Flexible Curriculum Made Double Majoring Perfectly Possible

Meet Tori Russell, RIT Class of 2025

• Double Major: Applied Modern Language and Culture (French Option) and Biotechnology
   
• Experiential Learning:  Research Lab Assistant, Teaching Assistant (microbiology and molecular biology)
   
• Study Abroad: Nantes Université, France (spring semester of junior year)
   
• Campus Involvement: RIT French Club, College of Science Student Ambassador, Relay for Life, College of Science Open House, Imagine RIT
   
• Awards and Honors: RIT College of Science School of Life Sciences Undergraduate Research Scholar and a two-time RIT College of Science Emerson Fellowship recipient (summer of both sophomore and junior years)
   
• After Graduation Plans: Pursue advanced degree at RIT in Chemical engineering and Biomedical engineering

What’s one thing you did while at RIT that you’re really proud of?

During her time at RIT, Tori played a key role in leading the RIT French Club to greater success. Active participation with a dynamic group of inspired people and a Discord for communication are just a couple of highlights of the group today. 

What’s your favorite memory from your time at RIT?

As an RIT College of Science Student Ambassador (COSA), Tori helped plan and host events during orientation week for new students. Seeing their excitement when she presented about research opportunities was especially fulfilling, she says. 

If you could go back and give your first-year self advice, what would you say?

“Choose your group carefully,” Tori, who was a commuter student at RIT, advises. “Be part of clubs that you really enjoy, surround yourself with positive people, and be around positive energies.”

How did you decide on your major, and did your interests change over time?

Tori credits her high school French teacher for igniting an interest in studying the language beyond high school. Her teacher’s immersive teaching style and field trips she led to classes at a nearby college made a positive impact on her love of learning the language. 

Are you graduating with the major you began with or did you change your major? How many times did you change your major? 

At the start, Tori planned to pursue only a minor in French, but when the option to go for a double major in French became available, she jumped on it. 

While at RIT, in what ways were you able to combine majors, minors, immersions, and experiences to craft an education tailored to your goals and passions? 

Tori said she enjoyed learning to talk about science in another language while enrolled in the class French for Science and Technology.

How has studying a liberal arts discipline at a technical university prepared you for your next steps— launching your career or enrolling at grad school? 

The flexible structure of RIT’s Applied Modern Language and Cultures BS program (French) created the opportunity for her to pursue a double major, Tori reported. Additionally, she feels that her coursework helped develop skills she’ll use in the future. 

How has college shaped who you are today?

The experience of progressing through college can push a person to grow in unexpected ways. For example, Tori reports feeling more equipped now to create healthy boundaries for herself by saying “no” even when if it feels uncomfortable at times.​​

What’s one skill you gained at RIT that you think will be most valuable in your career?

“Communication and interacting with people,” she said. 

For supporting you along your RIT journey, is there anyone you’d like to thank publicly and why?

Tori said she’s especially grateful to her dad, her biggest supporter through her journey at RIT who was always cheering for her. Additionally, she’s grateful to Professor Maureen Ferran, Ph.D., for being a mentor and always being there to talk, whether it was about classes and coursework or simply the challenges of everyday life itself. 

  — Reported by Abhir Saluja (’26BS), College of Liberal Arts Student Reporter majoring in global business management.