Dear Colleagues,
The most pressing challenges in today’s interconnected world require solutions that transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries. From processing environmental data for the public good to addressing reliance on critical limited resources, these problems cannot be solved by engineers alone.
That’s why I’d like to take a moment to highlight recent efforts in CEE that embody the spirit of interdisciplinary collaboration.
The Information Science and Engineering for the Public Sector (ISEPS) program gathers graduate students from various fields — from engineering to computer science to public policy — and equips them with the data science and AI skills necessary to tackle public-sector challenges with ethical responsibility.
Meanwhile, the Critical Mineral Hub brings together experts in engineering, the natural sciences, and the social sciences to address the full life cycle of critical minerals — from extraction and processing to reuse and alternatives. By partnering with industry and local communities, this initiative works towards a future where we not only use critical minerals more wisely but reduce our reliance on them overall.
The launch of these programs, made possibly by internal funding, reflect the value placed on solving society's biggest challenges together. These programs hold great potential for reaching insights that no one discipline could uncover alone. I, for one, am incredibly hopeful and excited for what lies ahead.
