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Whether they’ve aimed for a boardroom,
moved into a laboratory setting, or returned to the classroom,
RPI alumni have cultivated the skills and expertise needed
for their future through extensive polymer coursework. And
like many of their fellow graduates, before and after, the
following six alumni highlighted here have one distinct course
running through their stories: success.
 Nitash
P. Balsara, ‘88
Professor, Department of Chemical Engineering
University of California, Berkeley
Balsara’s research is based
on soft microstructured materials, such as block copolymer
melts, polymer microemulsions, and colloidal suspensions.
His specialty targets soft microstructures that self-assemble
from the liquid state. Last spring, he began teaching a new
course addressing the microscopic origin of physical properties
of polymer liquids and solids.
"I had a wonderful time
as a graduate student at RPI. In fact, I liked the academic
environment so much that I never left it! I was fortunate
that Bruce Nauman chose me as a Ph.D. student. Working under
his guidance was a tremendous learning experience. He encouraged
me to think new thoughts and try new ideas. He also made sure
that my work had a solid scientific basis."
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 Stephen
Z.D. Cheng, ‘85
Trustees Professor of Polymer Science,
The University of Akron
Cheng began his career as an
assistant professor for polymer science at the University
of Akron in 1987. He has served as project director for the
National Science Foundation’s (NSF) thin film optics
project, and as associate director for the NSF’s Center
for Molecular and Microstructure of Composites. Cheng also
served on an advisory panel for the NSF’s Division of
Materials Research. Cheng is an Honorary Professor, Beijing
Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China.
“Without the education
I received at RPI, I would not be successful today. My education
at RPI provided a solid academic background for my career.
I am very grateful for the education RPI provided to me, and
my professors and advisor have become examples in my life.”
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 Jorge Goldstein, ‘71
Founding Director, Biotechnology Group,
Sterne Kessler Goldstein and Fox, PLLC
Goldstein is an attorney specializing
in intellectual property law. His areas of expertise include
genomics, bioinformatics, molecular and cell biology, recombinant
DNA technology, immunology, transgenics, and therapeutic methods.
In addition to his role as counsel, he is also solicited as
an expert witness.
"I arrived in Troy in 1968
as a foreign transfer student from Argentina with two pieces
of luggage and a visa. My first course a few days later was
with Professor Jim Ferris, organic chemistry. I was shocked
by the level of friendliness and openness of courses at RPI,
regardless how advanced the science was. It was quite a contrast
from my impersonal and crowded classes at the University of
Buenos Aires, where the professors were distant and authoritarian.
Jim Moore was another one of these passionate teachers. RPI
as a whole had depth beyond science and engineering and had
many passionate teachers."
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 Suresh
Rajaraman ‘98
Ph.D. Polymer Chemistry
New Product Developer
GE Silicons
Suresh Rajaraman earned the Best Thesis Award for Rensselaer
in 1998. Upon graduation that year, he entered GE’s two-year
Technical Leadership Program and worked on polycarbonates
for anti-static applications, color issues, and new process
developments. Rajaraman joined GE Silicons in January 2001.
His current research topics include flame retardants, holographic
storage technology, and cosmetics formulations.
"I chose to apply to RPI mainly because of the focus
of research on polymers. RPI is very well-known for that throughout
the world. I knew that RPI had very strong ties to industry,
and I wanted to work in research areas which solved practical
problems for the industry. I think the best thing [about being
a student at RPI] was the opportunity to work for world-renowned
scientists like Jim Crivello. It was an opportunity to be
mentored by someone who was an expert in the area."
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 Wayne
Ranbom, ‘73
Global Director, R&D Additives Division
Atofina Chemical
Ranbom directs a world-wide
staff of more than 80 scientists and technicians at laboratories
in the United States, France, and the Netherlands. His work
emphasizes new product development and the integration of
business strategy with research and development. Ranbom's
work has encompassed specialty chemicals, plastic additives,
organic chemicals, and organic peroxides.
“My industrial research
is now heavily focused on polymer science, and my training
as an undergraduate at RPI provided the essential technical
and scientific foundation I needed to succeed.”
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 Douglas
Robello, ‘78
Ph.D. Chemistry ‘86
Researcher
Eastman Kodak Research Laboratories
Robello’s industrial research
projects at Kodak include nonlinear optical polymers, electronic
camera sensors, environmentally friendly coating technology,
controlled release formulations, synthesis of novel polymer
structures, and optical data storage materials. He is listed
as the co-inventor on 28 U.S. patents and is an adjunct professor
at the University of Rochester.
“From my interactions with
the professors..., I gained an appreciation for the ‘big
picture’ of science and engineering, and how advances
in one area contributed to progress in another. I [also] learned
the excitement of the scientific discovery, enthusiasm for
my subject, the value of ‘following your nose’ on
research problems, and the necessity of attention to detail.”
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