Open Positions

Ph.D. Students

The Situated Computation + Design Lab, led by Vernelle A. A. Noel at Carnegie Mellon University (Pittsburgh, PA.), is looking for two PhD students to join the Lab starting in Fall 2026.

I am a computational design scholar, architect, educator, and artist conducting research and exploring creative possibilities at the intersection of embodied practices, emerging technology, and society. Our research generates new knowledge and creative expressions through critical computational, ethnographic, architectural, and artistic inquiry. Three sites of inquiry include:

  1. Craft and Making practices;
  2. Heritage practices; and
  3. Design education and practice.

Our contributions are technical and practical (how and what we DO), and conceptual (how we might THINK). From these sites of inquiry and exploration we develop new methods, tools, technologies, concepts, and frameworks. Skills, backgrounds, and interests related to STEM and the Humanities are welcome. Examples include:

  • Architecture/ Design
  • Computing, HCI, Media Studies
  • STS (science technology society studies), History, Anthropology
  • Social Sciences/ education
  • Cultural/ Heritage Studies/ Preservation
  • Computer Science/ Engineering

I am looking for students who are: Deeply curious and motivated to explore complex questions; able to think critically, seek out new knowledge, and propose new ideas and directions; and can clearly communicate ideas, share findings, and collaborate with peers, mentors, and broader communities.

Details:

  • Fully funded: Tuition, health insurance, and 12-month stipend.
  • Interdisciplinary community.


Expression of Interest:
If you are interested, please submit this FORM to the Lab by December 1st, 2025:

– Updated CV
– Portfolio
– Conference or journal papers (if you have any)
– Research proposal (one page).
 

Application Information:

CMU Architecture Graduate Program Admission Inquiry Form >>>

It is expected that Ph.D. students produce academic publications for conferences and journals during their time at Sit.Co.De.

Please contact Professor Vernelle A. A. Noel if you have any questions.

Masters Students

We are always looking for Masters students to join the MSCD program and our Lab. If you would like to engage in research or creative inquiry with the Lab under the direction of Dr. Noel in the Fall, Spring, or Summer, email Vernelle A. A. Noel (vnoel@andrew.cmu.edu) to express your interest and inquire about projects in the Lab.

Undergraduate Students

We are always looking for undergraduate students to engage in research with the Lab under the direction of Dr. Noel. Email Vernelle A. A. Noel (vnoel@andrew.cmu.edu) to express your interest and inquire about projects in the Lab.

Collaborators + Affiliates

We are currently building our community of affiliate researchers and collaborators. If you see overlap,  complementary expertise, and projects that you might like us to contribute to or vice versa, please email Professor Vernelle A. A. Noel (vnoel@andrew.cmu.edu). We seek fruitful, vibrant collaborations with other researchers.