RPI School of Engineering

It has been a busy summer! The School of Engineering's Biomedical Engineering Department at RPI hosted the NextGenBME summer program for high school students July 20-24. Program participants were exposed to biomedical engineering topics like cell culture, circuit building, 3-D printing, biomechanics, bioimaging, and more. In addition to experiences in the lab, students also took part in laboratory tours and seminar sessions with BME faculty and staff. We enjoyed welcoming these students to campus and we wish them all the best in their future engineering careers!

RPI STEAMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics, Medicine) Inventor Studio is happening on campus for students in grades 9-12. Participants explore cutting-edge interdisciplinary topics and career paths that integrate disciplines in STEAMM. This project-based program combines hands-on discovery with classroom learning. The program facilitates students to think outside the box and go beyond a single discipline, realizing their potential as interdisciplinary engineers and scientists. Over the course of two weeks, participants learn about a variety of undergraduate majors and career paths from a team of RPI faculty working across departments. Students also work on small-group projects and present their research and findings at the conclusion of the program, placing strong focus on developing effective written technical communication and presentation skills.

RPI School of Engineering Design Lab recently hosted the Aerospace Engineering Summer program as part of the Summer@Rensselaer program. This is a one-week, hands-on STEM experience for rising 10th–12th graders, combining lectures, lab work, and real-world engineering projects. The program is taught by Professor Michael Amitay and Professor Onkar Sahni of RPI’s Department of Mechanical, Aerospace, and Nuclear Engineering with support from the School of Engineering’s Design/Build/Fly student club. For more information on this program, please visit https://pre-college.admissions.rpi.edu/summerrpi/aerospace-engineering?fbclid=IwY2xjawTdYNVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFMYTgzRFJubE5ObWl2MlNKc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHj5qDd1CkcSJWRfr4R4QkEDS436lB32qupCBENSD5dJTMMuU9lVPNDdgfpo-_aem_x7LVZAkDRwtdfpiHQjqXxA

RPI School of Engineering hosted 22 students in the Gene Haas Manufacturing Teaching and Learning Foundry as part of the PREFACE program at RPI for rising high school juniors and seniors who are interested in engineering or technology. One component of PREFACE was a two-day introduction to modern manufacturing. Students gained hands-on experience with Haas CNC machine operation, computer-aided manufacturing using Mastercam, robotics, laser cutting, and vacuum forming.

We wish all the Preface participants continued success in your academic pursuits and encourage you to keep exploring engineering as you prepare for the exciting opportunities that lie ahead.

Congratulations to Rensselaer Motorsport who recently traveled to Michigan International Speedway and with a team of 17 students competed with their car RM29 against 93 other electric vehicles. This was the first year the team passed all technical inspections at Michigan since the switch to EV in 2023. They completed all dynamic events, including the 22km endurance, which they had not done since 2018. The team placed 21st overall and won 2nd in the efficiency category, an incredible step up from last year. The team was inspired by the experience and results, and work begins on next year's car. We thank Joey Marchand, 2025-2026 team lead and welcome the 2026-2027 leadership: Cameron Quail, team lead, Abel Arellano, mechanical lead, and Alexander Ethier, electrical lead!

Show us your caps Class of 2026!

Congratulations Class of 2026!

Tune in live this morning at 8:30 a.m. EDT as we celebrate 🎉 our 220th Commencement ceremony and recognize the achievements 🏆 of this extraordinary class. Watch live: https://bit.ly/492SZYC

Today’s the day, Class of 2026 🎉

Tune in live this morning at 8:30 a.m. EDT as we celebrate our 220th Commencement ceremony and recognize the achievements of this extraordinary class.

Watch live: https://bit.ly/492SZYC

🌟 Congratulations to Vivian Rost-Nasshan '26 (industrial and management engineering), recipient of the Willie Stanton Award! 🏆

🌟 Congratulations to Vivian Rost-Nasshan '26, recipient of the Willie Stanton Award! 🏆

The Willie Stanton Award honors William P. Stanton, affectionately known as “Mr. RPI,” whose quiet kindness and more than 45 years of dedicated service left a lasting impact on generations of students. This award is presented annually to a senior who reflects that same spirit of humble, meaningful service to the student body.

Vivian has made a lasting difference by mentoring peers, guiding student organizations, and creating spaces where students feel heard, supported, and valued. Whether solving problems, advising future leaders, or offering help without being asked, she has led with humility, reliability, and care.

Through her involvement in student government, Engineering Ambassadors, Rensselaer Motorsports, and many other student organizations, Vivian has consistently brought people together, connected others with resources, and helped ensure those around her had the support they needed to succeed. 🤝✨

As Grand Marshal, Vivian worked tirelessly to advocate for students, strengthen communication with administration, and advance initiatives that improved daily student life, including mental health resources, campus safety, and access to affordable course materials.

Like Willie Stanton, Vivian has dedicated herself to serving others not for recognition, but to strengthen the community around her. ❤️

Congratulations to Vivian Rost-Nasshan on this well-deserved recognition! 👏🎉