Capstone Projects: Real Challenges, Real Solutions

• AI

  Students excel in AI strategy, model development, and responsible AI implementation. With expertise in data-focused Python, machine learning, and AI governance, they can design and manage AI systems that align with business goals while mitigating risks. Their ability to operationalize AI across its lifecycle ensures they drive impactful, data-driven solutions.

  Recent Project Examples

  • Research and development of GenAI security framework and guardrails to protect the sensitive data by exploring LLMs, prompt engineering, security frameworks, and open source guardrails to create a proof of concept of use cases identified and test and benchmark the results.
    
    
  • Develop an AI-powered chatbot facilitator that identifies the domain of user questions and redirects them to the appropriate domain-specific agent. Using auto-discovery features or table of contents from existing bots, the system defines knowledge requirements for each agent and implements redirection logic with a suitable library to enhance inquiry-handling efficiency and user satisfaction.
• Analytics

  Students are equipped with expertise in advanced analytics, machine learning, and data management to design and develop data-driven solutions for complex business and social challenges. With proficiency in tools like predictive modeling, unstructured data analytics, and machine learning, they can optimize processes, improve decision-making, and mitigate risks across healthcare, public service, technology, finance, and energy. Their ability to implement scalable analytics solutions ensures they drive impactful results, such as innovation in resource management, improved transparency, and enhanced efficiency. 

  Recent Project Examples

  • Use machine learning to discover previously unknown customer segments.
    
    
  • Create a data pipeline prototype using network analysis and real-time data for prioritized enforcement.
    
    
  • Develop predictive models to optimize supply chain and product sales.
    
    
  • Create a predictive model to visualize risk management.
    
    
  • Automate and streamlined data collection and dashboarding for easier access.
    
    
  • Create a predictive model of e-commerce customers buying patterns.
• Arts Management

  Students are ready to support your arts and cultural institution with their expertise in data-informed decisions to create sustainable mission-driven arts organizations. Our students combine analytical prowess with creative sensibility to help your organization thrive in today's evolving cultural landscape. They integrate evidence-based decision-making and digital technologies to drive innovation, improve audience accessibility, and boost revenue generation - all while maintaining a strong focus on the arts.

  Our students bring evidence-based strategies that enhance audience engagement while honoring your artistic mission. They have advanced quantitative management techniques that optimize operations without compromising creative integrity. Their modern marketing approaches can amplify your programming and enhance your brand, and they can utilize strategic fundraising models to diversify and expand your revenue streams.

  Recent Project Examples

  • Audience development strategies that increase diversity, engagement, and attendance.
    
    
  • Data-driven fundraising campaigns that target untapped potential donors.
    
    
  • Evaluation frameworks for measuring the impact of programming, exhibitions, or education initiatives.
    
    
  • Policy and process guidelines that streamline operations for museums, performing arts venues, festivals, or galleries.
    
    
  • Technology-enhanced marketing solutions that identify target audiences, craft compelling messaging, optimize channel selection, and measure outcomes.
• Cybersecurity

  Cybersecurity students offer their knowledge, skills, and abilities in cybersecurity, programming, risk management, cryptography, network security, privacy, database security, professional communication, and cybersecurity policy. With a blend of policy, strategy, and management coursework, along with experiential learning opportunities, they can navigate and influence the complex landscape of cybersecurity policy and governance. These abilities ensure they lead change to implement cyber solutions, manage cyber technologies and projects, and understand the complex risk landscape in various industries and sectors.

  Recent Project Examples

  • Develop novel cloud-based anomaly detection capability for cyber threats.
    
    
  • Develop and deploy data analytics and visualization tools for security monitoring, including building dashboards using Splunk.
    
    
  • Detection and mitigation of deepfake attacks.
    
    
  • Develop a time-series dashboard scoring method to identify and predict data breach risks.
• Entertainment

  Students excel across various entertainment industry sectors, including film, television, music, and gaming, with expertise in development, marketing, production, distribution, and strategy. Students leverage their learning in cutting-edge technology, data analytics, AI, and leadership as they effectively manage content creation, audience engagement, and digital media. Their creative skills are honed through training in script analysis, storytelling, and writing, while marketing, branding, and media strategy courses prepare them to execute successful entertainment campaigns. Our students will help your ogranization harness emerging technologies and make data-driven decisions, as you tap into the talent and perspective of the next generation of entertainment professionals.

