Carnegie Mellon University Welcomes Second Cohort of Rales Fellows
Cassia Crogan
- Director of Media Relations, Carnegie Mellon University
- Email ccrogan@andrew.cmu.edu
Heidi Opdyke
- Associate Dean of Marketing and Communications, MCS
- Email opdyke@andrew.cmu.edu
- Phone 412-268-9982
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 Tuesday, Sept. 30.
The 34 CMU Rales Fellows in the 2025 cohort 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. “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 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 to learn more about the program and register for upcoming online information sessions.
