Betsy Dell Headshot

Betsy Dell

Professor

Department of Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology
College of Engineering Technology
emdmet@rit.edu
585-475-6577
Office Location
GOL-1169

Betsy Dell

Professor

Department of Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology
College of Engineering Technology

Education

BSME, General Motors Institute; MS, University of Michigan

Bio

Professor Betsy Dell is a Professor in the Manufacturing & Mechanical Engineering Technology Department in the College of Engineering Technology at RIT. Appointments at RIT include the Co-Chair of RIT’s President’s Commission on Women (commencing 2019), Director of AdvanceRIT Program (2019-2023), Senior Faculty Associate to the Provost for Women Faculty (2014-2023), Graduate Program Director Manufacturing & Mechanical Systems Integration (2017-2019), the Director of Women in Technology (2010-2013), and the Miller Endowed Professor (2010-2103).  Professor Dell teaches courses and conducts research in the areas of sustainable plastics, engineering education, sustainability, and gender in engineering and science. 

Professor Dell co-chairs RIT’s President’s Commission on Women. Her career at RIT has always had a strong focus on diversity, demonstrating a passion for making RIT an inclusive and diverse campus. Her work started with a focus on gender with students in STEM programs. As Director of Women in Technology from 2010-2013, she led multiple grant-funded initiatives. This included a five-year NSF funded (over a half-million dollars) scholarship program. Over the years, her efforts related to diversity and inclusion have broadened to all constituencies and all aspects of diversity (not just gender) through her involvement on the leadership team for the AdvanceRIT NSF Advance Institutional Transformation project and her role as Faculty Associate to the Provost for Women Faculty. In this role, she launched and chaired the Council for Representation Engagement of Women Faculty (CREW). Betsy was on the executive leadership team for AdvanceRIT grant as a co-PI.  She was named Director of AdvanceRIT, the institutionalized office, in March 2020 and served in this role through June 2023. As Director of AdvanceRIT, she has strategically aligned CREW to serve as the faculty advisory board to the AdvanceRIT office. In August 2021, RIT was one of ten universities awarded the National Institute of Health (NIH) Prize for Enhancing Faculty Gender Diversity in Biomedical and Behavioral Science, which is in large part due to the impact of the RIT ADVANCE program.

emdmet@rit.edu
585-475-6577
Personal Links
Curriculum Vitae
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Select Scholarship

