Prof. Patrick Underhill discusses how experiences like cooking and hiking impact science and engineering research in the Faculty Spotlight talk on January 14, 2026. Research is often confined to silos based on properties like size, material, or application, which can limit innovation. But when we break down these barriers and explore unexpected connections, we can find inspiration to solve complex problems. This lecture is available at https://youtu.be/sqy-En4C5KM.
A team led by Rensselaer Polytechn
Prof. Helen Zha discusses a future where biological systems are harnessed to inspire, make, and dispose of the materials we use in our daily lives at the Faculty Spotlight talk on December 10, 2025. Nature provides many examples of materials that are exquisitely elegant in form and function. These materials can have high performance, be renewably made, and leave no lasting waste in our environment. Nature also provides bio-based tools for manufacturing these materials in an eco-friendly way.
Assistant Professor Prashun Gorai has received a two-year ACS Petroleum Research Fund (PRF) Doctoral New Investigator (DNI) grant from the American Chemical Society
CBE family members gathered to celebrate Prof. Joel Plawsky’s more than a decade of service as head, and to welcome the new leadership on November 20. 2025.
Institute News
RPI and GlobalFoundries Partner on Semiconductor Research, Education, and Workforce Development Initiatives
By creating and implementing new educational, engagement, and research opportunities for students and faculty, RPI and GF are driving semiconductor innovation and producing the next generation of leaders in the semiconductor industry.
RPI Alumna Clare Severance ’18 Honored in Society of Manufacturing Engineers 30 Under 30 List
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) mechanical engineering alumna Clare Severance ’18 has been honored with a place on the 2025 Society of Manufacturing Engineers 30 Under 30 list.
RPI Researchers Advance Understanding of Semiconductor Crystal Growth
A team led by researchers at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) has made a breakthrough in semiconductor development that could reshape the way we produce computer chips, optoelectronics and quantum computing devices.
RPI Engineering Elevated with Investiture of Shekhar Garde as Thomas R. Farino, Jr. ’67 and Patricia E. Farino Dean
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) recently held an Investiture ceremony to formally recognize Shekhar Garde, Ph.D., as the Thomas R. Farino, Jr. ’67 and Patricia E. Farino Dean of the School of Engineering, a significant moment for the Institute that will strengthen engineering at RPI across education, research, and the student experience.
RPI Launches Semiconductor CoLab to Advance Microelectronics Research and Education
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) has launched the Semiconductor CoLab at NY Creates' Albany NanoTech Complex, establishing a dedicated 6,000-square-foot facility designed to advance semiconductor research and strengthen academic programming in microelectronics. The facility positions RPI as a key contributor to the nation's semiconductor research infrastructure.