Risa Robinson Headshot

Risa Robinson

Department Head

Department of Mechanical Engineering
Kate Gleason College of Engineering
rjreme@rit.edu
585-475-6445
Office Location
GLE-2107

Risa Robinson

Department Head

Department of Mechanical Engineering
Kate Gleason College of Engineering

Education

BS, MS, Rochester Institute of Technology; Ph.D., State University of New York at Buffalo

Bio

Dr. Robinson is an RIT alumna, having graduated with her BS degree in Mechanical Engineering and an MS in Imaging Science. She earned her PhD in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Buffalo in 1999, joined the tenure-track faculty in the Kate Gleason College in 2000 as an Assistant Professor, and was promoted to full Professor in 2012. Dr. Robinson has held several leadership positions in recent years, including a three-year appointment as Associate Department Head of the Mechanical Engineering Department and Chair of the department’s Curriculum and Assessment Committee. She recently served as co-Chair of the Institutional Academic Portfolio Blueprint Task Force. She is currently involved in innovative curricular development for first-year students, and was previously sponsored by the National Science Foundation to incorporate industry standard data acquisition techniques into the freshmen year. Through these educational and leadership activities, Dr. Robinson has played an integral role in cultivating and disseminating new models for curriculum development and assessment strategies within her department and the college, and in defining a strategic map for future academic programming for the university.

Dr. Robinson’s research interests, generally speaking, are centered on the dynamic behavior of inhaled particles as a means to study the toxicological effects of various tobacco products and nicotine delivery devices. Her expertise is in aerosol mechanics, fluid dynamics and particle transport and deposition in systems, including the respiratory tract. Dr. Robinson established and directs the Respiratory Technologies Laboratory (RTL) in the college which is engaged in a variety of fundamental and applied projects relating to smoking and particle inhalation. In particular, the Lab develops systems to evaluate new tobacco products against manufacturer’s claims for reduced emissions and addictive potential. It develops novel surveillance systems to monitor user’s smoking behavior in natural environments, to evaluate the user’s exposure to harmful constituents upon switching to new purportedly safer products. Additional activities include the design of replica lung models for healthy and diseased lungs and their analysis, with both computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and particle image velocimetry, to map two-phase flow in these models to assess dosimetry of toxic constituents. This research will inform regulatory policy regarding improved standards for testing new tobacco products, and will ultimately have a positive impact on public health. Dr. Robinson’s work has been sponsored by the American Cancer Society and the National Science Foundation. Her work currently is sponsored by the Department of Defense, the National Institutes of Health, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The major thrust of these current efforts involves the evaluation of electronic cigarettes, a product whose market is rapidly expanding to now include teenagers. Her work will aid the FDA in regulating these new and widely untested products.

rjreme@rit.edu
585-475-6445
Personal Links
Personal Website
Curriculum Vitae
Areas of Expertise
E-cigarettes and devices
Behavior of inhaled particles

