RPI Aero faculty and graduate researchers are at the forefront of discovery in experimental and computational flow physics and flow control, adaptive and morphing structures, adaptive modeling and simulation, new computational analysis and optimization techniques, structural health monitoring, dynamics and control, materials and nanocomposites, and propulsion systems.  Their research has application to fixed-wing aircraft, rotary-wing aircraft and space vehicles, as well as to areas such as wind-energy, undersea-vehicles, and buildings.  Several Aero graduate students are winners of prestigious national fellowships supported by agencies such as NSF, NASA and the DoD.  Graduate students have the opportunity to engage with student chapters of professional societies such as the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, and the American Helicopter Society, and participate in student design competitions sponsored by these societies as well as agencies such as NASA.

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s nationally recognized graduate program in Mechanical Engineering (ME), is known for both the ingenuity of our researchers and the quality of our students. Mechanical Engineering is home to over 150 graduate students from more than 9 countries on 3 continents who pursue M.S., M. Eng., or Ph. D. degrees. Working professionals are welcomed, and many pursue M. Eng. degrees taught in a blended format between online and face-to-face instruction.

ME program’s PhD research focuses on fundamental and modern topics within four broad areas in  Mechanics and Materials, Thermal and Fluids Engineering, Design and Manufacturing, and Dynamics and Control, complemented by three cross-cutting research areas in Energy Science and Engineering, Materials, Materials Processing and Controls, and Human Health and Safety. Potential PhD applicants are encouraged to browse the faculty research lab websites for more information on specific research topics and faculty advisors

In addition to graduate coursework and research opportunities, graduate students at Rensselaer can participate in community outreach initiatives such as Engineers Without Borders, Formula SAE Racecar Club, or Habitat for Humanity, as well as student governance. Students are also encouraged to network with the engineering community through one of several professional societies with chapters on campus.

Rensselaer's Nuclear Engineering program is home to over 130 undergraduate and graduate students. With focuses on reactor physics and design, thermal-hydraulics, health physics, and reactor materials, the Nuclear Engineering program offers a diverse set of courses to fit almost any curriculum. Additionally, the program includes a competitive Senior Design Program, maintains two world-class research facilities, and is home to a highly active student section of the American Nuclear Society.

The Nuclear Engineering Program

Rensselaer launched its plan for NE research in the late 1950s when the Atomic Energy Commission funded a project to construct a linear electron accelerator in 1958 (more at http://www.linac.rpi.edu/public_html/). The NE Department was officially formed in 1960 and is one of the oldest such programs in the U.S. The construction of the accelerator facility was completed in 1961 and the facility would soon be named after Professor Gaerttner who was instrumental in establishing NE at Rensselaer and who served as NE’s first departmental head. Within a few years, the NE Department at Rensselaer awarded its first PhD degrees and then B.S. degrees.

At Rensselaer, concentrations are available in fission reactor physics, reactor engineering, health physics, thermal-hydraulics, reliability and safety, and reactor materials. Boasting unique and state-of-the-art research facilities, Rensselaer students have access to a critical reactor, a large electron accelerator, and modern computer interfacing technology. With today's need for inexpensive sources of energy, Rensselaer nuclear engineering graduates are in great demand for positions in industry or graduate study. Additionally, there are exciting possibilities in space power propulsion, fusion reactor engineering, medicine, and national defense.

For more information see the Nuclear Engineering Website.

NEUP and RPI Nuclear Engineering

RPI's nuclear engineering program is one of the programs in the U.S. that are qualified for DOE fellowships of $50,000 a year over three years for graduate students. More about the NEUP fellowship.

Student Groups

Both the NE Program and the MANE Department are home to several active student groups which supplement courses and academic work with extracurricular and off-campus experiences. The NE program is fortunate to have a very active sections of the American Nuclear Society, the professional society for nuclear engineers, and the nuclear engineering honor society Alpha Nu Sigma. Advising the MANE department, the Student Advisory Council participates in various departmental functions, including the interviewing of prospective faculty members, the production of guest lectures and seminars, and departmental representation in outreach events. Today, these groups provide the program with a wide array of student resources and activities, and also host technical presentations and seminars online.