RIT Imaging Science Industrial Associates Program
RIT Imaging Science
Industrial Associates Program
Connecting industry and academia, RIT's Industrial Associates Program drives innovation and accelerates breakthroughs in imaging science through talent, research, and collaboration.
Advancing All Things Imaging
At Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), innovation shapes the future across all domains of imaging. Four dynamic departments—Imaging Science, Motion Picture Science, Color Science, and Photographic Science—have come together to create the Industrial Associates (IA) Program.
This IA Program bridges academia and industry by bringing together industry leaders, students, and faculty. The initiative helps our students and faculty adapt to industry needs and interests, while providing industry partners with educational insights and networking access. Together, we are committed to applying imaging science to tackle challenges and make breakthroughs in a variety of fields. These include machine learning, artificial intelligence, aerospace, environmental science, and national security, as well as motion imaging, entertainment, photography, and consumer electronics.
The IA Program offers direct access to highly skilled students and the chance to shape the future of imaging education. Members drive innovation, support career development, and connect with colleagues and young scholars working to advance the field of imaging. Become part of this dynamic network and help define what’s next in imaging.
Industrial Associates Membership
Becoming a member of the IA Program builds a bridge between industry and academia. Member benefits are designed to fuel collaboration, including::
- Exclusive Symposium Access: Invitations for up to four delegates to attend the Spring 2025 Joint IA Symposium, co-hosted with the University of Rochester Institute of Optics—a premier event driving connections between industry leaders and academic pioneers.
- Early Access to Talent: Gain a competitive edge with access to student resumes 7–10 days before each IA Meeting, enabling proactive recruitment of top-tier talent.
- Showcase Your Company: Elevate your organization’s visibility through the Company Connection Showcase, where you can connect with RIT’s talented students and faculty.
- Personalized Recruiting Opportunities: Conduct one full day of scheduled student interviews during each IA Meeting to find the perfect fit for your team.
- Networking Opportunities: Build meaningful relationships during RIT’s welcome lunch, a relaxed setting to connect with students, faculty, and fellow industry leaders.
- Director’s Roundtable: Engage in forward-thinking discussions with the heads of Imaging Science, Motion Picture Science, Color Science, and Photographic Science to explore trends, challenges, and opportunities in imaging science.
- Behind-the-Scenes Access: Take personalized lab tours to experience RIT’s cutting-edge facilities and gain insight into ongoing research driving the field forward.
- Academic Insights: Stay ahead of the curve with access to Seminar Series Presentations across various programs, highlighting the latest advancements and trends in imaging science and disciplines.
Annual Membership Cost: $4,000
Industrial Associates Symposium 2025
Save the date for our next symposium: October 23, 2025 at the Rochester Riverside Convention Center. See how the IA Program is driving the future of imaging science—and discover where you fit into this exciting journey. The IA Symposium is a high-energy, full-day event driving connections and collaboration between academia and industry. Highlights include:
- Company Connection Showcase & Job Fair: Engage with exceptional students while spotlighting your organization’s opportunities.
- Student Poster Presentations: Dive into innovative projects driven by RIT students, showcasing cutting-edge research in imaging science and related fields.
- Research Presentations: Stay inspired with groundbreaking research from students and faculty, revealing new advancements shaping imaging science.
- Keynote Speakers: Gain insights from visionary leaders in imaging science, sparking ideas to fuel your own innovations.
- Networking Opportunities: Build meaningful relationships through formal and informal networking events with students, faculty, and industry professionals.
Be the First to Know!
Submit your email and we'll notify you as soon as registration opens for the October 2025 IA Symposium.
Register for Updates
Already an RIT IA member? You’ll be able to register early and reserve your spot.
New to the IA Symposium? Sign up as an RIT guest and enjoy your first-ever experience—free!
New to Industrial Associates?
If you’re new to the Industrial Associates (IA) Program, we’re excited to invite you to attend your first IA Symposium as our guest—completely free. It’s the perfect opportunity to experience the IA Program in action. As our guest, you can:
- Showcase Your Organization: Participate in the Company Connection Showcase and introduce your brand to RIT’s talented students and faculty.
- Experience the IA Advantage: Discover the immense value of our program through its unmatched networking and collaboration opportunities.
Ready to Drive Innovation with the IA Program?
Becoming an IA member is your gateway to collaboration, talent, and cutting-edge advancements. To get started, refer to the contact information below or reach out to the Imaging Science team via email.
Jan van Aardt
Director of Carlson Center for Imaging Science
Michael Murdoch
Head of the Integrated Sciences Academy
Jaclyn McKelvey
Outreach/Coordinator Specialist
Carlson Center for Imaging Science
Christye Sisson
School Directory and Gannett Chair
School of Photographic Arts and Sciences
Ricardo Figueroa
Associate Professor
School of Film and Animation
Nanette Salvaggio
Lecturer
School of Photographic Arts and Sciences