Select Scholarship

Journal Paper
Saleh, Q.M, E.C. Hensel, and R.J. Robinson. "Method for Quantifying Variation in the Resistance of Electronic Cigarette Coils." Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 17. 21 (2020): 7779. Web.
Robinson, Risa J., et al. "Characterization and Validation of Second Generation wPUM™ Topography Monitors." Nicotine Tob Res.. (2020): -. Web.
Robinson, Risa J., et al. "A Comparison Between Cigarette Topography from a One-Week Natural Environment Study to FTC/ISO, Health Canada, and Massachusetts Department of Public Health Puff Profile Standards." Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 17. 10 (2020): 3444. Web.
Robinson, Risa J. and Edward C. Hensel. "Behavior-based Yield for Electronic Ccigarette Users of Different Strength Eliquids Based on Natural Environment Topography." Inhalation Toxicology 31. 13-14 (2019): 484-491. Web.
Hensel, Edward C., et al. "A Proposed Waterpipe Emissions Topography Protocol Reflecting Natural Environment User Behaviour." Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 17. 1 (2020): 92. Web.
Eddingsaas, Nathan C., et al. "Effect of User Puffing Topography on Total Particulate Matter, Nicotine, and Volatile Carbonyl Emissions from Narghil Waterpipes." Tob Control 29. (2020): s117-s122. Web.
Eddingsaas, Nathan C., et al. "Effect of User Puffing Topography on Total Particulate Matter, Nicotine, and Volatile Carbonyl Emissions from Narghil waterpipes." Tobacco Control. (2019): -. Web.
Hensel, E.C., et al. "Framework to Estimate Total Particulate Mass and Nicotine Delivered to E-cig Users from Natural Environment Monitoring Data." Scientific Reports. (2019): -. Web.
Robinson, Risa J. and Edward C. Hensel. "Behavior-based Yield for Electronic Cigarette Users of Different Strength Eliquids Based on Natural Environment Topography." Inhalation Toxicology 31. 13-14 (2019): 484-491. Web.
Robinson, R. J., et al. "A Theoretical Framework to Investigate the Impact of Topography and Product Characteristics on Electronic Cigarette Emissions." PLoS ONE 13. 11 (2018): 206341. Web.
Hensel, E.C., S. Jayasekera, and R. J. Robinson. "Accounting for Effects of System Dynamics to Improve Accuracy of Emissions Reported in E-cig Vaping Machines." Inhalation Toxicology. (2018): 1-11. Web.
Lee, Youn Ok, et al. "Latent Class Analysis of E-cigarette Use Sessions in Their Natural Environments." Nicotine & Tobacco Research. (2018): -. Web.
Robinson, R.J., et al. "Effect of e-liquid Flavor on Electronic Cigarette Topography and Consumption Behavior in a 2-week Natural Environment Switching Study." PLOS. (2018): -. Web.
Eddingsaas, N. C., et al. "Qualitative Analysis of e-liquid Emissions as a Function of Flavor Additives Using Two Aerosol Capture Methods." Int J Environ Res Public Health 15. 2 (2018): 323. Web.
Sul, B., et al. "Assessing Airflow Sensitivity to Healthy and Diseased Lung Conditions in a Computational Fluid Dynamics Model Validated In Vitro." Journal of Biomechanical Engineering 140. 5 (2018): 051009-051009-14. Web.
Robinson, R., et al. "Assessing Airflow Sensitivity to Healthy and Diseased Lung Conditions in a Computational Fluid Dynamics Model Validated In Vitro." Journal of Biomechanical Engineering. (2018): 1-49. Print.
Lee, Youn Ok, et al. "Examining Daily Electronic Cigarette Puff Topography Among Established and Non-established Cigarette Smokers in their Natural Environment." Nicotine and Tobacco Research 10. (2017): 1-10. Web.
Robinson, R., et al. "Inflammatory Response by Different E-Cigarette Flavoring Chemicals Identified by GC-MS in E-Liquids and E-Vapors on Human Lung Epithelial Cells and Fibroblasts." Applied in Vitro Toxicology. (2017): 28-40. Print.
Gerloff, J. and I. K. Sundar. "Inflammatory Response by Different E-cigarette Flavoring Chemicals Identified by GC-MS in E-liquids and E-vapors on Human Lung Epithelial Cells and Fibroblasts." AIVT. (2016): 30. Print.
Robinson, R.J., et al. "Week Long Topography Study of Young Adults Using Electronic Cigarettes in Their Natural Environment." PLOS One 13. 11 (2016): 10. Web.
Robinson, Risa, et al. "Electronic Cigarette Topography in the Natural Environment to Quantify User-Specific Emissions." PLOS One 10. 6 (2015): 1371. Web.
Robinson, Risa, Todd Pagano, and M.R. Bida. "Laboratory Activity for the Determination of Nicotine in Electronic Cigarette Liquids using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry." Journal of Laboratory Chemical Education 3. 3 (2015): 37-43. Print.
