburgh City Paper writes about what the city can do on climate.

June 13, 2017

CMU's Fuchs and Whitacre Helped Write New Report on ARPA-E

A new congressionally mandated report titled, "An Assessment of ARPA-E," says the organization is making progress toward achieving its mission and goals. Scott Institute Director Jay Whitacre and Engineering and Public Policy Professor Erica Fuchs served on the committee that wrote the National Academies of Sciences Engineering, and Medicine report. 

June 13, 2017

Paulina Jaramillo's Paper Cited in New York Times Article on Retiring Nuclear Power Plants

A new paper co-authored by Engineering and Public Policy Associate Professor Paulina Jaramillo was mentioned in a recent New York Times article titled, "How Retiring Nuclear Power Plants May Undercut U.S. Climate Goals."

June 13, 2017

VentureWell Features Allegheny Cleantech UP Winner RoBotany

RoBotany, winner of the Allegheny Cleantech UP Competition, was interviewed for an article on how the Cleantech University Prize (Cleantech UP) benefits aspiring student entrepreneurs.

June 12, 2017

M. Granger Morgan Cited in Daily Nation Article on Global Warming

In Daily Nation, Hamerschlag University Professor of Engineering M. Granger Morgan explains the solar radiation management process as a way of reducing the risks of climate change.

June 9, 2017

CMU CEE's Burcu Akinci and Mario Berges Present Smart Cities Seminar at UTEP Department of Civil Engineering

Scott Institute affiliates and Civil and Environmental Engineering Professors Burcu Akinci and Mario Berges journeyed to University of Texas at El Paso to deliver a lecture on smart infrastructure/buildings as the backbone of smart cities

June 9, 2017

EST&P Graduate Selected As Breakthrough Generation Fellow

The Breakthrough Institute welcomed a new class of Breakthrough Generation fellows to join its research team to advance the ecomodern project, by deepening their understanding in the fields of energy, environment, technology and human development. Abigail Eyram Sah, who recently earned her master's degree from the Energy Science, Technology & Policy Program at CMU, is among the six new fellows. 

June 8, 2017

Scott Institute Hosts Finding PA's Solar Future 2nd Stakeholder Workshop

To envision what it will take to increase solar-powered electricity in Pennsylvania to 10 percent by 2030, participants in a statewide solar energy initiative led by the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) analyzed models of current and potential solar energy development. The Scott Institute's Director Jay Whitacre and Associate Director for Innovation and Strategic Partnerships Anna J. Siefken spoke at the workshop. Watch presentations from the event.

June 8, 2017

CMU's Jay Apt Comments on Trump's Announcement of New Coal Mine

In an article addressing Trump's coal promises, FactCheck cites Engineering and Public Policy Professor Jay Apt who says bringing back coal won't necessarily bring back jobs.

June 8, 2017

Carnegie Mellon Develops Machine Vision Autonomous System for Metal 3D Printing

3D Printing Industry looks at research from CMU's College of Engineering that has developed an autonomous system for classifying the metal powders used for 3D printing.

June 7, 2017

Jay Apt Authors Article on Why To Shift Away From Coal For Scientific American

According to CMU Professor Jay Apt, shifting coal-fired power plants in the U.S. to natural gas would have tremendous positive effects on human health in America.

Related: Is Climate Change Making Us Sick? Two Out of Three U.S. Doctors Say Yes, but Trump Doesn't Care

June 7, 2017

NextManufacturing Center Leaders Give Control Engineering 3D Printing Advice

Control Engineering recently asked for advice about 3D printing for manufacturing from Carnegie Mellon's best experts on the subject, Jack Beuth and Anthony Rollett, who run CMU's NextManufacturing Center.

June 6, 2017

InsideClimate News Highlights Carnegie Mellon Power Sector Carbon Index

The Carnegie Mellon Power Sector Carbon Index's results are cited in an article that fact checks Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt's statements on climate change.

June 5, 2017

Minimus Begins Construction on Tiny Village Dedicated to Veterans

Last month, the student team, Minimus, which won "Fan Favorite" at the 2017 Allegheny Cleantech University Prize Competition, began construction on a compact project intended to combat veteran homelessness. The team includes Carnegie Mellon University School of Architecture student Fauzan Wassil.

June 5, 2017

CMU Center Directors Respond to U.S. Withdrawal From Paris Agreement

Seven directors of CMU's energy-related Centers released a statement expressing their concern about the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation Director Jay Whitacre is among the authors.

June 5, 2017

College of Engineering's Raj Rajkumar on Testing Autonomous Vehicles in Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

In a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette titled, "Advocacy group: Self-driving industries need to put brakes on on-road testing," Raj Rajkumar, the George Westinghouse professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering, offers insight on simulation testing and more.

June 1, 2017

Wired Cites CMU Study That Questions Viability of Tesla Motor's Electric Semi Truck 

Mechanical Engineering's Venkat Viswanathan and Shashank Sripad express doubt in light of Tesla Motor's promise to unveil electric semi truck.

Related:

June 2017

Thubber Featured in Tribology & Lubrication Technology

Thubber, a thermally conductive rubber material developed by Mechanical Engineering's Carmel Majidi and Jonathan Malen, was featured in the “Tech Beat” section of Tribology & Lubrication Technology, the official publication of the Society of Tribologists and Lubrication Engineers.

May 31, 2017

College of Engineering Launches “Arjuna,” a Multi-Departmental GPU Cluster

Mechanical Engineering Professor Venkat Viswanathan’s interest in building the cluster stemmed from his research on next-generation batteries. 

May 26, 2017

Inc. Says CMU's RoadBotics is Improving the Urban Experience

Using technology developed at Carnegie Mellon, RoadBotics allows drivers to gather information on road conditions as they drive. The startup was one of three highlighted in an Inc. article examining how companies are using sensor data to help cities build better roads and waste less money.

May 25, 2017

Students Invited To Meeting With 31 Nobel Laureates

Carnegie Mellon University graduate students Michael Polen and Chenjie Zeng will be among 400 young scientists from 76 countries who will join 31 Nobel Laureates in Lindau, Germany, June 25-30. Polen studies atmospheric and environmental chemistry in Carnegie Mellon's Center for Atmospheric Particle Studies.

May 22, 2017

Beuth Featured in U.S. News on Pittsburgh's Additive Manufacturing Industry

According to Mechanical Engineering Professor Jack Beuth in an article for U.S. News, by partnering with universities, employers have an opportunity to connect with rising talent.