2024 in Review: Top Stories from the Tepper School

From groundbreaking research, to alumni triumphs, to impressive climbs in the rankings – a wide range of topics captured the attention of the Tepper School community throughout 2024. Here are our 10 most-read stories of the year:

#10: Tepper School Study Finds Not All Failures Lead to Learning

A study conducted by Sunkee Lee, associate professor of organizational theory and strategy, and researchers from Clark University examined how cardiothoracic surgeons learn from their failures. They found that while initial failures can lead to learning and improvement, excessive failures can hinder learning.

#9: Carnegie Mellon University Hosts Generative AI Innovation Challenge

In March, Carnegie Mellon University's Center for Intelligent Business, in collaboration with the Data Analytics Club and sponsorship from Google, held its Generative AI Innovation Challenge. Over 200 students competed, developing innovative applications using Gemini to solve real-world problems in business and education. Tepper School faculty members Laurence Ales, Senior Associate Dean of Education and Professor of Economics, and R. Ravi, Professor of Operations Research and Computer Science, served as judges.

#8: U.S. News & World Report Ranks the Tepper School Among Best Online Programs

Earlier this year, the Tepper School earned top honors in U.S. News & World Report's 2024 Best Online graduate programs rankings. The Master of Science in Business Analytics program secured the No. 1 spot, and the Online Hybrid MBA program climbed to No. 2.

#7: Tepper School Study Reveals Voter Moral Justifications for Politicians' Misstatements

A study conducted by Oliver Hahl, associate professor of organization theory, strategy, and entrepreneurship – along with researchers from Rice University, the University of Colorado-Boulder, and Massachusetts Institute of Technology – found that both Republican and Democratic voters often justify factually inaccurate statements made by politicians when those statements align with their political beliefs.

#6: Incoming Tepper School First-Year Student Wins Innovate WithIN Pitch Competition

First-year undergraduate student Ethan Hilton – along with his teammates, Tolen Schreid of Purdue University and Emily Rudolph from Notre Dame – won the 2024 Innovate WithIN competition, the largest high school pitch contest in the nation with over 3,000 teams competing in 2024.

#5: Honoring John Sengenberger: A Legacy of Alumni Connection at Tepper School

After more than two decades of dedicated service to the Tepper School, in September, John Sengenberger retired from his position as Executive Director of Alumni Relations. During his time at the Tepper School, Sengenberger implemented numerous initiatives, including Tepper Reunion Weekend, Summer Welcome Receptions, Tepper Student Treks, the Webinar program, and the Tepper School Alumni Board.

#4: Unlike Men, for Professional Women, Having High-Status Connections Can Backfire

Catherine Shea, assistant professor of organizational behavior, partnered with University of Michigan researchers on a study that suggests that women can experience a social backlash when they build networks with high-status individuals, causing them to be perceived as dominant, which can violate gender norms and lead to negative perceptions.

#3: New Paper Co-authored by Tepper School Researchers Articulates How Large Language Models Are Changing Collective Intelligence Forever

Research coauthored by Anita Williams Woolley, professor of organizational behavior, found that large language models (LLMs) can enhance collective intelligence by facilitating communication and idea sharing among diverse groups. However, the potential for amplifying biases and misinformation highlights the need for responsible use and ethical guidelines.

#2: Tepper School MBA Leaps to Top 10

This year, the Full-Time MBA program was ranked No. 9 in the 2024-25 Bloomberg Businessweek Best B-Schools rankings. Recognized as a trusted source for business news and higher education rankings, Bloomberg Businessweek sought to identify the best business schools offering Full-Time MBA programs among 77 programs examined.

#1: From Mumbai to Wall Street: The Inspirational Journey of Sandhya Ganapathy, Tepper MBA Alumna Turned Renewable Energy CEO

After a successful career in finance, Sandhya Ganapathy, MBA ‘06, transitioned to a career in renewable energy, becoming the CEO of EDP Renewables North America. Ganapathy credits the Tepper School for providing her with the skills and confidence to succeed, and she remains committed to giving back to the school and inspiring future generations.