2025
April
Samaras shares excitement for upcoming World Innovation Summit
Future Travel Experience
Scott Institute Director Costa Samaras was quoted in Future Travel Experience on CMU’s contributions to clean energy in the air transport sector ahead of the FTE World Innovation Summit, which will be hosted in Pittsburgh in May. “Pittsburgh International Airport has been a global leader in energy innovation and resilience. We’re proud to collaborate to help translate the latest research into practice for sustainable aviation fuel technology pathways, energy resilience, and more,” Samaras says.
March
Tkacik and Samaras quoted on CMU Energy Week
Blue Sky News
The Scott Institute’s Daniel Tkacik and Costa Samaras were quoted in Blue Sky News about CMU Energy Week, which takes place from March 25-27. “Energy Week was started to provide a time and a place for universities, for all the industry in the area, and all the government and nonprofit and NGOs to get together and coalesce around a single energy challenge that we face today,” said Tkacik.
Nock highlights energy assistance program
Pittsburgh Tribune-Review
CEE/EPP’s Destenie Nock published a story in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review about Peoples Energy Analytics, an organization that helps connect people with assistance programs to cover home energy costs. “By analyzing energy usage patterns, billing trends, and temperature fluctuations, we partner with utility companies to identify struggling households and connect them with help,” said Nock.
Samaras quoted on carbon dioxide emissions
Politico
CEE’s Costa Samaras spoke to Politico about why carbon dioxide emissions are increasing, despite renewable power sources surpassing coal in 2024. Gas generation is growing due to increased electricity demands for data centers and offsets the reduced emissions from coal. “If all we do is build more natural gas, our emissions are not going to go down. They might stay flat as they did last year,” explained Samaras. “Sooner or later, we’re going to run out of coal to displace.”
February
Harper quoted on EV charger spending freeze
Politico
CEE’s Corey Harper was quoted in Politico, Axios, and government technology about the Trump administration’s spending freeze on EV chargers. “We already have big gaps in coverage in a lot of states, especially the rural states,” explained Harper. “If this funding doesn’t go through or gets slowed down then the driving experience for a lot of Americans that have EVs or want to purchase EVs is going to be vastly different.”
January
Nock quoted on utility assistance pilot program
WESA
CEE/EPP’s Destenie Nock was quoted by WESA about how Peoples Energy Analytics and Peoples Natural Gas use data algorithms to identify households eligible for utility assistance programs. “A lot of times, when people don’t sign up for these programs, it’s because they’re not aware that they even qualify. And also they’re not aware of the full benefit that they may receive from these programs,” said Nock.
2024
December
Fakhreddine named rising star in engineering and science
American Academy of Environmental Engineers & Scientists
CEE’s Sarah Fakhreddine was named one of the American Academy of Environmental Engineers and Scientists 40 under 40 Rising Stars in Engineering and Science. Fakhreddine’s research focuses on solving water quality and quantity issues.
Nock named a 2024 Science Defender
Union of Concerned Scientists
CEE/EPP’s Destenie Nock was named a 2024 Science Defender by the Union of Concerned Scientists. The title is bestowed annually on “individuals and groups who use science to improve the world and help people, including those who have taken a stand to protect science and scientists from political or other interference.” Nock was selected for her ongoing work in affordable energy and energy justice as both a researcher and a startup founder.
Samaras quoted on Washington State’s Climate Commitment Act
NPR
Scott Institute Director Costa Samaras spoke to NPR about Washington State’s Climate Commitment Act. “A law like Washington State’s law gives a model, gives results, and gives quantifiable benefits to say to other states and other institutions that are thinking about this that it both works and that voters approve of it,” said Samaras.
November
Qian quoted on New York congestion pricing
Smart Cities Dive
CEE’s Sean Qian was quoted in Smart Cities Dive about how New York City congestion pricing could disproportionately affect different groups based on their access to public transportation. “Certain groups will feel the impact of [congestion pricing] more than others, raising considerable equity concerns,” said Qian. “It may be worthwhile to explore ways to equitably allocate [congestion pricing] revenue to support various communities,” he said.
Tang quoted on how AI can improve flight schedules
Fast Company
CEE’s Pingbo Tang was quoted in Fast Company about Odysee, a new AI tool used to optimize efficiency and revenue when creating flight schedules. “This is a very reasonable solution for Alaska Airlines,” said Tang.
October
Samaras quoted on nuclear energy
floodlight
Scott Institute Director Costa Samaras was quoted by floodlight about increased interest in nuclear energy as domestic electricity needs increase. “There’s never been more activity and excitement for advanced nuclear in the United States,” Samaras says.
