Welcome to RPI MA!
RPI Material Advantage is a student professional society of both undergraduate and graduate students who are interested in materials science, engineering, and technology. Membership to the national group provides access to the most preeminent societies of materials science and engineering including ACerS, AIST, ASM International, and TMS.
The main goals of RPI Material Advantage include fostering professional development, enhancing networking opportunities, and performing educational outreach. This group is devoted to increasing materials science awareness among members of the RPI community as well as surrounding K-12 schools with extensive outreach efforts.
What We Do
Bladesmithing
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The Material Advantage Bladesmithing Team began work in August on Excelsior, a custom-forged Damascus steel knork created for the TMS Bladesmithing Competition. The blade honors RPI’s Civil War history, drawing inspiration from West Hall’s role as Troy Hospital, and reflects the team’s integration of historical narrative with modern materials science. The team collaborated closely with local artisan and RPI employee Paul Crosby of Paul Crosby Knives, gaining hands-on guidance throughout the forging process.
Development
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Professional development is a core focus of Material Advantage. Throughout the year, students engage with guest speakers from industry, participate in facility tours, and collaborate through peer critiques to deepen their understanding of materials science and engineering. Select members also attend the Material Science & Technology Conference to compete, learn, and build lasting professional connections.
Outreach
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Community outreach, or commonly referred to as Material Buddies, is a quintessential part of the Rennsselaer Polytechnic Institute Material Advantage Chapter. Material Buddies serve the local educational community; from elementary schools up to high schools, with the goal to inspire and educate the next generation of scientists and engineers.
Social
Material Advantage encourages the development of strong bonds between peers though different social events; hosting games nights, forming a hockey team, department dinners, and many other bonding activities. Through these activities, a closer knit community is formed, not just with the undergraduate students but department wide.