Robinson, Risa, et al. "Vapors Produced by Electronic Cigarettes and E-Juices with Flavorings Induce Toxicity, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammatory Response in Lung Epithelial Cells and in Mouse Lung." PLOS One. (2015): 1371. Web.
Lerner, C.A., et al. "Environmental Health Hazards of e-Cigarettes: Oxidants and Copper in E-cigarette Aerosols." Environmental pollution. (2015): 100-107. Print.
Oakes, J., et al. "Flow Field Analysis in Expanding Healthy and Emphysematous Alveolar Models Using Particle Image Velocimetry." Journal of Biomechanical Engineering 132. (2010): 2. Print.
Jr., E.M. Harding and R.J. Robinson. "Flow in a terminal alveolar sac model with expanding walls using computational fluid dynamics." Inhalation Toxicology 22. 8 (2010): 669-678. Print.
Robinson, R. J., P. Snyder, and M. Oldham. "Comparison of analytical and numerical particle deposition using commercial CFD packages: Impaction and sedimentation." Inhalation Toxicology 20. (2008): 485-497. Print.
Russo, J., R. J. Robinson, and M. Oldham. ". Effect of cartilage rings on fluid flow and particle deposition in the trachea and main bronchi." Medical Engineering and Physics 30. (2008): 581-589. Print.
Oldham, M.J. and R.J. Robinson. "Predicted Tracheobronchial and Pulmonary Deposition in a Murine Asthma Model." Anatomical Records 290. (2007): 1309-1314. Print.
Robinson, R. J., R. Doolittle, and J. DiFlorio. "Use of Asthmatic pulmonary function test data to predict lung deposition." J. Aerosols in Medicine 20. 2 (2007): 141-162. Print.
Robinson, R. J., P. Snyder, and M. Oldham. "Comparison of particle tracking algorithms in commercial CFD packages: sedimentation and diffusion." Inhalation Toxicology 19. 6&7 (2007): 517-531. Print.
Oldham, M.J. and R.J. Robinson. "Calculated deposition in growing tracheobronchial airways: Effect of growth rate assumptions." Inhalation Toxicology 18. 10 (2006): 803-808. Print.
Robinson, R. J., et al. "Experimental and numerical analysis of a 7 generation human replica tracheobronchial model." Annals of Biomedical Engineering 34. 3 (2006): 373-383. Print.
Robinson, R. J. "Carcinogen specific dosimetry model for passive smokers of various ages." Science of The Total Environment, 338. 3 (2005): 2001-2212. Print.
Oldham, M.J., et al. ". Performance of a portable whole body mouse exposure system." . Journal of Inhalation Toxicology 16. 9 (2004): 657-662. Print.
Broday, D.M. and R.J. Robinson. "Application of cloud dynamics to dosimetry of cigarette smoke particles in the lungs." Aerosol Science and Technology 37. 6 (2002): 510-527. Print.
Robinson, R. J. and C.P. Yu. "Deposition of cigarette smoke particles in the human respiratory tract." J. Aerosol Science and Technology 34. 2 (2001): 202-215. Print.
Robinson, R. J and C.P. Yu. "Coagulation of cigarette smoke particles." J. Aerosol Science 30. 4 (1999): 533-548. Print.
Robinson, R. J. and C.P. Yu. "Theoretical analysis of hygroscopic growth rate of mainstream and sidestream cigarette smoke particles in the human respiratory tract." J. Aerosol Science and Technology 28. (1998): 21-32. Print.
DeBartolo, E. and R.J. Robinson. "A freshman engineering curriculum integrating design and experimentation." International J. Mechanical Engineering Education 32. 2 (2007): 91-107. Print.
Robinson, R. J., et al. "Electronic Cigarette Topography in the Natural Environment to Quantify User-Specific Emissions." PLOS One 10. 6 (2015): 129-296. Web.
Pagano, T., et al. "Determination of Nicotine Content and Delivery in Disposable Electronic Cigarettes by GC-MS,." Nicotine and Tobacco Research. (2015): 752. Web.
Robinson, Risa, et al. "Determination of Nicotine Content and Delivery in Disposable Electronic Cigarettes by GC-MS." Nicotine and Tobacco Research NTR-2014. (2015): 752. Print.
Harding, T.M. Jr., E. Berg, and R.J. Robinson. "Diffusion of Replica Healthy and Emphysematous Alveolar Models Using Computational Fluids Dynamics." ISRN Biomedical Engineering. (2013): Article ID 919802. Print.
Berg, E. and R. Robinson. "Stereoscopic Particle Image Velocimetry Analysis of Healthy and Emphysemic Alveolar Sac." Journal of Biomechanical Engineering 133. 6 (2011): 1-10. Print.
Norton, M. M. and Robinson, R. J. and Weinstein, S. J. "Model of Ciliary Clearance and the Role of Mucus Rheology." Physical Review E 83. (2011): 1-10. Print.
Peer Reviewed/Juried Poster Presentation or Conference Paper
Hensel, E.C., et al. ", Understanding the Association Between Pod-Style Electronic Cigarette Aerosol Emissions and User Topography Behavior." Proceedings of the SRNT 2020 Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA, Mar 2020. Ed. -. New Orleans, LA: n.p..
