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Constantine (Costa) Samaras is the Trustee Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Director of the Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation at Carnegie Mellon University. He is also affiliated with the Department of Engineering and Public Policy and holds a courtesy appointment in the Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy. Director, Scott Institute for Energy Innovation Trustee Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering Affiliated Faculty, Engineering and Public Policy Courtesy Faculty, Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy His research focuses on systems engineering approaches to climate resilience , clean energy transitions , and infrastructure security . Key areas include: Transportation electrification and automation Climate adaptation for infrastructure Energy policy under uncertainty AI impacts on energy systems Equity in decarbonization National security implications of energy Costa Samaras co-authored 15 recent studies spanning energy burden analysis, climate hazard indices, AI training energy optimization, and nature-based infrastructure solutions. His work emphasizes transdisciplinary collaboration between engineering, policy, and climate science. Notable scientific recognition includes being named Professor of the Year by the Pittsburgh Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers in 2018. He has led significant policy engagements including White House service (2021-2024) as Principal Assistant Director for Energy and Chief Advisor for Clean Energy Transition. Current affiliations include: Founder/Director, Center for Engineering and Resilience for Climate Adaptation Founder/Director, Power Sector Carbon Index Former Senior Researcher, RAND Corporation (2009-2014) Former Adjunct Senior Analyst, RAND Corporation (2014-2021)

• Climate Resilience
• Energy Systems
• Transportation Engineering
• +4 more

Costa Samaras is the Trustee Professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering and Director of the Scott Institute for Energy Innovation at Carnegie Mellon University . He is also affiliated with the Department of Engineering and Public Policy and Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy . From 2021–2024, he served in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy as Chief Advisor for the Clean Energy Transition. Education: Joint Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering and Engineering and Public Policy (Carnegie Mellon University), MPA (New York University), BS (Bucknell University) His research bridges engineering, systems analysis, and public policy to address climate change mitigation, electric and automated transportation, energy system decarbonization, and national security . He focuses on climate-resilient infrastructure, AI ethics, and policy frameworks for equitable energy transitions. Recent work with his students explores drone delivery systems, hydropower in Africa, and grid emissions tracking . The 15 most recent articles span decarbonization of transportation , climate-resilient infrastructure , AI applications in adaptation , home electrification equity , and power sector emissions . These appear in journals like Nature , Nature Climate Change , Environmental Research Letters , and Patterns . Scientific leadership includes founding the Center for Engineering and Resilience for Climate Adaptation and the Power Sector Carbon Index . His team has been recognized with dissertation awards at Carnegie Mellon University. He regularly advises federal agencies, utilities, automotive companies, and technology firms , and has been featured in The New York Times , NPR , PBS , and WIRED .

• Sustainable Energy
• Climate Resilience
• Transportation Engineering
• +7 more

Dr. Gerald Wang is an Assistant Professor in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University with courtesy appointments in Chemical Engineering and Mechanical Engineering. He leads the M5 Lab (Mechanics of Materials via Molecular and Multiscale Methods), focusing on nanoscale mechanics using computational approaches to solve civil engineering challenges related to water-energy systems, material resilience, and sustainable polymers. Education: Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and Computation, MIT (2019) S.M. in Mechanical Engineering, MIT (2015) B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics & Physics, Yale University (2013) His research integrates statistical physics, fluid mechanics, and high-performance computing to investigate nanoscale structural and transport phenomena. Key areas include climate-resilient infrastructure, energy-water nexus solutions, and nanoscale thermal transport in materials. Recent work explores molecular-scale separation processes and recyclable polymer design using advanced simulation techniques. Publication trends demonstrate consistent focus on nanoscale transport mechanisms, computational method development, and interdisciplinary applications from materials science to urban systems. Articles frequently bridge molecular dynamics with macro-scale engineering problems. Awards: Scott Institute Seed Grant for clean energy research CMU Celebration of Education Award for teaching excellence Current projects include NSF-funded work on nanoscale slip phenomena and polymer upcycling collaborations. The M5 Lab develops open-source simulation tools and maintains active industry partnerships in advanced materials.