Journal Paper
Bailey, M. B., et al. "Reimagining Seed Grants for the 21st Century: Individual and Institutional Impacts of a Mini-Grants Program." Advance Journal in press. (2022): n/a. Web.
Hegde, Swati, et al. "Investigation of process parameters on the anaerobic digestion of a poly(hydroxyalkonate) film." European Polymer Journal. 148. (2021): 110349. Web.
Dell, Elizabeth. "Supporting Women in Engineering Technology Programs." Journal of Engineering Technology. Fall (2019): 22-30. Print.
Dell, Elizabeth and et al. "The Development and Evaluation of an ADVANCE Professional Development Series to Promote Institutional Transformation." The ADVANCE Journal 1. 2 (2019): 2-29. Web.
Samadi, Kosar, et al. "Mechanical, Rheological and Anaerobic Biodegradation Behavior of a Poly(lactic acid) blend containing a Poly(lactic acid)-co-poly(glycolic acid) Copolymer." Polymer Degradation and Stability 170. (2019): 109018. Print.
Dell, E., et al. "Using Self Determination Theory to Build Communities of Support and Improve the Learning Environment for Women in Engineering." European Journal of Engineering Education. (2017): 1-16. Print.
Lewis, Christopher L. and Elizabeth M. Dell. "A Review of Shape Memory Polymers Bearing Reversible Binding Groups." Journal of Polymer Science Part B: Polymer Physics 54. 14 (2016): 1340-1364. Print.
Dell, Elizabeth M., et al. "Scholarly Production of an Untenured Cohort of Faculty." Journal of Engineering Technology Fall. (2015): 18-28. Print.
Dell, Elizabeth M., Robert D. Garrick, and Jeanne Christman. "Assessment of an Engineering Technology Outreach Program for 4th-7th Grade Girls." American Journal of Engineering Education 2. 1 (2011): 19-34. Print.
Published Conference Proceedings
Dell, Elizabeth, Marcos Esterman, and Carol Marchetti. "Equity and Inclusion Considerations in the Work of Academic Governance." Proceedings of the ASEE Conference for Industry & Education Collaboration (CIEC) Phoenix, AZ, February 8-10, 2022. Ed. ASEE. N/A, N/A: n.p., 2022. Web.
Dell, Elizabeth and et al. "Diversity in Engineering Technology." Proceedings of the ASEE Conference for Industry & Education Collaboration (CIEC). Ed. ASEE. New Orleans, LA: ASEE, 2019. Web.
Hedge, Swati, et al. "Development of a biodegradable thermoformed tray for food waste handling." Proceedings of the 22nd International Association of Packaging Research Institutes (IAPRI) Symposium on Packaging. Ed. IAPRI. Enschede, the Netherlands, NA: n.p., 2019. Web.
Lucietto, Anne, Elizabeth M Dell, and et al. "Engineering Technology Undergraduate Students: A Survey of Demographics and Mentoring." Proceedings of the American Society of Engineering Educators Annual Conference and Exhibition. Ed. ASEE. Tampa, FL: n.p., 2019. Web.
Lucietto, Anne, et al. "Engineering Technology Graduates: A Survey of Demographics and Mentoring." Proceedings of the American Society of Engineering Educators Annual Conference and Exhibition. Ed. ASEE. Tampa, FL: n.p., 2019. Web.
S.,, Hedge, and Dell, E., Lewis, C., Diaz, C. and Trabold, T. "Anaerobic Digestion of Bioplastic Packaging Materials." Proceedings of the Sustainable Packaging Symposium. Ed. na. New Brunswick, NJ: n.p., 2018. Web.
V., Datta, and Francisco, M., Hegde, S., Datta, V., Diaz, C., Trabold, T., Dell, E. and C. L. Lewis. "Mechanical Behavior and Anaerobic Biodegradation of a Poly(lactic acid) blend containing a Poly(lactic acid)-co-Poly(glycolic acid) Copolymer." Proceedings of the SPE ANTEC. Ed. SPE. Orlando, FL: SPE, 2018. Web.
R, Nunziato, and Hedge, S., Dell, E., Trabold, T., Lewis, C. and C. Diaz. "Mechanical Properties and Anaerobic Biodegradation of Thermoplastic Starch /Polycaprolactone Blends." Proceedings of the 21st International Association of Packaging Research Institutes (IAPRI) Symposium on Packaging. Ed. IAPRI. Zhuhai, China, CHINA: IAPRI, 2018. Web.
S., Hedge, and Dell, E., Lewis, C., Trabold, T.A. and C. A. Diaz. "Anaerobic Biodegradation of Bioplastic Packaging Materials." Proceedings of the 21st International Association of Packaging Research Institutes (IAPRI) Symposium on Packaging. Ed. IAPRI. Zhuhai, China, CHINA: IAPRI, 2018. Web.
Bailey., Marchetti, C., E. Dell, K. Crawford, M. Valentine, S. Mason, M. "No More Duct Tape! Institutionalization of Advance Initiatives." Proceedings of the 2017 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Columbus, OH. Ed. ASEE. Columbus, OH: ASEE, 2017. Web.
Dell, E. and C. Marchetti, K. Crawford, M. Bailey, M. Valentine, S. Mason. "Career Navigation Initiatives for Women STEM Faculty in Support of Institutional Transformation." Proceedings of the 2017 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition, Columbus, OH. Ed. ASEE. Columbus, OH: ASEE, 2017. Web.
