Rising Stars Workshop - Sept. 8-9, 2025

Rising Stars is a workshop designed for doctoral students and postdoctoral scholars who are interested in pursuing academic teaching and research careers in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) and related interdisciplinary fields.

Panel discussion speakers addressing workshop attendees

Rising Stars is a workshop designed for doctoral students and postdoctoral scholars who are interested in pursuing academic teaching and research careers in Materials Science and Engineering (MSE) and related interdisciplinary fields. Organized by Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University, and University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), the workshop aims to expand inclusivity, access, and preparation for academic careers in MSE. The workshop will provide practical information and training about the required skill sets to become successful in academic job seeking and career development. In its third year, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign will host the Rising Stars workshop on September 8-9, 2025.

 

Throughout the workshop, participants will learn academic career skills from expert mentors and engage in training with peers.

On the first day, we will conduct several practical sub-workshops for academic job finding. Faculty mentors will highlight critical information and skills to enhance job applications such as writing, teaching, research, preparing presentations, and controlling stress and nervousness, e.g., during challenging and critical chalk-talk questions. We will delineate the keys to success in interview and negotiation processes in single or joint positions.

On the second day, we will present practical information about how to start your academic career, write young investigator proposals, balance work and life, hire and mentor students, perform academic service, network, and develop high impact and reputation in specific and interdisciplinary fields.

Eligibility

Participants must be graduate students within 18 months of graduating with a Ph.D. at the time of the workshop, or they must have obtained a Ph.D. no earlier than 2023 and not currently hold a faculty position.

Applications will open in May 2025. 

Expenses

Travel reimbursement will be provided for up to $500. Accommodations will be provided for the duration of the program.

The application period is now closed.

Applications will open in May 2025.

 

Workshop chairs

Beth Dickey

Beth Dickey

Department Head and Teddy and Wilton Hawkins Distinguished Professor
Carnegie Mellon University, Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Bio

Mohadeseh Taheri-Mousavi

Mohadeseh Taheri-Mousavi

Assistant Professor
Carnegie Mellon University, Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Bio

Robert Macfarlane

Robert Macfarlane

Associate Professor
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Bio

Alberto Salleo

Alberto Salleo

Department Head, Professor
Stanford University, Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Bio

Cecilia Leal

Cecilia Leal

Associate Professor, Racheff Faculty Scholar
University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Department of Materials Science and Engineering

Bio

Partner institutions

Carnegie Mellon University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Stanford University
University of Illinois Urbana Champaign

Questions?

Please contact mse-communications@andrew.cmu.edu