Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

CMU Mellon College of Science @cmuscience.bsky.social · 1d

CMU researchers are pushing the boundaries of AI in science. Gabe Gomes and his team developed Coscientist, an AI system that plans and executes chemical reactions — accelerating discoveries that once took years to complete. His work was featured in Nature.
www.nature.com/articles/d41...

Will AI ever win its own Nobel? Some predict a prize-worthy science discovery soon

Other researchers question whether autonomous AI scientists are possible or even desirable.

www.nature.com

1 3

CMU Mellon College of Science @cmuscience.bsky.social · 2d

A supermoon is set to brighten Pittsburgh's sky. In an interview with the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, CMU's Diane Turnshek shines some light on the phenomena.
www.post-gazette.com/news/weather...

A supermoon is set to light up the Pittsburgh sky. Here's what to know and when to see it.

Skygazers, rejoice. We’re about to get close to the moon. The first supermoon of the season will grace the fall sky Monday night around Pittsburgh. And...

www.post-gazette.com

Reposted by CMU Mellon College of Science

Markus Deserno @markusdeserno.bsky.social · 12d

I am super excited to announce that we have a tenure-track faculty position in biophysics open in the Department of Physics at Carnegie Mellon! 🧪

Interfolio link: apply.interfolio.com/174360

PLEASE, share widely across the blue skies!

Let me briefly explain what we're looking for:

1/10

Tenure-track Position in Biophysics at Carnegie Mellon University, Department of Physics

Location: Pittsburgh, PA
Open Date: Sep 19, 2025

Description
The Department of Physics at Carnegie Mellon University invites applications for a tenure-track faculty position in biophysics. The appointment is intended to be at the Assistant Professor level, but exceptional candidates at a higher level may also be considered. We seek outstanding candidates with a strong record in cellular and subcellular biophysics. Topics of particular interest include, but are not limited to, uncovering how key characteristics of living systems arise from the interplay between supramolecular cellular structures, how the emergent cellular circuitry defines goals and enables robust decision making, and how metabolic resources are allocated. This encompasses understanding of how information is learned, stored, transduced, and processed across subcellular structures. Applicants with theoretical, data science, or experimental backgrounds within biological physics are encouraged to apply. The ideal candidate will strengthen and extend research programs of current biophysics faculty in the Department of Physics and collaborate with broader life science activities across many departments at CMU and the wider Pittsburgh area.

More details on Interfolio: https://apply.interfolio.com/174360

2 84 93

CMU Mellon College of Science @cmuscience.bsky.social · 8d

Elizabeth Lee, a first-year Ph.D. student in Neural Computation, has been awarded CMU’s 2025 Sutherland-Merlino Fellowship. Her work bridges neuroscience and machine learning, and she’s passionate about advancing STEM access for underrepresented groups.
www.cmu.edu/mcs/news-eve...

3 7

Reposted by CMU Mellon College of Science

University of Pittsburgh Department of Medicine @pittdeptofmed.bsky.social · 15d

🎉 The Department of Medicine is delighted to announce the 2025 Samuel and Emma Winters Foundation awardees! These awards support junior faculty pushing the boundaries of biomedical research in Pittsburgh.

🧵 Meet this year’s awardees:

1 1 4

CMU Mellon College of Science @cmuscience.bsky.social · 13d

Five Mellon College of Science faculty members have received named professorships, one of the highest academic honors. These awards support groundbreaking work in neuroscience, astrophysics, chemistry and biological sciences. www.cmu.edu/mcs/news-eve...

Five faculty members stand in between two busts.

1

CMU Mellon College of Science @cmuscience.bsky.social · 14d

Carnegie Mellon has named Diana Parno as associate head of the Department of Physics. A leading neutrino physicist, she will help shape the department’s future while continuing her groundbreaking research.
www.cmu.edu/mcs/news-eve...

Diana Parno stands at a podium and gives a speech. A banner in the background says "Carnegie Mellon University."

