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Inspiring the next generation of materials scientists is easy by staying connected to the department.

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The Department of Materials Science and Engineering is a close-knit community, so it should be no surprise that our students, faculty, and staff form lifelong connections.

Alumni Advisory Council

The Alumni Advisory Council is composed of approximately 8-10 alumni from our department. Each member serves a three-year term. The council provides a forum for dialogue between our alumni, students, faculty, and staff, and is intended to create mechanisms for our students to benefit from the experience of our alumni in industry, government, and academia.

7 people standing in building with stairs behind them

2024 council members include: (L-R) Jason Harman (B.S. '95, M.S. '96), Craig Hillman (B.S. ’91), Lisa Salley (B.S. ’87), Michelle Wolf (B.S. '14), Bill Slye (B.S. '92, M.S. '95, Ph.D. '00), Stephanie Bojarski (M.S. '11, Ph.D. '14) and Rachel (Ferebee) Maher (M.S. '12, Ph.D., 2016)
Not pictured: James Rogers (BS '07)

Dylan Lew (BS/MS ’21)

Lew is the CEO of Ecotone Renewables, a company dedicated to building the tools necessary to empower communities to redevelop and grow through sustainable food practices. He first got involved with the company in his first year at Carnegie Mellon University.

Read more about his journey.

Alumni news

MSE entrepreneurs return to inspire students

Each year, the Scott Institute for Energy Innovation invites alumni speakers to share their experiences at its Entrepreneurial Student Lunch Seminars. This year’s seminars featured two MSE graduates - Sam Kernion (M.S. ‘10, Ph.D. ‘12) and Dylan Lew (B.S./M.S. '21).

Embracing fundamentals for future success

MSE alumnus Craig Hillman has used the foundation laid by his undergraduate education at CMU to guide his path as an entrepreneur and businessman.

Recent graduate spotlight: Ruby Jiang

As a graduate student in the materials science and engineering department, Jiang maximized opportunities to foster interdisciplinary connections, resulting in a job at Meta.

Alumna receives Society of Women Engineers award Opens in new window

Siya Scindia was chosen from among thousands of student members for her outstanding leadership.

Inaugural alumni awards celebrate success and service Opens in new window

On April 11, distinguished guests from across the university and alumni communities, gathered in Scaife Hall to honor eight individuals whose leadership, creativity, and volunteerism underscore what can be achieved with an engineering degree from Carnegie Mellon University.

Making magnetic connections

MSE alumnus Frank Johnson is part of a team that is creating an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional magnets.

MSE Alumna Elected to NAE

Carolyn Duran (MSE '92) was named to the 2024 elected class of inductees to the National Academy of Engineers.

Powering a vision for the future Opens in new window

Ankur Gupta (MSE’10) is working to develop the battery technologies needed to bring augmented and mixed reality products to market at Meta.

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MSE alum discovers fundamental advance in understanding of cells Opens in new window

Cliff Brangwynne (MSE ’01) wins the 2023 Breakthrough Prize in Life Sciences for discovering a cellular process with the potential to revolutionize treatments for neurodegenerative diseases like ALS.

Watch the Video Opens in new window

Engineering alumni double team innovation in sport Opens in new window

Two CMU materials science and biomedical engineering alumni are at the forefront of the development of an airless basketball made through additive manufacturing techniques.

Watch the Video Opens in new window

Forbes includes six CMU alumni in 30 Under 30 in Energy Opens in new window

Six alumni were listed in Forbes 30 Under 30 in Energy for their groundbreaking startup companies.

MSE alumna brings global perspective to big pharma Opens in new window

Aliya Omer, a 2002 materials science and engineering graduate, strives to make sure everyone has a seat at the table when solving strategic problems facing healthcare.

Human connections Opens in new window

Recent Engineering graduate Maya Garg discusses her experience as a volunteer tutor for incarcerated people in Allegheny County.

Engineering Art Opens in new window

Sophie Paul, who used her love of art to enrich her materials science and engineering studies, graduates with a bachelor’s degree in engineering and the new Engineering and Arts additional major.

CMU women shift the dynamic in materials science leadership Opens in new window

Elizabeth Dickey, Materials Science and Engineering department head, and alumnae Carolyn Duran (MSE ’92) and Ellen Cerreta (MSE ’01) are increasing female representation in materials through their executive roles in professional societies for scientists and engineers.

A hands-free, hands-on approach Opens in new window

As an innovation engineer designing footwear at Nike, alumna Katie Ricciardi has forged a career that blends the interests and skills she’s developed since her time at CMU.

The journey to the boardroom Opens in new window

Alumnus Nick Fiore has had an impressive 50-year career in the manufacturing industry and in academic leadership. His humble beginnings have served as the motivation for his own success and philanthropy.

From jet fighters to financial advisory Opens in new window

Miles Hinderliter worked at Lockheed Martin, moved into a career at Barclays, and fit perfectly in with both.

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