School of Science and Engineering
News
From groundbreaking research and major funding wins to new leadership and student milestones, the Tulane School of Science and Engineering community is driving discovery at every level. Explore the latest news highlighting the faculty, students, and researchers shaping the future of science and engineering — in the lab, in the classroom, and across the Gulf Coast and beyond.
Civil engineering major among new engineering programs offered at Tulane
Programs at the School of Science and Engineering at Tulane University continue to expand with four new degrees: two undergraduate majors and two Master of Science programs.
“With enthusiastic support from faculty, staff and our generous alumni, engineering at Tulane is roaring back to life!” said Hridesh Rajan, dean of the School of Science and Engineering. “The new degree programs underscore Tulane's commitment to engineering excellence.”
Three Tulane Faculty Members Win Prestigious NSF CAREER Awards
Tulane University is celebrating a major milestone as three of its faculty members have been named recipients of the highly competitive National Science Foundation (NSF) CAREER Award. Mark Mondrinos (Biomedical Engineering), Samuel Punshon-Smith (Mathematics), and Alex McSkimming (Chemistry) each earned the honor for projects that push the boundaries of scientific understanding while advancing education and outreach in their respective fields.
Where STEM Meets Liberal Arts: The Digital Revolution, from Ada to AI
Tulane University’s School of Liberal Arts and School of Science & Engineering are collaborating on a compelling new course: “The Digital Revolution, from Ada to AI.” Co taught by historian and bestselling author Walter Isaacson and computer scientist Nicholas Mattei, the class explores the evolution of digital technology from its 19th century origins to the modern age of artificial intelligence.
Marie Dahleh Appointed Associate Dean for Online and Professional Programs
The Tulane University School of Science and Engineering is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Marie Dahleh as Associate Dean for Online and Professional Programs. In this expanded leadership role, Dahleh will guide the strategic growth and development of the school’s master’s degrees, certificates, and professional programs, both online and in person.
Cell PhD student receives fellowship from EENT Foundation
Congratulations to Tianhao Wu, a Cell and Molecular Biology doctoral student in Hai Huang's lab. He received funding for his fellowship proposal entitled Auditory Dysfunction in Fragile X Syndrome from The Eye, Ear, Nose & Throat Foundation of New Orleans.
From Connection to Collaboration: CancerConnect Builds Bridges to Advance Cancer Research
Over 50 faculty members and trainees from Tulane Cancer Center and the Tulane School of Science & Engineering came together last week for CancerConnect, a networking event designed to spark conversations and support collaboration across the University's cancer-focused community. Attendees were challenged by Dr. Stefan Grant, Director of the Tulane Cancer Center, and Dr. Hridesh Rajan, Dean of the School of Science & Engineering, to make new connections at the event and to think boldly about how interdisciplinary partnerships can advance cancer research.
Researcher Vijay John creates scalable, cost-effective treatment for algae blooms in municipal water systems
Harmful algal blooms (HABs), caused by toxin-producing cyanobacteria, are an increasing threat to public health, natural resources, and the economy. In Louisiana, fishing warnings are issued following the opening of the Bonnet Carré Spillway, when nutrient-laden Mississippi River water triggers blue-green algae blooms in Lake Pontchartrain. In Florida, the “Red Tide” algal blooms lead to large fish kills devastating the fishing industry along the Gulf Coast and causing respiratory illnesses from toxins in the marine aerosol droplets.
SSE Launches New BS in Computer Science and Minor in AI
After a long hiatus following Hurricane Katrina, the Tulane School of Science and Engineering is proud to reintroduce a standalone Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, alongside a new minor in Artificial Intelligence. While the coordinate major in Computer Science has provided students with strong interdisciplinary training for years, the new BS program offers a more focused and rigorous pathway for students pursuing careers in computing, software engineering, and AI. This marks an exciting new chapter for computer science education at Tulane.
From the Classroom to the Coast: Teaching Resilience Through STEM
This summer, the Center for K12 STEM Education hosted three professional development sessions for teachers. One highlight was the MissDelta PD, which focused on New Orleans’ storm risk reduction system in anticipation of the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
Tulane HydroInformatics Lab Pioneers in AI for Flood Resilience and Water Management
Tulane University’s HydroInformatics Lab, under the leadership of Professor Ibrahim Demir—the Michael A. Fitts Presidential Chair in Environmental Informatics and Artificial Intelligence—is at the forefront of using artificial intelligence to address the world’s most urgent water challenges. By integrating expertise in AI, environmental science, and engineering, the lab is introducing pioneering solutions to strengthen flood resilience, optimize decision-making, and train tomorrow’s workforce.