Robinson, R.J., et al. "Characterization and Validation of Generation 2 wPUM™ Topography Monitors." Proceedings of the SRNT 2020 Annual Meeting, New Orleans, LA, Mar 2020. Ed. -. New Orleans, LA: n.p..
Eddingsaas, N.C., et al. "Effect of Puff Flowrate and Puff Duration on the Emission of Particulate Matter, Nicotine, and Aldehydes from Narghil Waterpipes." Proceedings of the 2019 Tobacco Regulatory Science Meeting. Ed. -. Bethesda, MD: n.p..
Robinson, R. J. and E.C. Hensel. "Should Low Nicotine Eliquids be Considered Low Yield Products." Proceedings of the 2019 Tobacco Regulatory Science Meeting. Ed. -. Bethesda, MD: n.p..
Hensel, E.C., et al. "Hookah Topography in the Natural Environment to Inform Behavior-Based Design of Experiments for Emissions Testing." Proceedings of the 2019 Tobacco Regulatory Science Meeting. Ed. -. Bethesda, MD: n.p..
Meyers, B., et al. "Characterization of the wPUM™ Generation 3 Topography Monitors." Proceedings of the 2019 BMES Annual Meeting Biomedical Engineering Society (BMES). Ed. -. Philadelphia, PA: n.p..
Robinson, R.J. and E.C. Hensel. "A New Approach To Assess Yield Delivered To The Mouth Of Ends Users Based On Product Emissions And Natural Environment Topography." Proceedings of the Podium Presentaion 3: Symposium 12 Measurement of ENDS Exposure, Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco. Ed. -. San Francisco, CA: n.p..
Hensel, E.C., et al. "Framework to Report Total Particulate Matter and Aldehyde Emission Characteristics from Hookah." Proceedings of the Podium Presentaion 4: Symposium 15 Effects of Waterpipe Consituents and Design on Toxicity of Waterpipe Tobacco Smoke and Smoking Behaviors, Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco. Ed. -. San Francisco, CA: n.p..
Jayasekera, Shehan, Edward Hensel, Jr., and Risa J Robinson. "Feasibility Assessment of Simultaneous Puff and Chest Belt Monitoring to Better Understand Tobacco Product Inhalation Patterns." Proceedings of the 2018 BMES Annual Meeting, October 17-20, 2018, Atlanta, Georgia. Ed. -. Atlanta, GA: n.p..
Hensel, E.C., et al. "Hookah and Dual-Use Behavior in the Natural Environment." Proceedings of the 2018 Tobacco Regulatory Science Meeting, Baltimore, MD, June, 2018. Ed. -. Baltimore, MD: n.p..
Robinson, R.J., et al. "Design of the wPUM™ Family of Topography Monitors for Natural Environment Observation Studies of Tobacco Product Use." Proceedings of the 2018 Tobacco Regulatory Science Meeting, Baltimore, MD, June, 2018. Ed. -. Baltimore, MD: n.p..
Eddingsaas, N.C., et al. "Effect of Hookah Hose Dimensions and Material on TPM, Nicotine, and Aldehydes." Proceedings of the 2018 Tobacco Regulatory Science Meeting, Baltimore, MD, June, 2018. Ed. -. Baltimore, MD: n.p..
Robinson, R. J., et al. "Effect of e-liquid Product Characteristics on Topography Behavior of e-cig Users in a 2-week Natural Environment Switching Study." Proceedings of the SRNT 2018 Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD, Feb 21-24, 2018. Ed. -. Baltimore, MD: n.p..
Lee, Y.O., et al. "Identifying E-cigarette Person and Session Types Using Real-World Puff Topography." Proceedings of the SRNT 2018 Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD, Feb 21-24, 2018. Ed. -. Baltimore, MD: n.p..
Hensel, E.C., et al. "Analyzing Behavior of e-cig Users in Their Natural Environment Using Continuous Real-Time Plots of Aerosol Consumption." Proceedings of the 2018 SRNT Annual Meeting, Baltimore, MD, Feb 21-24, 2018. Ed. -. Baltimore, MD: n.p..
Invited Article/Publication
Robinson, Risa. "2. How a Person Vapes, not Just what a Person Vapes, Could also Play a Big Role in Vaping Harm." The Conversation. (2019). Web.
Invited Keynote/Presentation
Robinson, R. J. "Understanding the Quantitative Relationship Between E-cigarette Use Behavior and Exposure." “Updates and Controversies Related to Inhaled Aerosols". International Society for Aerosols in Medicine, 2018 Symposium. San Diego, CA. 18 May 2018. Guest Lecture.
Robinson, R., et al. "4.What’s Inhaled by Vaping? Dosimetry, Deposition, Distribution, and Topography: Pulmonary Physiological and Clinical Effects." E-Cigarette Vaping: Preclinical and Clinical Pulmonary Health. American Thoracic Society. San Diego, CA. 15 May 2016. Conference Presentation.
Robinson, Risa, et al. "Mechanical Models for Determining Electronic Cigarette Exposure." Electronic Cigarettes and the Public Health: A Public Workshop, US FDA Center for Tobacco Products Department of Health and Human Services. FDA. Washington, DC. 10 Dec. 2014. Conference Presentation.
Published Conference Proceedings
