Commencement Delegates 2023-2024

Sophia is graduating with a BFA in photographic imaging arts with a concentration in advertising photography. A photographer and production designer, their passion for photography became a way of exploration of how they process themself and the world around them. Sophia was given the honor of co-producing the Vignelli Center’s Beyond Fashion show at RIT, gaining valuable industry experience. They have been brought on as a production designer on multiple films, notably the award-winning short film, “Pyggie,” that has entered the international film circuit.

Diane will be graduating with an MFA in film and animation with a concentration in 2D animation. She earned her BA in Studio Art at Dickinson College in Pennsylvania. A storyteller, filmmaker, and animator she strives to tell stories about people. She has worked as an Animation Intern at Pixar Animation Studios in Emeryville, and as a Contract Animator for Cartuna in Brooklyn. At RIT, Diane wears many hats: she is the producer of AniMAGIC, where she manages student productions of client projects, is a graduate teaching assistant to classes and workshops, and was a concept artist for the multi-year game development project, That Damn Goat. Her most recent film production "Tadpole" - an immersive animated short - took her to film festivals in the UK and is headed next to South By Southwest in Austin, TX. In her non-spare time, she enjoys journaling these vibrant adventures in her biweekly Instagram cartoons.

Sedrick is graduating with a BS in management information systems and a minor in communication. Among his many activities, Sedrick is involved in the Artificial Intelligence and Business Technology Professionals Club, creating exhibits for Imagine RIT, auditioning and performing at the Ovation competition, and is part of the ALANA Collegiate Association. His professional experience includes working at Microsoft Corporation in Seattle, as a Software Engineering Intern, and at JPMorgan Chase in Texas as a summer analyst. Sedrick is multifaceted, versatile, and a lifelong learner. He believes students should “get involved, get involved, get involved. Always be hungry, never settle.”

Sukeerthi graduated with an MS in business analytics.  In her time at RIT she actively engaged in several communities through the Saunders Leadership Fellows Program, DEIB Committee, and Leadership Academy Board. As a graduate student, she dedicated herself to fostering a supportive environment within the RIT community. Currently, Sukeerthi is working as a Product Manager at OKX in San Jose, contributing to the global movement of Web3. She navigated the challenges of earning a master's degree and believes in the power of assuming good intentions, asking for help, and persevering through lows. Sukeerthi embraces the importance of community and strives to empower others to overcome obstacles in their academic and professional journeys.

Skyler is graduating with a BS degree in software engineering. His awards here at RIT include the Founders Scholarship, Computing Medal, Dean’s List, and Performing Arts Scholar. As a Performing Arts Scholar, Skyler was able to work on both the combined School of Performing Arts and National Technical Institute for the Deaf productions.  He also served as President of the RIT Players. His past co-op experiences include working as a Global Technology Intern with Prudential in New Jersey, an R&D Technology Co-op with Johnson & Johnson in New Jersey, and as a Software Engineering Intern with IOMAXIS in Virginia. Following graduation he will be returning to Johnson & Johnson as part of their Technology Leadership Development Program. Skyler is a self-proclaimed Optimistic Engineer and volunteers through the Society of Software Engineers to meet with prospective students, discussing the program he fell in love with and encouraging interested students to do the same.

Athina is graduating with an MS degree in computer science. She earned her Bachelor of Engineering – Chemical Engineering degree from University of Technology in Jamaica, graduating at the top of her class. Athina is a multifaceted, international student who's made her foray into classical music, chemical engineering, and computer science. Her passion and commitment to self-improvement and sense of community transcends the spheres of academia and the arts. This rich sense of duty and spirit of excellence has seen her taking on the roles of Judging Director at WiCHacks and as a student lab instructor at RIT, while maintaining a superb academic record. Having successfully completed her co-op as a Junior Data Analyst at the Peabody Municipal Light Plant, she has taken the first steps towards a promising future as a CS professional.

Diana is graduating with a BS in chemical engineering and a minor in chinese. She is also proud to be an RIT Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar. Her professional co-op experience included work with the Boston Beer Company in Pennsylvania. Her second co-op, and now a part-time position, was at the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute, located at RIT. This involves assisting small businesses and organizations to reduce their environmental footprint through wastewater treatment, source reduction, and more. Diana also spent a summer at Columbia University in its REU program for sustainable electrochemical engineering. She is a member of ECCO (Engineers of Color Creating Opportunities) and the Latin Rhythm Dance Club. After graduation, Diana hopes to explore novel material production and ways to process waste streams through more sustainable means.