2

CMU Mellon College of Science @cmuscience.bsky.social · 15d

Carnegie Mellon has named Rachel Mandelbaum as head of the Department of Physics. A leading expert in cosmology and data-driven science, she brings a vision for interdisciplinary research and innovation.
www.cmu.edu/mcs/news-eve...

1 4

CMU Mellon College of Science @cmuscience.bsky.social · 16d

CMU and UNC researchers used AI and human expertise to create a new rubber-like material that’s both strong and flexible — something that’s been difficult to achieve. This breakthrough could speed up the design of better materials for shoes, cars and medical devices.
www.cmu.edu/mcs/news-eve...

Frank Leibfarth of UNC Chapel Hill squishes a cube made of a new polymer.

2 1

CMU Mellon College of Science @cmuscience.bsky.social · 19d

CMU’s Environmental and Sustainability Studies program empowers students to tackle climate change through hands-on research and interdisciplinary learning. From water systems in Costa Rica to sustainable architecture, they’re designing solutions for a better future.
www.cmu.edu/mcs/news-eve...

A drawing of a building design which highlights sustainable architecture. The design is called "Wildlife Nexus."

CMU Mellon College of Science @cmuscience.bsky.social · 20d

CMU researchers found a new way to control how tiny particles of light and matter, called excitons, behave in ultra-thin materials. This could lead to breakthroughs in quantum tech and future devices. Their work was published in Nature Photonics.
phys.org/news/2025-09...

Trilayer moiré superlattices unlock tunable control of exciton configurations

Moiré superlattices are periodic patterns formed when two or more thin semiconducting layers are stacked with a small twist angle or lattice mismatch. When 2D materials form these patterns, their elec...

phys.org

1

CMU Mellon College of Science @cmuscience.bsky.social · 21d

Undergrads brought the energy to MCS Pride Day — thanks for making it unforgettable!

Ken Hovis and Maggie Braun smile at the camera as they stand next to a grill with hotdogs on it.

Dean Barbara Shinn-Cunningham and Eric Yttri smile at the camera. Yttrium holds a flaming sousaphone.

A group of students participate in tug-of-war.

2 3

CMU Mellon College of Science @cmuscience.bsky.social · 23d

MCS Pride Day is tomorrow! MCS undergraduates — join professors, staff and friends on the Mall from 3:30-6:30 p.m. Remember to check in at the MCS Student Advisory Committee tent!

An image of a red tie dye tee shirt with the words "MCS Pride Day" over it.

1

CMU Mellon College of Science @cmuscience.bsky.social · 24d

As Severance heads into the Emmys with 27 nominations, CMU neuroscientist Alison Barth explains why the show resonates: our brains use context to separate work and life. State-dependent memory makes those “two selves” feel real.
www.cmu.edu/mcs/news-eve...

A still from the show Severane where a character walks down a white hallway holding a cluster of blue balloons.

1

CMU Mellon College of Science @cmuscience.bsky.social · 25d

On World Fencing Day, we celebrate the art and strategy of the sport with @barbsc.bsky.social. From saber bouts with students to a bronze medal at the 2019 Veteran Fencing World Championships, she proves fencing is as much mental as physical.
www.cmu.edu/news/stories...

Physical Pursuits Help CMU Faculty Attain a Work-Life Balance that Matters

Whether it’s on the water, in the dojo or on wheels, the journey toward health and well-being is unique to these faculty at Carnegie Mellon University.

www.cmu.edu

1

CMU Mellon College of Science @cmuscience.bsky.social · 26d

Join @barbsc.bsky.social for “Discovery to Defense: AI and Biomanufacturing at the Frontline” as part of AI Horizons!
www.youtube.com/@AIHorizonsP...

A poster that features Barbara Shinn-Cunningham that says, "AI Horizons Pittsburgh. Sept. 11-12, Bakery Square."