Robinson, R., et al. "Comparison of Methods For the Capture of E-Cigarette Emissions For the Determination of Constituents Using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry." Proceedings of the 253rd National Meeting of the American Chemical Society. Ed. R. Robinson. San Francisco, CA: ACS, 2017. Print.
Robinson, R., et al. ", Computational Assessment of Airflow Sensitivity to Healthy and Diseased Lung Conditions." Proceedings of the Biomedical Engr Society Annual Meeting. Ed. R. Robinson. Phoenix, AZ: BMES, 2017. Print.
Robinson, R. and Edward Hensel. "Interdisciplinary Research Methods: Enhancing Professional Skills of Engineering,." Proceedings of the 15th LACCEI International Multi-Conference for Engineering, Education, and Technology. Ed. R. Robinson. Boca Raton, FL: LACCEI, 2017. Print.
Lee, Youn Ok, et al. "Variation in Vaping: Examining Daily ENDS Puff Topography Among Established and Non-established Cigarette Smokers." Proceedings of the NIH TRSC May meeting. Ed. NIH. Baltimore, MD: n.p., 2016. Print.
Hensel, Edward and Risa Robinson. "Engineering Innovations for Global Sustainability." Proceedings of the 114th LACCEI International Multi-Conference for Engineering, Education, and Technology. Ed. LACCEI. San Jose, Costa Rica: n.p., 2016. Print.
Lerner, C., et al. "Mitochondrial Stress and Inflammation Following Exposure to Electronic Cigarette Aerosols." Proceedings of the 22nd Annual Conference of the Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco. Ed. Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco. Chicago, IL: n.p., 2016. Print.
Wink, G., et al. "Measuring the emission efficiency and nicotine delivery of electronic cigarettes." Proceedings of the 249th ACS National Meeting & Exposition. Ed. 249th ACS National Meeting & Exposition. Denver, CO: n.p., 2015. Print.
Robinson, Risa, et al. "Mechanical Models for Determining Electronic Cigarette Exposure." Proceedings of the Electronic Cigarettes and the Public Health: A Public Workshop, US FDA Center for Tobacco Products Department of Health and Human Services. Ed. FDA. Washington, D.C.: n.p., 2014. Print.
Taherkhani, P., A. K. Datta, and R. Robinson. "Multiscale Modeling of Flow and Transport in Oral Cavity to Understand Taste Dynamics." Proceedings of the 2nd International Conference on Food Oral Processing. Ed. International Conference on Food Oral Processing. Beaune,, France: n.p., 2012. Print.
Berg, E. J and R.J. Robinson. "ealthy And Emphysemic Alveolar Sac Flow Comparison by Particle Image Velocimetry." Proceedings of the 30th Annual American Association for Aerosol Research Conference. Ed. American Association for Aerosol Research Conference. Orlando, FL: n.p., 2011. Print.
Varble, N., et al. "Arteriovenous fistula anastomosis to study the effects of vessel size and pressure gradient on the presence of a thrill." Proceedings of the 2011 American Heart Association Conference. Ed. American Heart Association. Orlando, FL: n.p., 2011. Print.
Carcamo, N., R. J. Robinson, and T.E. Pagano. "Analysis of four polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs in cigarette smoke using solid phase extraction and gaws chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS)." Proceedings of the ). 237th American Chemical Society National Meeting. Ed. American Chemical Society. Salt Lake City, UT: n.p., 2009. Print.
Berg, E. J, R.J. Robinson, and M. Oldham. "Flow analysis in an expanding acinus model using particle image velocimetry." Proceedings of the AAAR 27th Annual Conference,. Ed. AAAR. Orlando, FL: n.p., 2008. Print.
Jr., E.M. Harding, R.J. Robinson, and K. Nazridoust. "Flow in expanding alveolar model during unsteady breathing using computational fluid dynamics." Proceedings of the AAAR 27th Annual Conference. Ed. AAAR. Orlando, FL: n.p., 2008. Print.
Russo, J. and R.J. Robinson. "3D Reconstruction of a Female Lung using the Visible Human Data Set to." Proceedings of the AAAR 26th Annual Conference. Ed. AAAR. Reno, NV: n.p., 2007. Print.
Oakes, J. and R.J. Robinson. "Prediction of particle deposition in an expanding alveolar model of the lung." Proceedings of the AAAR 26th Annual Conference. Ed. AAAR. Reno, NV: n.p., 2007. Print.
Robinson, R. J. and J. DiFlorio. "Use of different modeling techniques to simulate deposition in asthma." Proceedings of the 2006 International Aerosol Conference. Ed. International Aerosol Conference. St.Paul, MN: n.p., 2006. Print.
Oldham, M.J. and R.J. Robinson. "Calculated deposition in growing tracheobronchial airways: Effect of growth rate assumptions." Proceedings of the Frontiers in Aerosol Dosimetry Research Conference. Ed. Frontiers in Aerosol Dosimetry. Irvine, CA: n.p., 2005. Print.
