Starstruck by 'Star Trek'

“Star Trek” was born at the intersection of arts and science, much like Carnegie Mellon itself, so it’s only natural that the franchise has inspired CMU students and professors for decades.

Many of the imagined technologies featured in the TV series and films now have versions that exist in reality: smartphones, tablets, voice assistants, augmented reality and more, all fields where you can find many CMU graduates!

Science fiction writers like alumnus Daniel Wilson (SCS 2003, 2004, 2005) have woven robotics and computer science into their narratives. Wilson recalls studying while watching “Star Trek” and now uses science and technology to convey underlying themes in his writing.

CMU graduates have left an indelible mark on the “Star Trek” franchise itself. Rene Auberjonois (CFA 1962) first joined the "Star Trek" universe in 1991 after appearing as Col. West in "Star Trek VI: The Undiscovered Country." He went on to spend seven seasons playing Constable Odo 3 on the TV spinoff "Deep Space Nine." Alumnus Zachary Quinto (CFA 1999) has taken on the iconic role of Spock, originally played by Leonard Nimoy starting in the 1960s. Mark Worthington (CFA 1991) was the production designer for 2017’s "Star Trek: Discovery."