Time to meet Jeffrey, a senior from Danbury, Connecticut. He’s majoring in Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering with a concentration in spaceflight mechanics. Oh, and he’s minoring in economics, which ties right into his interests in innovation and entrepreneurship. Take it away, Jeffrey.
– Thank you, Alex. Hello everybody. Throughout my childhood, I always had a diverse range of interests. Although I earned high marks in the classroom, I most enjoyed my time outside of the classroom where I was able to build projects for science fairs and compete for my travel baseball team. Upon graduating high school, I was excited to pursue my engineering degree at RPI due to the large involvement of undergraduate students in on-campus research, and I haven’t looked back. I joined my first research team as a sophomore, and have since captained two of my own projects under the tutelage of Professor Ashish Ghosh, who teached in Inventive Studio, a set of three courses where students are first introduced to systematic problem solving techniques and then challenged to develop and present solutions to real world problems. These are from a system level idea to a fully funded prototype. Students are educated on how to leverage these ideas into securing patents and starting their own companies, which many have. It is a rare opportunity for undergraduate students to develop key entrepreneurial skills and gain practical problem solving experience. I developed a wind turbine design for urban wind tunnels to increase the integration of renewable energy into our power grid. RPI even helped me attain two provisional patents for my projects at no cost to me from the United States Patent and Trademark Office, and these resources are available to all RPI students. At RPI, I’ve been able to nurture my innovation passion through hands-on design while competing as a captain on a club baseball team and in numerous active intramural sports. These opportunities here at RPI have provided me a springboard for post-grad triumphs with a robust research portfolio. Whether launching a startup company or out job hunting in the industry, I’m poised for future success. Back to you, Alex.
– Jeffrey, your passion for inventing is contagious. We can’t wait to see what else you will invent in the future. Now, not only does RPI have a top aerospace program, but RPI students can learn firsthand how to bring their ideas into reality. Each year they produce three to five actual startups. Absolutely amazing.
Now let’s meet someone who not only went to RPI but is also the university’s 19th president, Marty Schmidt. This week I had the pleasure of meeting up with President Schmidt, and we talked about everything from his days as a student to some of the most beloved activities and traditions on campus. We even got to meet Puckman. Let’s take a look. So you were a student here, now you’re back as president. How awesome is that and what’s that feel like?
– It’s unbelievable. I mean, RPI had a transformative impact on me. I benefited from that with a great career. And to be able to come back here, particularly at this moment in time. 200 years ago, this institution was founded in an area that was exploding with innovation and activity. And I feel that energy today, that innovation and activity that’s occurring. And to be able to be part of that and to lead this institution forward, it’s just amazing.
– Ah, that’s fantastic. You mentioned the renaissance happening here, and you can see it, you can feel it. It seems like there’s so many companies not just moving here, but being start up and being grown from here.
– It is an amazing time. It’s really exciting. I like to say we’re in the talent business. We wanna bring really bright people here, provide them with an education. But what’s changed is it’s now possible for them to stay in the region and convert those ideas to impact right in downtown Troy and in the capital region, creating new companies, participating in innovation. And then they come back and they tell us some of the problems they’re having. We work on those as research problems that produce new graduates, and they do the same, and it just creates this evergreen cycle. So it’s a really exciting time here.
– I mean, it’s a beautiful thing to see. It’s really cool. So we’ve been here all week and one thing we’ve heard from so many students is how much fun they also have outside the classroom.
– Oh, it’s so true. The energy, the excitement they bring to the classroom, they also bring it to all their extracurricular activities. Whether they’re building a motor vehicle from scratch or participating in athletics, 80% of our students get involved in clubs, intramurals or varsity sports.
– That’s unbelievable.
– It is. And let me show you something that’s really special about RPI. Hey, Puckman! That’s our awesome mascot.
– Oh, that’s great.
– So Alex, you see the banners up there?
– Yeah.
– RPI won the nationals 1954, 1985. I’m not gonna retire until there’s another one up there.
– Oh, I love it. Thank you so much for showing us around. What a special institution you have here.
