Alumni

Community for life

As a CEE@CMU alum, you’re an integral part of our legacy. Stay connected, share your journey, and help empower the next generation of civil and environmental engineers.

How to engage

Become a mentor
Participate in alumni town halls
Attend local networking events
Join our industry partners
Continue your CEE education with an online graduate certificate
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Alumni Advisory Council

Our alumni advisory council is a vital link between past and present in our CEE community. Composed of esteemed graduates, they provide essential guidance and support in shaping the future of our department.

2024 council members

Elizabeth Durika (CEE'03), U.S. Navy Civil Engineer Corps
Sophie Grodsinsky Boel (CEE'13), Redwood Materials
Steve Hinson (CEE'97), Schlumberger
Jeanine Hoey (CEE'83, '85), U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Pittsburgh District
Linda Kaplan (CEE'07), Pennoni Associates
John Kovacs (CEE'93), Gannett Fleming
Shail Pandya (CEE'00), Tetra Tech
Seth Pearlman (CEE'78, '79), DGI-Menard
Mark Pleskow (CEE'81, '85), WSP Consulting
Frank Sidari (CEE'02), Pittsburgh Water and Sewer Authority
Ricardo Taborda (CEE'10), Universidad EAFIT
Russell Thayer Tutt (CEE'12, '13), Tutt Services Enterprise
Christopher Watts (CEE'08), Boys & Girls Clubs of Western Pennsylvania
Todd Wilson (CEE'06), GAI Consultants, Inc.
Frank Frisby (CEE'11), U.S. Department of Defense
Stacey Louie (CEE'10, '14), University of Houston
Will Kotterman (CEE'07), Autodesk

Contact Allison McLachlan for more information on how to get involved.

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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.

CEE honors alumni accomplishments with awards

During the 2024 Spring Carnival at Carnegie Mellon University, the civil and environmental engineering department (CEE) awarded alumni Seth Pearlman, Amelia Harris, Todd Wilson, Natalie Pekney, Frank Frisby, and Daymanuel Sampson for their career accomplishments.

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Heartfelt messages, memories, and reflections have flooded the halls of Carnegie Mellon as many mourn and honor the memory of Jerry Cohon, a profound and enduring figure at the university and beyond.

Connecting futures: the power of mentorship in education and careers

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From Dubai to Pittsburgh: customized curriculum elevates alum’s career trajectory

Steve Lobo (MS ’23) was a member of the utility engineering team involved in the design of Dubai’s freight rail network, Etihad Rail, before completing his master's degree with CEE. He now works with SmithGroup’s Pittsburgh office, where he’s part of the performance, analytics, and climate impact team (PACT).

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Pekney honored with Arthur S. Flemming Award for advancing green technology

Natalie J. Pekney, a CEE alumna, has won the Arthur S. Flemming Award for her pioneering work in mobile emissions monitoring, reducing greenhouse gas emissions from oil and gas. Her multidisciplinary approach and dedication to environmental stewardship have earned her this prestigious award, positioning her as a leader in advancing green technology for a sustainable energy future.

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Driving change: engineering transportation solutions

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Avhad awarded Presidential Scholarship from CMAA - Three Rivers Chapter

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Fighting energy poverty through carbon-neutral electricity distribution

Kwaku Jyamfi (MS '20), chief executive officer at Farm to Flame Energy, is working to produce a low-cost energy solution for people who live in emerging areas of the world. Farm to Flame Energy is on track to create renewable electricity at half the cost of diesel fuel, attracting various grants, contracts, and investments.

Janicke awarded NSF Fellowship

Lauren Janicke (BS ‘23) has been honored with a Graduate Research Fellowship from the National Science Foundation (NSF). Embarking on her journey as a PhD student under the guidance of Professor Destenie Nock, Janicke's research will revolve around the utilization of statistical methods to explore energy equity consumption behaviors and energy assistance.

Ken-Opurum named as a Forbes Magazine 30-under-30

Bobuchi Ken-Opurum (AECM '22) has been recognized as one of Forbes Magazine's 2023 30-Under-30 in Energy for developing the Re-HOUSED Climate Decision Support Toolkit, a comprehensive resource specifically tailored for self-builders with modest incomes in tropical regions of the Southern Hemisphere.

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2023 CEE Alumni Awards

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Sampson provides growth opportunities for women and minority-owned businesses

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Martinez keeps airport projects flying forward

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Alumnus inducted into National Academy of Construction

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Before announcing the award winners, Dzombak praised CEE’s impressive, passionate, and supportive alumni—as well as their ongoing support of the school and its students. He also emphasized that the school’s continued success is based on the CEE community’s commitment to hard work, creative problem solving, innovation, leadership, and collegiality.

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Martin Fertal joins ASCE as new COO

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Eybpoosh works to improve renewable energy reliability

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Henry Randall Grooms: CEE grad and space program pioneer

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Peters named CEE's Distinguished Alumni

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CEE annual alumni awards goes virtual to highlight graduates' successes

After accepting their awards, the winners answered questions submitted by current students, focusing on everything from work/life balance to overcoming bumps in a career path.

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CEE Professor Samaras and alum Francis named to NASEM Committee

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Wall premieres film festival-winning documentary in Pittsburgh

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Leech awarded ESWP Metcalf Award

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Divergent path: Joining engineering and creativity

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Jacobs retires after 32 years of service

CEE Department Head Dave Dzombak presented Dr. Jacobs with a special recognition at a faculty gathering in January. "Alan has brought his deep knowledge and experience base in geology to generations of Carnegie Mellon CEE students," said Dzombak.