Welcome to the Fields of Study category of Catalyst, your gateway to a diverse world of academic exploration and intellectual curiosity. Here, we embark on a captivating journey through various disciplines, shedding light on the fascinating realms of knowledge that shape our understanding of the world. Whether you’re a student seeking guidance in choosing the right major or a lifelong learner eager to delve into new areas of interest, Catalyst offers a treasure trove of articles, interviews, and insights to ignite your passion for learning. From the sciences to the humanities, from engineering to the arts, our comprehensive content provides a panoramic view of different fields, their interconnectedness, and the limitless possibilities they present. Join us as we celebrate the transformative power of education and uncover the wonders of diverse fields of study. Discover engaging narratives, career pathways, research breakthroughs, and the profound impact these disciplines have on society. Let Catalyst be your compass as you navigate the vast landscape of knowledge and embark on a rewarding intellectual expedition.
By Jim Girouard Over the next three years, there will be a three-fold increase in global data, bringing us to a whopping 40,000 exabytes by 2020. That’s 10 to the 18th power, or one billion gigabytes. Can you even picture that much of anything? What’s causing this explosion of data? All of us. Sensors in…Continue Reading Engineer’s Corner: What Does a Data Scientist Do?
Where there’s smoke, there’s fire, and fire protection engineers use a stimulating mix of engineering disciplines, math, computer science, and even psychology to prevent smoke from ever appearing. If you’re a mechanical, civil, electrical, or chemical engineer, you already possess much of the necessary training to pursue a career in fire protection engineering. View the infographic below to…Continue Reading 5 Reasons To Be A Fire Protection Engineer [Infographic]
Have you heard of BIM? It’s taking the worlds of construction, design, and engineering by storm, and for good reason. BIM, or Building Information Modeling, is a revolutionary software that streamlines building projects and facilitates communication between stakeholders at all points in the construction process: architects, contractors, even facilities managers after the job is complete. In our latest…Continue Reading New eBook: BIM in Theory and Practice
The different sectors of engineering are like trees; while there may be many branches, they all lead back to their roots. Aerospace, Robotics, and Electrical & Computer Engineering are all limbs on the Mechanical Engineering tree. See how M.E. cultivates innovation in our new infographic. Get the foundation you need to make a difference. Explore the field of…Continue Reading Mechanical Engineering: The Root of Innovation [Infographic]
In this first installment of Crash the Course*, I’m taking you on a journey into WPI Online’s “Introduction to Systems Thinking” course. I don’t just work at WPI; I’m also a student in one of the first courses offered in a revolutionary new education model: Personalized Online Education (or POE). Here’s why POE works for me. It’s convenient – I’m…Continue Reading Crash the Course: Introduction to Systems Thinking
The composition of steel isn’t one-size-fits all. There are dozens of variations of steel, all of which rely on a specific balance of iron, carbon, and one or more other elements for their distinctive properties. For every variety of steel there are unique purposes for which it is best suited across a range of industries….Continue Reading Corrosion-Resistant Steel: What’s the Best Recipe?
By Mike Ahern, Director, Corporate & Professional Education Like many new structural engineers, I graduated with a good understanding of elastic behavior and how to perform elastic analysis. I was also well-versed in factors of safety and conservative design. When I started my first job at a leading gas turbine engine manufacturer, I realized I…Continue Reading Getting the Most Out of Structural Materials
Systems thinking is an effective, holistic way to view any problem you may have in business and personal relations. But don’t take our word for it! Our online and corporate graduate students are raving about WPI’s Intro to Systems Thinking course, and how it has positively affected different aspects of their lives. SYSTEMS THINKING…Continue Reading Change Your Mind with Systems Thinking
My old boss had a favorite saying for occasions when our team failed to keep each other informed. In exasperation, he’d bellow: “All communication… is a miracle!” He’d deliver the last three words with a dramatic flourish. It stuck with me as a simple truth; that we, as engineers and managers, struggle to keep our…Continue Reading Automating Communication Through Building Information Modeling
If you’ve researched the topic of fire protection engineering, you probably have a general understanding that fire protection engineers use a variety of sciences and disciplines to protect people and property from fires. What does that mean, though? What does a fire protection engineer actually do? Quite a lot, as it turns out. We’re so…Continue Reading What Do Fire Protection Engineers Do?