MechE hosts 2024 Rising Stars Workshop

Thirty scholars from around the country participated in the 2024 Rising Stars workshop hosted by CMU’s Department of Mechanical Engineering. 

Designed for female graduate students and postdocs interested in an academic career, the workshop helps participants gain career skills, connect with a cohort of peers, and engage with mentors from the hosting university. This year marked the seventh Rising Stars in Mechanical Engineering Workshop. It rotates annually between MIT, Stanford, Berkeley, and CMU. 

Over the course of two days, participants were exposed to the job application process, different academic career pathways, and what life as a professor looks like. They learned negotiation strategies, effective ways to shape a research program, receive funding, and prepare for undergraduate and graduate level teaching.

Participating in a  Rising Stars workshop is one of the best ways to demystify the job application process and what it really means to be a faculty member.

Eni Halilaj, Associate Professor, Mechanical Engineering

“It was wonderful to see the participants so engaged with each topic,” said Eni Halilaj, Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering at CMU and workshop chair. “Beyond learning some of the practical skills required to excel in an academic career, participants were able to connect with one another and engage with faculty from across the College of Engineering.” 

During “Lightning Talks” participants pitched their research vision and received tailored feedback from peers and faculty members.

“I wish an opportunity like this existed when I was considering academia,” said Halilaj. “Participating in a  Rising Stars workshop is one of the best ways to demystify the job application process and what it really means to be a faculty member. The programming fosters an open and supportive environment, where you are surrounded by mentors and a class of peers learning alongside you.”