Snyder, P., R.J. Robinson, and M.J. Oldham. "Comparison of Particle Tracking Algorithms in Commercial CFD Packages." Proceedings of the AAAR 2005 Annual Conference. Ed. AAAR. Austin, TX: n.p., 2005. Print.
Pryune, A., R.J. Robinson, and M.J. Oldham. "Comparison of CFD Predicted Flow field and Particle." Proceedings of the AAAR 2004 Annual Conference. Ed. AAAR. Atlanta, GA: n.p., 2004. Print.
Rai, P., et al. "Computational Analysis of a 7 generation tracheobronchial human replica lung cast." Proceedings of the 2004 BMES Annual Fall Meeting. Ed. BMES. Philadelphia, PA: n.p., 2004. Print.
Robinson, R. J., et al. "Design and Analysis of a Shear Stress Sensor for Microcirculation Investigations." Proceedings of the American Society of Mechanical Engineering Fluids Division Summer Conference. Ed. ASME. Honolulu, HI: n.p., 2003. Print.
Frame, M., et al. "Impact of Bifurcation Geometry and Particle Movement on CFD Predicted Wall Shear Rate Gradients in Arteriolar Branch Points." Proceedings of the Biomedical Engineering Society Spring Meeting with Experimental Biology. Ed. Biomedical Engineering Society. West Lafayette, IN: n.p., 2003. Print.
Oldham, M.J., et al. "erformance of A New Mobile Whole Body Mouse Exposure System." Proceedings of the American Association for Aerosol Research Particulate Matter Conference. Ed. American Association for Aerosol Research. Pittsburgh, PA: n.p., 2003. Print.
Medlar, M. and R.J. Robinson. "Atomizer Design for Inhalation Device." Proceedings of the AAAR 2002 Annual Conference. Ed. AAAR. Charlotte, NC: n.p., 2002. Print.
Broday, D. and R.J. Robinson. "Application of Particle Cloud Dynamics to the Settling of Cigarette Smoke." Proceedings of the AAAR 2001 Annual Conference. Ed. AAAR. Portland, OR: n.p., 2001. Print.
Robinson, R. J. and C.P. Yu. "A Deposition Model Of Cigarette Smoke Particles In The Respiratory Tract. Respiratory Dose Estimation of Inhaled Particles: Advances in Experiment and Theoretical Model,." Proceedings of the AAAR 2000 Annual Conference. Ed. AAAR. Tacoma, WA: n.p., 2000. Print.
Robinson, R. J. and C.P. Yu. "Pulmonary Deposition of Cigarette Smoke Particles." Proceedings of the Biomedical Engineering Conference. Ed. Biomedical Engineering. University Park, PA: n.p., 1996. Print.
Robinson, Risa and Edward Hensel. "A Process for Assessment of ABET Student Outcomes in a Mechanical Engineering Department." Proceedings of the 13th LACCEI Annual International Conference. Ed. LACCEI. Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic: n.p., 2015. Print.
Hensel, Edward and Risa Robinson. "Direct Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes by Analysis of Performance Evaluation of Student Employees,." Proceedings of the Excellence in Engineering to Enhance a Country’s Productivity: Twelfth LACCEI Latin American and Caribbean Conference for Engineering and Technology (LACCEI’2014. Ed. LACCEI. Guayaquil, Ecuador: n.p., 2014. Print.
Schertzer, Michael J., et al. "Effect of office hour participation on student performance,." Proceedings of the ASME 2014 International Mechanical Engineering Conference & Exposition (MECE2014. Ed. MECE2014. Montreal,, Quebec, CANADA: n.p., 2014. Print.
Robinson, Risa, et al. "Understanding the Causes for Low Student Office Hour Attendance,." Proceedings of the ASME 2014 International Mechanical Engineering Conference & Exposition (IMECE2014. Ed. IMECE2014. Montreal, Quebec: n.p., 2014. Print.
Debartolo, E., M. Bailey, and R. Robinson. "A Workshop to Improve Communication Skills for Teaching." Proceedings of the ASEE Conference. Ed. ASEE. San Antonio, TX: n.p., 2012. Print.
Kochersberger, K., R.J. Robinson, and M. Anderson. "Gender Issues in Aerospace Education." Proceedings of the NCAS Conference. Ed. NCAS. Cincinnati, OH: n.p., 2003. Print.
Robinson, R. J. "Improving Design of Experiment Skills through a Project Based Fluids Laboratory." Proceedings of the ASEE Annual Conference. Ed. ASEE. Montreal,, Canada: n.p., 2002. Print.
Robinson, R. J. and J. Wellin. "Introducing Data Acquisition and Experimental Techniques to Mechanical Engineering." Proceedings of the ASEE Annual Conference. Ed. ASEE. Montreal,, Canada.: n.p., 2013. Print.
Crossen, E. and R.J. Robinson. "Measuring Nicotine from Electronic Cigarettes." Proceedings of the 19th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. Ed. Rochester Institute of Technology. Rochester, NY: n.p., 2009. Print.
Vargas, M. and R.J. Robinson. "Prototype Testing of a Smoke Monitoring Device." Proceedings of the 19th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. Ed. Rochester Institute of Technology. Rochester, NY: n.p., 2009. Print.
