Dr. Shawn Litster

Professor

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Biography

Shawn Litster is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Carnegie Mellon University, where he holds a Courtesy Appointment in Chemical Engineering and Materials Science Engineering. He received his Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University in 2008, and his Master of Applied Sciences and Bachelor of Engineering degrees from the University of Victoria. Litster's research focuses on micro- and nanoscale transport phenomena, energy conversion technologies, and electrochemistry, with significant contributions to fuel cells, batteries, and ultracapacitors. His research interests also extend to multiphase flow in porous media, micro-channels, non-linear dynamics, catalytic gasification, and microfluidic pumping. He has authored over 30 journal papers and book chapters, holds patents in fuel cell design, and has received several prestigious awards, including Carnegie Mellon’s George Tallman Ladd Research Award and the National Science Foundation CAREER award. Litster is actively involved in advancing sustainable energy conversion technologies and has collaborated extensively in clean hydrogen research for transportation applications.

Research Interests

Experience

Professor

2008-01-01 — Present

Carnegie Mellon University • Pittsburgh, PA

Shawn Litster serves as a full-time faculty member focusing on mechanical engineering and sustainable energy technologies.

Awards

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George Tallman Ladd Research Award

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National Science Foundation CAREER Award

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Lieutenant Governor’s Silver Medal

Patents

Fuel Cell Design

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Innovative designs that improve the efficiency and performance of fuel cells.

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Requirements for Carnegie Mellon University

Doctorate Program
Requirements
GPA Requirement
Required:3.5
GRE General
Verbal
Required:158
Quantitative
Required:149
Analytical Writing
Required:4
Overall
Required:4
Prerequisites
Bachelor's degree in Psychology or related field Research experience/publications
Application Checklist
  • Online application
  • Statement of Purpose
  • Three letters of recommendation
  • Transcripts
  • GRE scores (optional but reported in profile)
  • English Proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo)
Specialization Notes

Admission is extremely competitive with no strict GPA cut-offs; holistic review is used.