Duquesne University School of Science and Engineering

06/18/2026

Advance your future in technology with Duquesne University's M.S. in Computer Science.

As a graduate student, you'll have the opportunity to conduct cutting-edge research in the Romagnoli Lab, exploring cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, intelligent robotics and resilient cyber-physical systems. Work with real-world experimental platforms—including autonomous drones, embedded robotic systems and advanced control systems—while developing solutions that improve the safety, reliability and autonomy of technologies used in transportation, healthcare and energy.

Discover where a graduate degree in computer science can take you. ⬇️

Elevate your career with a Master's in Computer Science at Duquesne University. Gain in-demand skills and flexible learning options today.

06/16/2026

From the physics lab to the Pittsburgh Steelers. 🏉🔬

After graduating from Duquesne University in 2024 with a bachelor's degree in Physics, Hannah Valenty turned her passion for problem-solving into a career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where she now serves as an International Analyst Associate.

Through hands-on research, data analysis and mentorship from faculty in Duquesne's School of Science and Engineering, Hannah developed the critical thinking and analytical skills she uses every day in professional sports.

“My research in Dr. Benmokhtar’s lab laid the foundation for the skills I use in my work today,” said Hannah. “That was where I first became interested in data analysis and was challenged to solve problems I hadn’t encountered in the classroom.”

Working with real-world data and collaborating with scientists from laboratories around the world gave her firsthand experience tackling complex challenges while learning how to work as part of a larger team.

“My research experience gave me difficult problems to solve, but it also gave me the support of a mentor and research team. That combination prepared me for professional environments where collaboration and problem-solving go hand in hand.”

For Valenty, physics wasn't simply a major—it was the foundation that opened the door to a career she never imagined when she first arrived on campus.

Read Hannah's story: https://www.duq.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/science-and-engineering/news/from-physics-to-the-pittsburgh-steelers.php

06/15/2026

Duquesne University mechanical engineering students will gain hands-on experience with Astrobotic through a new partnership supported by the Pennsylvania Manufacturing Innovation Program.

The grant, secured by mechanical engineering faculty members Dr. Amin Ghorbanpour and Dr. Katherine Hornbostel, will fund student internships, support an Astrobotic-sponsored senior capstone project, and create new pathways for students to work directly with engineers solving real-world challenges in aerospace and space exploration.

“This is a really exciting opportunity for our students,” said Dr. Katherine Hornbostel. “Astrobotic is doing incredible work in aerospace and space exploration, and our students will have the chance to learn directly from engineers who are solving real-world problems every day.”

Rather than learning about engineering challenges from a distance, students will work alongside professionals actively developing new technologies.

“Working on real engineering challenges helps students connect classroom knowledge to practical applications, where meaningful learning happens. These experiences strengthen their problem-solving skills and prepare them with the knowledge, confidence and hands-on experience needed to succeed in their careers after graduation,” said Dr. Amin Ghorbanpour.

“This is a great time to be part of our program,” said Dr. Katherine Hornbostel. “Our students are getting incredible opportunities, working directly with industry partners and building the skills and connections that will help them succeed after graduation.”

Read how this partnership is helping prepare the next generation of engineers while creating industry connections for Duquesne students: https://www.duq.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/science-and-engineering/news/new-grant-opens-aerospace-opportunities-for-engineering-students.php

06/12/2026

When Felicia Bedford McGee arrived at Duquesne University, she planned to become a physician. Today, the 2024 graduate is pursuing a legal career and serving as a law student intern with the York County District Attorney’s Office.

Along the way, she discovered that the skills she gained through biology research, leadership opportunities and faculty mentorship prepared her for far more than she imagined.

“The thing about a science degree is that it teaches you how to solve problems. Nearly every profession requires that skill.”

She credits faculty mentors, including Dr. Philip Palmer, Dr. Kasey Christopher, Dr. Elisabeth Chalovich and Dr. Becki Campanaro, for providing guidance, encouragement and support throughout her journey.

“Duquesne introduced me to people who completely changed my life,” she said. “The friendships and mentorships I built there continue to shape who I am today.”

Read how Felicia's path from STEM to law helped her find her purpose and build a career rooted in making a difference: https://www.duq.edu/academics/colleges-and-schools/science-and-engineering/news/prepared-for-more-than-one-path.php

06/11/2026

Build molecules. Solve complex problems. Discover why chemistry works.