– It’s great, it’s great.
– It’s amazing to hear about what RPI was like when you were a student, and what it’s like now. I can’t believe all the opportunities that RPI students have both on campus and in the local region. Marty, thank you so much for spending time with the college tour. That was really cool.
Say hello to Christopher, a junior from Wayne, New Jersey, dual majoring in Games and Simulation, Arts and Sciences, and Electronic Arts. Combining games and art is his academic passion, but after hours, he’s busy playing Dance Dance Revolution. Take it away, Christopher.
– Thanks, Alex. Hello, hello everybody. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve always wanted to make video games. I remember getting lost in the world of Pokemon Soul Silver on my Nintendo DS. Ever since then, I wanted to make similarly formative enrapturing experiences for other people. Thus, I chose RPI. I’m dual majoring in Games and Simulation Arts and Sciences, also known as GSAS, and Electronic Arts. Long major short, I make games and art. My classes either teach me new skills or test them to make portfolio pieces. My favorite classes so far have been Intro to Game Design, History and Culture of Games, and 3D Animation. My professors push me to learn the most I can, be it through detailed feedback or gamified learning. In a recent class, I was the creative lead on opCIVS, an experimental arena shooter game. Each week saw me designing and animating a new enemy, and was so satisfying to see everything come together. Outside my classes, I strive to build personal and professional connections. On campus, I’m an active member of the Game Development Club and I’m the president of the Dance Dance Revolution Club. The latter especially has taught me leadership skills, niche mechanics to consider for games, and it’s just a fun place to relax. Off campus, I presented High Zeaz, my zombie pirate movement shooter game at the Game Developers Conference in San Francisco and at RPI’s own Game Fest. Being able to meet fellow students and industry veterans was wild, and really helped me learn how I wanted to shape my future. Getting some awards was certainly a nice cherry on top. I’m currently on my away semester working on my portfolio as part of the Arch, a dedicated time in the academic calendar for students to pursue personal and professional development opportunities. It’s nice to be able to get a little bit of a breather and pour my heart out for a bit. I hope to see you among us here at RPI soon. Onto the next stage with Alex.
– Congratulations on presenting your video game at the Game Developers Conference, Christopher. What a great experience. RPI is home to one of the top gaming programs in the nation. Thanks again, Christopher.
Next we have Kelly, who’s in her second year of the physician scientist program. RPI’s program with Albany Medical College will allow Kelly to get her MD in only seven years. She is already taking part in research too. In her free time, she’s exploring all the region has to offer with her new friends. Tell us more, Kelly.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey everyone. From the moment I visited my dad’s pharmaceutical lab on Take Your Kids to Work Day, I knew I loved science. I furthered that passion throughout high school and even worked in an organic chemistry lab. So when it was time to apply, I realized RPI had the perfect opportunity for me, the Physician Scientist Program. Through this program, I have the opportunity to earn a BS in biology from RPI as well as a medical degree from Albany Medical College, all within seven years. But besides the competitive programs RPI offers, I love the way I’ve been able to make connections here. From meeting friends in the dorm halls to becoming an Alpha Gamma Delta sister and even joining RPI’s Bhangra Dance Team, I found community all throughout campus. And there’s no shortage of activities to enjoy around the area. There’s Saturdays at the Troy Farmer’s Market, enjoying day trips at nearby lakes, or even New York City. Research is also a foundational part of the academic experience for undergraduate students here at RPI. By your second semester, you have the opportunity to partake in cutting edge research right here in labs like Walker or the Center for Biotechnology and Interdisciplinary Studies, CBIS for short. That building is home to accomplished faculty researchers who are contributing to fundamental and translational research, tackling the most pressing healthcare and biotechnology challenges. CBIS is also a cross-disciplinary center that encourages interweaving ideas from engineering, computation, architecture, business, and even the humanities. There’s truly an opportunity for everyone. My experience at RPI has gone above and beyond my expectations. In my first year alone, I’ve taken steps with my career as an aspiring physician, all while having fun and making new friends. And I look forward to the amazing academic, research, and social opportunities that RPI offers. That’s my story. Back to you, Alex.