1 1

CMU Mellon College of Science @cmuscience.bsky.social · 27d

CMU is introducing a Ph.D. in Astronomy and Astrophysics in Fall 2025. Students will gain foundational training in data-intensive astronomy and astrophysics, with electives in physics and other relevant departments.
www.cmu.edu/mcs/news-eve...

This image captures a small section of NSF–DOE Vera C. Rubin Observatory’s view of the Virgo Cluster, offering a vivid glimpse of the variety in the cosmos. Visible are two prominent spiral galaxies, three merging galaxies, galaxy groups both near and distant, stars within our own Milky Way, and much more.

1 2

CMU Mellon College of Science @cmuscience.bsky.social · 28d

MCS Pride Day is almost here! We’ll be celebrating undergraduates in the Mellon College of Science from 3:30-6:30 p.m. on Sept. 16 on the Mall between the College of Fine Arts building and Hammerschlag with an afternoon of fun, food and community.

Five students tug hard on a rope during a game of tug of war.

Five students watch as a model rocket launches into the air.

Two students prepare to tie dye tee shirts.

1 1

CMU Mellon College of Science @cmuscience.bsky.social · Sep 4

CMU students and math artist Glen Whitney created “Knight’s Move,” an 8-foot sculpture on Wean Hall’s patio. Representing 288 knight moves on a 3D chessboard, it’s a bold mix of math and art. Check it out this fall!
www.cmu.edu/mcs/news-eve...

A student holds up a sculpture made of yellow, red and gold strips of metal.

5 18

CMU Mellon College of Science @cmuscience.bsky.social · Sep 3

The Institute for Computer Aided Reasoning in Mathematics has the potential to transform broader mathematics and Pittsburgh business.
www.wpxi.com/news/pittsbu...

Our Region's business - Institute for Computer-Aided Reasoning in Mathematics

www.wpxi.com

CMU Mellon College of Science @cmuscience.bsky.social · Aug 29

CMU grad Logan McGregor blends physics and bagpipes, practicing at dawn for the Virginia Scottish Games. From piobaireachd to pop, he’s keeping tradition alive — one note at a time.
www.post-gazette.com/life/goodnes...

Bagpiper’s perfect place to practice is a shelter on the Montour Trail

Rehearsing where no one but the occasional cyclist or walker can hear him play his Great Highland bagpipe, a secluded shelter at the Cliff Mine trailhead, Logan McGregor is working on being pitch-perf...

www.post-gazette.com

1 1

CMU Mellon College of Science @cmuscience.bsky.social · Aug 28

@vrubinobs.bsky.social is capturing the cosmos in motion. Carnegie Mellon researchers are building the tools to turn 20TB of daily sky data into discoveries about dark matter, galaxy formation and the universe itself.
www.cmu.edu/whats-next-p...

S2 Episode 10: Cracking the Cosmic Code: How Software Powers the Rubin Observatory

Imagine a telescope so powerful it could give us a whole new picture of the cosmos and help answer some of the biggest questions about the universe–if we can handle the data.

www.cmu.edu

1 4

CMU Mellon College of Science @cmuscience.bsky.social · Aug 26

Biomedical researchers are invited to apply for access to the Pittsburgh Supercomputing Center's Anton 3, a resource that enables the modeling of millions of atoms in seconds, which can provide valuable insights into protein and molecular interactions. Learn more: www.psc.edu/resources/an...

Anton 3

www.psc.edu

CMU Mellon College of Science @cmuscience.bsky.social · Aug 25

Welcome back to all of our students! We’re looking forward to the fall semester with you!

A scotty dog wears a baseball cap and holds a foam finger that says "MCS is #1" Text on the poster says, "Mellon College of Science Welcomes You to CMU!"

2 5

CMU Mellon College of Science @cmuscience.bsky.social · Aug 22

Check out our photo highlights from Incoming Graduate Student Community Day! Cheers to our incredible grad students!

A large group of graduate students sits in an auditorium.

A group of eight graduate students gathers around a table and talks.

A group of six graduate students sit and laugh in the Mellon Institute library.