There has been a significant increase in activities in the area of Sustainable Engineering; including, curriculum development, multidisciplinary senior design project work, student chapter development, and graduate student research.

Curriculum: In 2006, a new minor in “Sustainable Product Development” was established and offered for the first time to undergraduate students in engineering-related programs at RIT. The minor consists of 5 courses total: 3 core courses in engineering, one technical elective and a social context elective. Also, during the academic year 2006-2007, a multidisciplinary team of Engineering faculty developed Master of Science and Mater of Engineering programs in Sustainable Engineering. These landmark programs will produce graduates that have a clear understanding of the role and impacts of various aspects of engineering (design, technology, etc) and engineering decisions on environmental and societal problems.

Student Chapter: A chapter of “Engineers for a Sustainable World” was chartered at RIT in 2005. Two ISE faculty (Andres Carrano and Brian Thorn) serve as co-advisors and oversee their activities. During the past two years, ESW members have logged more than 250 hours of volunteer work at St. Joseph Soup Kitchen and Shelter in downtown Rochester, conducted book drives for Africa as well as recycling drives, have attended two national conferences (Austin and Iowa) and interacted with other similar organizations both locally and internationally. The current ESW membership stands around 20 members.

Research: Over the past two years, ISE faculty have secured 5 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency grants and one internal RIT grant to conduct work related to sustainability. This has led to several journal and conference publications and trips to conduct field studies in developing countries. Graduate student thesis work includes distribution networks for biodiesel, multicriteria green design, supply chains for emissions, and the environmental impact of electronic miniaturization.  Additionally, three ISE faculty have attended the NSF workshops in Sustainable Engineering at Carnegie Mellon and UT-Austin.  

 Multidisciplinary Senior Design (MSD): projects in the area of sustainable engineering, completed by multidisciplinary student project teams, include: design of solar ovens for developing countries, conversion of wind power to hydrogen, design of a passive solar water pasteurizer for developing countries, and design of a UV light water purification device.   

For further information use the following link:

Sustainable Engineering Minor

or

contact Marilyn Houck 585-475-2598