• Nanoscale Transport Phenomena
• Fluid Mechanics
• High-Performance Computing
• +5 more

Jeanne VanBriesen is the Duquesne Light Company Professor at Carnegie Mellon University, affiliated with the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering and the Department of Engineering and Public Policy. She serves as director of the Center for Water Quality in Urban Environmental Systems (Water QUEST) and focuses on environmental systems, urban water sustainability, and the energy-water nexus. Ph.D., Civil Engineering, Northwestern University (1996) M.S., Civil Engineering, Northwestern University (1993) B.S., Education, Northwestern University (1990) Her research explores interactions between water infrastructure, energy systems, and urban environments, with particular attention to disinfection byproducts, bromide dynamics, and climate change resilience. She has secured funding from the National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, and other foundations. VanBriesen has supervised 21 Ph.D. students and 6 M.S. theses, while serving on influential boards including the U.S. EPA Science Advisory Board and the Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Sciences (CUAHSI). Fellow of ASCE and EWRI 2015 Margaret S. Peterson Woman of the Year (ASCE) 2013 Philip L. Dowd Fellowship 2015 Barbara Lazarus Award for Mentoring 2009 ASCE Pittsburgh Chapter Professor of the Year Her recent work examines climate change hazard indexes, bromide transport from power plants, and innovative water treatment technologies. VanBriesen also contributes to national discussions about hydrologic science education and research policy.

• Environmental Systems
• Urban Water Sustainability
• Energy-Water Nexus
• +3 more

Ramteen Sioshansi is a Professor in the Department of Engineering and Public Policy, the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, and Heinz College at Carnegie Mellon University, where he also serves as Associate Department Head for Graduate Affairs and Director of the Carnegie Mellon Electricity Industry Center. He is additionally an Adjunct Professor at The Ohio State University’s Department of Integrated Systems Engineering. His work bridges engineering, economics, and policy with a focus on energy systems and market design. His research interests include energy storage, electricity market design, renewable integration, decarbonization, grid resilience, and energy justice. He employs advanced optimization and modeling techniques to analyze how energy systems can be operated and regulated more efficiently and equitably. His work often addresses the economic and policy challenges of integrating low-carbon technologies and distributed energy resources. Ramteen's recent publications highlight a strong trend in analyzing the role of energy storage in providing multiple grid services, reforming market designs to accommodate long-duration storage, and ensuring equitable access to resilient energy. His work spans technical modeling, economic analysis, and policy implications, frequently appearing in high-impact journals such as Current Sustainable/Renewable Energy Reports and The Energy Journal . Energy Justice Through Energy Storage Long-Duration Energy Storage (LDES) Policy Electric Vehicle Integration Demand Flexibility and Aggregators Hydrogen and Carbon Removal Economics Small Modular Reactors and Nuclear Policy Ramteen has received recognition as a top researcher in energy and energy storage domains. He actively contributes to the academic community through INFORMS, particularly in the Energy, Natural Resources, and the Environment (ENRE) section, and encourages nominations for prestigious awards like the Harold Hotelling Medal. He advises graduate students, including recent PhD graduate Dr. Hyeong Jun Kim and former student Joe Duggan. His research is supported by collaborations across academia, national labs (e.g., Argonne), and industry. He frequently engages with media on topics such as natural gas supply risks, EV integration, and the future of nuclear energy. Ramteen leads the Carnegie Mellon Electricity Industry Center, a hub for interdisciplinary research on electricity markets and policy. He is also a Faculty Affiliate at the Wilton E. Scott Institute for Energy Innovation, where he contributes to CMU’s broader energy innovation ecosystem.

