Our Purpose
Hot Metal Campus’s purpose extends beyond our physical spaces. We are committed to fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation that bridges occupants and residents with the greater Pittsburgh community. Here, we are building a community that thrives on shared knowledge, diverse interdisciplinary perspectives, and a dedication to advancing impactful work.
Meet the Team
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Innovation Ecosystem Relationship Manager
Dr. Jennifer Luke is a materials and surface chemist with over five years of expertise in chemical surface modifications, protein characterization, and biomedical implant materials. With industrial experience in biopharma research, she has contributed to the advancement of novel gene therapeutics and nanoscaffolds. Dr. Luke is skilled in experimental design, analytical techniques, project management, and fostering cross-disciplinary collaboration. Currently serving as an Innovation Ecosystem Relationship Manager, she strives to build strategic partnerships that bridge academia and industry to drive innovation from lab to market as well as support the Pittsburgh STEM community at large.
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Science and Tech Communications Journalist
Pearl thrives at the intersection of science, strategy, and storytelling, translating complex ideas into compelling narratives that illuminate Hot Metal’s vibrant innovation ecosystem. Her work celebrates the community’s impact through a lens of wonder, continuous curiosity, and expansive creativity.
She has consulted with the CDC, EPA, and NIEHS, earning recognition for excellence in scientific community development and inclusive communication.
With a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and a Master of Science in Environmental Sciences and Engineering, Pearl has contributed to published research as a CDC research fellow, a graduate student at UNC-Chapel Hill, and a Fulbright Grantee at McGill University in Montreal, Canada.
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Communications Manager & Journalist
With a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for impactful narratives, Neema crafts content that showcases Hot Metal Campus's achievements, research, and collaborative culture. Through engaging articles, interviews, and event coverage, he highlights the people, ideas, and companies driving change in Pittsburgh. Neema has an educational background in marine science and natural resource management and focuses on science communication and digital media. He has previously worked for interdisciplinary organizations like the Santa Fe Institute in New Mexico and the International Institute for Applied Systems Analysis in Vienna, Austria.