News
TROY, N.Y. — The state of New York has set an ambitious target of developing and implementing a 100% clean electric grid by the year 2040, with the larger goal of eventual economy-wide carbon-neutrality. New York’s “Green New Deal” will require a multitude of industry and academic research initiatives aimed at making that effort a tangible reality.
TROY, N.Y. — A surgeon makes an incision on a virtual patient with support from a perioperative nurse, while an anesthesiologist monitors the patient’s vital signs. As the procedure continues, the team members navigate together through any challenges that arise — even though each of them may be participating from different rooms, buildings, or even cities.
TROY, N.Y. — Short of cameras, there are few tools at the disposal of health care providers or loved ones to remotely monitor patient safety within hospitals and assisted living care facilities. A new system of infrared sensors is able to provide real-time data about a person’s movements in a room while also maintaining their privacy.
The research, mentorship, and teaching innovation of several faculty members in the School of Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute were recently recognized with the 2020 Institute Awards. The annual honors also included recognition for exceptional service and dedication.
TROY, N.Y. — A device capable of automatically disinfecting common surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, and elevator buttons, could be a vital tool in virus and disease mitigation during and after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Michael Shur, an endowed chair professor of electrical, computer, and systems engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, has conceived of a plan to disinfect high-traffic surfaces using deep ultraviolet light from LEDs.
Bob Karlicek, the director of the Center for Lighting Enabled Systems & Applications (LESA) at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, will discuss ultraviolet (UV-C) technology and how it may be used to kill viruses and other pathogens during a webcast, hosted by LEDs Magazine.
This topic has come into focus as one possible solution for preventing and mitigating the COVID-19 pandemic.

The RAA Boston Chapter hosted an interactive online discussion on “Innovation and Opportunities in Robotics," featuring a panel of alumni and alumnae leaders in the industry.
This Spring, we have around 140 graduating undergraduates earning their B.S. in Electrical Engineering and Computer and Systems Engineering, 15 Masters graduates, and 3 Ph.D. graduates. We were thrilled to celebrate their achievements through a digital ceremony.
Jeffrey Braunstein, a senior lecturer in the School of Engineering, has been selected as the recipient of the David M. Darrin ’40 Counseling Award, which will be presented during Commencement. This award was established by David M. Darrin ’40 to recognize a faculty member who has made an unusual contribution in the counseling of undergraduate students. The selection of the award recipient is made by Phalanx, Rensselaer’s student leadership honorary society.
On May 21, 2020, at the annual Grainger Scholars ceremony 9held digitally this year), five ESCE students received the prestigious Grainger Scholars Award, which is given every spring. Funding for the awards is provided by the Grainger Foundation, a private organization based in Lake Forest, IL which supports U.S. technical education and workforce development. The foundation has been awarding this scholarship to RPI students in the electric power field for the last fourteen years.