• Energy Systems
• Electricity Markets
• Energy Storage
• +12 more

Carrie McDonough is an Associate Professor in the Department of Chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University. Her research focuses on environmental analytical chemistry, PFAS contamination, bioavailability, bioaccumulation, and toxicology, using high-resolution mass spectrometry and bioanalytical methods to assess risks of organic pollutants to aquatic ecosystems and human health. 2017–2019 Postdoctoral Fellow, Colorado School of Mines 2017 Ph.D. in Chemical Oceanography, University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography 2008 B.Sc. in Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology Her work develops bioaccumulation-directed prioritization tools for ionizable organics, virtual organisms for contaminant isolation, and in vitro techniques to study PFAS transformation. Current projects include evaluating sediment-associated PFAS bioavailability in marine organisms and short-chain PFAS in human urine (CDC NIOSH-funded). Recent publications highlight PFAS isomer differentiation , electron beam remediation , and human exposure via seafood . Her team has identified previously undetected bioaccumulative PFAS in AFFF-dosed mice and developed interactive software for PFAS analysis . 2025 Emerging Investigator Series, Environ. Sci.: Processes & Impacts Postdoctoral Fellow, Colorado School of Mines She mentors 8 graduate/undergraduate students and has trained 5 alumni now in academia, EPA, and public health. Her lab collaborates on SERDP ER22-4003 (marine PFAS) and CDC NIOSH grants. Personal interests include brewing beer and spending time with her dogs, Millie and Pickles.

• Environmental Analytical Chemistry
• Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
• Bioavailability and Bioaccumulation
• +3 more

Kelvin Gregory is a Professor and Executive Director of Undergraduate and Graduate Studies in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University. His research focuses on environmental biotechnology, microbial ecology, and geologic carbon sequestration, with applications to produced water management and environmental nanotechnology. Gregory holds a B.S. in Biological Systems Engineering from the University of Nebraska, an M.S. and Ph.D. in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of Iowa, and completed postdoctoral studies at the University of Massachusetts Environmental Biotechnology Center. His work bridges microbiology, geochemistry, and engineering to address environmental challenges such as water contamination, energy sustainability, and climate resilience. He leads research initiatives at the Center for the Environmental Implications of NanoTechnology (CEINT) and Steinbrenner Institute for Environmental Education and Research. His lab explores microbial interactions with nanoparticles, microbial dynamics in hydraulic fracturing, and sustainable water technologies for developing communities. As Faculty Advisor for CMU's Engineers Without Borders, he promotes equitable engineering solutions to global water and energy access issues. His research portfolio includes over 60 peer-reviewed articles, spanning topics like microfluidic cell sorting, CO₂ sequestration, and bioremediation of pollutants. Key contributions include advancing understanding of nanoparticle toxicity mechanisms and microbial responses to environmental stressors.

• Environmental Engineering
• Biotechnology
• Environmental Nanotechnology
• +5 more

Christine Mondor is a Lecturer and Special Faculty in the School of Architecture at Carnegie Mellon University. Her work bridges architecture, urban design, and sustainability, focusing on green building technologies, urban ecology, and community engagement. She teaches courses such as 'Urban Ecology' and 'Urban Design Studio I,' emphasizing systems thinking and sustainable design practices. Mondor holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Carnegie Mellon University and studied sustainable design in Scandinavia. Her professional experience includes award-winning projects like the LEED-rated Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank and the Crawford Square affordable housing initiative. She advocates for integrating environmental quality with community needs, designing landscapes that enhance stormwater management and habitat quality. As a board member of organizations like the Green Building Alliance and TRASE, she promotes sustainable urban development. Her research explores computational tools for air quality, green infrastructure co-benefits, and community-driven urban transformation. Recent work includes the Highway Corridor Transformation Study and HELIOStudio, addressing energy commons and resilient urban systems. Mondor’s teaching and research highlight the intersection of design, ecology, and social equity. She emphasizes hands-on projects that address contemporary urban challenges, such as regenerative systems, climate resilience, and participatory planning methods.

• Sustainable Architecture
• Urban Design
• Environmental Design
• +3 more

Terrence J. Collins is the Teresa Heinz Professor of Green Chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University and Director of the Institute for Green Science. He earned a Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Auckland in 1978 and has held academic positions at Carnegie Mellon since 2001 and previously at Caltech (1981–1987). Education: Doctor of Philosophy, University of Auckland (1978) Research Interests: Green oxidation catalysis in water Biomimetic chemistry of peroxidase enzymes Mechanisms of oxidation catalysis Novel approaches to water purification His recent publications focus on sustainable ultradilute oxidation catalysis (SUDOC), TAML activator applications in water treatment, and endocrine disruptor regulation. Key collaborations include work with Alexander D. Ryabov and environmental scientists. Scientific Awards: Fast Company's World Changing Ideas Awards (2021) Presidential Green Chemistry Challenge Award (1998) Heinz Award for the Environment (2010) Fellow, American Chemical Society (2013) Projects: Design of Green Oxidation Catalysts Mechanistic Studies of TAML Activators Applications in Pathogen Disinfection

