Do you know how RPI Engineering faculty are shaping the future? In just 20 minutes, you’ll discover how their research is changing the world! Join us to learn how TED Talk meets research presented in PechaKucha style! Open to ALL!!
Professor of Electrical, Computers and Systems Engineering
Sept 10, 2025 2:00-2:30pm ET
Spaces that See
Ever wondered how a room can “know” what you’re doing? Or how an airport could track passengers and their luggage in real time?
Join Prof. Rich Radke as he shares his journey through the world of computer vision and machine learning, building intelligent systems that respond to people and environments at scale. From smart spaces to massive multi-user displays, discover how his research is shaping the future of occupant-aware technology—and hear firsthand about the collaborations and career path that brought him here.
Professor of Materials Science & Engineering
Professor of Mechanical, Aerospace & Nuclear Engineering
Professor of Chemical and Biological Engineering
About the host
Prof. Lucy Zhang is a Professor in the Department of Mechanical, Aerospace & Nuclear Engineering and Associate Dean for Research Innovations, Partnerships, and Workforce Development at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI).
Her research focuses on developing advanced computational methods and algorithms that simulate the behavior of complex physical biomechanics and engineered systems. Her work has broad and impactful applications, including understanding biomechanics and diseases, enhancing medical technologies, and designing optimal materials under extreme conditions.
She is a Fellow of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME), recognized for her significant contributions to computational mechanics. Prof. Zhang has also served as a Program Director at the National Science Foundation (NSF). In this role, she helped shape national research priorities and supported transformative research initiatives. She is the incoming President of the U.S. Association for Computational Mechanics (USACM), where she will lead and represent the national computational mechanics community.
Beyond her technical contributions, Prof. Zhang is committed to academic mentorship and community engagement. She co-hosts the podcast series This Academic Life, which explores the personal and professional journeys of academics in STEM.
Prof. Zhang earned her B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from Binghamton University, followed by her M.S. and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering from Northwestern University. She began her academic career at Tulane University, relocated to RPI in 2006 due to Hurricane Katrina.
