Research

As a student in the College of Liberal Arts, you can get involved in undergraduate research in an ever-expanding variety of topics such as work in computational linguistics that produces voice-enabled technologies; studying perception and cognition in animals that aids in conservation efforts of endangered species; examining energy consumption of video game consoles and how to make them more efficient; and more. 

With initiatives in areas that integrate traditional research in the social sciences and humanities with new interdisciplinary fields in health, computing, science, and engineering, you can easily find something that suits your interests. Interdisciplinary research and an emphasis on community engagement and global perspectives represent defining characteristics of the college’s research portfolio.

How to Get Involved

While building a network of connections with professors at RIT, you are encouraged to find people who are performing research in an area of your interest. You may have the opportunity to be hired as a research assistant, gaining experience, earning a paycheck, and potentially fulfilling your program’s co-op/experiential learning requirement. Each year, students in the College of Liberal Arts co-author research that is published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at professional conferences. Most degree programs also include a senior thesis or capstone project where you’ll dive into a topic of personal interest.

Recent Projects

(Trust, Information, Programs, Services) Initiative focused on improving relations between law enforcement and members of the communities in which they serve.

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Studying how shooting databases can be utilized to guide violence intervention programs.

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Collecting information and points-of-view to further the national discussion on guns, gun violence, and gun policy.

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Exploring the differences between what workers are taught in school/training programs and what skills/competencies are required in the 21st century workforce. 

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Studying skills gaps present in the Rochester-area photonics industry workforce.   

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Analyzing why software and web developers offer recognition and/or compensation to individuals who detect errors or security breaches in their products

Examining archaeological evidence to determine how humans hunted and farmed, as well as how constraints in their environment impacted how they lived.  

Telling stories of complex fictional worlds across multiple media formats, such as books, movies, comics, television, etc., to create a cohesive entertainment experience. (Think fictional universes, like Star Wars, Harry Potter, or Marvel.)

Working to make smarter AI that is representative and inclusive of the people who will be using and interacting with it.

Learn more about computational sensing and human-centered AI

Find an Expert

College of Liberal Arts faculty are experts in a variety of topics within their academic fields. Whether you’re looking for a professor whose research interests align with your own, or you need an authority explanation on a point of curiosity, you’ll be sure to find someone who can help you dig deeper in your search for answers.

Search people by areas of expertise

Faculty Scholarship

An ever-growing body of research is produced by the College of Liberal Arts faculty at RIT, in a wide range of fields and formats. Their professional accomplishments include books, and articles, national and international presentations, exhibitions and original works, and more. Through these diverse types of media, we demonstrate our commitment to academic excellence and contribute to RIT's reputation as a scholarship leader.

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Latest News

  • March 7, 2024

    Evan Selinger appears in front of a gray backdrop wearing a black and gray suit.

    Philosophy, ethics, and the pursuit of 'responsible' artificial intelligence

    Evan Selinger, professor in RIT’s Department of Philosophy, has taken an interest in the ethics of AI and the policy gaps that need to be filled in. Through a humanities lens, Selinger asks the questions, "How can AI cause harm, and what can governments and companies creating AI programs do to address and manage it?" Answering them, he explained, requires an interdisciplinary approach.
  • February 9, 2024

    side-by-side images of four researchers.

    Researchers work to benefit society

    RIT's researchers are improving healthcare for marginalized populations, explaining mysteries of the universe, battling anemia, and making autonomous driving systems more secure. Meet four of them.

  • February 9, 2024

    researcher watches as college student adjusts a vape pen on lab equipment.

    Team’s research method becomes industry model

    Work by Risa Robinson and members of the Respiratory Technologies Laboratory completely shifted how e-cigarette analysis is done and became an industry model. Through this new viewpoint, the team recorded harmful emissions that were not otherwise seen in a lab setting, and this data contributed to FDA policies and regulations about e-cigarette usage today.

Share News about Your Research

Share news about your research and shine a light on the innovative and impactful work RIT College of Liberal Arts students, alumni, faculty, and staff are doing.