2026
2026
September
Adams discusses the deadly impact of heat and data centers
Sierra Club
Data centers use diesel generators as emergency power sources, but these generators also release high amounts of pollution. CEE/EPP’s Peter Adams spoke with Sierra Club about the effects that data center generators could have on surrounding communities, sharing his findings that if data centers get their power from diesel generators instead of the grid, they could cause around 500 additional premature deaths per year in the US.
August
Whitefoot joins National Academies Committee
National Academies
EPP/MechE’s Kate Whitefoot is serving on the National Academies Committee to explore current and potential next-generation battery energy storage technologies for defense applications.
Nock reveals truths about electricity use and affordability
Multiple sources
CEE/EPP’s Destenie Nock wrote an article that discusses the perspectives on affordability from energy companies and the importance of balancing reduced energy use to save funds while maintaining household safety and health. The article can be read in The Conversation, Chron, and Yahoo! News.
Data center research cited in Forbes
Forbes
A Forbes article analyzing data centers and electricity prices in the U.S. referenced a study authored by a cross-institutional team of researchers including EPP’s Joseph DeCarolis and Paulina Jaramillo. This collaborative network comprises the Open Energy Outlook, a key initiative of Carnegie Mellon’s Scott Institute for Energy Innovation.
Engineering faculty awarded for academic and research achievements
The 2026 Engineering faculty award winners have been selected by the Engineering Faculty Awards and Recognition Committee for their exceptional achievements in academics and research. These include: Benjamin Richard Teare Teaching Award: Katherine Flanigan (CEE); David P. Casasent Outstanding Research Award: Tzahi Cohen-Karni (BME/MSE); Distinguished Professor of Engineering Award: Peter Adams (CEE/EPP); George Tallmann Ladd Research Award: Noelia Grande Gutiérrez (MechE), Philip and Marsha Dowd Fellowship: Patrick Tague (iii); Steven J. Fenves Award for Systems Research: Valerie Karplus (EPP) and Chris Pistorius (MSE); and Outstanding Mentoring Award: Kaushik Dayal (CEE), Kathryn Whitehead (ChemE), and Keith Cook (BME).
Nock publishes piece on dangers of high indoor temperatures
The Conversation
CEE/EPP’s Destenie Nock published an article in The Conversation on why the recommended 78-degree air conditioner setting may not be right for every household. She recommends several ways households can lower indoor temperatures without relying heavily on an air conditioner.
July
Michalek quoted on consumer transition to electric vehicles
Los Angeles Times
EPP/MechE’s Jeremy Michalek was quoted in the Los Angeles Times on California’s efforts to encourage consumers to purchase electric vehicles.
Peha quoted on internet space race
Straight Arrow News
EPP’s Jon Peha was quoted in Straight Arrow News on how people in remote areas will have access to high-speed internet via recently launched Amazon satellites.
RETI Consortium named NSF Regional Innovation Engine awardee
Multiple sources
Carnegie Mellon is a core partner in the Resilient Energy Technology & Infrastructure (RETI) Consortium, which was announced on July 14, as one of just 12 new National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines award recipients. Scott Institute/EPP’s Valerie Karplus serves as the consortium’s director of policy. Outlets including Pittsburgh Business Times and TribLive reported on the consortium’s funding milestone, as well as its positioning to supercharge energy innovation, grid resilience, and entrepreneurship in the West Virginia-Western Pennsylvania region.
Fischhoff co-authors special feature on behavioral science
Medical Xpress
EPP’s Baruch Fischhoff co-authored a new special feature from Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences examining how behavioral science has helped American consumers and patients by influencing federal agencies like the FDA. This publication was highlighted in Medical Xpress.
Nock quoted on air conditioning inequities during heat wave
USA Today
CEE/EPP’s Destenie Nock was quoted in USA Today on how low-income U.S. households tend to set their thermostats higher than other households in the summer, highlighting how dangerous this cost-saving measure can be during a heat wave. The article was also syndicated by Yahoo! and AOL.
Combemale quoted on AI’s impact on Pittsburgh jobs
Technical.ly
EPP’s Christophe Combemale was quoted by Technical.ly and Pittsburgh’s Public Source on how AI may create jobs in the Pittsburgh region in industries such as manufacturing.
June
Peha publishes memo on AI and policing
Federation of American Scientists
EPP’s Jon Peha authored a memo published by the Federation of American Scientists examining the potential benefits and challenges of using generative AI to help police officers write reports. In the memo, Peha recommends that federal agencies develop frameworks to guide police departments in considering the use of AI for report writing.
Michalek quoted on electric vehicle costs and climate impact
NPR
EPP/MechE’s Jeremy Michalek was quoted in an NPR article assessing the costs and environmental friendliness of a gasoline versus an electric vehicle. Michalek concluded the electric vehicle was more cost-effective and would generate fewer emissions long term.
May
Fischhoff explains miscommunication of experts and the public
Nautilus
EPP’s Baruch Fischhoff was quoted in Nautilus on the disconnect between public perception of natural phenomena and the actual science behind them, in this case specifically, the frequency and magnitude of earthquakes. Fischhoff explains that “people have plausible mental models of how things work,” but due to discrepancies in what each group values, experts might’ve just “done a terrible job of communicating” in a way that aligns with what the public can understand.
Fischhoff wins research book award
EPP’s Baruch Fischhoff has won a 2026 Responsible Research in Management Award for his book Bounded Disciplines & Unbounded Problems. Among 121 nominations, Fischhoff’s book was selected for both its scientific rigor as well as its benefit to society.
Muller highlighted for economic data center analysis
Fortune
Fortune referenced EPP’s Nick Muller in his recent working paper for the National Bureau of Economic Research, where he reveals the indirect economic effects of data centers on the health and increased mortality of residents near these sites. By converting premature mortality rates and severe adverse health effects caused by the data centers into monetary values, Muller estimates $25 billion in economic damages from environmental pollutants and energy consumption.
April
Nock on Resources Radio podcast
Resources Radio podcast
CEE and EPP’s Destenie Nock discusses measures utilities and policymakers can take to better capture energy-accessibility and affordability metrics.
March
Fischoff comments on self-vaccination
Baltimore Sun
EPP’s Baruch Fischhoff collaborated on an article highlighting painless yet effective methods for self-vaccination. He recommends investing in oral, nasal, and skin patch versions of the injected vaccines.
February
Karplus speaks at National Academies webinar
National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
EPP’s Valerie Karplus was a panelist during a webinar hosted by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine that explored the promise and potential of energy parks. The National Academies posted a related story on their website.
January
Fischhoff featured on overconfidence and cognitive bias
Open Culture
EPP’s Baruch Fischhoff was featured by Open Culture for an interview about the dangers of overconfidence and cognitive bias. His study from the 1970s, which revealed the vast disparity between accuracy and perceived certainty, continues to be highly relevant today.