RIT College of Science

09/03/2026

How old are the stars at the heart of our galaxy? That’s what Meridith Joyce, assistant professor of physics, is particularly excited to find out with NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope.

Scientific American spoke with Joyce and other astronomers about the telescope and what it could reveal about the Milky Way’s galactic bulge.

The Roman Space Telescope will spend more than a quarter of its time staring at the Milky Way’s bulge, a star-packed central region of our galaxy that may swarm with small, rocky exoplanets

09/02/2026

Joey Root ’25 has found a new way to put his RIT physics experience to work: precision optics.

As an optical manufacturing technician at Optimax Systems, Inc., Joey draws on skills developed through his coursework, labs, and undergraduate research.

“A lot of my previous experience with interferometers came from the lab courses at RIT, which was super helpful going into my career,” Joey said. Read more about how RIT helped prepare him for a career in optics.

September 1, 2026 From RIT physics labs to precision optics, Joey Root ’25 is using skills developed through coursework and research as he builds a career in optical manufacturing at Optimax Systems. For Joey Root ’25, studying physics at RIT provided more than a degree. It gave him the skills h...

08/31/2026

A new window into the universe!

RIT’s Don Figer, professor in the College of Science and director of the Center for Detectors, explains how NASA’s newly launched Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will help researchers trace how the universe evolved over time.

Read his latest article in The Conversation.

The Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will take a broad survey of space and use it to create a map of the universe.

08/28/2026

Just a few of the smiling faces at the ice cream social after the Dean’s Opening Address at the College of Science! 🍦🐯

There’s always something special about the start of a new academic year and the renewed energy it brings to our community.

It was great to come together to celebrate the accomplishments of the past year, welcome new colleagues, and look ahead to another year of student success, research, innovation, and community.

Cheers to a great year ahead! 🧡

08/28/2026

More than 100 people gathered at the RIT Observatory last night to watch the lunar eclipse unfold. 🌙🔭

Check out some of the reactions from the night!

Did you stay up to see the partial lunar eclipse overnight? Our photojournalist captured a time-lapse of the eclipse.

08/27/2026

Congratulations to Ben Zwickl, professor in the School of Physics and Astronomy and co-PI on an NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institute led by Yale University. He will lead RIT’s education and workforce development efforts through the Quantum Leap Challenge Institute (QLCI), helping prepare the next generation of quantum scientists.

“The QLCI will support the expansion of our minor in quantum information science and technology to include a new hands-on interdisciplinary quantum technology laboratory course, as well as provide support for undergraduate, graduate, and postdoctoral researchers,” said Zwickl.

RIT is part of an NSF Quantum Leap Challenge Institute award for a large-scale interdisciplinary research project on quantum computing error-correction.

08/26/2026

Congratulations to RIT College of Science alumnus Dr. Marko Ristić ’24 (astrophysical sciences and technology Ph.D.) on receiving the American Physical Society Topical Group on Data Science’s Outstanding Dissertation Award!

Marko’s dissertation combined astrophysical simulations, machine learning, and Bayesian inference to improve how scientists interpret kilonovae, the brilliant explosions produced by neutron star mergers. His work is helping advance the rapidly growing field of multimessenger astronomy.

The recognition also reflects the exceptional training and mentorship Marko received at RIT, particularly from his advisor, Dr. Richard O'Shaughnessy.

08/24/2026

New Tigers, welcome! Returning Tigers, welcome back. 🐯🧡

The RIT College of Science Dean’s Office team is here to support you throughout the semester. Whether you have a question, need some help, or just want to say hello, stop by and see us in Gosnell 1102!

Cheers to a great semester! 🎉

08/17/2026

08/14/2026

DYK today is WORLD LIZARD DAY?

Here at the RIT College of Science, we’re especially proud to highlight our own Dr. Larry Buckley, a herpetologist whose expertise includes reptiles, amphibians, evolution, and conservation.

What better day to celebrate lizards and one of the scientists who knows them best!