RIT Kate Gleason College of Engineering (KGCOE)

We hosted junior and senior students from East High School on Nov. 20 to learn more about semiconductors, also referred to as computer chips. The students learned about etching techniques required for computer chip development in RIT's Semiconductor Nanofabrication Lab.

Learn more about Professor Stefan Preble's research and how he and his team are developing the next generation of photonic chips.

KGCOE alumnus, Jeff Abbott, ’11 (electrical engineering) visited RIT last week to speak to students as part of the Biomedical and Chemical Engineering Ph.D. seminar series. His talk, titled "Leveraging semiconductors for biotech innovation - spinning out a venture-backed company, CytoTronics, from electronic-bio interface innovation" focused on how to leverage semiconductor technologies to develop a high-resolution, multi-modal platform capable of real-time electrical imaging of cells. Abbott is the co-founder and CEO of CytoTronics in Boston, a venture-backed startup focused on bioelectronic systems for advanced live-cell analysis. In addition to his MS and BS from RIT, Abbott holds a Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences from Harvard University, where he pioneered semiconductor-based tools for biological research. Abbott is pictured with Tom Gaborski, department head of biomedical engineering and presenting to the seminar class.

Celebrating two decades of dedication to the IEEE Systems, Man, and Cybernetics Society, Ferat Sahin, department head of electrical and mechanical engineering, received the IEEE SMC Society Outstanding Contribution Award for his contributions to the society. Most recently, he was honored for co-chairing the society's annual conference held in Hawaii in October 2023. After the devastating wildfires in Maui necessitated a venue change just a month prior to the event, he and his team adeptly relocated the conference to Honolulu, attracting approximately 1,000 attendees—far surpassing the usual turnout of 600. His extensive leadership experience within the IEEE SMC Society includes roles as Vice President of Finance, member of the Board of Governance, Treasurer, and Secretary. He currently holds the position of Chair of Strategic Planning, Foresight, and Strategic Initiatives for the Society.

In partnership with KGCOE and RIT Women in Engineering, IEEE's Women in Engineering hosted "Industry-Academia Engagement: A Next-Gen View" earlier this month. The event focused on the successful transition of new graduates from academia to industry. Presenters and panelists addressed working with local partners towards the common goal of creating awareness, addressing challenges, and promoting the retention of talent within the local tech ecosystem, with a key focus on diversity and inclusion.

TODAY is RIT's 19th annual ROAR Day—RIT’s giving day. It will launch at noon Eastern on Thursday, October 31, and run for 1,829 minutes until 6:29 p.m. Eastern on Friday, November 1. Please consider designating your gift to the Kate Gleason College of Engineering General Fund. James Carpenter BS ’92 will match gifts made in support of the KGCOE General Fund, up to $50 per gift, totaling up to $1,250. Together, we can support scholarships, student life, academics, athletics, the performing arts, research, diversity, entrepreneurship, and more. Your participation makes a difference.

Blanca Lapizco-Encinas, professor in biomedical engineering, is pioneering faster methods to identify mutations in pathogens like E. coli and SARS-CoV-2. By refining non-linear electrophoresis, her work enhances pathogen analysis, enabling quicker clinical decisions during outbreaks. Recently awarded an NSF grant, her team’s breakthroughs promise to transform traditional detection methods, allowing for rapid responses in critical situations.

Students at Rochester Prep High School received invaluable insights from Clayton Turner, a NASA engineer and RIT alumnus, during his visit on October 16. With over 30 years at NASA, Turner emphasized the importance of passion in one’s career, stating, “It’s not about widgets and gadgets; it’s about how we can benefit humankind.” Sharing his journey from RIT graduate to Acting Associate Administrator for NASA’s Space Technology Mission Directorate, he highlighted the significance of hard work and mentorship in creating opportunities. Turner’s commitment to STEM education inspires the next generation of innovators.

RIT has reached a remarkable milestone, securing $102 million in sponsored research awards this past fiscal year—surpassing its goal one year early. This achievement reflects nearly 100% growth since 2014 and underscores RIT’s status as a nationally recognized research university. With significant funding from federal agencies, RIT is advancing diverse projects, from quantum communication to combating microplastics, while prioritizing workforce development in STEM fields.

RIT's newest research building is just about complete! This spring, faculty researchers from the College of Science, the Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences, and the Kate Gleason College of Engineering will start populating this 39,000-square-foot facility, encouraging collaboration and creative interdisciplinary leaps. Steven Weinstein, professor of chemical engineering, and Risa Robinson, professor of mechanical engineering, will be relocating their labs to the new facility, continuing to lead exciting research in their respective fields. It is expected that this building will support not only current programs but also increasingly popular newer programs, including the Ph.D. in cognitive science.