– Wow, sounds like Kelly found just the right fit in RPI. It’s amazing how much she has already experienced, and she’s only a sophomore. Thank you for sharing your story, Kelly. Take care.
Let me introduce you to Tommy, a junior from Fair Lawn, New Jersey. Passionate about electrical engineering, Tommy also plays for the RPI football team. Tommy’s gonna tell us how he found belonging on campus. Tommy, take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey everyone. I first became interested in electronics as a kid when I wanted to learn how a remote control car worked. Growing up, I worked on more projects and midway through my high school career, I knew I wanted to study something related to engineering and electronics. I grew up here on campus. While my mom was attending RPI to get her PhD, she and my dad were taking care of me and my twin brother. I chose RPI because of the familiarity I had with its campus and the community, and I knew it was a great school academically and athletically. I’m the National Society of Black Engineers Treasurer, on the football team, and a part of other campus organizations. What I learned by joining all these clubs and organizations is that RPI fosters a sense of diversity and inclusion. I’ve made many friends along the way and I’m glad I encouraged myself to get involved. RPI has helped me meet new people, try new things, and I don’t feel out of place. I’m happy I picked a school that aided in my personal development. RPI has more than 200 clubs and organizations for students to immerse themselves in outside of the classroom. RPI’s identity-based clubs and organizations make everyone feel welcome and included. There are other clubs on campus that offers students a chance to be creative. Whatever it is you are interested in, you are going to find something for you. Throughout my time here at RPI, I’ve learned to work for what I want. I’ve had to learn to take the initiative, to make conversations with others in order to form connections. I’ve improved my leadership skills and I’ve become a better student. Whatever it is you may struggle with, RPI will help you reach your full potential. That’s all from me, Alex, back to you.
– Tommy, what a great story. Thank you for telling us about RPI’s welcoming environment. RPI has affinity groups and an office dedicated to multicultural programs. These resources go a long way to help foster community right here at RPI. Thanks again.
Alright, let’s meet Ben, a senior Aeronautical Mechanical Engineering major pursuing dual minors in Architectural Acoustics and Music Performance. He’s thriving in a rigorous engineering program and still able to tailor his coursework to his personal passions and interests. All RPI students pursue coursework outside of their major to gain skills that complement their main area of study. Ben, you are up.
– Thanks, Alex, and what’s up everyone? I have a lot of different interests], so when I was looking into colleges, I wanted to go somewhere where I wasn’t just limited to my major. RPI has some of the best opportunities to balance my academic goals with my other interests. I always knew I wanted to continue music in college. RPI not only encouraged but required that I take classes in the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, or the School of HASS. In fact, engineers are required to take a HASS pathway where you can focus in anything from economics to game design to creative writing. I completed my pathway in music performance, which I was able to turn into a music minor by adding only one additional course, but I didn’t stop there. My advisor told me about RPI’s Architectural Acoustics program, which I thought was awesome, the science behind music. Even though this program is in the School of Architecture, there were no restrictions or prerequisites. And I enjoyed these classes so much, I decided to pursue a second minor in acoustics. What sets RPI apart is that all the classes I’ve taken in four different schools have all worked together. I’ve been able to apply the skills I learned in acoustics to my engineering courses, and engineering concepts to music, and the list goes on. RPI allows you to put a twist on your courses that lets you create a curriculum that truly interests you. Now, as a senior, I truly believe my education has prepared me to tackle anything in the world. At RPI, we’re more than just engineers. We’re artists, musicians, scientists, writers, business leaders, and architects, all at the same time. And with that, back to you, Alex.
– Ben, it’s incredible to hear about all the different areas of study you’ve had the chance to pursue as an engineering student. It’s awesome that RPI provides a multidisciplinary education and to hear how much you’ve gained from that experience. Thanks again, Ben.