  Recent Project Examples

  • The Future of Artificial Intelligence in Entertainment and the Interests of Stakeholders
    
    
  • Revenue Potential of Digital Platforms for Music Artists and Fans.
    
    
  • The State of Trust: Consumers and Transparency in the Media and Entertainment Industry
    
    
  • The Future of Regional Sports Networks
        
  • The Impact of Virtual Production on Filmed Entertainment
    
    
  • Who Controls Your Data? Managing Privacy, Identity, and Virtual Worlds in Video Games
    
    
  • Analyzing the Success Factors of Independent Animated Films
    
    
  • The Price of Loyalty: Analyzing Consumer Behavior in Streaming TV
    
    
  • From Launch to Long-Term: Sustaining Video Game Franchises Through Games as a Service (GaaS) Models
• Healthcare

  Students bring expertise in data analytics, machine learning, artificial intelligence, and data mining to design innovative solutions for complex problems in the healthcare sector. With proficiency in Python, machine learning, exploratory data analysis, and healthcare information systems, they can develop and implement technology-driven models to improve health systems, optimize care delivery, and transform health organizations. Their ability to apply advanced analytics and data technologies ensures they drive impactful results to help you achieve data-driven decision-making and innovation in the rapidly evolving healthcare industry. 

  Recent Project Examples

  • Developed a text analytics platform to streamline communication between first responders and the emergency room.
    
    
  • Analyzed the effects of a value-based reimbursement program on patient care and cost outcomes.
    
    
  • Created a Large Language Model to analyze discrepancies between organ transplant patient care handbooks across the U.S., parsing 100 handbooks across 23 transplant centers to identify and visually represent key differences, improving knowledge sharing and patient transparency.
    
    
  • Collaborated on the creation of analytics dashboards for healthcare decision-making.
• Information Systems

  Students excel in information systems technology, design and implementation, business strategy, professional communication, and management. Carnege Mellon's comprehensive curriculum develops students' core competencies in designing, developing, and managing information systems. Students can effectively align technology solutions with business goals and optimize organizational processes with proficiency in tools and methodologies such as object-oriented programming in Java, database management, and distributed systems. Their ability to operationalize and scale these solutions ensures they drive data-driven decision-making, innovation, and efficiency across various industries.

  Recent Project Examples

  • Create a predictive model through analysis of customer journey in e-commerce buying patterns.
    
    
  • Create a method of data storage optimized for security and cost.
    
    
  • Design a predictive model to help forecast and respond to supply chain disruptions.
    
    
  • Provide analysis of how customers develop brand perception and sentiment.
    
    
  • Create a model to automate trucking fleet departures.
• Public Policy

  Students provide expertise in policy analysis, data analytics, economics, finance, and organizational design to design, implement, and manage systems that address complex societal challenges. Their ability to apply data analysis methods, communicate effectively, and manage projects ensures they drive data-driven decision-making, innovation, and efficiency in government, non-profit, and private sectors. By combining policy knowledge with analytical foundations and management skills, students offer you the tools needed to deploy impactful solutions that create positive change, including optimizing public policy solutions, improving governance, and driving social equity.

  Recent Project Examples

  • Optimized meal delivery routes to better serve food-insecure families during the pandemic and facilitate program expansion.
    
    
  • Created an interactive tool to identify accessible, equitable locations for electric vehicle charging stations throughout the city.
    
    
  • Built a portal to upskill workers for the new economy.

I think the topics themselves are definitely things that are very relevant today and even more tomorrow, and it was refreshing to see that the students actually went and looked at the pain points of what makes these topics so interesting. Google

It was a pleasure to work with Dr. Rema Padman and the Heinz student team. The project deliverables exceeded our expectations and will be instrumental in our efforts to improve transplant patient educational materials and best-in-class protocol standards. Transplants.org

It was a pleasure working with Professor Peduto and our capstone student team. The team did amazing work, were so engaging in classes and gave a brilliant final presentation. We are a very satisfied client and look forward to working with CMU in the future! Strong Cities Network