Team

Dr. Diaz Acosta holds a BS and MScs in Mechanical Engineering (Universidad de los Andes) and a PhD in Packaging (Michigan State University). Carlos A Diaz is an associate professor in the Department of Packaging Science at RIT. He works with RIT’s center for sustainable packaging to develop new generation materials and packaging solutions that reduce food and energy waste. He chairs the sustainable packaging working group for the international association of packaging research institutes (IAPRI).

Dr. Lewis holds a B.S. in Plastics Engineering Technology (Pennsylvania College of Technology), an M.S. in Polymer Engineering (University of Tennessee-Knoxville) and a PhD in Chemical Engineering (University of Rochester). Prior to joining RIT Dr. Lewis worked for 10 years in the plastics industry where he was engaged in manufacturing, materials and product research and development activities for companies such as Delphi Corporation, General Motors and TE Connectivity. Dr. Lewis’ appointment is through the Department of Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering Technology (CET) and he is an affiliate faculty member to the Materials Science and Engineering Program (COS).

Dr. Lodge holds a BAAS in Biology (University of Delaware) and a PhD in Microbiology (University of Mississippi Medical Center). He is an associate Professor at RIT with a demonstrated history of working in the higher education industry, 32 years as faculty in College of Science. His research includes microbial fermentation (bacteria, yeast, filamentous fungi), microbial analysis of soils, water, and sediments for antimicrobial resistance in heterotrophs, isolation of bacteria from water and sediments capable of degrading personal care products and common pharmaceuticals and use of microalgae for the treatment of municipal and industrial waste streams.

Dr. Trabold is Research Professor and former Department Head in the Golisano Institute for Sustainability (GIS), with primary research focus in development of alternative energy technologies, including fuel cells, bio-fuels, and processes for valorizing organic waste materials. He has over 20 years of experience in industrial R&D, ranging from nuclear thermal-hydraulic systems for submarines and aircraft carriers at General Electric, to coating processes for photoreceptor manufacturing at Xerox, to proton exchange membrane (PEM) fuel cell systems for zero-emissions vehicles at General Motors. In the latter position, he was a Professional Technical Fellow and Laboratory Group Manager, with responsibility for engineering research activities in the U.S. and Germany. At RIT, his current research efforts are in thermochemical conversion of organic waste to produce carbonaceous biochar, and in using biomass derived hydrogen in high-temperature PEM fuel cell systems. Dr. Trabold has a strong record of accomplishment in sustainable energy and materials research, with more than 130 technical publications and over 55 U.S. and international patents.

Elizabeth worked for the Cornell Vegetable Program as a technician and program aide from 2012-2015 before pursuing her M.S. at the University of Guelph where she focused on integrated weed management practices in vegetable crops.  Elizabeth offers diversified vegetable experience in the areas of nutritional management, disease control, variety evaluation, surveying, and scouting. She is the Fresh Market Vegetable Specialist for the western part of the Cornell Vegetable Program region.

Jarmila Haseler was born in Prague in the Czech Republic. She always had a passion for the outdoors.  Activities like hiking and camping helped her stay connected with nature despite living in the city. This inclination led her to study agronomy and crop production at the University of Agriculture in Prague.  Arriving in Rochester in 1987 she worked in the Research labs of the Eastman Kodak Company as an analytical technician. At this time she also started her own landscaping business specializing in sustainable garden designs.

In 2012 she joined the CCE of Wayne County as a Farmers’ Market Specialist. In this capacity she worked with farmers’ markets throughout the Genesee Valley Region advising on ways to enhance the markets’ profitability. She moved to the CCE of Monroe County in 2016 where she now works with farmers and local government agencies to increase the viability and the success of local agriculture. She also teaches at community venues on a variety of topics including growing your own food, soil health and composting. In her free time Jarmila tends her own garden growing various fruits and vegetables - trying to harvest them before the deer do!