Rochester Institute of Technology News
Microsystems Engineering Ph.D.

A research project that began with a student’s idea in an engineering laboratory at Rochester Institute of Technology is now Casana's Smart Seat, a commercial product that measures cardiovascular health metrics during one of life’s most routine activities.

The National Science Foundation will award $15 million over the next two years to the Rochester/Finger Lakes region of New York to establish a national hub for laser science and development. RIT is a key partner in the initiative.

The DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst) Research Internships in Science and Engineering provide fully funded summer opportunities in Germany for RIT undergraduate students to gain practical research experience.

RIT assistant professor Ke Xu received a NSF CAREER Award to work with students to build AI hardware using edge computing technology.

The number of satellites launched into space reached an all-time high in 2025, and that number is expected to increase exponentially within the next decade.

RIT has launched CMOS+X, a National Science Foundation Research Traineeship program that prepares future STEM leaders with professional skills training, including interdisciplinary collaboration, scientific writing, strategic communication, and project management skills.

RIT researchers are zeroing in on quantum photonics, the creation, control, and detection of light. Photonics has long been a specialty of the university. RIT led the team that developed the first quantum photonic wafer, which is key to the future of mass-produced quantum communication systems.

Techstination interviews Stefan Preble, professor in the Kate Gleason College of Engineering, and microsystems engineering Ph.D. student Vijay Sundaram about the network.

Researchers at RIT and University of Rochester recently connected their campuses with an experimental quantum communications network using two optical fibers. The Rochester Quantum Network (RoQNET) uses single photons to transmit information about 11 miles along fiber-optic lines at room temperature using optical wavelengths.

WHAM-TV speaks to Karl Hirschman, professor in the Department of Electrical and Microelectronic Engineering, and microsystems engineering Ph.D. student Sami Znati about the opportunities available in the semiconductor field.

The Associated Press speaks to Karl Hirschman, professor in the Department of Electrical and Microelectronic Engineering, microsystems engineering Ph.D. student Eli Powell, and microelectronic engineering student Matt Lynch about the opportunities and jobs associated with the semiconductor industry.

Rochester Business Journal reports that RIT was awarded nearly $1.5 million to implement a new online certificate program to train students across microelectronics-related educational tracks.