Carnegie Mellon University

People of Metro21

Home to thought leaders across technology, business and public policy, Carnegie Mellon University faculty are the core of Metro21 innovation. Our team uses their interdisciplinary skills to examine real-world challenges from multiple perspectives and transform communities sustainably and equitably.

Meet Our Leadership

Raj Rajkumar

Raj Rajkumar

Director, Metro21

A pioneer in the world of connected and autonomous vehicles, Raj has led global initiatives to further our quest for answers to what’s possible in the cars of tomorrow.

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Karen Lightman

Karen Lightman

Executive Director, Metro21

Karen is an internationally recognized leader in building and supporting communities with emerging technologies in consumer, military, health care, manufacturing and automotive sectors.

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Meet Our Faculty Experts

From robotics to history, design, physics and more — Metro21 faculty combine their expertise to innovate solutions that build smarter, more equitable communities across the globe.

Meet Our Experts

“To tackle the multifaceted and complex challenges facing communities, Metro21 plays a collaborative role by drawing upon the interdisciplinary expertise of its CMU faculty.”
Raj Rajkumar, Director, Metro21

Meet Our Executive Committee

Leading faculty from Carnegie Mellon’s top programs drive our strategic direction and make our work possible.


Isabelle Bajeux-Besnainou

Dean, Tepper School of Business


Rebecca Doerge

Dean, Mellon College of Science


Martial Hebert

Dean, School of Computer Science


Ramayya Krishnan

Dean, Heinz College of Information Systems and Public Policy



Mary Ellen Poole, Ph.D.

Dean, College of Fine Arts


Bill Sanders

Dean, College of Engineering


Richard Scheines

Dean, Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences


Keith Webster

Dean of Libraries