RIT College of Liberal Arts

06/04/2026

"It’s invigorating to use AI to an ethical end. This is about more than just tech—it’s about serving communities in need,” said Olivia Croteau (photo right), a humanities, computing, and design (HCD) major.

She and fellow HCD major Natalie Crowell developed an artificial intelligence tool to better support refugees. By analyzing publicly available social media data, specifically from chat groups where refugees discuss needs related to housing, food, and other resources, it synthesizes data for insights that help humanitarian organizations focus efforts and respond quickly. They later wrote and presented a paper about their project at the IEEE Global Humanitarian Conference.

Read more about their career-launching experience plus more at https://brnw.ch/21x35mz

06/03/2026

"My internship showed me the wonderful world of museums. I really enjoyed balancing research, public engagement, and creative problem-solving,” said Nathaniel Bartsch (photo right), a history and film production double major who did a summer internship at the Seward House Museum in Auburn, NY.

Project management and collaboration with staff, research and digital mapping with Tableau Public, creative problem-solving, and public speaking are just a few of the transferable job skills he honed while interning. The experience also reaffirmed his passion for a career in collections, interpretation, or museum operations.

Read more about Nathaniel's on-the-job experience plus more at https://brnw.ch/21x349W

06/03/2026

Jack Cawthon, a graduating Physics and Philosophy double major, has found fulfillment throughout his college experience by pursuing the subjects that genuinely inspire him.

After taking AP Physics in high school, Cawthon arrived at RIT ready to follow his passion within the College of Science’s School of Physics and Astronomy. During his first year, he took his first philosophy course and quickly became hooked. By the end of that year, he had officially added Philosophy as a second major.

“I’ve been fulfilled and happy pursuing my passions without worrying about jobs,” Cawthon said.

Throughout his time at RIT, Cawthon has been involved in Philosophy Club and served as vice president during the 2025-2026 academic year. One of his proudest accomplishments was presenting at the annual Undergraduate Philosophy Conference, where he discussed the epistemic shortcomings of divine morality.

May 29, 2026   Jack Cawthon, a graduating Physics and Philosophy double major, has found fulfillment throughout his college experience by pursuing the subjects that genuinely inspire him. After taking AP Physics in high school, Cawthon arrived at RIT ready to follow his passion within the College o...

06/01/2026

RIT graduating senior Jillian Antol, a double major in global public health and criminal justice, is postponing law school for the Peace Corps.
She will leave in September for Fiji to work as an economic community development volunteer. After a three-month pre-service training, including an introduction to Fijian Hindi, Antol will receive her assignment and join her new community.

RIT graduating senior Jillian Antol, a double major in global public health and criminal justice, is postponing law school for the Peace Corps.

05/29/2026

Research, art history, and imaging science came together at RIT this week.

The Cultural Heritage Imaging Lab — a joint effort between the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science in the College of Science and Museum Studies in the College of Liberal Arts — hosted a team of researchers from the National Gallery of Art for work connected to The CIIIPRESES Project.

This research initiative focuses on medieval choir book leaves, especially those attributed to the Master of the Cypresses. By using advanced imaging and scientific-art historical research, the project helps scholars compare dispersed manuscript fragments across collections to better understand pigments, materials, workshop practices, attribution, and relationships among individual leaves.

One of those leaves is held at the University of Rochester’s Eastman School of Music. Imaging the Rochester leaf will allow researchers to compare it with data already collected from Princeton and the National Gallery of Art, helping test key questions about whether the leaf may have been created by a different illuminator than previously studied works.

The visit highlights the power of interdisciplinary research — bringing together museum studies, imaging science, art history, conservation, and cultural heritage preservation.

05/29/2026

Whether she’s sewing costumes for an RIT performance or building prototypes in the classroom, accessibility and functionality are the threads that define the work of Emily Ohl ’26 (industrial design).

Ohl, who is Deaf, discovered the Department of Performing Arts at RIT’s National Technical Institute for the Deaf (NTID) during her first week as a freshman. After walking into the costume shop and expressing her interest in sewing and costume design, she was hired on the spot.

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.

05/29/2026

It’s only been 3 weeks, but we’re really missing you 🥺 Hope you’re enjoying your break 🧡

05/24/2026

Zoe Gray is reflecting on a college experience defined by ambition, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace every opportunity that came her way.

Looking back, Gray said one of the biggest changes in herself has been growing more confident. As a first-generation college student, she arrived at RIT with uncertainty and plenty of nerves

https://www.rit.edu/spotlights/zoe-gray-finds-confidence-connection-and-purpose-across-disciplines-rit

05/22/2026

COLA graduate Aidan Aldridge ’26 is headed to Japan.

Aidan has been awarded a highly competitive position as a Coordinator for International Relations through the JET Program, where CIRs support internationalization efforts, translation, interpretation, and cross-cultural exchange in Japan. CIR positions require a high degree of Japanese fluency and make up less than 10% of JET participants.

This achievement reflects Aidan’s hard work, skill, and strong interdisciplinary preparation in Japanese and Business.

Congratulations, Aidan! COLA is proud to celebrate your extraordinary work and this exciting next step. We also recognize the dedicated faculty in Applied Modern Language and Culture–Japanese, whose teaching and mentorship continue to support students of Japanese language and culture across RIT.

Aidan has been awarded a highly competitive position as a Coordinator for International Relations through the JET Program.

05/20/2026

MaKayla Oscar finds purpose in global study, community, and growth at RIT

May 19, 2026 MaKayla Oscar is leaving RIT with more than a degree, she is leaving with a clearer sense of purpose, a stronger sense of self, and a deeper understanding of how meaningful change often begins with community. Oscar, an international and global studies major with a concentration in peace...