All right, everyone. Let’s meet Isa, a senior Design, Innovation and Society and Sustainability Studies major. After coming to RPI all the way from Miami, Florida, Isa found her home away from home by joining a sorority. Through her sorority, she’s formed lifelong friendships, gained critical leadership skills, and has given back to the community. You’re up, Isa.
– Thanks, Alex. Hey, everyone. Coming into college, I actually never pictured myself joining a sorority, but by spring semester of my sophomore year and meeting lots of girls involved in sororities and seeing just how strong their sisterhood was, I knew that this was something I wanted to be a part of to find my home away from home. While I initially joined my sorority Alpha Phi because of the strong sisterhood I witnessed, being a part of my sorority’s executive board has taught me invaluable skills that will serve me well for the rest of my life. My time as Alpha Phi’s Vice President of Marketing has allowed me to discover my passion for marketing, and I’ll now be staying an extra year at RPI to get my MBA with a concentration in marketing through our Co-Terminal Program. Even more valuable though is the lifelong friendships I have formed with the girls I’ve met in my sorority. Any bad day seems not so bad when I’m able to go home to girls who I know will be there for me no matter what, and who know I will do the same for them. My favorite fraternity and sorority community events are our formals, the Block Party, and our Hockey Night. Go Engineers. I also love our philanthropy and community service events. RPI’s sororities and fraternities collaborate to raise money for charities, and volunteer to serve our Troy community. Fraternity and sorority life has been the highlight of my college experience. All of my fondest memories from my time here at RPI have been thanks to this community I have found right here on campus. And that’s all from me, now back to you, Alex.
– Wow, Isa, it sounds like you and your sorority sisters are making memories that will last you a lifetime. Thank you for all that you’re doing for RPI and the Troy community.
Alright, now let’s meet Jake, a junior Business and Management major and a member of the RPI baseball team. RPI has 23 sports teams, including Division I men’s and women’s hockey. As a student athlete, Jake has received unique opportunities and really appreciates the RPI community he’s a part of. Take it away.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi everybody. I’ve been a part of the RPI community for almost all of my life. I came to my first Big Red Freakout hockey game when I was just five years old. I always love the energy of the fans, the exhilaration of the games, and of course, Puckman. As I grew up, my love for baseball flourished. I knew I wanted to play baseball in college, but RPI wasn’t really on my radar until about the COVID-19 pandemic. I realized I valued being close to home and being close to my family more than I had anticipated. RPI’s combination of world-class athletic facilities as well as as valuable and well-respected academics made it the perfect fit for me. From the first time I stepped foot on campus, I could tell that RPI athletics was more than just a collection of sports teams, it’s a family. I feel a sense of community every day, whether it’s at practice, at lift, or just seeing your friendly face in one of my classes. Everybody in RPI athletics has your best interest in mind, and it’s great to know that you have that support system, especially with the challenges of being a student athlete at one of the nation’s top universities. RPI Athletics has also provided me with unique opportunities around campus, like my on campus job. I’m a part of the ice maintenance crew at the Houston Field House. Here I get to work and watch men’s and women hockey games, take care of the ice before, during, and after matches, as well as driving a Zamboni. Being a part of RPI athletics has helped me make some of my closest friends, and allowed me to develop skills that will last me a lifetime. I’m truly grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to be an RPI engineer. Thank you, and back to you, Alex.
– Thanks, Jake, for sharing your story. I must admit I’m a little jealous that you get to drive the Zamboni at the hockey games. Now, not only does RPI boast a high number of All-American athletes, they also have Puckman, which is so cool. Thanks again, Jake.
Now let’s meet Arthi, who is a Co-Terminal student of computer science. The Co-Terminal Program is a great way to get an advanced degree and an accelerated pace. Soon Arthi will pursue a career in the cutting edge field of artificial intelligence, but until then, she’s having a great time exploring all of her interests at RPI. Arthi, tell us more.
