News
Department of Civil Engineering Technology, Environmental Management and Safety

RIT’s concrete canoe and steel bridge teams are presenting their products in person at the regional Upstate New York-Canada ASCE Student Symposium on April 20-22 for the first time as a pair since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Researchers at RIT are investigating the combined physical effects of heat, chemical reactions, and seismic activity on concrete lining structures used to dispose of nuclear waste. Results from the work could improve nuclear waste infrastructure designs, better long-term safety management, and refine strategies to meet climate change targets.

A team of researchers from RIT was recently awarded a grant to develop curricular modules on infrastructure improvement and resilience that introduce students to public and private sector standards, including industry standards.

TikTok has become one of the most popular social media apps to hit the market in a decade. Billions of social media users have found both community and entertainment in the vertical short videos that are central to TikTok’s format. With a combined nearly 1 million followers and 25 million “likes” between them, four RIT alumni are establishing themselves as social media influencers.

As the nation’s reshuffled economy rebounds from the pandemic, RIT students graduating from a university renowned for its academic rigor combined with successful internships and co-op experiences are leveraging multiple job offers into their top choices.

Chonte’ Martin, Atlanta’s facility management director of operations, started her career 25 years ago after learning electrical work in technical school. She received her advanced graduate certificate in project management from RIT’s School of Individualized Study and continued her online study to complete her master’s degree in facility management.

All eyes were on international pharmaceutical giant Pfizer this past year as it raced to produce needed COVID-19 vaccines. Staff across the company—including Christopher Vollaro ’21 MS—played a role in the development and distribution process.

Denishea Ortiz, executive director of Strategic Marketing for RIT’s Auxiliary Services, has been named a recipient of Rochester Business Journal’s 27th annual Forty Under 40 award. The award recognizes young professionals and future leaders for giving back to the Rochester community.

The Wall Street Journal talks to Jim Frederick ’03 MS (environmental, health, and safety management), OSHA’s acting assistant secretary of labor for occupational safety and health.

RIT alumnus James Frederick has not only held the position of deputy assistant secretary for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) since January, but he has managed the day-to-day operations of OSHA while the agency’s incoming nominee for assistant secretary awaits confirmation by Congress.

Transitioning demanding engineering classes to the online environment throughout the pandemic was a challenge, but Associate Professor Amanda Bao adjusted by supplementing lectures with a series of interactive and accessible materials that enhanced student learning.

Associate Professor Amanda Bao brings extensive experience in building bridges and strong connections to students to her classroom, and she is being honored with a 2021 Eisenhart Award for Outstanding Teaching.