Samaras quoted on how electric vehicles can help reduce greenhouse gas emissions
The Public's Radio
Scott Institute Director Costa Samaras spoke on The Public’s Radio about the importance of transitioning to electric vehicles to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. “The transportation sector, how we move around, how we get our things delivered, is the largest portion of US greenhouse gas emissions right now,” Samaras explained.
Samaras quoted on greenhouse gas emissions
Scientific American
Scott Institute Director Costa Samaras spoke to Scientific American about how Kamala Harris’ proposed policy to incentivize building affordable housing could reduce greenhouse gas emissions. “There’s a lot of the greenhouse gas emissions in the economy that are wrapped up in where people live,” Samaras says.
Samaras presents on the future of clean energy
Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Scott Institute Director Costa Samaras visited the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace to engage on questions about new energy technologies and the decarbonization of industry in the United States in a session called Leaping Ahead: U.S. Innovation and the Future of Clean Energy.
Samaras discusses drone deliveries
NBC News
Scott Institute Director Costa Samaras spoke with NBC News about the advancement in drone delivery technology. “I think after what has been about a decade of a slow start, drone delivery seems to be accelerating both in its technological capabilities as well as the policy and regulatory environment in the United States,” Samaras says.
Samaras quoted on nuclear power
Yahoo! News
Scott Institute Director Costa Samaras was quoted by Yahoo! News about nuclear power being a source of electricity for the U.S. “There’s never been more activity and excitement for advanced nuclear in the United States,” Samaras explains.
Samaras and Chester quoted climate change challenging public infrastructure limits
ASCE Civil Engineering Source
CEE’s Costa Samaras, along with CEE undergraduate alumnus Mikhail Chester, were quoted in an article by the American Society of Civil Engineers on the effects of rising temperatures on civil infrastructure. Engineers will have to determine how to strengthen current infrastructure, such as road networks, electricity systems, coastal levees, and more, to deal with environmental systems they were not originally designed to withstand, or else determine if compensating those affected would be more worth it than undertaking massive projects. Regardless, engineers must act as conditions worsen even in cooler locations. “You start adding all of this up, and you’re losing 5%-10% or more of the amount of electricity you thought you were going to have – all on a day when people need it to be safe from extreme heat,” Samaras said.
September
Congratulations to our Andy Award Nominees
Carnegie Mellon University
Congratulations to the following College of Engineering Andy Award Nominees. Cheer them on at the event on Tuesday, October 15 in McConomy Auditorium.
Commitment to Excellence: Rookie
- Amber Dworek (INI)
- Eric Mrock (MechE)
- Patricia Musiime (CMU-Africa)
- Geena Provenzano (CEE)
- Lauren Smith (College Offices)
Commitment to Excellent: Veteran
- Melissa Brown (MechE)
- Andrea Cohen (College Offices)
- Allison McLachlan (CEE)
- Kristyn Williams (MechE)
- Emma Zink (III)
Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
- Jessica Tomko (ECE)
Commitment to Students
- Jeannette Daly (ECE)
- Mika Inamahoro (CMU-Africa)
- Jennifer Spirer (College Offices)
- Ed Wojciechowski (MechE)
Innovative and Creative Contributions
- Brian Belowich (CEE)
- Monica Submit (CMU-Africa)
- Anthony Talotta (MSE)
Spirit
- Abraham Darriel (CMU-Africa)
- Christa Jones (INI)
- Melissa Ritchie (CEE)
Teamwork and Collaboration (Standing Teams)
- CMU-Africa Student Induction Program: Jacqueline Bangirana, Nancy Biwott, Gikundiro Buki, Nick Carney, Abraham Darriel, Reginald Donkor, Gisele Gihozo, Mika Inamahoro, Rosine Kamahoro, Lucy-Anna Kelly, Sandra Malaika, Ines Manzi, Mugire Flavia Mugwaneza, Irene Munene, Johnson Nziza, Marie-Ange Rukundo, and Monica Sumbi.
- Chemical Engineering Academic Team: Maria Barnes, Heather Costello, Chelsea Lee, Nora Sieworiek
August
CMU’s Safety21 leads inaugural Future of Transportation Summit
Carnegie Mellon University
Transportation safety experts from CMU’s Safety21 partnered with the DOT’s University Transportation Centers to lead the inaugural Future of Transportation Summit in Washington, D.C., from August 13th to 15th. CMU faculty showcased their research and innovations to improve transportation safety.
