Commencement Delegates 2025-2026

Ava is graduating with a BFA in illustration and a minor in packaging science. Her creative ambition has propelled her to pursue opportunities that bridge art, technology, and leadership. She has served as a student assistant in the Office of Career Services and Cooperative Education, a College of Art and Design panelist and tour guide, a classroom assistant, and a member of the Saunders Leadership Academy. Since her first semester, Ava has been a dedicated member of the RIT Electric Vehicle Team (EVT), working as the design lead for the past two years. EVT was the inspiration behind her 2025 Imagine RIT poster, which reimagines campus as a printed circuit board, a visual representation of RIT as the intersection of technology, the arts, and design. Ava was a product design intern at Fisher-Price and will return after graduation as an associate designer. Her work reflects RIT's spirit of innovation and collaboration, demonstrating what is possible when passion meets opportunity.

Gabriel is a Deaf, award-winning multidisciplinary artist born and raised in Venezuela, and now based in Rochester, NY. His work spans photography, graphic design, and filmmaking. He is graduating with an MFA in film and animation. In 2018, he graduated with a BFA in photographic and imaging arts with a focus on visual media. In 2024, he received the Student Film Jury Award for Best Documentary for Un Viaje de Fe from the Directors Guild of America, becoming the first Deaf person and second RIT student to win in this category. In 2022, he won the grand prize in the Coca-Cola Refreshing Films competition for his commercial Say Cheese, becoming the first Deaf person involved in the program. The film screened in theaters across North America. Gabriel identifies as a Latino, immigrant, Deaf, and Christian, which shape his storytelling around human connection and emotional resonance. Multilingual and widely traveled across South America, he enjoys photography walks, Latin dancing, film, and time with loved ones.

Gustav is graduating with a BS in management information systems and a minor in psychology. A Division I student-athlete on the RIT Men's Ice Hockey team, he contributed to regular season and playoff championships. He was recognized as Student-Athlete of the Year, an American Hockey Coaches Association All-American Scholar, and a member of the Atlantic Hockey All-Academic Team. He was a recipient of the Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar Award and a member of Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honor Society. He is the founder of CYPER LLC, a cybersecurity venture that helps small- and medium-sized businesses assess their digital readiness. He co-authored the peer-reviewed paper CyberPASS – A Cybersecurity Personality Assessment for Organizations, which was presented at the 2025 ISCAP Conference. Gustav volunteered with organizations supporting individuals with Down Syndrome and mentored young Swedish hockey players. After graduation, Gustav plans to continue building his company and conducting research on cybersecurity and the intersection of technology and human behavior.

Palak is a 2025 MBA graduate, student leader, and community builder at RIT. She earned her degree combining academic excellence with service, mentorship, and leadership. As a graduate assistant in Events and Operations, she supported large-scale university programs, led high-impact events, and helped create welcoming spaces for students during transitions like New Student Orientation. She also chaired the Women's Leadership Summit, guiding a cross-functional team to deliver a record-breaking event connecting students, faculty, and industry leaders around leadership, equity, and growth. Palak also served as a peer facilitator, teaching assistant, peer mentor, and chief learning consultant. In these roles she supported dialogue-based learning, academic development, and belonging. Her experiences include higher education, health care, and community organizations, including hospital administration and community health initiatives. As an international student, she brings a global perspective shaped by empathy, adaptability, and cross-cultural understanding and collaboration.

Natali is graduating with a BS in international business with a double minor in finance and management from RIT Croatia. Natali contributed to multiple research projects resulting in internationally published papers. She participated in the Global Scholars program, expanding her academic expertise and taking advantage of campus resources. Her growing interest in finance led her to win first place at the Deloitte Business Case Competition on Mergers and Acquisitions as part of RIT Croatia's Investment Club. Outside of the classroom, Natali excelled in work experiences in both the United States and Croatia. During a summer co-op as a guest services representative on a small island in Michigan, she was recognized with an excellent service award. She also completed an internship in accounting at Syskit in Zagreb, Croatia. Most notably, she secured a highly competitive analyst internship at Goldman Sachs in London, later receiving an offer for a full-time position.

Umara is graduating with a BS in finance from RIT Dubai. Throughout her studies, she actively engaged in academic support, student leadership, and professional development initiatives. She played a key role in Student Government, first as media coordinator and later as vice president where she led student engagement efforts, managed promotional content, and oversaw events and initiatives. As president of the Super Business Club, she organized professional workshops aimed at building a strong academic and professional community among business students. She also participated in the CFA Institute Research Challenge where her team conducted an equity valuation of Aldar, a leading real estate company. Umara won first place at Abu Dhabi University's Innovation and Research Competition for her co-authored paper, "Crypto & Clickbait: The Role of Finfluencers in Shaping Youth Investment Decisions." She plans to pursue advanced financial qualifications alongside a master's degree and Ph.D. while building a career in the corporate sector.

