Okay, everyone, let’s meet Anya, a senior physics major who’s gonna tell us about the exciting things that happen off campus in the Arch program, which facilitates students spending a semester away from campus to pursue their passions like research or studying or working abroad. Take it away, Anya.
– Thanks, Alex. Hi everyone. I’m a senior physics major here at RPI. After visiting the campus, I committed to RPI with high hopes and I haven’t been disappointed. My college experience has been overwhelmingly positive, formative, and absolutely unforgettable. Outside of classes, the two activities that take most of my time are soccer and band. I’m president of the women’s club soccer team, and I also help run pickup soccer sessions jointly with the men’s team. I also play the trumpet in the pep band and in a more formal trumpet octet. Needless to say, I’m always rushing around to get to my next thing and my life on campus is very exciting. But one of the best things about RPI is actually what happens off campus. RPI has a program called the Arch in which each student pursues a personal or professional development opportunity for one semester of their junior year. In the fall of my junior year, I scored a prestigious opportunity doing laser plasma acceleration experiments at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California. There I worked with a giant petawatt class laser system and even got to shoot it myself. In addition to professional and technical skills, I also learned a lot of soft skills, as I was living completely independently on the west coast and getting my first taste of true adult life. That experience taught me the importance of internships. So the following summer, I went on to apply for more, and I was lucky to land a position at the National Radio Astronomy Observatory in New Mexico. There I spent 10 weeks conducting research, visiting world-class telescopes, meeting celebrities in radio astronomy, traveling the southwest, and building lifelong friendships with my fellow interns. Prior to the Arch, I wasn’t aware of the opportunities that exist within my field, but RPI allowed me to explore my potential and gave me the confidence to be assertive in pursuing my dreams. Well, that’s it for me. Back to you, Alex.
– So Anya, you’re telling me you pursued both of those experiences while an undergraduate student at RPI? That is pretty amazing. It’s great to hear that RPI students have dedicated time in the academic calendar for professional development and pursuing their passions. Thanks again, Anya.
Now introducing Sonya, who’s pursuing an MBA with a concentration in life sciences entrepreneurship. After completing a dual bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering and Design, Innovation, and Society, she decided to pursue graduate studies in the Lally School of Management to bring groundbreaking research from the lab to the marketplace to improve healthcare. Floor is all your, Sonya, take it away.
– Thanks for that introduction, Alex. My journey at RPI begins with a strong passion for engineering and technology. Growing up, I was always fascinated by science fiction and the interface between humans and technology. When I toured RPI as a high schooler, I fell in love with campus and all the opportunities available for students. One of the most important things for you to know about RPI is that there’s this deep geek, niche nerd kind of culture you just can’t find anywhere else. As I pursued undergraduate degrees in biomedical engineering and design, I realized that while I love the technical aspect of my studies, I was also intrigued by the business side of healthcare and life sciences. That’s what led me to pursue an MBA at the Lally School of Management. I wanted to enhance my engineering background with essential business skills and open up new possibilities for my career. Historically, the rate of translation of groundbreaking research towards novel medical devices, treatments, and protocols has not been optimal. I’m interested in building a career that pushes these ideas and research towards commercialization to improve healthcare. At Lally, I’ve been able to participate in interdisciplinary collaboration, and I have the platform to explore innovative solutions to real-world problems. Through the Severino Center for Technological Entrepreneurship, I participated in research funded by the National Science Foundation to explore the commercial potential for my research. I also participated in pitch competitions and attended conferences. The combination of business and technical skills I’ve gained at RPI allows me to approach challenges with a unique perspective. I feel well equipped to take on some of the world’s toughest issues in healthcare. The Lally community has also provided a strong support system that extends beyond the classroom. RPI’s network of fellow students, alumni, and faculty have opened doors for me and provide exciting opportunities and connections within the business world. Back to you, Alex.
– Sonya, it’s exciting to hear you can combine your passion for improving healthcare with your technical and business interests at RPI. At the Lally School of Management, students gain expertise in business analytics, FinTech, and more, and develop their entrepreneurial and leadership skills. Sonya, thank you so much for sharing your story. Absolutely incredible.
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.