Update to Our Classmates

July 2024

We are delighted to congratulate and introduce Finley Donachie ’24 as the eighth winner of the Class of 1957 Spectrum Award. “Fin” received his BS in Materials Science & Engineering, summa cum laude, and has relocated to California where he will pursue doctoral study at California Institute of Technology following a summer internship with Applied Materials in Silicon Valley.

His academic exposure went well beyond the classroom, including research work focusing on magnetron sputtering to grow epitaxial thin films, which sparked his interest in advanced materials research relating to cutting-edge deposition technologies for high melting temperature refractory compounds. He also served as a mentor in the lab, working with underclassmen in the group to get them engaged in research projects.

During his time at RPI, he spent time at Global Foundaries as a Chemical Vapor Deposition Process intern, and his Co-Op experience with GE Gas Power focused on critical thermodynamic testing on thermal barrier coatings to improve turbine efficiency and longevity.

In addition to the Spectrum Award:

• as a testament to his extensive thin-film research, Fin received the Best Poster Award from the Hudson Mohawk American Vacuum Society in recognition of his exceptional ability to discuss and explain complex research findings.
• he was one of only a few students given the Rensselaer Founders Award of Excellence in recognition of his academic record and other contributions to the Institute.
• his cutting edge research in the field of microelectronics led to his tenure as a SUPREME Undergraduate Microelectronics Fellow
• he will take advantage of a NSF Graduate Research Fellowship to work with an advisor at CalTech to develop the first Thermal Laser Epitaxy system in the US, with the potential to revolutionize the production of next generation computer hardware.

Beyond the lab, Fin is deeply committed to community service and leadership. As a leader in RPI’s Chapter of Material Advantage (MA), he held various roles including president and vice president, significantly enhancing the organization's community engagement and outreach initiatives. His dedication extended to the Boys & Girls Club of Troy, where he organized educational activities to inspire underrepresented children in STEM fields. For three years at RPI, Fin led exam review sessions through MA for an introductory materials science course each semester. His effective teaching methods significantly helped students improve their understanding and performance in the course. This experience deepened his desire to pursue a career in academia, envisioning himself as a professor inspiring a new generation of scientists. Fin’s commitment to community service is set to continue at Caltech, where he plans to join the Visiting Scientists Program, aiming to mentor and inspire the next generation of scientists.

We are also very pleased that Fin has engaged as an active member of the newly formed Spectrum Winners Group, which will work with the School of Engineering and Institute Advancement to represent the Class of 1957 in managing the Spectrum Award in the years ahead, while also benefitting from continued communication and interaction within the Group.

About the Class of 1957 Spectrum Award

The Class of 1957 Spectrum Award was created in 2017 in honor of the Class of 1957’s 60^th Reunion. The Reunion Planning Committee wanted to plan a class gift which would be directly tied to their class and leave a lasting impact on Rensselaer.

To accomplish that objective, to re-emphasize the Class’s long-standing legacy of generosity, and to keep their strong commitment to Rensselaer and to community service, they created an endowed prize fund which will carry the class name in perpetuity: The “Class of 1957 Spectrum Award: Academics, Service, and Involvement.” This award is given annually to a junior or senior engineering student with an outstanding academic record who also exemplifies the heart and attitude of community service.

Thanks to the generous support from many of the members of the Class of 1957, we are nearing a donation total of $250,000, and the award has now been presented to eight outstanding students.

If you would like to support the Spectrum Award via check or other offline giving method, please contact the Office of Annual Giving via email or by phone at (518) 276-6055.