Charles is graduating with a BS in computing and information technologies after previously earning his AAS in applied computer technology. His dedication and work ethic are reflected in consistent Dean's List recognition throughout his undergraduate studies. As a Deaf technologist, his personal journey with American Sign Language has forged a strong commitment to utilizing technology to advance inclusion. Charles has contributed significantly to NTID's instructional technology and accessibility efforts, supporting the college's transition to online learning and contributing to the development of the Inclusive Course Design certificate program. Currently serving as an instructional technology coordinator, he bridges technical expertise with user support. After graduation, he plans to pursue a master's degree in human-computer interaction to further advance the field of accessible and user-centered design.

Jaden is graduating with a BS in cybersecurity and is an Accelerated Scholar. He is a graduate of Walt Whitman High School in South Huntington, N.Y. As windows lead for RIT's collegiate penetration testing competition team, Jaden promotes offensive security education and mentorship. He volunteers for RITSEC, RIT's cybersecurity club, and assists with the setup of competitions to bring together competitive teams across the nation. He also has volunteered for the Department of Energy Cyberforce competition's Red Team, working to breach the systems of collegiate blue teams. During his internship at IBM, he focused on developing skills for performing security assessments for companies to encourage them to implement measures to improve their security postures. After graduation, as a member of the IBM X-Force Red team, he plans to continue developing these skills and perform assessments. He is particularly interested in performing physical security assessments and writing concise yet detailed reports that benefit his clients.

Maryam graduated with her Ph.D. in computing and information sciences in December 2025. She conducted research in the Computational Biomedicine Lab, focusing on combining physics-based modeling with deep learning, with applications in cardiac electrophysiology and medical imaging to improve personalized diagnosis and treatment of heart disease. Through collaborations with clinicians and hospital partners, her research helped connect machine learning methods with real clinical challenges. Maryam has authored numerous publications in leading venues including ICLR, NeurIPS, MICCAI, and IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging. Alongside her research, Maryam gained industry experience through two machine learning internships at Spotify, where she worked on AI systems for podcast recommendation. She recently joined Articul8, a generative AI startup, as an applied AI researcher. Prior to her Ph.D., she received her BS in computer science, summa cum laude, from Shahid Beheshti University in Tehran, Iran. Beyond her academic work, Maryam was actively involved in the doctoral community at RIT as a member of the Doctoral Student Association.

Adheesh, who is from Pittsford, N.Y., is graduating with a BS in microelectronic engineering and an MS in electrical engineering. He is also a member of the RIT Honors Program. He has contributed to the professional development of his peers through his roles as a graduate resident advisor, teaching assistant, project lead with the Electric Vehicle Team, and chair of the IEEE Student Branch. Adheesh served his community by volunteering at the Saratoga County Animal Shelter. During internships at GlobalFoundries and Draper Labs, he investigated the effects of microchip layout structures and helped define requirements for next-generation ASIC designs. Adheesh is also a recipient of the 2025 Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar Award and the 2024 Ibrahim Renan Turkman Scholar Award. After graduation, he will be pursuing a Ph.D. in electrical engineering at RIT to continue his education in the field of VLSI design.

A graduate of Wachusett Regional High School in Holden, Mass., Ellie is graduating with a BS degree in chemical engineering. She is a teaching assistant for the chemical engineering laboratories in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering, where she assists with lab setup, safety procedures, and student instruction. During her internship at AIM Photonics she focused on characterizing epoxy materials, developing bonding procedures for microchip assembly, and using UV-Vis spectroscopy to track particle contamination in plating systems. In her independent study she helped analyze colloidal frames to assist other researchers. After graduation, she plans to continue her work in research and development within the chemical and pharmaceutical industries. She is particularly interested in the field of pharmaceuticals, especially in the realm of pilot scale processes of vaccines and antibiotics.

Tyler is graduating with a BS degree in civil engineering technology with a minor in communications. From his first year at RIT, he served as the Civil Engineering Technology Student Ambassador and an active participant in the university's speaker series, developing early communication skills that would define his professional identity. Tyler distinguished himself as a leader within the Associated General Contractors chapter and as a member of RIT's first-place regional Construction Management Competition team. Tyler worked full-time at Lu Engineers in Rochester, N.Y., gaining cross-disciplinary experience across various projects, including aviation, municipalities, transportation, and construction. After graduation, Tyler will continue advancing his career at Lu Engineers, where he is focused on earning his Professional Engineer licensure and driving business development. He is particularly passionate about becoming a national voice on leadership and professional excellence in the engineering industry.

