The Carnegie Mellon University Podcast

CMU Events, Research Highlights, Local Festivities & Steelers Game: Your Campus and Pittsburgh Update for Dec 8–15

Hey Scotty the Scottish Terrier, it's Jenny with your Campus Update for December 8 through December 15. Let's get you set for the week—fast. First up—on Tuesday, December 9, from 3:00 to 4:00 p.m., the Mellon College of Science is hosting a virtual webinar titled "Threads of Inquiry: Unveiling the Invisible Universe." Professors Tiziana DiMatteo and Rachel Mandelbaum will discuss how CMU's McWilliams Center for Cosmology & Astrophysics is probing dark matter, dark energy, and black holes. It's free, but registration closes at 3:00 p.m. on the day of the event. Next—on Wednesday, December 10, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., the Materials Science and Engineering Department is hosting the Molecular Engineering of Soft Materials Symposium in Scott Hall. This event highlights cross-disciplinary research across CMU departments, aiming to advance soft materials research. Registration is required. Finally—on Friday, December 12, at 3:00 p.m., Benjamin Freed will defend his PhD thesis titled "Modeling what Matters: Emergent Abstraction in Reinforcement Learning" at the Robotics Institute. This is a great opportunity to support a fellow student and learn about cutting-edge research. The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for a home game against the Miami Dolphins on Monday, December 15, at 5:15 p.m. While not directly related to CMU, it's always exciting to have NFL action in town. If you're a football fan, consider grabbing tickets or catching the game with friends. On Monday, December 8, at 3:30 p.m., the Robotics Institute is hosting a seminar by Eliahu Horwitz from The Hebrew University of Jerusalem. He'll discuss "What Can We Learn from a Million Models?" It's a fascinating topic for anyone interested in machine learning. In local news, Pittsburgh is brimming with festive events this December. On Monday, December 8, "A Very Yinzer Christmas" is happening at the Benedum Center at 7:30 p.m. It's a ticketed event celebrating Pittsburgh's unique holiday traditions. For a sweet treat, consider visiting the Lawrenceville Cookie Tour on December 13 and 14. Local businesses offer free cookies and holiday specials—perfect for getting into the festive spirit. This week in Pittsburgh, expect cold temperatures with a mix of snow and rain. Tuesday afternoon brings 5-10 cm of snow, transitioning to a mix of snow and rain on Wednesday. Thursday and Friday will be colder with flurries and snow showers. Over the weekend, temperatures drop further, with partial sunshine and highs around 21°F (-6°C). Stay warm and be prepared for slippery sidewalks. Your move: register for the "Threads of Inquiry" webinar by 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 9. It's a unique chance to delve into the mysteries of the universe with CMU experts. That's your quick Campus Update. I'm Jenny—catch you next Monday morning. Tap follow on your podcast app so you never miss a beat.

Campus Update: Ph.D. Info Session, Staff Meeting, Art Open Studios, Football Streak & Winter Weather—Dec 1-8 Highlights

Hey Scotty the Scottish Terrier, it's Jenny with your Campus Update for December 1 through December 8. Let's get you set for the week—fast. First up—the Chemical Engineering Ph.D. program is hosting a virtual information session today, December 1, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Eastern Time. If you're considering a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, this is a great opportunity to learn more. You can register on the College of Engineering's website. Next—the Annual Staff Meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, December 2, from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM in the Singleton Room on the 4th floor of Roberts Engineering Hall. Staff members, mark your calendars. And—the School of Art presents Open Studios 2025: "Enter the Clouds" on Friday, December 5, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. Explore artworks by sophomores, juniors, seniors, and MFA students in the College of Fine Arts and Hall of the Arts. No tickets required, and it's open to all. The Tartans football team continues their impressive home win streak at Gesling Stadium, now at 22 games, having not lost there since March 25, 2021. While there are no home games this week, the team is gearing up for the upcoming season. Keep an eye out for their schedule and come support our Tartans! Scotch'n'Soda Theatre, our student-run theatre organization, is known for its dynamic performances and is the nation's oldest coed student theater group. While there are no scheduled performances this week, it's a great time to get involved or plan to attend their future shows. Check out their website for more information. On the dining front, the campus food trucks are still serving up delicious options despite the chilly weather. Warm up with some hot meals from your favorite vendors around campus. This week in Pittsburgh, expect cold temperatures with occasional snow showers. Tuesday, December 2, brings snow and flurries in the morning, accumulating 2-4 centimeters, which could make roads and sidewalks slippery. Thursday, December 4, may see a snow shower in the morning. Stay warm and be cautious on the roads. Your move: Register for the Chemical Engineering Ph.D. program information session happening today at 11:00 AM. Don't miss this chance to learn more about the program. That's your quick Campus Update. I'm Jenny—catch you next Monday morning. Tap follow on your podcast app so you never miss a beat.

