New leadership for the Scott Institute for Energy Innovation

Costa Samaras has been named the next Director of the Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation. Samaras began his faculty career at CMU in 2014 as an Assistant Professor of Civil & Environmental Engineering and rose to the rank of Professor in 2022. His research interests span a wide range of topics in energy systems, from the technical and policy issues of decarbonization to energy and infrastructure innovation strategies. 

Samaras brings the right blend of technical and policy expertise and a very strong ability to communicate about energy systems in ways that result in real impact. His ability to bring people together to work on and solve big problems is unmatched, ensuring his ability to lead the Scott Institute to play a crucial role in our world’s necessary energy transition. 

In addition,, Valerie Karplus will serve as the Associate Director of the Scott Institute. Karplus, a professor in the department of Engineering and Public Policy, will continue her great work in decarbonization and will also act as a partner and strategic advisor to drive the institute forward.

Costa and Valerie will work closely with Executive Director Daniel Tkacik and co-Director Professor Andy Gellman to fulfill the Institute’s mission of encouraging the development of technologies and policies that accelerate the transition to a sustainable, net-zero emissions future.