Todd Dunn named chair of CAST department

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Todd Dunn and John Morelli

Associate professor Todd Dunn has been appointed the new chair of the Department of Civil Engineering Technology/Environmental Management and Safety in RIT’s College of Applied Science and Technology.

Dunn, who has been a faculty member in the college for more than 17 years, will begin his appointment on July 1. He is a professional engineer and has a broad range of experience in the construction industry. His research interests include studying evolving trends in construction cost estimating, scheduling and project delivery systems. He is the associate director of the Associated Schools of Construction-Region 1, a member of the American Association for Engineering Education and the New York Engineering Technology Association.

“Reflected in all his work as a teacher, mentor and industry professional, Todd embodies genuine commitment to support not only the success of our students, but that of CETEMS faculty and staff as well,” says Fred Walker, dean of the College of Applied Science and Technology. “I am confident that the department, as well as the college and university, will continue to flourish under his leadership.”

Dunn will replace John Morelli, current department head, who is stepping down from the role to prepare for his transition to retirement. He has served as department head since 2009. Prior to being appointed department chair, Morelli was the Russell C. McCarthy chair of the environmental management and safety program. During his tenure he developed the Environmental Management Leadership Initiative and Symposia, an international training program and conference for environmental professionals around the world. Morelli also is editor-in-chief of the Journal of Environmental Sustainability. During his retirement transition he will continue to work with these initiatives and teach courses within the department.

In other changes within the college this past quarter, the Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering Technology/Packaging Science was separated into two departments prompted by substantial growth in students and research initiatives in both areas. Dan Johnson, who had led both departments, will remain head of packaging science, as well as continue to teach courses in its undergraduate and graduate programs. S. Manian Ramkumar, professor and director of the Center for Electronics Manufacturing, was named interim department head of manufacturing and mechanical engineering technology. Ramkumar will remain director of CEMA, the academic research lab offering the electronics packaging industry research services, failure analysis, training, process development, consulting and laboratory rental located in the Center for Integrated Manufacturing Studies.

“These changes, that ultimately will increase new program development, scholarship productivity and strategic progress, assures that the College of Applied Science and Technology remains on course for long-term and strategic growth and development in keeping with the best colleges in the nation,” says Walker.

Dan Johnson and S. Manian Ramkumar