Thanksgiving Break, Grad Deadlines, Sports Highlights & Events: Your Fast Campus Update for Nov 24–Dec 1

Hey Scotty the Scottish Terrier, it's Jenny with your Campus Update for November 24 through December 1. Let's get you set for the week—fast. First up—Thanksgiving Break runs from Wednesday, November 26, through Friday, November 28. No classes during this period, so enjoy the holiday and travel safely. Next, if you're eyeing the Information Networking Institute's master's programs, the priority application deadline is Monday, December 1. Don't miss this chance to get ahead in the admissions process. Lastly, for those applying to the School of Computer Science's graduate programs, the early application deadline is Wednesday, November 19, at 3 p.m. Eastern Time. Submitting early can be beneficial, so mark your calendars. Over the weekend, our Tartans football team faced a tough opponent but showed resilience on the field. A standout performance came from running back Alex Thompson, who rushed for over 100 yards and scored two touchdowns. Looking ahead, the men's basketball team has a home game this Saturday at Gesling Stadium. Come out and support our team as they take on their rivals. This week, the Scotch'n'Soda Theatre is hosting auditions for their upcoming spring musical. It's a fantastic opportunity to get involved in one of the nation's oldest student-run theater groups. On the dining front, the campus food trucks are rolling out a special Thanksgiving-themed menu on Tuesday. It's a delicious way to get into the holiday spirit without leaving campus. Here's your weather forecast for the week: - : Sun and areas of low clouds, High: 42°F (6°C), Low: 38°F (3°C) - : Cloudy with periods of rain in the afternoon, High: 47°F (8°C), Low: 42°F (6°C) - : Low clouds breaking for some sun with a couple of showers; breezy in the afternoon, High: 52°F (11°C), Low: 36°F (2°C) - : Mainly cloudy with a couple of flurries; windy and colder, High: 40°F (4°C), Low: 29°F (-2°C) - : Mostly cloudy, High: 36°F (2°C), Low: 22°F (-5°C) - : Mostly cloudy, High: 33°F (1°C), Low: 23°F (-5°C) - : Snow mixing with rain, High: 37°F (3°C), Low: 33°F (1°C) - : Plenty of sunshine, High: 41°F (5°C), Low: 36°F (2°C) Pack an umbrella for Tuesday—rain is expected in the afternoon. Your move: If you're planning to apply to the Information Networking Institute's master's programs, submit your application by Monday, December 1. Don't wait—get it done now. That's your quick Campus Update. I'm Jenny—catch you next Monday morning. Tap follow on your podcast app so you never miss a beat.