In the Montgomery Lab, you can investigate how to build new molecules while learning a wide range of synthetic and computational organic chemistry techniques.

You can also study how subtle modeling choices in computational chemistry dramatically alter predicted reaction pathways. Together, these experiences connect hands-on organic chemistry—making and analyzing molecules in the lab—with the theoretical foundations that explain why reactions happen. This integrated approach helps you build strong skills in critical thinking and chemical problem-solving.

“He’s one of the best teachers I’ve ever had,” said PhD graduate from the Montgomery Lab, Alex Cocolas. “He makes the material so easy to understand and I know many students who have enjoyed his classes. He’s a wonderful person.”

Explore research opportunities in Chemistry at duq.edu/chemistry.

06/10/2026

Congratulations to Ezekiel Warren, BS Biological Sciences ’26, for earning national recognition for his research!

A member of the Xi Psi Chapter of TriBeta Biological Honor Society, Ezekiel won First Place for the John C. Johnson Award for Excellence in Student Research at the 2026 TriBeta National Convention at TriBeta Biological Honor Society, held at Florida State University.

Ezekiel presented his award-winning poster, “How do Mutations in a Gene Encoding a Nucleoid-Associated Protein Suppress a Defect in Cell Division in a Filamentous Soil Bacterium,” showcasing the impactful undergraduate research taking place in our Biological Sciences program.

06/09/2026

Congratulations to our School of Science and Engineering student-athletes Sabrina Alcaro, Mikayla Bartos, Ella Kerrigan, Addison Selby and Reilly Tibbitts for earning the 2026 CRCA Scholar-Athlete Award!

Presented by the Collegiate Rowing Coaches Association, the award recognizes rowers who demonstrate outstanding academic achievement while competing at a high level. To qualify, student-athletes must maintain a cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher and make significant contributions to their team's success throughout the season.

These students exemplify the dedication and discipline that define a Duquesne education. We are proud to celebrate their achievements both in the classroom and on the water! 💪❤️💙

06/08/2026

What happens when the molecules that build our cells stop working as they should?

In the Ph.D. in Biological Sciences program, you'll work alongside faculty conducting research with real-world impact. In the Patton-Vogt Lab, researchers investigate how cellular membranes are built, maintained and broken down, and how disruptions in lipid metabolism can contribute to diseases such as diabetes and cancer.

Using molecular genetics and membrane biochemistry, Ph.D. students gain hands-on research experience while exploring fundamental questions about cell function, communication and human health.

Advance scientific discovery. Develop your expertise. Make an impact.

06/07/2026

In honor of National Cancer Survivor Day, we’re proud to spotlight the undergraduate research of recent chemistry and biochemistry graduate Leeann Parsi.

Leeann’s Honors Thesis focused on SOX2, a gene associated with more than 25 different cancer types and linked to tumor growth, metastasis, drug resistance and poor patient outcomes. Through four years of research in the Mihailescu Lab, she investigated how unique RNA structures may regulate SOX2 expression and serve as potential targets for future cancer therapies. In collaboration with the Heisler Lab, her work demonstrated how these structures influence SOX2 regulation, helping identify promising new therapeutic targets in cancer research.

Using advanced instrumentation and biophysical techniques — including nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, circular dichroism spectroscopy, ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy and native gel electrophoresis — Leeann characterized RNA structures known as G-quadruplexes and studied how they interact with the Fragile X Messenger Ribonucleoprotein (FMRP), a protein involved in gene regulation.

This fall, Leeann will continue her research in cancer biology as she begins a Ph.D. in Cancer Biology at The University of Texas at San Antonio.

06/05/2026

This , we're highlighting faculty research that is advancing environmental stewardship and helping protect communities around the world. 🌎

In the Kahler Lab, students and faculty investigate water quality and environmental contamination, studying how agriculture, sewage discharge and industrial activity impact river systems and public health. Their research in South Africa's Luvuvhu River Catchment is helping inform pollution management and water-resource protection strategies for vulnerable communities.

In the Reeder Lab, researchers use advanced geophysical and geospatial technologies to explore environmental and historical landscapes. From ground-penetrating radar to soil conductivity mapping, their work uncovers hidden features beneath the surface while preserving sensitive sites and advancing our understanding of land use, environmental sensing and history.

Through hands-on research opportunities, our students are tackling real-world environmental challenges and making a difference locally and globally.