Essay Archive

The Conversation features an essay by Suzanne Peck, lecturer of art at RIT, exploring the physics and chemistry behind glassblowing and how artists use heat, gravity, and material properties to shape molten glass into functional and artistic objects.

The Conversation features an essay by Eben Levey, assistant professor of history at RIT, examining how Pope Leo XIV’s visit to Latin America reflects the catholic church’s evolving relationship with social justice movements, and the political tensions shaping the pope’s return to Peru.

The Conversation features an essay by Tori Russell, biomedical and chemical engineering Ph.D. candidate; Karin Wuertz-Kozak, Harvey J. Palmer Professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering; and Maureen Ferran, professor of biology, exploring how physical forces and tissue stiffness influence viral infections and how this research could lead to better treatments.

The Conversation features an essay co-authored by Mattia Caldarulo, assistant professor of public policy, examining how greater broadband adoption can reduce time spent waiting for services, particularly for women, while highlighting disparities in those benefits for low-income Americans.

The Conversation features an essay by Don Figer, professor in the College of Science and director of RIT's Center for Detectors, explaining how NASA’s upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope combines repurposed spy technology with sophisticated infrared detectors to study dark matter, distant galaxies, supernovas and planets.

The Conversation publishes a piece by Israa Ameen Thiab, pollution prevention engineer in the Golisano Institute for Sustainability, and Clyde Eiríkur Hull, professor in the Department of Management, showing that entrepreneurs are more likely to adopt sustainable business practices when they strengthen competitiveness and profitability rather than being framed as environmental obligations.

In a commentary for The Conversation, Tamar Carroll, department chair in the College of Liberal Arts, chronicles how LGBTQ employees at Eastman Kodak Company organized the Lambda Network to challenge workplace discrimination.

The Conversation features an essay by Eric Williams, professor of sustainability, and Payam Saeedi, Ph.D. candidate in sustainability, examining why many consumers keep old electronics stored in drawers instead of recycling, reselling, or donating them.

The Conversation features Michael Lam, assistant research professor of physics and astronomy, on their Curious Kids podcast, exploring theories about the origins of the universe.

The Conversation features analysis by Agamemnon Crassidis, professor of mechanical engineering, on how upcoming FAA regulations could accelerate the use of autonomous drones for package delivery, infrastructure inspection, agriculture, emergency response, and other commercial applications.