Nicole is graduating with an MS degree in microelectronic engineering. She has an undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California in Chemical Engineering and worked at Cargill for three years on the project engineering team and in research and development. Nicole then transitioned to the Kansas City National Security Campus, managed by Honeywell FM&T, where she worked for three years on the process engineering team prior to being selected to participate in the Technical Fellowship Program. Outside of work and school, Nicole enjoys many hobbies, including baking, roller skating, cycling, and traveling. At each step in her collegiate and professional career, she has supported STEM programs, specifically those supporting underrepresented minorities through organizations such as the National Society of Black Engineers and the Society of Women Engineers.

Jacob is graduating with a BS degree in civil engineering technology and minors in business administration and military science. He is part of the RIT Army ROTC Tiger Battalion and RIT Honors Program. His other awards include George C. Marshall Scholar for the Army ROTC (2023), ranking first on the Army Reserve Order of Merit List in the nation (2023), Superior Cadet Decoration Award (2021), and making the Dean’s List every semester. Jacob was also involved in the Steel Bridge Club, AGC Club, and Track and Field at RIT. His previous co-ops included Holder Construction as an Office Engineer Intern, Passero Associates as a Civil/ Transportation Engineer Intern, and Terracon as an Engineering Technician Intern.  Following graduation, Jacob will be working full-time as an Office Engineer for Holder Construction, and serving part-time as an Engineer Plans Officer for the Army Reserves in Phoenix, AZ.

Isaac is graduating with an MS degree in manufacturing and mechanical systems integration with a concentration in robotics and advanced manufacturing, as well as a BS degree in mechanical engineering technology. He is part of the RIT Honors Program and served as the CET Honors Representative. Isaac is a member of the SAE Baja Club, RIT Launch Initiative, SHPE and ASME, and is the Media Director of RIT Football Club. Isaac has also been a Teaching Assistant and Grader at RIT. His previous co-op experiences included work at Lockheed Martin as a Materials and Processing Engineer, and at General Motors as a Manufacturing Quality Engineer. His message to his fellow students: “It’s about all of us who laughed, studied hard, and hustled to get here.”

Mitch is graduating with a BS in biomedical sciences. He has served in multiple leadership roles here at RIT ranging from student organizations to being a teaching assistant. Mitch possesses an appetite for learning, leading and being a resource for others. He is a recipient of the RIT Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar award. He is also a Patient Care Technician at Rochester General Hospital and a volunteer medical assistant at St. Joseph’s Neighborhood Center—a Rochester city walk-in clinic. Here at RIT, Mitch is a volunteer Research Assistant with the Department of Psychology and works as a student manager with RIT Recreation. In his summers, Mitch has enjoyed working for a non-profit called Lake Delaware Boys Camp. He has also served as an executive board member of HSTSA and as a Biomedical Sciences peer mentor. After graduation, Mitch will apply to medical school, volunteer, and travel. 

Rebecca graduated with an MS in health systems management; she also earned her BS in nursing with distinction from the University at Buffalo (N.Y.). She has over nine years of experience here at RIT and is currently the Associate Director for Clinical Services in the Student Health Center. Her faculty describe her as the epitome of an ideal student, taking advantage of every opportunity to build her knowledge, skills, and network. Rebecca is also a current advisor to the RIT Ambulance and part of the RIT Critical Incident Management Team (CIMT).

Lee is graduating with a BS in individualized program and a double major in sociology/anthropology. Lee’s concentration is in design anthropology: application and advocacy, which focuses on using qualitative and ethnographic research methods to address human issues. After graduation, Lee hopes to create a more inclusive, accessible, usable, and just world for all people. Lee has a minor in ASL/Deaf studies and an immersion in geographic information systems (GIS). He worked as a qualitative research assistant to bridge the gap between Rochester’s Deaf/hard-of-hearing population and the essential emergency response. He is also a SOIS Gap Fellow as well as the founder and president of RIT’s all-gender ultimate frisbee team “The Fries.” During his time at RIT, Lee engaged in The Napier Experience, Honors Council, RIT Steel Band, and as an Orientation leader and supervisor.

