Carnegie Mellon University Welcomes Second Cohort of Rales Fellows

Reaffirming its commitment to lowering barriers to domestic graduate education in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, Carnegie Mellon University inducted its second cohort of CMU Rales Fellows(opens in new window) Tuesday, Sept. 30.

The 34 CMU Rales Fellows in the 2025 cohort(opens in new window) are exceptional scholars, creative innovators and purpose-driven leaders committed to making a meaningful impact in their fields and communities. 

“We are delighted to partner with a distinguished institution like Carnegie Mellon to open up access to a world-class graduate education for talented and deserving students like these 34 Fellows,” said Joshua Rales, president of the Norman R. Rales and Ruth Rales Foundation. “We can think of no better way to honor the memory of my parents, Norman and Ruth Rales, than by empowering these outstanding young people to realize their full potential as future leaders and innovators in the sciences.”

Established in 2023 through a transformative $150 million partnership with the Rales Foundation, the Fellows program supports scholars across more than 120 eligible STEM master’s and doctoral programs at CMU.

Rales Fellows receive a comprehensive, cohort-based experience; faculty mentorship; exclusive professional development and networking event opportunities with academic and industry leaders; personalized coaching from a dedicated career adviser; and a financial award that covers tuition, as well as a monthly stipend for living expenses. By connecting with others who share their passion for progress and creativity, the program empowers Rales Fellows to become leaders and changemakers in their areas of expertise.

“Carnegie Mellon University is thrilled to induct our second cohort of CMU Rales Fellows,” said CMU President Farnam Jahanian(opens in new window). “Together with the Rales Foundation, we are building a new generation of STEM trailblazers whose talents and brilliance will benefit humanity and — in turn — serve to honor the legacy of Norman and Ruth Rales in extraordinary ways.” 

This year’s group comprises three Ph.D. and 31 master’s students from 18 graduate programs across CMU’s four eligible colleges, representing 27 undergraduate institutions and a broad geographic range including 20 U.S. states.

“We’re honored to welcome our 2026 cohort,” said Moisés Padilla, executive director for the Rales Fellows Program. “This year’s group is made up of individuals who understand that the best ideas come from many minds working together. We look forward to seeing what they will achieve at Carnegie Mellon, in their fields and in communities around the world.”

Applications(opens in new window) are being accepted now for the 2026 cohort of Rales Fellows. The priority review deadline is Dec. 15. Prospective scholars can visit cmu.edu/graduate/rales-fellows(opens in new window) to learn more about the program and register for upcoming online information sessions.

The 2025 Rales Fellows

Noemi Banda
Master’s Candidate 
Mellon College of Science 
Computational Biology

Arturo Bohuchot
Master’s Candidate
College of Engineering
Information Security

Laila Dancy
Master’s Candidate
School of Computer Science 
Human-Computer Interaction

Michael Gomez
Master’s Candidate 
College of Engineering 
Engineering and Technology Innovation Management

Jacob Lawrence
Master’s Candidate 
College of Engineering 
Information Security

Teddi Bishop
Master’s Candidate 
College of Engineering 
Biomedical Engineering

Edward Chanquin
Master’s Candidate
School of Computer Science 
Human-Computer Interaction

Nolan Golden
Master’s Candidate
School of Computer Science 
Human-Computer Interaction

Melissa Juarez
Master’s Candidate 
Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Applied Data Science

Jay Louissaint
Master’s Candidate
Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Applied Data Science

Sofia Loya
Master’s Candidate 
College of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering - Research

Kayla McFarlane
Master’s Candidate
School of Computer Science
Robotics

Christopher Obiozor
Master’s Candidate 
College of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering - Research

Jordan Quinones
Master’s Candidate 
College of Engineering 
Artificial Intelligence Engineering

Dominick Robinson
Master’s Candidate
Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences
Applied Data Science

Zury Marroquin
Master’s Candidate
Mellon College of Science 
Data Analytics for Science

Julian Millan
Master’s Candidate
College of Engineering 
Mechanical Engineering - Research

Olapeju Otusajo
Master’s Candidate
School of Computer Science 
Human-Computer Interaction

Zeltzin Reyes Trejo
Master’s Candidate 
College of Engineering
Engineering and Public Policy

Grace Rojo
Ph.D. Candidate
Mellon College of Science 
Mathematical Sciences

Melanie Saenzpardo
Master’s Candidate 
College of Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering

Meilin Scott
Master’s Candidate
School of Computer Science 
Automated Science

Elizabeth Smith
Ph.D. Candidate
Mellon College of Science 
Chemistry

Lauren Smith
Master’s Candidate
School of Computer Science 
Human-Computer Interaction

Habiba Tawfiq
Master’s Candidate 
College of Engineering
Integrated Innovation for Products and Services

Caitlyn Santiago
Master’s Candidate 
College of Engineering 
Mechanical Engineering

Ramiya Shelton
Master’s Candidate 
College of Engineering 
Biomedical Engineering - Research

Kynnedy Smith
Ph.D. Candidate
School of Computer Science 
Human-Computer Interaction

Noah Stein
Master’s Candidate 
College of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering

Chloe Yawen Taylor
Master’s Candidate
College of Engineering 
Information Security

Bethany Vázquez Smith
Master’s Candidate
Mellon College of Science 
Computational Biology

Claire Vlases
Master’s Candidate
School of Computer Science
Human-Computer Interaction

Haylee Viramontes
Master’s Candidate
College of Engineering
Information Security

Emily Wan
Master’s Candidate
School of Computer Science 
Computer Science