Carnegie Mellon University Welcomes Third Cohort of Rales Fellows

Marking a significant milestone in the program’s growth, Carnegie Mellon University inducted its third cohort of CMU Rales Fellows on Nov. 2, building on the program’s momentum to cultivate the next generation of leaders in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The 25 CMU Rales Fellows in the 2026 cohort, enrolled in 19 graduate programs across Carnegie Mellon’s four eligible colleges, are scholars working across disciplines to advance science and human progress. 

“We are so pleased to welcome our third cohort of 25 talented and deserving CMU Rales Fellows in partnership with Carnegie Mellon University,” 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 our 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 CMU Rales Fellows program supports scholars from more than 120 eligible STEM master’s and doctoral programs at CMU, expanding access to graduate education for domestic students to help the United States meet the growing need for a new generation of leaders.

Rales Fellows experience a comprehensive, cohort-based program. The fellowship includes 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 and a monthly stipend for living expenses.

These resources allow Fellows to dedicate their energy into their passions and focus on the future, while fulfilling the Rales Fellows Program’s mission to offer holistic support. Fellows are encouraged to develop their personal and professional networks through connection and interdisciplinary collaboration along their journeys.

"Inducting our third cohort of CMU Rales Fellows marks another proud milestone in our partnership with the Rales Foundation,” said CMU President Farnam Jahanian. “Representing 19 graduate programs across four of our colleges, these 25 brilliant scholars reflect the spirit of innovation and collaboration that defines Carnegie Mellon. We look forward to supporting their journey as they advance scientific discovery and shape the future of STEM."

Interest in the Rales Fellows Program has increased significantly, with applications rising 115% from fall 2024 to fall 2026. From this growing applicant pool, 25 Fellows were selected this year from 86 semifinalists and 41 finalists. The 2026 CMU Rales Fellows come from 13 U.S. states and represent 20 undergraduate institutions, including five who earned their bachelor’s degrees at Carnegie Mellon.

"It's been energizing to welcome our newest cohort of Fellows to Pittsburgh and to Carnegie Mellon” said Moisés Padilla, executive director for the Rales Fellows Program. “They bring an impressive combination of character, commitment and knowledge, and I’m excited to see the contributions they will make here at CMU and well beyond.”

Applications are being accepted now for the 2027 cohort of Rales Fellows with a priority review deadline of Dec. 15. Prospective scholars can visit the Rales Fellows Program website to learn more about the program and register for upcoming online information sessions.

The 2026 Rales Fellows

Ayten Abdelrazek
Master’s Candidate
Kenneth C. Griffin School of Computer Science
Educational Technology and Applied Learning Sciences

Arsh Ali
Master’s Candidate
Mellon College of Science
Quantitative Biology and Bioinformatics - Advanced Study

Nirel Amoyaw
Master’s Candidate
Dietrich College for Humanities and Social Sciences
Applied Data Science

Zida Anyachebelu
Master’s Candidate
Kenneth C. Griffin School of Computer Science
Human-Computer Interaction

Carlton Cort
Master’s Candidate
Kenneth C. Griffin School of Computer Science
Robotics

Álvaro Diaz Ramos
Ph.D. Candidate
Mellon College of Science
Mathematical Sciences

Serge Douge
Master’s Candidate
College of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering - Advanced Study

John Driscoll
Ph.D. Candidate
Kenneth C. Griffin School of Computer Science and College of Engineering
Software and Societal Systems and Engineering and Public Policy

Mikaela Estes
Master’s Candidate
Mellon College of Science
Quantitative Biology and Bioinformatics - Advanced Study

Wendy Granados Razo
Master’s Candidate
College of Engineering
Civil and Environmental Engineering

Jada Iwuoha
Master’s Candidate
College of Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering

Makaela Jarnagin
Master’s Candidate
Kenneth C. Griffin School of Computer Science
Human-Computer Interaction

Morgan Johnson
Master’s Candidate
Mellon College of Science
Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Engineering

Iris Li
Master’s Candidate
College of Engineering
Biomedical Engineering

Lauren Mack
Master’s Candidate
College of Engineering
Information Security - Advanced Study

Aisha Malik
Master’s Candidate
Kenneth C. Griffin School of Computer Science
Machine Learning

Addie Martins
Master’s Candidate
College of Engineering
Mechanical Engineering

Veronika Nechaeva
Master’s Candidate
Kenneth C. Griffin School of Computer Science
Privacy Engineering

Toby Obodoechine
Master’s Candidate
College of Engineering
Engineering and Public Policy

Ahmad Salman
Master’s Candidate
College of Engineering
Integrated Innovation for Products and Services

Lauren Schmader
Master’s Candidate
College of Engineering
Chemical Engineering - Applied Study

Dallan Schoenberger
Ph.D. Candidate
College of Engineering
Chemical Engineering

Alexa Torres
Master’s Candidate
Mellon College of Science
Data Analytics for Science

Jamari Toussaint
Master’s Candidate
College of Engineering
Electrical and Computer Engineering

Gonzalo Verdugo
Master’s Candidate
College of Engineering
Civil and Environmental Engineering - Research