News by Topic: Creativity And Innovation

In an industry that thrives on storytelling, Chris Wairegi ’14 (cinematography and photography) discovered a narrative that was glaringly absent, representation. Determined to rewrite the script, Wairegi founded 600 Black Women, a collective redefining what inclusion looks like behind the lens.

Hayley Bartkus and Christina Werth created EchoMentor as an educational platform for healthcare professionals working in sonography or ultrasound, a medical imaging method that uses sound waves to peer inside the body.

The Office of Entrepreneurship and Innovation, in partnership with students, faculty, staff, alumni, industrial partners, and investors, will catalyze the development of successful ventures, and will strategically consolidate several existing departments and centers supporting the university entrepreneurial community, and beyond.

Valerie Horn believes accessibility should be at the forefront of entrepreneurs’ minds when developing their businesses. This belief pushed her to co-found Zestability, a consultation firm that advocates for prioritizing accessibility and inclusive business practices.

A digital anatomy table programmed with dynamic medical simulations is changing how RIT physician assistant students learn about the human body. Three-dimensional simulations modeled on real cadavers allow students to understand how the body functions as a system and deteriorates from disease.

As RIT continues its drive to become a leader in the higher education artificial intelligence space, more than 40 positions spanning multiple disciplines are expected to be filled as part of the university’s commitment to expand its AI expertise.

Fine tuning sensors on prosthetics includes incorporating the sense of touch into a device to be as close to the sensations felt by a natural limb as can be. Leila Daly, a fifth-year computer engineering technology student from Willingboro, N.J., is working on developing a sensor system for a more touch-responsive prosthetic finger.

Unique program offerings, technological expertise, and cutting-edge facilities earned RIT’s School of Film and Animation another placement on a top film school ranking list this year. RIT placed 29th in TheWrap’s Top 50 Film Schools for 2024 list, marking the first year RIT was featured in this ranking.

Students are bringing mural art into the spotlight through TunnelVision, an immersive project designed to engage and inspire. The initiative transforms the residence hall tunnels into a vibrant gallery, showcasing student-created murals. It aims to foster community and spark conversations about public art on campus.

Travis Rankin’s passion for music led him to create the Rochester Music Lab, a vibrant space dedicated to music lessons and community outreach. With his studio, the SOIS alumnus aims to give back by offering opportunities for all ages to explore, learn, and connect through music.

Depending on their discipline, researchers have different ways of addressing environmental problems. Professor Evelyn Brister believes that having a philosopher on research teams can help balance differing viewpoints and priorities, while also addressing ethical questions that tend to get lost in the mix.

Irshad Altheimer has made a significant impact on both the RIT and greater Rochester communities during his 12 years teaching at the university.