Sensory, Perceptual, and Cognitive Ecology (SPACE) Center News

GCN highlights RIT’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf as a member of Google DeepMind’s AI Sign Language Advisory Committee, which helped guide the development and evaluation of a new AI model that translates American Sign Language into English text in real time on the Pixel 11.

Rochester Beacon highlights RIT's role as a key partner in STELLAR, a new National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine that will strengthen laser research, manufacturing, workforce development, and regional economic growth.

Rochester Business Journal reports that RIT is helping launch STELLAR, a University of Rochester-led initiative backed by the National Science Foundation to expand the nation's laser research and innovation ecosystem.

WROC-TV highlights a regional coalition selected by the National Science Foundation to establish STELLAR, a national hub for laser innovation and workforce development. RIT is a key partner in the coalition.

WXXI News spotlights RIT's participation in the NSF-funded STELLAR initiative, a collaborative effort to position the Rochester region as a national leader in laser technologies and advanced manufacturing.

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.

Cultured features an essay by artist Christine Sun Kim '02 (applied science and technology) reflecting on disability rights, Deaf culture, and “wrath,” citing the work of Corinna Hill, assistant professor of liberal studies, and discussing historical efforts to assimilate and erase Deaf identity.

Rochester Business Journal reports that Flavia S. Fleischer has been appointed dean of RIT’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf, becoming the first Deaf woman to lead the college in its history.

Following a national search, NTID President Caroline Solomon and RIT Provost and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs Prabu David have announced the appointment of Flavia S. Fleischer as the college’s new dean. She assumes the role on Aug. 1.

Rochester Institute of Technology’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf has appointed Amberlee Jones, of Rochester, New York, and Sam Sepah of Pleasanton, California, to their Foundation Board of Directors.

The first woman of color to go into space reminded the Class of 2026 at Academic Convocation to be fully present in the world—observing, wondering, and “looking up” rather than moving through life with the shades down in apathy or fear. 

Emily Ohl '26 (industrial design) was the steady hand behind many of the award-winning costume designs in RIT theater performances the last couple years.