Carcamo, N., et al. "Gas Chromatography-mass spectrometry (GCMS) Analysis of Four Carcinogens in Cigarette Smoke." Proceedings of the 17th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium,. Ed. Rochester Institute of Technology. Rochester, NY: n.p., 2008. Print.
Norton, M. and R. Robinson. "The Effect of Cilia Coordination and Mucus Rheology on Clearance in the Respiratory Tract." Proceedings of the 17th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. Ed. Rochester Institute of Technology. Rochester, NY: n.p., 2008. Print.
Steffens, J. and R. J. Robinson. "Fluid Flow and Particle Deposition in the Human Oral Cavity and Oropharynx." Proceedings of the 17th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. Ed. Rochester Institute of Technology. Rochester, NY: n.p., 2008. Print.
Kirsch, J., et al. "A System for Measuring Smoke Deposition in a Realistic Lung Cast to Compare Safer and Conventional Cigarettes." Proceedings of the 17th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. Ed. Rochester Institute of Technology. Rochester, NY: n.p., 2008. Print.
Oakes, J. and R. J. Robinson. "Prediction of Particle Deposition in an Expanding Alveolar Model of the Lung, Platform Presentation." Proceedings of the 16th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. Ed. Rochester Institute of Technology. Rochester, NY: n.p., 2007. Print.
Russo, J. and R. J. Robinson. "Effect of tracheal rings on fluid flow and particle deposition." Proceedings of the 15th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. Ed. Rochester Institute of Technology. Rochester, NY: n.p., 2006. Print.
Gal, A. and R.J. Robinson. "Dynamics of Cloud Settling." Proceedings of the 10th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. Ed. Rochester Institute of Technology. Rochester, NY: n.p., 2001. Print.
Follett, C. and R. J. Robinson. "Particle Image Velocimetry (PIV) Measurements in Microchannels." Proceedings of the 10th Annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. Ed. Rochester Institute of Technology. Rochester, ny: n.p., 2001. Print.
Hensel, Edward and Risa Robinson. "Direct Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes by Analysis of Performance Evaluation of Student Employees." Proceedings of the Excellence in Engineering to Enhance a Country’s Productivity: Twelfth LACCEI Latin American and Caribbean Conference for Engineering and Technology. Ed. LACCEI. Guayaquil, Ecuador: n.p., 2014. Print.
Hensel, Edward and Risa Robinson. "Direct Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes by Analysis of Performance Evaluation of Student Employees." Proceedings of the Excellence in Engineering to Enhance a Country’s Productivity: Twelfth LACCEI Latin American and Caribbean Conference for Engineering and Technology. Ed. LACCEI. Guayaquil, Ecuador: n.p., 2014. Print.
Schertzer, Michael J., et al. "Effect of Office Hour Participation on Student Performance." Proceedings of the ASME 2014 International Mechanical Engineering Conference & Exposition (MECE2014). Ed. ASME. Montreal, Quebec, CANADA: n.p., 2014. Print.
Robinson, Risa, et al. "Understanding the Causes for Low Student Office Hour Attendance." Proceedings of the ASME 2014 International Mechanical Engineering Conference & Exposition (IMECE2014). Ed. ASME. Montreal, Quebec, CANADA: n.p., 2014. Print.
Berg, E. and R. Robinson. "Healthy And Emphysemic Alveolar Sac Flow Comparison by Particle Image Velocimetry." Proceedings of the 30th Annual Americal Association for Aerosol Research Conference,. Ed. Nazorod. Orlando, FL: n.p., 2011. Print.
Berg, E. and R. Robinson. "Healthy And Emphysemic Alveolar Sac Flow Comparison by Particle Image Velocimetry." Proceedings of the 30th Annual Americal Association for Aerosol Research Conference. Ed. Taylor & Francis, Inc. Orlando, FL: n.p., 2011. Print.
Varble, N., et al. "Arteriovenous Fistula Anastomosis to Study the Effects of Vessel Size and Pressure Gradient on the Presence of a Thrill." Proceedings of the 2011 Americal Heart Association Conference. Ed. Taylor & Francis, Inc. Orlando, FL: n.p., 2011. Print.
Invited Paper
Lerner, C., et al. "Mitochondrial Stress and Inflammation Following Exposure to Electronic Cigarette Aerosols." 22nd Annual Conference of the Society for Research on Nicotine & Tobacco. (2016). Print.
Book Chapter
Harding, Ted, Emily Berg, and Risa Robinson. "3D Reconstruction of an Acinus for Numerical and Experimental Studies." 3D Reconstruction: Methods, Applications and Challenges. Ed. Jim Ashworth and Kenneth Brasher. Hauppauge, NY: Nova Science Publishers, Inc., 2013. 10. Print.