July
Faculty award winners announced
Congratulations to the 2024 faculty award winners who represent six departments across the College of Engineering. The recipients were recognized for their achievements as researchers and educators. The winners include: Benjamin Richard Teare Teaching Award: Jon Peha (EPP); David P. Casasent Outstanding Research Award: Gregory Lowry (CEE); Distinguished Professor of Engineering: Lorenz Biegler (ChemE); George Tallman Ladd Research Award: Amanda Krause (MSE) and Akshitha Sriraman (ECE); Outstanding Mentoring Award: Alan McGaughey (MechE); Outstanding Service Award: Jonathan Malen (MechE); and Steven J. Fenves Award for Systems Research: Carl Laird (ChemE).
Seven Engineering faculty awarded grants from Scott Institute
Carnegie Mellon University
Seven faculty from the College of Engineering received funding from this year’s Scott Institute Seed Grants to pursue projects advancing dacarbonization research and energy equity. This year’s winners include: CEE’s Gerald Wang, researching plastics decarbonization; MSE’s Paul Salvador and Mohammad Islam, researching carbon dioxide air capture with aerogels; EPP’s Ramteen Sioshansi and Granger Morgan, researching mitigating electric supply disruptions; ChemE/EPP’s Neil Donahue, upgrading an equipment’s ability to detect particles at low temperatures; and MSE’s Mohadeseh Taheri-Mousavi, repairing an induction furnace melter to study the effects of hydrogen on metal alloys.
Samaras speaks about green infrastructure opportunities in the region
Pittsburgh Business Times
Scott Institute Director Costa Samaras spoke at a PNC Brunch & Learn and Networking Event about opportunities for the region as a result of funding from the Inflation Reduction Act. He expects western Pennsylvania to benefit from the legislation, which uses “carrot” or reward-based incentives to lead to sustainable changes. Samaras expects that “no place in the country” is better poised to benefit, and, speaking about Pittsburgh’s ability to incorporate green infrastructure, said, “Twenty years ago, green buildings were exotic. Now, they’re just commonplace.”
Akinci quoted on the use of drones for utility inspections
WESA
CEE Head Burcu Akinci was quoted in WESA on the use of robots to conduct utility inspections. Duquesne Light Company’s new Skydio drone, for example, uses high-resolution cameras and thermal sensors to detect signs of damage that would be difficult for humans to catch, making it easier to keep workers safe in the field and prevent power outages before they happen. With drones, “you get this bird’s eye view with data and imagery,” Akinci said. “And data that is very difficult to get in any other way.”
May
Samaras quoted on OSTP’s recent work in reducing carbon emissions
ClimateWire
Scott Institute Director Costa Samaras spoke with ClimateWire about the Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) and their ongoing efforts in combating climate change. “There was an emphasis at OSTP that we are delivering the speed and scale needed to net-zero emissions.”
Samaras speaks at the Climate Group’s Climate Action Summit 2024
The Climate Group
Scott Institute Director Costa Samaras spoke at the Climate Group’s US Climate Action Summit 2024. From April 22-28, global climate leaders across government, private and public sectors gathered in Washington, D.C. to discuss the current state of our climate challenges and paths forward.
Samaras talks “clean” ammonia as an energy alternative
Scientific American
CEE’s Costa Samaras spoke to Scientific American about ongoing efforts to support the production of “green” ammonia, seen as an alternative energy source with less impact on the carbon footprint. “We’re now on this glide path to net-zero in 25 ½ years,” Samaras told the outlet. “So we need the types of clean manufacturing to deliver the speed and scale of clean equipment, so that we’re realizing the emissions reductions within the time frame that we have.”
April
Bergés talks battery-powered home appliances
Wall Street Journal
CEE’s Mario Bergés talked to the Wall Street Journal about the potential benefits and drawbacks of battery-powered home appliances. While these appliances would be costly and difficult to standardize, they would provide a way to modulate demand on the electric grid, protecting against severe weather and preventing rolling blackouts. “This future is definitely in view for many of us,” said Bergés. “This is a technology that could provide us with an additional way of making the grid more robust, more amenable to integrating more renewables and to better deal with the shocks that we expect, like higher temperatures and storms.”
Qian quoted on collapse of Francis Scott Key Bridge
The Business Journals
CEE’s Sean Qian was quoted on the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore. A cargo ship struck the bridge while departing from the Port of Baltimore in late March, halting the flow of transportation indefinitely until the debris can be cleared. “This is going to impose a lot of burdens on our supply chain systems,” Qian told The Business Journals. “You can anticipate a lot of containers will accumulate at the port, and it will have a ripple effect on the roadways because the trucks won’t be able to unload and unload a lot of containers, and that has implications on the railway network as well.”