Jackson is graduating with his BS and MS. He arrived at RIT with a passion for sustainability and worked with the sustainability department for his first three years. During this time, he supported landfill diversion efforts as the recycling coordinator and was responsible for public e-waste collection. Additionally, he founded the Zero-Waste Arena initiative in the Gene Polisseni Center and served as director for its first two years. During this time the organization helped to divert 16,513 pounds of compostable material and drastically increased recycling. Jackson consistently achieved Dean's List status, received the Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar Award, and is a two-time winner of the Outstanding Environmental Management Student Award. During his final year at RIT, Jackson has been a full-time employee in the solar sector while completing his degree full-time. He looks forward to continuing his work in clean energy upon graduation.

Kendall is graduating with a BS in biomedical sciences, a minor in glass, and an immersion in creative writing. They pride themselves on being a jack of all trades. Kendall has consistently earned Dean's List and was a nominee for the Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar Award for the College of Health Sciences and Technology. In summer 2024, Kendall traveled abroad to Brighton and Sussex Medical School in the United Kingdom to research changes in the brain during facial recognition. After graduation, Kendall plans on joining the health care field and later pursuing a doctoral degree. They look forward to applying all that they've learned in the lab and the studio to enrich the lives of those who could benefit the most.

Madison is graduating with a BS in nutritional sciences and an MS in dietetics and nutrition. She founded Tiger Nutrition, the first RIT-affiliated nutrition education program that provides accessible, evidence-based nutrition information to students and athletic teams, reflecting her commitment to student well-being. Madison's volunteer work, including service in Guatemala and across the United States, has deepened her understanding of how structural barriers shape health and fueled her passion for addressing the root causes of poor nutrition and chronic disease. In total, her clinical, community, and USDA research experiences have strengthened her dedication to equitable, person-centered care. She has been recognized with the Outstanding Dietetic Student Award and a national Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation scholarship. After graduation, she will pursue a career in clinical dietetics.

Zack is graduating with a BS degree with a double major in the individualized program and political science. He is a graduate of Penfield High School, in Penfield, N.Y. He has represented RIT at multiple academic conferences, sitting on a student panel at the Consortium for Innovative Environments in Learning, and presenting a paper at the Western New York Undergraduate Political Science Conference. He participated in The Napier Experience, a day-long immersive branding conference at Partners+Napier, an internationally recognized advertising firm. During his time as a legislative intern at the Civil Service Employee's Association he contributed to the passing of legislation that protects highway workers and improves retirement benefits for firefighters in New York state. After graduation, Zack hopes to continue his work on labor policy, helping equitably integrate new manufacturing and transportation technologies into the economy. In his free time, he enjoys cooking, gardening, camping, and drumming.

Ming-Hang is graduating with an MS degree in project management. He was born and raised in Taiwan and came to the United States in 2010 to pursue graduate studies in polymer science at the University of Akron. In 2015, he began his professional career in the Rochester area as a materials engineer at Garlock Sealing Technologies. Driven to become a stronger leader in new product development, Ming-Hang continued his education at RIT's School of Individualized Study. During his graduate work with RIT, he applied his project management skills to lead multiple new product development initiatives, launch products to market, and obtain his first U.S. patent: Expansion Joint with Arch Geometry. Today, Ming-Hang is a teamwork evangelist, innovation leader, and dedicated engineer committed to making the world better for the next generation.

Lona is graduating from RIT Kosovo with a BS in applied arts and sciences with concentrations in economics and management and a minor in public policy. Lona has distinguished herself through sustained engagement in teaching, research, and leadership roles. Lona's professional experience includes internships in the banking sector and private-sector policy, as well as hands-on involvement in business management operations. These experiences informed and inspired her capstone research on women entrepreneurs in Kosovo, reflecting her interest in the intersection of economic development, gender, and public policy. Lona is the founder and president of the Energy Club at RIT Kosovo. In this role, she has led initiatives that bridge academia and industry, including organizing Kosovo's first Energy Job Fair. Lona's commitment to leadership and civic engagement extends beyond campus. For three years, she has volunteered as a team lead coordinator with the Youth Council of the U.S. Embassy in Prishtina, where she has contributed to initiatives promoting youth engagement and social impact.

Olivia is graduating with a BS degree in humanities, computing, and design and a minor in international relations. She has a passion for technical theatre, worked for RIT's Tech Crew, served as technical operations stagehand manager for the Glassbox Theatre, and worked as a carpenter and electrician for the NTID Panara Theater. Olivia completed a co-op with the United Nations International Organization for Migration where she focused on building data analytics tools to aid in the Ukrainian refugee crisis. Her research from this project has since been published. She studied peace and conflict in Kosovo and completed an internship with the Jahjaga Foundation researching women's health care access throughout the country. Her senior capstone focused on ethical AI usage to aid humanitarian missions. After graduation she will travel the world working in humanitarian development and transitional justice, and plans to eventually pursue a doctoral degree and professorship.

