Wei Bao, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, has won the Early Career Program (ECP) Award and Defense University Research Instrumentation Program (DURIP) Award from the Department of Defense to study superconductors and cavity quantum materials, respectively. The two awarded grants, which total nearly $700,000, will allow Bao to further his research into the unique properties of quantum materials and lay the foundation for practical innovations in the decades to come. 

As a third grader, Tahira Reid Smith ’00, ’04, Ph.D., was already thinking like an inventor. So, when her school, PS 97 in the Bronx, New York, held a poster contest where students were asked to depict something each of them wished he or she had, she didn’t draw a typical childhood fantasy. She designed a machine. 

In ancient Greek mythology, the hero Theseus is famous for cleverly solving a labyrinth and defeating the Minotaur at its center. That story, as well as a famous maze experiment from the history of machine learning, is the inspiration for a new generative AI tool that helps researchers navigate the domain of computer modeling. 

As Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute celebrates its Bicentennial, we reflect on the many great minds, pioneers, entrepreneurs, and game-changers who are Rensselaer alumni. In 1995, the Rensselaer Alumni Association, with the full endorsement of the Institute Board of Trustees, created the Rensselaer Alumni Hall of Fame to preserve and celebrate the exceptional heritage of alumni accomplishments throughout the years. Honorees are chosen by a selection committee based on reputation, professional achievements, service and career contributions, and uniqueness. Etched glass windows located centrally on the Rensselaer campus honor their accomplishments.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has signed a letter of intent with Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani (BITS Pilani), one of India’s leading technological universities, to establish academic cooperation and offer joint educational programs and research initiatives. The development marks a significant step towards enhancing worldwide academic engagement between two premier institutions in the fields of engineering, science, and technology.

Imagine tires that charge a vehicle as it drives, streetlights powered by the rumble of traffic, or skyscrapers that generate electricity as the buildings naturally sway and shudder. These energy innovations could be possible thanks to researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute developing environmentally friendly materials that produce electricity when compressed or exposed to vibrations.

Nick Pinchuk ’68, ’69G, an accomplished engineer, industry leader, and inspiring mentor, has devoted his career to the betterment of American manufacturing and the millions of workers who keep it running. In recognition of his work, his impact, and his service to the country, Pinchuk is receiving the Davies Medal for Engineering Achievement, the highest honor awarded by the School of Engineering at his alma mater, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. 

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute has long been at the forefront of space exploration and discovery. On September 30, that storied legacy met the future at RPI’s Space Science and Technology Day.As part of RPI’s yearlong Bicentennial celebration honoring RPI’s rich history and the promising years to come, this event invited the Capital Region community to hear from alumni, students, and researchers propelling humanity’s space endeavors.

Many engineers share a similar origin story: An early passion for taking things apart, seeing how they worked, then making them better — or transforming them into something brand new. At RPI, that drive to learn, tinker, and invent now has a headquarters in the Douglas A. Mercer ’77 Innovation and Exploration Laboratory, which officially re-opened its doors on September 25 after a year-long renovation. 

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute recently welcomed Susan Margulies, Ph.D., leader of the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) Directorate for Engineering, to its campus to learn about RPI research and education capabilities, participate in a workforce development panel discussion, and give a presentation on NSF programs and opportunities to RPI community members and representatives from the University at Albany, Siena College, and Union College.