• Green Chemistry
• Oxidation Catalysis
• Environmental Science
• +4 more

Ryan Sullivan is a Professor of Chemistry and Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, with a courtesy appointment in Civil and Environmental Engineering. He serves as Associate Director of the Institute for Green Science and Graduate Program Chair for the Chemistry Department. His research spans atmospheric chemistry, aerosol science, and environmental engineering, with a focus on understanding the physicochemical properties of atmospheric particles and their climate impacts. Dr. Sullivan's educational background includes: Ph.D. in Chemistry, University of California, San Diego, 2008 M.S. in Chemistry, University of California, San Diego, 2006 B.S. in Chemistry, University of Toronto, 2002 Postdoctoral Fellow, Colorado State University, 2009-2010 His research interests focus on atmospheric aerosol particles and their role in climate change, air quality, and human health. Dr. Sullivan's work combines instrument development, laboratory experiments, and field measurements to investigate how particles' chemical composition affects their ability to nucleate clouds and influence climate. His group develops advanced analytical techniques including aerosol optical tweezers, laser ablation mass spectrometry, and droplet microfluidics to study single particles in real-time. Current projects examine biomass burning emissions, PFAS remediation, and the development of sustainable chemical alternatives. Dr. Sullivan's recent publications demonstrate a strong focus on atmospheric particle characterization, ice nucleation processes, and environmental contaminant remediation. His work spans from fundamental atmospheric chemistry to practical applications in water purification and sustainable chemistry. The research shows increasing integration of field measurements with laboratory studies and modeling approaches. His scientific achievements have been recognized with several awards: National Science Foundation CAREER Award (2016) Environmental Award from Carnegie Science Center (2019) Provost's Inclusive Teaching Fellow at CMU (2022-2023) Top Peer Reviewer in Cross-field by Publons (2018) Dr. Sullivan has secured substantial research funding from the National Science Foundation, Department of Energy, and other agencies to support his work on atmospheric chemistry and environmental sustainability. His group collaborates with researchers across disciplines and institutions, including partnerships with ETH Zürich where he served as a Visiting Professor and Senior Fellow. He actively mentors students and has developed innovative courses including "Environmental Science on a Changing Planet" and "Environmental Chemistry." The Sullivan Group operates multiple laboratories at CMU, including facilities for aerosol optical tweezers, mass spectrometry, and microfluidics. They are part of the Center for Atmospheric Particle Studies and the Institute for Green Science. The group collaborates with industry partners through Sudoc, a startup co-founded by Dr. Sullivan that commercializes TAML catalysts for environmental remediation.

• Atmospheric chemistry
• Aerosol science
• Single-particle analysis
• +12 more

Joe Moore is an Assistant Teaching Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), where he also earned his Ph.D. and M.S. degrees. He previously taught high school science through Teach For America and holds a BA in Biology and French from Wabash College. His research focuses on active learning strategies, climate-resilient environmental systems, and engineering education equity, particularly supporting marginalized students. Moore is passionate about interdisciplinary approaches to education and has been recognized with a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship and National Academy of Sciences/Engineering Science Ambassadorship. Education: Ph.D., Civil and Environmental Engineering, CMU M.S., Civil Engineering, CMU B.A., Biology and French, Wabash College Research Interests: Moore's work spans active learning methodologies in engineering education, climate adaptation technologies, and environmental microbiology. He emphasizes practical skill development through projects like smart city sensor systems and wastewater treatment innovations. His recent efforts include fostering diversity and inclusion in STEM fields and developing curricula that bridge academic-industry gaps. Scientific Contributions: His publications highlight advancements in microbial coal-to-methane production, nanoparticle toxicity mechanisms, and student-centered pedagogical frameworks. Notable projects include a WEFTEC-winning wastewater solution developed by his student team and curriculum reforms for sensing skill development in engineering education. Awards and Recognition: National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship National Academy of Sciences and Engineering Science Ambassador Advising & Grants: Moore mentors students like Labdhi Kagdi and Megan Johnston, focusing on interdisciplinary problem-solving. His grant-funded work includes NSF-supported research on educational equity and nanomaterial environmental impacts. He actively collaborates with local professionals on urban infrastructure projects, such as revitalizing Craig Street in Pittsburgh. Labs & Teams: Leads initiatives in the CEE Department's undergraduate program, integrating hands-on projects across the curriculum. Collaborates with interdisciplinary teams on topics ranging from smart cities to microbial energy systems.