Campus Update: Seminars, Sports Highlights, Theatre Events & Tech-Sustainability Forum at CMU (Nov 17–24)

Hey Scotty the Scottish Terrier, it's Jenny with your Campus Update for November 17 through November 24. Let's get you set for the week—fast. First up—the CyLab Seminar Series continues today, Monday, November 17, at noon. Anupam Datta will be presenting, and you can join either via Zoom or in person at CIC room 4105. Next, on Wednesday, November 19, at 3 p.m., there's a virtual Faculty Insights session featuring S. Mohadeseh Taheri-Mousavi. It's a great opportunity to gain insights into current research and its impact. And don't miss the 7th Annual CMU Technology, Sustainability, and Business Forum on Friday, November 21, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. This virtual event will delve into the intersection of technology and sustainability. The men's basketball team had a thrilling game against Denison University on Sunday, November 16. The Tartans edged out a 90–87 victory, with the game tied at 54–54 before a series of clutch plays secured the win. In women's soccer, the Tartans faced off against the sixth-ranked Case Western Reserve University on Saturday, November 15, ending the regular season with a 1–1 draw. Senior Ceci Dapino scored her 10th goal of the season in the 66th minute. Looking ahead, the men's basketball team is set to play at home this week. Check the athletics website for the latest schedule and come out to support the Tartans! Scotch'n'Soda Theatre, our student-run theatre organization, is known for its dynamic performances and is the nation's oldest coed student theater group. Keep an eye out for their upcoming shows and consider getting involved! On the dining front, the campus food trucks are rolling out some new menu items this week. Be sure to swing by the food truck lineup near the Cohon University Center to check out the latest offerings. Here's your weather forecast for the week: - : Breezy this morning; otherwise, more clouds than sun. - : Considerable cloudiness and chilly with a bit of rain and snow beginning in the late morning with little or no accumulation. - : Clouds followed by a brightening sky. - : Low clouds. - : Occasional rain and drizzle. - : Times of clouds and sun. - : Cloudy. Your move: Register for the 7th Annual CMU Technology, Sustainability, and Business Forum happening this Friday. It's a virtual event, so you can join from anywhere. Don't miss out—register now! That's your quick Campus Update. I'm Jenny—catch you next Monday morning. Tap follow on your podcast app so you never miss a beat.

Campus Update: Seminars, Grad Deadlines, Spring Registration, Sports Highlights & Food Truck News (Nov 10–17)

Hey Scotty the Scottish Terrier, it's Jenny with your Campus Update for November 10 through November 17. Let's get you set for the week—fast. First up—the CyLab Security and Privacy Institute is hosting a seminar with Benedikt Bünz on Monday, November 10, at noon. Join in person at CIC room 4105 in Panther Hollow or via Zoom. Next—if you're eyeing a graduate program in the School of Computer Science, the early application deadline is November 19 at 3 p.m. Eastern Standard Time. Applying early saves you $20 on the application fee. And—Spring 2026 course registration kicks off next week, from November 17 to November 21. Check your registration time and plan your schedule accordingly. Over the weekend, the Tartans football team faced off against Franklin & Marshall at Gesling Stadium. It was a thrilling game, with our team showcasing impressive teamwork and determination. Looking ahead, the men's and women's soccer teams have wrapped up their seasons, so no home games are scheduled this week. Stay tuned for updates on winter sports as the season progresses. Scotch'n'Soda Theatre, our student-run theater group, is known for its dynamic performances and is gearing up for upcoming productions. Keep an eye out for announcements on their next show and consider getting involved, whether on stage or behind the scenes. On the dining front, the campus food trucks are rolling out some new menu items this week. Be sure to swing by the food truck lineup near the Cohon University Center to check out the latest offerings and grab a bite between classes. Here's your weather forecast for the week: - : Cloudy with a snow shower; cold. - : Cloudy in the morning, becoming breezy with times of clouds and sun in the afternoon; cold. - : Cloudy and breezy with a brief shower or two. - : A couple of showers of rain or snow. - : Mostly sunny. - : Thickening clouds. - : Cloudy with showers, beginning after temperatures rise above freezing. Your move: If you're considering applying to the School of Computer Science graduate programs, submit your application by November 19 to take advantage of the reduced application fee. Don't miss this opportunity to save and get ahead in the admissions process. That's your quick Campus Update. I'm Jenny—catch you next Monday morning. Tap follow on your podcast app so you never miss a beat.