News
Department of Mechanical Engineering

WROC-TV talks to Risa Robinson, department head and professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering, about her research on vaping and e-cigarettes.

Intersections: The RIT Podcast, Ep. 21: Are electronic cigarettes really a healthier alternative to tobacco products? Risa Robinson, head of RIT’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, talks with Edward Hensel, associate dean, about their unique research methods into how these devices are used and how they affect users’ health.

Engineers today must be able to manage technical aspects of projects but also work effectively in a diverse, multi-cultural workplace. RIT is preparing its engineering graduates for those growing demands and was recognized by the American Society of Engineering Education as part of its national commitment to improve diversity within university engineering programs.

WHAM-TV features work by Ke Du, assistant professor of mechanical engineering.

A faculty-researcher at Rochester Institute of technology has developed a prototype micro device with bio-sensors that can detect the deadly Ebola virus. With this type of device, those infected can be treated earlier, and the early detection process can potentially decrease the spread of infections.

When Gabrielle Cole starts her new job, she will be the only female engineer at the company. Her journey from academics to professional was influenced by several factors—from family and hometown to campus and co-op experiences. She was able to build on these foundations toward an ideal first job.

The big wheel will turn, but the hamsters will be humans instead. Students in RIT’s Engineering House built a Human Hamster Wheel, and instead of running in circles, as the cliché goes, their 7-foot wheel will produce electricity. Open to children and adults, the wheel will be one of many interactive exhibits featured at this year’s Imagine RIT: Creativity and Innovation Festival on April 27.  

The Times Union features RIT students Patrick Finnerty and Catherine Krawiec, part of a team that won second place in the CREATE Symposium.

Meet Cesar Borges, a fifth-year biomedical engineering student, and Kalie Lazarou, an industrial and systems engineering student, who are part of a team working on the Overcomer, an assistive device that helps children with physical disabilities have a more inclusive playground experience.

When he was in high school, Josh Geise, a fifth-year computing security student, was involved in a program that donated refurbished computers to local families. To continue his work in computer refurbishment and help increase computer accessibility in the Rochester area, Geise and friend Brian Martens ’18 started their own nonprofit organization that donates refurbished computers to people in need.

In 2015, the Genesee Country Village & Museum stopped firing cannons during Civil War reenactments in the historic village because the black powder charges appeared to be damaging windows and buildings. To help reintroduce cannon fire, four fifth-year engineering students are identifying the cause of the damage and creating a best practices procedure to protect the buildings while maintaining authenticity.

When Aaron Bailey and Tigran Vardanyan restyled a shoulder rest for their own violins, little did they know their simple design, made in Bailey’s home workshop, would be sought by musicians around the world.