– Thanks for the great introduction, Alex. My story starts at RPI when I decided to go to a smaller school to allow myself access to more opportunities, and to be involved with a tight-knit community full of intelligent people that would push me to work harder. I found that at RPI, in our prestigious computer science department. A huge priority for me during my college years was to be able to balance my passions with my rigorous academics. RPI’s environment allowed me to excel in classes and be involved in our Bollywood dance team, the Board of Society of Women Engineers, cultural clubs, a sorority, and as an admissions ambassador to spread my love for RPI. I also studied abroad in Singapore for a semester, which I did not think would be possible with my technical major. But my advisors made this dream of mine happen. My undergraduate years at RPI were full of memorable experiences and an abundance of opportunities, both academically and professionally. So for my master’s, RPI was the top choice for me. The Co-Terminal Program At RPI allows students who completed their undergraduate degree to earn their master’s degree within just two semesters, along with the master’s project or thesis. Co-Term students can specialize in a specific area pertaining to their major, and choose a topic that interests them to research for their master’s project. With how quickly technology is evolving and the way artificial intelligence is infiltrating every single market, I knew I needed to be a part of this by earning my master’s in this field as soon as possible. The Co-Term program was the best fit for me as it would take me half the time as a traditional master’s. I found a master’s project that I truly loved, my scholarships applied, and I continue to be part of a community that I had grown to love as an undergrad. Sending it back to you, Alex.
– Wow, way to maximize your time at RPI. Having fun, building connections, and getting a sought after degree in an emerging field. RPI is an academically rigorous university that supports an amazing college experience, and students get access to incredible technology. Your future is so very bright, Arthi. Thank you so much for sharing your story.
Now let’s meet Karthik, a 1997 graduate of computer science who was attracted to RPI for its great support of student entrepreneurship. He went on to co-found Vicarious Visions to help bring to life awesome games like “Guitar Hero”, “Skylanders Swap Force”, and much, much more. Earlier this week, I had the chance to hang out with Karthik and learn all about it. Have a watch. Guitar Hero, Mario Kart Live, Tony Hawk, the list goes on and on. Where did your passion for gaming come from?
– You know, my brother and I grew up playing video games, and I used to come home from school playing Super Mario Brothers on the NES. Like, how cool is this? We love to do this. We were fortunate enough to meet an entrepreneur who was doing a startup with his brother, and he encouraged us, and he said, go and learn. There’s a programming book and an animation package, and he’s like, you figure it out. We’re like, oh my god, we can try and do this. And you know, we were working out of our parents’ basement and we started a company called Vicarious Visions, which, because I spelled vicarious wrong on the spelling test the prior week, that’s how we started.
– It’s so awesome, it’s an amazing story. Why did you choose RPI?
– You know, it was my college tour when I first came to campus. I saw the Incubator Center and I was wondering, what are they incubating in there? Well, it turns out it’s a place for startup businesses to grow, where local community leaders and entrepreneurs, along with faculty and staff, are there to help you build your business. And that concept just blew my mind. I knew I had to be here. Meeting these entrepreneurs, seeing them go from humble beginnings to taking their company public, like this is where I need to come and learn.
– So incredible. I mean, the rest is history.
– Yeah, exactly.
– So you have to be so proud of this amazing enterprise you’ve built right here in Troy.
– I’m really proud of the team that we’ve built here at Velan Studios, but I’m even prouder of the ecosystem that we’ve built here in the capital region. We’ve gone from like two developers to over 600 game developers, you know, spanning 20 some odd companies, from the tiniest of startups coming out of RPI to bigger studios that are part of global entertainment companies. It’s phenomenal and it’s a very collaborative environment. And being back in downtown Troy, which is a really cool place to work and hang out also allows us to be mentors, the way I got supported early on. And I get to do that with my friends, and you know, buddies where we’ve grown up together, you know, for the last 30 years and we get to make great games that are magic.
– Doesn’t get any better. I mean, first of all, thank you for sharing your story with the college tour. What an amazing, just 360 story where RPI is like, right at the center. It’s awesome.
– Thank you.
– Wow, Karthik, it’s great to hear about your incredible journey, and hear about how RPI works so hard to support student innovations. It’s wonderful that you are still so involved with RPI. Thank you so much for showing us around your studios. Karthik, that was so much fun, take care.