DDI Good News | December 2024

Welcome to the DDI Family

Let’s welcome Ting Zhang to the DDI family. She is the new assistant director with the Ronald E. McNair Scholars Program and begins her new role December 16th. Most recently she was a post-doctoral research associate in RIT’s College of Liberal Arts, where her research focused on inclusivity, adaptivity, and professional development in STEM education. She has served as an adjunct and graduate level instructor. She holds a PhD in Teaching, Curriculum, and Change from the University of Rochester, an M.A. in Applied Linguistics, and a B.A. in English. We are happy you are here!

Be sure to congratulate Jess Austin on her new role as associate director of HEOP starting this week, December 6^th. As many of you know, she first joined DDI only a few months ago in September as the HEOP assistant program director. During that time, she has made many connections with students and colleagues, always with enthusiasm and passion! She holds an M.A. in English from SUNY Brockport and a B.A. in English with a concentration in adolescent education from SUNY Geneseo.

Congratulations also to Kendall Scott, director, Native American Future Stewards Program. He is one of several people who received a certificate of recognition from the Rochester City Council in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Day. The certificates acknowledge his work in helping to bring visibility to Indigenous culture, history, and wellness within Rochester through his involvement with RIT’s Future Stewards Program and another organization, the Indigenous Health Coalition. Scott also received honors from the Town of Brighton for his role as a community partner with the Indigenous Peoples Day Committee. A proclamation celebrating Native American Heritage Month was presented and accepted by RIT alumna Trish Corcoran ’81, (Tonawanda Seneca, Bear Clan).

What a way to start the new year! Happy retirement to Kristine Shamp, senior staff assistant, HEOP. After more than 19 years at RIT, she has decided to move into the next phase of her life, retiring from RIT effective January 3,2025. Through her work, she has helped shape the lives of countless students on their academic journeys and she has made many friends at RIT. We are all sending our very best wishes to you!