Carl Laird

Dr. Carl Laird is a distinguished professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, where he has made significant contributions to the field of process systems engineering. He began his academic journey with a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from the University of Alberta in 2000. Driven by a passion for research and innovation, he pursued his doctoral studies at Carnegie Mellon University, earning his Ph.D. in 2006. Following his doctoral work, Dr. Laird expanded his expertise as a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Pittsburgh's Epidemiology Department, where he explored the intersection of chemical engineering and public health. Throughout his career, Dr. Laird has held esteemed faculty positions at Texas A&M University, Purdue University, and Sandia National Laboratories. His tenure at these institutions was marked by groundbreaking research and a commitment to advancing the field of chemical engineering. His work has been particularly influential in the areas of high-performance computing, optimization, and software development, where he has developed innovative solutions that have been recognized internationally. Dr. Laird's research has had a broad impact, extending beyond traditional chemical engineering applications. He has contributed to a variety of fields, including public health, homeland security, infrastructure, and energy systems. His interdisciplinary approach has enabled him to address complex challenges and develop solutions that are both practical and forward-thinking. In recognition of his contributions to the field, Dr. Laird has received numerous prestigious awards. Among these are the INFORMS Computing Society Prize, which acknowledges his outstanding work in the development of computational tools, and the Montague Center Teaching Excellence Award, which highlights his dedication to education and mentorship. Additionally, he was honored with the Wilkinson Prize for his development of the software library IPOPT, a tool that has become essential in the optimization community. Dr. Laird's commitment to research and education is matched by his dedication to mentoring the next generation of engineers. He is known for his engaging teaching style and his ability to inspire students to pursue their own research interests. His contributions to the field of chemical engineering continue to influence both academia and industry, as he remains at the forefront of research in process systems engineering. At Carnegie Mellon University, Dr. Laird continues to lead cutting-edge research projects and collaborate with colleagues across disciplines. His work not only advances the field of chemical engineering but also addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing society today. Through his research, teaching, and mentorship, Dr. Laird exemplifies the qualities of a dedicated and innovative academic leader.