Alicia is graduating with an MS in professional studies with concentrations in human-computer interaction and instructional design. She earned her Bachelor of Business Administration degree in computer information systems at Baruch College (N.Y.) and has worked in organizations dedicated to helping underprivileged communities, people living with cancer, in startups, technology, higher education, and publishing. With experience in tech and youth initiatives, she sees technology's potential to spark joy while learning. As a dedicated product designer and educational specialist, Alicia works to create experiences that bring out curiosity in children, inspire youth to expand their worlds, and start journeys as adults. Her biggest passion is helping individuals overcome struggles, discover their unique talents, and reach their full potential.

Peyton is graduating with a BS in modern languages and culture – Spanish and a double major BS in international and global studies. Peyton studied abroad in Spain, where she volunteered as an English teaching assistant at a local elementary school. She also planned and executed the Model United Nations Club’s trip to Germany to participate in a conference, which was completely student-led. Peyton also spent the summer studying abroad at RIT Kosovo, where she became an intern for the Peace and Conflict Center. She has also worked with both elementary and middle grade students as a substitute teacher and a teacher’s assistant.  Peyton is a Fulbright Scholar and will be teaching English at a university in Kosovo after graduation.

Mikkael is graduating with an MS in science, technology and public policy and a BS in biomedical engineering. He is the recipient of the Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar award.  He has been involved with the Pre-Health Student Association, Biomedical Engineering Society, and Bioprint at RIT. He also served as a student host for the 2023 GENIUS Olympiad event and volunteered in the Orthopedics Trauma Center at the University of Rochester. Mikkael worked as an undergraduate researcher at RIT’s Tissue Regeneration and Mechanobiology Lab studying low back pain, the U of R’s Center for Translational Neuromedicine, the UCSF’s Reiter Lab studying the role of cell cycle proteins in stem cell differentiation, and the UCSF Memory and aging center exploring the role of cultural and language bias in neurological battery testing. Following graduation, Mikkael aspires to embark on a Fulbright Fellowship in Singapore and continue his role as a research coordinator at UCSF. Subsequently, he envisions pursuing a dual M.D./Ph.D., setting his sights on becoming a physician-scientist.

Lemmy is graduating with an AAS in laboratory science technology. Lemmy self-describes as fully impaired and proud to be part of the Deaf community, where we don’t just suffer in our work; we thrive on our failures, and that makes them stronger despite their disability. Lemmy aspires to become a veterinarian. They love animals to the point where they are fiercely passionate about the workings of their behavior and the uniqueness of their personalities. Never once has Lemmy let their disability get in the way. Lemmy has experience caring for various animals, growing up in a small town and moving to the country.

Kenton is graduating with an MS in health care interpretation. He holds BA degrees in spanish and psychology from Birmingham Southern College. He is a nationally certified trilingual (ASL/Spanish/English) interpreter and is well known across the South for his leadership in the advancement of the field of interpretation and translation. Kenton is also one half of Myers & Lawyer, a Black Multilingual researcher/interpreter duo that engages in research, consultation, training, and resource development for BIPOC interpreters. Beyond his linguistic pursuits, Kenton embodies holistic wellness as a Licensed Massage Therapist, Hispanic Outreach Wellness Instructor, and an avid CrossFit enthusiast.

Maggie is graduating with a BS in environmental science. At RIT she has participated in research projects, worked as a Teaching Assistant, and served on the Executive Board of the COS Ambassadors and COS Student Activities Board. Throughout her time at RIT, she has strived to promote community. Maggie held a summer position as a Research Experience for Undergraduate (REU) student, studying the impact of invasive species on wetland birds. Her professional accomplishments include working with the DEC as a conservation educator. Maggie completed a study abroad trip to the Galapagos, which was her first time immersing herself in a new country and she absolutely loved it. Maggie spent her last semester in Australia and plans to continue traveling to learn about environmental issues and sustainability. In the future she hopes to be a Fulbright Scholar and do environmentally focused research in another country.

