Soma Patra
Editor in Chief
Soma is a senior/graduate student from Acton, Massachusetts pursuing her Master's in Data Science after a BS in Biomedical Engineering. She loves cats, drinking coffee, and freaking out her friends with her contortionist abilities.
Previous positions
- Editorial/Opinion Editor December 2022 to April 2023
- Features Editor October 2022 to December 2022
- Features Coordinator September 2022 to October 2022
Senate approves Catherine Philipps '24 as 135th President of the Union
The Student Senate met virtually this past Thursday to approve Catherine Philipps ’24 as the 135th President of the Union.
Exploring Dungeons & Dragons with the RPI Players’ performance of She Kills Monsters
Editor-In-Chief Soma Patra ’26 recounts the RPI Players’ colorful performance of She Kills Monsters this past weekend.
Exploring RPI’s past with Jon Kessler ’79, ’82G
Editor-in-chief Soma Patra ’26 interviewed previous Polytechnic editor Jon Kessler ’79, ’82G, discussing his recent donation to the Rensselaer Union and shedding light on his overall experience at RPI.
Wrapping up the year with “The Last of The Pipes”
Editor-in-Chief Soma Patra ’26 and Contributing Editor Anna Zuniga ’26 watched the Rusty Pipes’ Spring Show this past Friday in EMPAC.
RPI Players slay their performance of Heathers: The Musical
Editorial/Opinion Editor Soma Patra ’26 attended the RPI Players’ first performance of Heathers The Musical in EMPAC.
PSS: students waltz into April with RPI Ballroom
RPI’s Ballroom Dance Club hosted a DanceSport Competition in the Armory this past Saturday.
What I see in NYC
Editorial/Opinion Editor Soma Patra ’26 recounts her recent journey to New York City with her fellow staff members of The Polytechnic.
Rensselaer’s Greens grows life lessons
Contributing Editor Anna Stubbs ’26 and Editorial/Opinion Editor Soma Patra ’26 met with Christopher Mansfield to learn more about the hydroponic farm he runs next to Commons Dining Hall.
Music and comedy collide in Sheer Idiocy’s Music Show
Editorial/Opinion Editor Soma Patra ’26 visited Sheer Idiocy’s Music Show where they collaborated with RMA’s NQB and Ceili Band to perform an outstanding musical comedy set.
Artistic attire billows down the runway in BSA’s Fashion Show
Editorial/Opinion Editor Soma Patra ’26 and Features Editor Anna Zuniga ’26 attended BSA’s Fashion Show last Saturday night, featuring a variety of modern, vibrant, and chic pieces.
A capella echoes through EMPAC in ICCA Quarterfinals
Editorial/Opinion Editor Soma Patra ’26 reflects on the eight a cappella groups who competed at ICCAs Quarterfinals in EMPAC last Saturday night.
The effectiveness vs. non-effectiveness of finals
Are finals really that beneficial for learning? Editorial/Opinion Editor Soma Patra ’26 argues that the cons outweigh the pros.
Sink your teeth into the RPI Players’ production of Dracula
The RPI Players presented an exemplary performance at the Playhouse this past weekend, displaying an outstanding production of Dracula.
Everything I Hate About My Favorites
Delving into her love of literature, Features Editor Soma Patra ‘26 discusses some of her favorite novels, and everything she dislikes about them.
Identifying engineering materials with Dr. Edwin B. Fohtung
Dr. Edwin B. Fohtung, Associate Professor of Materials Science and Engineering, works with developing techniques for studying materials on the nanoscale and discovering new materials for use in all engineering and science disciplines. Features Editor Soma Patra ’26 recounts her discussion with Professor Fohtung and his research pursuits on campus.
An inside look at the Health Center
A key part of adulthood is maintaining your physical and mental health. Features Editor Soma Patra ’26 takes a look at Rensselaer’s Student Health Center and the various services it offers.
If you're hungry, donut worry!
Set directly across the street from Blitman Commons, 518 Donuts offers a welcoming space for food and fun. Features Editor Soma Patra ’26 gives the Rensselaer student body an inside look into this hot new snack spot.
