George T. Horton
Class of 1893, combined an engineer's ability for original and independent thinking with a manager's vision for industrial progress.
As chief engineer and then president of Chicago Bridge & Iron Company, he developed the modern high-capacity elevated storage tank, common throughout the world.
Through his innovative uses of electrical welding in the fabrication of steel structures, riveted construction became a thing of the past at his company.
He established a welding laboratory at Rensselaer that led to the Institute's international reputation in materials engineering.
Department History
1935 - The Metallurgical Engineering Department
Pioneering America's Welding Technologies
Established in 1935 as the Metallurgical Engineering Department, we are one of the oldest such departments in the country. From our revolutionary begininng, we've remained true to one of our major strengths; research. In fact, some of our earliest research in welding technologies led to the Institute’s international reputation in materials engineering. A reputation that we still enjoy today.
1960 - The Materials Engineering Department
A new comprehensive approach to non-metallic materials
With the broadening of scope in materials science and engineering that took place in the 1960's, we were one of the first in the country to recognize the growing importance of non-metallic materials and the need for a comprehensive approach to materials problems. We developed new programs in glass, ceramics, and polymers, and our department became the Materials Engineering Department.
1995 - The Materials Science and Engineering Department
Advanced materials...
Adopted in 1995, our current name gives final recognition to the breadth and depth of our interests.
To Find Out More Go To: http://www.eng.rpi.edu