Dell, E. and Yen Verhoeven. "Using Self Determination Theory to Develop Strategies for the Retention of Women in Engineering and Engineering Technology Programs." Proceedings of the ASEE Zone 2 Conference. Ed. ASEE. San Juan, PR: ASEE, 2017. Web.
Dell, Elizabeth M. and et al. "Connectivity at RIT - Developing & Delivering an Effective Professional Development Workshop Series for Women Faculty in STEM." Proceedings of the ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition. Ed. ASEE. New Orleans, LA: n.p., 2016. Web.
Kim, Spencer and Elizabeth M. Dell. "Transforming Curriculum for Workforce Development in Green Plastics Manufacturing Technology (GPMT) for STEM: Lesson Learned." Proceedings of the 2016 2016 ASEE Annual Conference & Exposition. Ed. ASEE. New Orleans, LA: n.p., 2016. Web.
Mason, Sharon and C. Marchetti, E. Dell, M. Bailey, R. Garrick, and M. Valentine. "Advocates & Allies: Engaging More Men in Institutional Transformation." Proceedings of the 2016 ACM & Anita Borg Grace Hopper Celebration of Women in Computing. Ed. Anita Borg Institute. Houston, TX: n.p., 2016. Web.
Dell, Elizabeth M. and M. Bailey, L. Clayton, J. Christman, R. Garrick C. Marchetti, S. Mason, M. Valentine and Y. Verhoeven. "Women in Engineering Technology at RIT: Strategies to Recruit, Retain and Advance Women Engineering Technology Faculty and Students." Proceedings of the Conference for Industry & Education Collaboration. Ed. ASEE. Austin, TX: ASEE, 2016. Web.
Strachan, Mart, et al. "Surface Response Methodology Approach to Property Improvement in Bioplastics Blends." Proceedings of the 27th International Association of Packaging Research Institutes (IAPRI) Symposium on Packaging. Ed. IAPRI. Valencia, Spain: n.p., 2015. Web.
Mason, Sharon, et al. "AdvanceRIT Connect Grants: Driving Momentum for Disruptive Change for Women STEM Faculty." Proceedings of the 2015 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition. Ed. American Society of Engineering Educators. Seattle, WA: ASEE, 2015. Web.
Bailey, Margaret, et al. "Institutional Transformation Guided by a Multi-frame Organizational Analysis Approach." Proceedings of the 2015 ASEE Annual Conference and Exposition. Ed. American Society of Engineering Educators. Seattle, WA: ASEE, 2015. Web.
Mason, Sharon, et al. "Institutional Transformation at a Large Private Technical University: Reporting on the Accomplishments of a Combined Data Driven Top Down and Bottom Up Approach." Proceedings of the Frontiers in Education. Ed. IEEE. Madrid, SPAIN: n.p., 2014. Web.
Dell, Elizabeth, Robert Garrick, and Yen Verhoeven. "Building a Critical Mass of Female Engineering Technology Students." Proceedings of the Conference for Industry & Education Collaboration. Ed. ASEE. Savannah, GA: n.p., 2014. Web.
Dell, Elizabeth M., Jeanne W. Christman, and Sandra Murphy. "A First Year Experience Discovery Course for Women in Engineering Technology." Proceedings of the Women in Engineering Pro-Advocates Network National Conference. Ed. WEPAN. Atlanta, GA: n.p., 2013. Web.
Dell, Elizabeth M., et al. "Increasing Engagement in the Materials Science Classroom Through the Use of Guided Inquiry in a Technology Rich Learning Environment." Proceedings of the International Materials Education Symposium. Ed. Granta. Cambridge, UK: n.p., 2013. Web.
Garrick, Robert, et al. "The Impact of a Technology Rich Environment with Active Learning Techniques on Engineering Education." Proceedings of the International Technology, Education and Development Conference. Ed. INTED 2012. Valencia, Spain: n.p., 2012. Web.
Dell, Elizabeth, et al. "Using Mind Mapping to Influence Creativity and Innovation." Proceedings of the 2012 Conference for Industry and Education Collaboration (CIEC). Ed. American Society for Engineering Education. Orlando, FL: n.p., 2012. Web.
Kim, Spencer, Elizabeth Dell, and Mario Castro-Cedeno. "Materials Education for Green Plastics Manufacturing Technology (GPMT)." Proceedings of the American Society for Engineering Education National Conference. Ed. ASEE. San Antonio, TX: n.p., 2012. Web.
Dell, Elizabeth M., et al. "WE-IMPACT- Women in Engineering - Improving Program Assessment Tools for Outreach and Retention Programs." Proceedings of the American Society of Engineering Education National Conference. Ed. ASEE. Vancouver, BC: n.p., 2011. Print.
Dell, Elizabeth M., et al. "Breaking Through Barriers-Campus Action Programs." Proceedings of the Women in Engineering ProActive Network National Conference. Ed. WEPAN. Seattle, WA: n.p., 2011. Web.
Garrick, Robert D., et al. "Tablet PC's- Digital Pen-based Technology use and the Impact on Educating Engineers." Proceedings of the International Conference on Education and New Learning Technologies. Ed. International Association of Technology, Education and Development. Barcelona, Spain: IATED, 2011. Print.