Emily is graduating with an MS in astrophysical sciences and technology and a BS in physics. During her time here at RIT, she has been an orientation leader and a chemistry lab instructor. She has been involved with research projects at the University of Michigan and RIT, both as a primary researcher and a mentor. She also volunteers for the NYS Science Olympiad as a test writer for the astronomy event.  In 2023, she was awarded a NYS Space Grant Fellowship for her Master’s Thesis project on supermassive black holes. Emily recounts her time at RIT as “home to innovation, inspiration, and creativity- the place where I found what I was truly capable of.” Following graduation, Emily will be moving to Colorado Springs to work as a Systems Engineer at Palski & Associates.

Yvan is graduating with his Ph.D. in sustainability with a Graduate Certificate in applied statistics. He earned dual bachelor’s degrees in mechanical engineering and physics, complemented by a minor in history, from Universidad de Los Andes in Colombia. Yvan stands out as a dynamic and inquisitive individual driven by a profound passion for the scientific method. Venturing into the realm of sustainability, Yvan found his academic haven at RIT. The allure of leveraging science and engineering for the betterment of society drew him to RIT/GIS, where he excelled in hands-on laboratory work and analytical research. Whether collaborating with farmers in the field or delving into research in the College of Science, Yvan approaches new technical challenges with infectious enthusiasm. His academic prowess is evident through six published or submitted papers—four of which he authored as the lead contributor—presentations at four international conferences, and an invention disclosure arising from his dissertation research. After RIT, his sights are set on returning to Colombia, where it is anticipated that he will emerge as a prominent figure in the sustainability community, particularly focusing on biochar and the development of low-carbon materials.

Zhiyuan is graduating with a BS in Management Information Systems, boasting a strong academic foundation through his dual degree program with Rochester Institute of Technology and Beijing Jiaotong University. Zhiyuan has enriched his knowledge through internships at Chasing Security, CCB Consumer Finance, and Mininglamp Technology, where he developed knowledge in data analysis, financial technology, and product operations. As an active leader and community member, he chaired the Tiger House student organization and participated in the university choir. Zhiyuan aspires to leverage technology for societal benefits, reflecting a deep commitment to applying his skills for the greater good. After graduation Zhang plans to pursue an MS degree in data science or information systems.

Jana is graduating with a BS in Hospitality and Tourism Management. During her studies at RIT Croatia, Jana was a teaching assistant for Financial Accounting, Managerial Accounting, and Macroeconomics. Jana represented RIT Croatia at professional and university level events such as the Best Stay Hospitality Conference and RIT Recruitment College Days. She acquired valuable professional experience at internships with companies including Maslina Resort as Front Office Agent and Revenue Audit Intern, as well as One&Only resort as Pre-Opening Food and Beverage Intern. Her community dedication and commitment to excellence is showcased through both her university engagement as Head of Finance and Events in Student Government, as well as her active membership in the Eta Sigma Delta International Honor Society.

Gaurav CJK is graduating with a BS in Mechanical Engineering from RIT Dubai.  Gaurav was Vice President of the Dance Club, and President of the IMechE Club, a club founded on the principles of Mechanical Engineering. Throughout his tenures at both clubs, he co-planned events that attracted students from all years and majors. Gaurav was part of the team “Crimson Gladiators” that won the National Championship at the YAS In Schools 4X4 Challenge.  Additionally, Gaurav has been an avid writer and published his first book “A Tribute to Straddling Hope” in 2021.In the future, Gaurav plans on pursuing a Master’s degree in Renewable Energy, contributing towards the global cause of sustainability, and eventually attaining a PhD. 

Dren is graduating with a BS degree in Applied Arts and Science with concentrations in economics, statistics, business management, and entrepreneurship. Dren helped to found the E-Sports Club at RIT Kosovo (RIT-K), which paved the way for RIT-K to participate in national competitions. Dren helped to revitalize the Management & Entrepreneurship Club and Sports Club, and became president of both, during his time at RIT Kosovo. His work and co-op experience while being a student included being a content manager and market analyst for Crypto Academy (US-based company), a finance intern for Hospitality Source Ltd (UK-based company), market researcher for Walletor.com (a Web3-based marketplace), and Operating Officer at Squared LLC (digital branding company). After graduation, Dren plans to pursue a career in private equity.