• Active Learning
• Climate-Resilient Environmental Systems
• Engineering Education
• +3 more

Gerald J. Wang is an Assistant Professor in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at Carnegie Mellon University's College of Engineering. He leads the M5 Lab (Mechanics of Materials via Molecular and Multiscale Methods) where his research focuses on nanoscale structural and transport phenomena using mechanics, statistical physics, and high-performance computing. Wang earned his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering and Computation from MIT in 2019, following an S.M. in Mechanical Engineering (2015) and B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, Mathematics & Physics from Yale University (2013). Prior to joining CMU in Fall 2019, he completed a postdoctoral position at MIT's Department of Chemical Engineering and was a U.S. Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellow from 2014-2018. His research spans nanoscale mechanics, non-equilibrium statistical physics, and materials for the water-energy nexus. Wang's interdisciplinary work combines computational modeling with experimental validation to address challenges in energy, environment, and sustainability. His research portfolio includes nanophotonics, metamaterials, fluid mechanics at non-infinitesimal Reynolds numbers, and cell biology applications. Wang's scholarly output demonstrates a progression from fundamental nanofluidic phenomena to broader applications in environmental sustainability and materials science. His early work focused on theoretical aspects of fluid behavior under nanoconfinement, while more recent publications address practical applications in energy-water nexus challenges, sustainable polymers, and environmental monitoring technologies. DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellow (2014-2018) CMU Teaching Innovation Award (2024) for "Participation Shoutouts!" activity ASCE Civil Engineering Education New Faculty Excellence in Teaching Award Wimmer Faculty Fellow at Eberly Center for Teaching Excellence and Educational Innovation Wang mentors a diverse group of graduate and undergraduate students across mechanical engineering, chemical engineering, and civil engineering disciplines. His M5 Lab conducts research on nanoscale transport phenomena, liquid crystals, sustainable polymers, and urban physics. The lab has received funding from the Scott Institute for Energy Innovation and other sources supporting computational research in energy and environmental applications.

• Nanoscale mechanics
• Non-equilibrium statistical physics
• Materials for water-energy nexus
• +13 more

Wändi Bruine de Bruin is a Professor in the Department of Engineering and Public Policy at Carnegie Mellon University's College of Engineering. She also holds a leadership role as the Chair in Behavioral Decision Making at Leeds University Business School, directing the Centre for Decision Research and serving as Deputy Director of the Priestley International Centre for Climate. Her affiliations include the University of Southern California's Center for Economic and Social Research and the RAND Corporation. She earned her Ph.D. in Behavioral Decision Theory and Psychology from Carnegie Mellon University (1998), following earlier degrees from the Free University of Amsterdam (BS 1989; MS in Cognitive Psychology 1993). Her research focuses on behavioral decision processes, climate change communication, risk analysis, and health policy. Notable contributions include studies on decision-making competence across adulthood, climate change terminology, and vaccine communication strategies. Dr. Bruine de Bruin leads efforts to improve policy decisions through behavioral insights. She has advised the U.S. National Academy of Sciences and the Canadian Academies on science communication, and her work bridges disciplines like psychology, environmental science, and public health. She serves on editorial boards of journals including Journal of Behavioral Decision Making and Medical Decision Making . Her recent work examines food insecurity dynamics in Los Angeles, pandemic responses, and the psychological underpinnings of climate policy preferences. Research outputs emphasize translating complex data into actionable insights for policymakers and practitioners. Awards: Fellow of the Psychonomic Society and Network for Studies on Pensions, Aging and Retirement (NETSPAR) Labs/Teams: Centre for Decision Research (Leeds), Center for Climate and Energy Decision Making (Carnegie Mellon)

• Behavioral Decision Making
• Climate Change Communication
• Public Health Policy
• +4 more