Cliver, Richard, et al. "ABET Reporting." Proceedings of the American Society for Engineering Education Annual Conference & Exposition. Ed. ASEE. Vancouver, BC: n.p., 2011. Print.
Book Chapter
Verhoeven, Yen and Elizabeth Dell. "From Theory to Practice: Building a Community of Female Engineering Technology Students: Best Practices from a Developmental Evaluation." Girls and Women of Color In STEM: Their Journeys in Higher Education. IAP. A volume in Research on Women and Education (RWE). Ed. J. Ballenger, et al. Charlotte, NC: Information Age Publishing Inc, 2020. Print.
Garrick, Robert D., et al. "Creating Technology Rich Learning Environments for the Classroom." Cutting-edge Technologies in Higher Education. Ed. Charles Wankel and Patrick Blessinger. Cambridge, MA: Emerald Publishing, 2013. 263-306. Print.
Invited Keynote/Presentation
Dell, E., C. Marcehetti, and M. Bailey. "Reimagining and Refining Campus Cultures: Promoting an Inclusive Learning Environment at RIT." SIGITE ACM Conference on IT Education / IT Research. ACM. Rochester, NY. 6 Oct. 2017. Conference Presentation.
Dell, E., et al. "Reimagining and Refining Campus Cultures: Promoting Inclusivity Through Organizational Development Initiatives." 2017 ADVANCE/GSE Program Workshop Broadening Participation: Intersectionality. NSF ADVANCE/AWIS. Washington DC, DC. 9 Oct. 2017. Conference Presentation.
Dell, Elizabeth. "Creating Technology Rich Learning Environments for the Classroom." Higher Education Teaching and Learning Conference. HETL. Orlando, FL. 4 Jan. 2013. Conference Presentation.
Dell, Elizabeth. "Empowering Women in STEM Careers." Joint Meeting of Society of Women Engineers (Rochester Chapter) and American Association of University Women (Fairport Chapter). Society of Women Engineers (Rochester Chapter) and American Association of University Women (Fairport Chapter). Fairport, NY. 28 Nov. 2012. Keynote Speech.
Dell, Elizabeth. "Use of AAUW Campus Action Grants to Benefit Engineering Students and Single Gender Courses in Fairport Central School District." American Association of University Women- New York State Leadership Conference. American Association of University Women. Cazenovia College, Cazenovia, NY. 15 Jul. 2011. Keynote Speech.
Eko, Annette. "EMPOWER II-RIT's AAUW Campus Action Program." National Conference for College Women Student Leaders. American Association of University Women. The University of Maryland, College Park, MD. 6 Jun. 2011. Conference Presentation.
Dell, Elizabeth. "Tech Savvy-The Success of Single Gender Technology Courses in the Fairport Schools." Tech Savvy. American Association of University Women-Fairport chapter. Fairport Central School District, Fairport, NY. 24 Mar. 2011. Address.
External Scholarly Fellowships/National Review Committee
9/1/2015 - 8/31/2018
     National Science Foundation-PLAN D
     Amount: $66,225 ($690,639 Main Award, Dell co-PI)
7/15/2014 - 6/30/2015
     New York State Pollution Prevention Institute
     Amount: $60,006

Currently Teaching

MCET-210
Foundations of Non-Metallic Materials
2 Credits
This course will cover the process of selecting a best material for a given design application with a focus on polymeric materials. To support this process material families, strengthening mechanisms, and degradation mechanisms and prevention will be studied. The materials selection process will include economic, ecological, and ethical considerations. An emphasis is placed on the interrelationship of structure, process, and properties. This class expands upon concepts presented in MCET-110.
MCET-211
Characterization of Non-Metallic Materials Lab
1 Credits
This course will consist of laboratory experiences which focus on property characterization of the properties of polymeric materials.

In the News

  • December 8, 2023

    side by side portraits of college professors Betsy Dell and Makini Beck.

    RIT leading STEM co-mentoring network

    Betsy Dell, professor in the College of Engineering Technology, and Makini Beck, assistant professor in the College of Liberal Arts and the School of Individualized Study, are leading a National Science Foundation-funded project to support minoritized women students in STEM through a co-mentoring network.

  • December 6, 2019

    Jeanne Christman.

    RIT receives funding for Engineering Technology Scholars

    The National Science Foundation awarded RIT’s College of Engineering Technology nearly $1 million to fund 36 scholarships for economically disadvantaged, academically talented students and to develop faculty programming to improve engineering technology education.

More News