Romiere is graduating with an MS in experimental psychology. A graduate of Summit High School in Summit, N.J., he is an RIT alumnus and holds a bachelor's degree in psychology and criminal justice. He is a McNair Scholar and an active member of CSTEP. Romiere is a teaching assistant in the College of Liberal Arts and a graduate assistant for the McNair Scholars Program. Romiere is also president of Psi Chi, the international honors society for psychology, and president of the psychology club. During his time at RIT, he has conducted research in the Health and Addictions Research Center on substance use and executive functioning. Independently, he researches aggressive behavior and the antecedents of aggression. His thesis examines the relationship between empathy, moral behavior, and aggressive acts. After graduation, Romiere plans to pursue a doctorate degree in clinical psychology. He is interested in the intersection of psychology and law, specifically, forensic psychology. He hopes to continue conducting research and develop interventions for aggression.

Cha'Risa is graduating with an AAS/AOS in laboratory science technology. Aspiring to become an anesthesiologist, she is passionate about providing critical medical care to underserved rural areas. During an internship at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville, under the guidance of Dr. Larry Millet, Cha'Risa studied live neurons using specialized microscopy, gaining vital skills in patience and precision. At RIT, she was mentored by Dr. Todd Pagano and researched how to prevent bird-window strikes, mainly at RIT's glass-heavy SHED building. She is also focused on local wildlife conservation and student well-being. As a delegate, Cha'Risa aims to pave the way for more Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing students to achieve career breakthroughs.

Galvin is graduating with an MS in deaf education. He is a graduate of the California School for the Deaf and serves as a physical education teacher and weightlifting coordinator. He earned his bachelor's degree in physical education and recreation with double minors in athletic coaching and sports programming from Gallaudet University. Coming from a third-generation Deaf family, Galvin has a strong connection to Deaf culture and education. With more than 18 years of weightlifting experience and over 12 years of coaching experience, he focuses on developing students' physical fitness, confidence, and leadership through structured strength and conditioning programs. In addition to teaching, Galvin promotes healthy lifestyles by organizing school wellness initiatives and community events such as 5K Runs, training programs, and the Cub Lifestyle Club, which encourages students to build lifelong fitness habits. His teaching philosophy emphasizes leading by example, visual learning, consistency, and strong relationships with students.

Ellen is graduating with a BS in biochemistry and a minor in psychology. Originally from Indianapolis, Ind., Ellen served as an undergraduate research assistant where she investigated bacterial extracellular vesicles in sepsis and explored novel antibiotic targets. She recently led a project examining protein-protein interactions critical to bacterial cell division and has presented her work locally and nationally. In 2023, Ellen completed a research fellowship at Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, where she analyzed pediatric infectious disease data. At RIT, Ellen worked as a campus tour guide, teaching assistant, supplemental instruction leader, and student note-taker. Additionally, she served as president of the College of Science Student Activities Board as well as captain of RIT's Women's Rowing team. She is an Outstanding Undergraduate Scholar and a John Wiley Jones Outstanding Student in Science. After graduation, Ellen plans to pursue a doctorate in chemistry at the University of Pittsburgh.

Sagar is graduating with an MS in imaging science. He conducted research in drone-based multisensor imaging and AI-driven landmine detection. As a graduate of Tribhuvan University he earned a BS in electronics and communication engineering. His work integrates hyperspectral, multispectral, thermal, LiDAR, SAR, RGB, metal detectors, and magnetometers to advance humanitarian demining technologies and improve detection accuracy in airborne detection systems. Sagar has contributed to large-scale field campaigns and international collaborations, presenting his work at leading conferences. He participated in the Humanitarian Demining Innovation and Technology Summit (HITS24) in the United Kingdom, where he engaged with global experts, including The HALO Trust. Beyond research, he has served as president of the Nepalese Student Association and teaching assistant for multiple imaging science courses. A winner of RIT's Three Minute Thesis (3MT) 2025 competition, Sagar plans to continue advancing research in humanitarian demining through doctoral research at RIT.

Payam is graduating with an MS in sustainable systems. With a background in both mathematics and industrial engineering, Payam is a graduate research assistant at Golisano Institute for Sustainability. He works as an associate data scientist at Sony PlayStation, specializing in causal inference and experiment design. His doctoral research, funded by the National Science Foundation, develops systems designed to nudge consumers toward sustainable disposition of electronic devices. He has published and presented work on decision-making biases, consumer behavior modeling, and sustainability analytics at venues including ACM SIGCAS and IEEE SusTech. He is interested in continuing research at the intersection of statistical learning, causal inference, and consumer systems.