Currently Teaching

ENGR-701
Interdisciplinary Research Methods
3 Credits
This course emphasizes collaboration in modern research environment and consists of five modules. Students will introduced to the concepts of inter-disciplinary and trans-disciplinary research conducted from both a scientific and an engineering perspective. Students will learn how to write a dissertation proposal, statement of work, timeline for their program of study and the elements of an effective literature review. Students will develop skills related to reviewing and annotating technical papers, conducting a literature search and proper citation. Students will demonstrate an understanding of (a) ethics as it relates to the responsible conduct of research, (b) ethical responsibility in the context of the engineering professions, (c) ethics as it relates to authorship and plagiarism, (d) basic criteria for ethical decision making and (e) identify professional standards and code of ethics relevant to their discipline. Students demonstrate an ability to identify and explain the potential benefits of their research discoveries to a range of stakeholders, including policy makers and the general public.
MECE-499
Cooperative Education
0 Credits
Nominally three months of full-time, paid employment in the mechanical engineering field.
MECE-585
Mentored Research
1 - 3 Credits
The goal of this course is to introduce students to research methods in an immersive research environment. Students complete independent research under the supervision of faculty and PhD mentors in the mechanical engineering department. Research projects span the range of all engineering disciplines, as well as non-engineering majors such as medical illustration, public policy, business, math and science. Projects are directly related to and supportive of activities important to the faculty member’s overall research goals. Students may wish to create a multi-year experience by taking one credit at a time each semester for several years. Student projects then grow and expand as the research and the student’s skill set evolves. This course is ideally suited for any student interested in learning about the exciting research taking place at RIT, students considering a master’s or PhD, and students in the honors program wanting to earn research credits towards their honors degree. Mechanical engineering dual degree and graduate students may wish to take this course to explore research topics prior to making the decision between project with paper and thesis. Project descriptions are updated regularly and made available on-line and through the mechanical engineering office. Interested students should contact the faculty listed for each project of interest. After meeting with the faculty, projects may be re-scoped to match the student’s background, preparation and key interest areas. There may be a limited number of seats available.
MECE-599
Undergraduate Independent Study
1 - 4 Credits
An independent student project course encompassing one of (a) an analytical investigation, (b) an experimental investigation or (c) a major design project. All independent student projects require a formal written report.
MECE-685
Mentored Research
1 - 3 Credits
The goal of this course is to introduce students to research methods in an immersive research environment. Students complete independent research under the supervision of faculty and PhD mentors in the mechanical engineering department. Research projects span the range of all engineering disciplines, as well as non-engineering majors such as medical illustration, public policy, business, math and science. Projects are directly related to and supportive of activities important to the faculty member’s overall research goals. Students may wish to create a multi-year experience by taking one credit at a time each semester for several years. Student projects then grow and expand as the research and the student’s skill set evolves. This course is ideally suited for any student interested in learning about the exciting research taking place at RIT, students considering a master’s or PhD, and students in the honors program wanting to earn research credits towards their honors degree. Mechanical engineering dual degree and graduate students may wish to take this course to explore research topics prior to making the decision between project with paper and thesis. Project descriptions are updated regularly and made available on-line and through the mechanical engineering office. Interested students should contact the faculty listed for each project of interest. After meeting with the faculty, projects may be re-scoped to match the student’s background, preparation and key interest areas. There may be a limited number of seats available.

In the News

  • 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.

  • June 28, 2022

    researcher demonstrating device that simulates smoking a cigarette.

    Mechanical engineering professor appointed to Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee

    Risa Robinson was appointed to the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Tobacco Products Scientific Advisory Committee. Robinson, department head of mechanical engineering in RIT’s Kate Gleason College of Engineering, brings extensive research in the area of fluid dynamics, particle inhalation and toxicological effects of various tobacco products and nicotine delivery devices.

More News  
More News