THE MELODIES OF MATERIALS
Materials science is at the heart of innovation, shaping the tools and technologies of our modern world. Let's dive into the intricacies behind the materials that define the music and sounds of our lives.
general
Read about general materials science posts here!
4/29/2025 ⋅ By Rishi Pai ⋅ 4 min read
The 2025 FIRST World Championships
Well, we made it. We qualified for the FIRST World Championships in Houston, which took place on April 15-19 earlier this month. Hitherto, this was the best competition I’ve been at. It was a week of not only robotics, but professional workshops, teamwork, and networking. The experience provided me much more than robot expertise, but furthered my understanding of complex engineering/programming concepts through workshops and improved my communication skills to build lasting connections with professionals I met that week.
3/29/2025 ⋅ By Rishi Pai ⋅ 3 min read
FRC 2025 - Season Qualifications
To grow my interest and experience in materials science, one of the endeavors I enjoy the most is FRC (FIRST Robotics Competition) through my high school. My first year as a freshman in high school introduced me to robotics, and I hope to learn more and get more involved as the years come. At a new school for my 10th grade year, 2025 marks my first season as a “Techno Titan,” as a member of FRC team 1683.
2/27/2025 ⋅ By Rishi Pai ⋅ 3 min read
How AI is Accelerating Materials Innovation
We all know that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is growing faster than ever before, getting incorporated into new industries everyday, especially in fields of STEM. A recent development in the past few years has been the breakthroughs of generative AI advancing materials analysis and discovery, a combination of my two passions in the field of science. I know for a fact that the technology we have today will serve as a basis for materials science to continue enhancing and improving research through AI techniques. Gauging an interest in combining these two fields, I recently read a few articles online about how AI is shaping materials science research in the 21st century.
12/28/2024 ⋅ By Rishi Pai ⋅ 5 min read
Melodies of Tabla in Outer Space
Have you ever wondered how music sounds 100 miles above our planet? Can we still create and share the beauty of instrumental melody as we do on earth in the vacuum of outer space? Is music lost to the cosmos?
In short- yes. Sound cannot travel in the vastness of outer space, the reason why it is pin-drop silent up there. Sound waves require air as a medium to carry its vibration in order for us to hear it, and space is empty of both air and empty of sound. However, the International Space Station (ISS) gives a workaround for astronauts to enjoy the music that we would get down here on planet Earth.