Student research

The College of Engineering is a hub of innovation, where students at both undergraduate and graduate levels work alongside esteemed faculty members to develop cutting-edge solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges. By taking a multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving, our researchers look at challenges from different angles and perspectives, bringing fresh insights and unique solutions to the table. The result is a dynamic and exciting environment where collaboration and creativity flourish, leading to breakthroughs that have the potential to change the world as we know it.

Graduate level research

Graduate students are strongly encouraged and, in some programs, obligated to engage in research during their academic tenure. Research is conducted under the supervision of a faculty advisor and is not restricted to students in thesis programs.

Research forms the foundation of Carnegie Mellon University, and graduate students play a vital role in advancing it. Research opportunities provide students with the skills required to effectively solve problems and prepare them for careers in government, industry, and academia.

Research by department

Biomedical Engineering

Chemical Engineering

Civil and Environmental Engineering

Electrical and Computer Engineering

Engineering and Public Policy

Mechanical Engineering

Materials Science and Engineering

Major research institutes

CyLab Security and Privacy Institute

Manufacturing Futures Institute

Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation

Undergraduate level research

In the College of Engineering, more than 60% of undergraduate students take advantage of the opportunity to work alongside renowned faculty researchers on innovative projects. This involvement helps students develop technical skills in a collaborative environment, which is essential in the field of engineering. Research allows younger students to explore different areas of study and identify their interests. For upperclassmen, research can lead to more advanced graduate work. Through these experiences, the College of Engineering prepares students to become trailblazers in the world of technical endeavors.

Research news

Apr 30

Artificial Intelligence

Refined AI approach improves noninvasive BCI performance

Researchers used AI technology to improve the decoding of human intention and control a continuously moving virtual object all by thinking about it, with unmatched performance.

The relaunched Center for Faculty Success will provide professional development, training, and leadership opportunities that empower faculty to succeed throughout their academic careers.

Reeja Jayan named faculty director of the Center for Faculty Success

Apr 26

News & Events

Behring Foundation gift supports international undergrads in tech

Two students have received the Behring Scholarship, a scholarship to support students from Brazil pursuing tech-related undergraduate degrees at Carnegie Mellon University.

Apr 24

News & Events

Parry receives Goldwater Scholarship

Katherine Parry, a junior in electrical and computer engineering, has received the 2024 Barry Goldwater Scholarship to support her pursuit of a research career.

Apr 22

Health & Biomedicine

LeDuc named 2023 AAAS Fellow

Philip LeDuc has been named a Fellow in the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for 2023 due to his research in the mechanics of cellular and molecular systems.

Apr 17

News & Events

Honoring our educators

Six members from the College of Engineering were recognized at CMU’s annual Celebration of Education Awards.

Apr 17

News & Events

Engineering faculty awarded professorships

Carnegie Mellon University has awarded professorships to five exceptional faculty members in the College of Engineering.

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.

Inaugural alumni awards celebrate success and service

Apr 12

Advanced Manufacturing

Machine learning and extended reality used to train welders

Researchers apply machine learning to a lightly-modified off-the-shelf welding helmet and torch integrated with a Meta Quest headset and controller to train welders.

Apr 10

COVID-19

Infrastructure as a social sensor

A recent study examines the relationship between having access to broadband internet and unemployment during the pandemic, treating infrastructure as a proxy for bias rather than access.

Apr 8

Energy & Environment

Doctoral researchers shine in 3MT championship

College of Engineering students explained complex research and its importance in under three minutes in the annual Three Minute Thesis competition.

Apr 4

Artificial Intelligence

One student, two continents

CMU-Africa student Farida Eleshin (MSIT ’24) is concluding her master’s program with a final semester in Pittsburgh, where she’s working on several research projects in the CHIMPS Lab that focus on privacy and security.

The Department of Defense awards a team of researchers funding to develop energy-absorbing, structure-preserving materials that are more resilient under extreme loads.

Studying heterogeneous materials under extreme conditions

Mar 29

Energy & Environment

Litster sub-awardee on $50M of new DOE hydrogen projects

The U.S. Department of Energy has awarded 52 projects $750 million to dramatically reduce the cost of clean hydrogen and reinforce American leadership in the growing hydrogen industry.

Mar 27

News & Events

Grover inducted into AIMBE College of Fellows

The American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) has announced the induction of Pulkit Grover, professor of electrical and computer engineering, to its College of Fellows.

Mar 25

Health & Biomedicine

How does learning something new not overwrite what we know?

Researchers from Carnegie Mellon University and University of Pittsburgh examine what happens in the brain when it’s presented with learning a new task, but also asked to recall a familiar one.

Research paper

Mar 20

News & Events

Honoring the memory of Jerry Cohon

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.

Mar 20

Advanced Manufacturing

These defects are not to be mistaken as scratches

Shrinkage porosity, a common defect in metal castings, has been identified in laser powder bed fusion additive manufacturing.