News by Topic: Interdisciplinary Studies

The Rochester Beacon interviews Jim Hall, dean of University Studies and the executive director of the School of Individualized Study.

Samuel Lum found several things in common with his faculty mentor, Robert Osgood, including excitement about research and a project that could save lives. Lum’s background in mechanical engineering technology and Osgood’s microbiology expertise in studying biofilms would be the kind of multidisciplinary approach that could lead to identifying the genes most likely responsible for hospital-associated catheter infections.

Emma Sarles ’17 (industrial design) has taken the road less traveled to become an engineer. Without ever earning a bachelor’s degree in engineering, Sarles has spent the last two years working toward a customized professional studies master’s degree that specializes in medical device engineering and applied biomaterials.

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.

Ramkumar, an RIT alumnus and former faculty member, had been serving as interim dean and was named to the permanent position following a national search. He assumes the permanent dean’s role immediately and said he intends to continue the college’s focus on producing highly talented, applied engineers and applied scientists who will make a difference.

“The Future of Technology, the Arts and Design,” the first-ever symposium and panel discussion of its kind held during Imagine RIT: Creativity and Innovation Festival, showcased what RIT alumni envision for next 50 years related to technology, the arts and design and how we can leverage its power for the greater good.

There’s always something new to experience at the Imagine RIT: Creativity and Innovation Festival, which this year featured more than 400 exhibits, including a human hamster wheel, performances by student ensembles, cutting-edge video games and demonstrations to determine how color can affect your mood.

Frankie Albin, a fourth-year applied arts and sciences major studying geospatial computing and global development, was named a 2019 Esri Development Center Student of the Year, for his work with spatial analytics and GIS.

WXXI interviews Leigh Rubin ahead of his discussion during Imagine RIT.

Images of plastic bags and bottles clogging beaches and oceans have some calling for a ban on all such products. But packaging experts say it’s not that easy to eliminate a highly effective material. Instead, researchers at RIT are looking to strike a balance: Find a way to produce plastics that retain their best qualities and yet are more environmentally friendly.

Imagine RIT visitors will help keep the skies above RIT clear during the festival on April 27, in a new video game on display at the MAGIC Spell Studios building. Festivalgoers can play “Weather Defense: A Two Stories High Video Wall Game” on six large 4K displays, mounted two stories up the atrium wall of the new 52,000-square-foot MAGIC building.

Intersections: The RIT Podcast, Ep. 13: What role do the performing arts play in the life of students at a university noted for its science and technology? An enormous and welcoming role, say David Munnell, director of theater arts, and Thomas Warfield, director of dance at RIT’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf.