RPI's Lighting Research Center accepting graduate lighting program applications (UPDATED)

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute's (RPI's) Lighting Research Center is accepting applications for the Fall 2024 graduate education program. The specialized, nine-month program addresses lighting technology, design, human factors, and applications, enabling students to work closely with faculty in architecture, engineering, research, and lighting design, culminating in a multidisciplinary master's degree.

LRC’s lighting education curriculum serves students who wish to gain a broad education in lighting engineering, research, and design while working closely with LRC faculty and staff, according to LRC graduate program director and  professor Nadarajah Narendran, Ph.D. Course instructors include experts in lighting design, electrical and mechanical engineering, thermodynamics, and physics.

Narendran noted that the program is also suited for individuals who want to turn  innovative ideas into viable lighting products or services. “The program is designed to help students better identify and understand industry opportunities and the innovation process with a focus on lighting product design, manufacturing, and sustainability,” he said.

The master's program will address a broad array of electronics, optics, thermomechanics, 3D printing, sensors, metrology, business, and entrepreneurial fundamentals and concepts that can be applied not only in the lighting industry but also in the semiconductor, electronics, software, additive manufacturing, and engineering fields. 

One research field available for students is 3D printing of lighting, an area that is poised to advance manufacturing and where the LRC has been developing high-level expertise through novel research and industry collaboration. Indeed, Narendran and LRC graduate Indika Perera demonstrated some initial materials and 3D printed luminaire designs during an LEDs Magazine visit to LRC back in 2017, and since then, the center has launched an online 3D printing course in addition to continuing its investigations into additive manufacturing within its academic-commercial partnerships.

Applicants to the lighting education program should have a bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, lighting, industry or product design, physics, or other related field. The priority application deadline is March 1, 2024. Scholarships and tuition discounts are available. For more information and to apply, visit the LRC website.

*Edited and condensed from LRC news release.

*Updated Dec. 8, 2023 11:25 AM for name correction (LEDs Magazine regrest the error!) and funding opportunities clarification. 

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