By Regina Stracqualursi
Last semester, high school students around the Capital Region had the opportunity to learn more about manufacturing and the critical role it plays in society at the National Manufacturing Day virtual celebration organized by the School of Engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.
“As engineers, we apply science to solve important problems facing society,” said Shekhar Garde, dean of the School of Engineering. “It is always a pleasure for us to welcome the next generation and show them that science and engineering are not just useful, but also a lot of fun.”
The virtual event focused on how Rensselaer engineers have aided in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. “Rensselaer was able to respond quickly and effectively to the challenge of creating personal protective equipment,” said Robert Hull, acting vice president for research, during the event.
The event featured a virtual tour of the Manufacturing Innovation Learning Laboratory (MILL), which included a walkthrough of the specific manufacturing process used to make face shields during the COVID-19 pandemic. Students also virtually visited The Forge, a student-run makerspace where volunteers 3D printed face shields for health care workers in need.
Watch the event recording to experience the virtual tours firsthand.
