RIT Ph.D. student and professor leads global sustainability efforts

Rochester, New York – Israa Ameen Thiab, a Ph.D. student at the Golisano Institute for Sustainability and a visiting assistant professor of management at the Saunders College of Business, is making waves in the world of sustainability. With a career spanning continents and a passion for sustainable business solutions, she is leaving an indelible mark on global initiatives aimed at fostering a circular economy.

Originally from Jordan, Thiab’s journey into sustainability began at a young age. Witnessing the effects of resource scarcity and pollution in her home country, she developed a strong sense of responsibility toward environmental preservation. After earning her undergraduate degree in Jordan and a master’s degree in Sweden, she continued her pursuit of sustainable solutions, eventually bringing her expertise to RIT. Since 2008, she has actively engaged in sustainability initiatives, spearheading programs in Jordan and now extending her impact to the United States and beyond.

Read also: Bob Duffy secures spot on prestigious 2025 Power 100 list

A key focus of Thiab’s research and professional work has been circular entrepreneurship—a concept that promotes waste reduction and resource efficiency in business. For the past two years, she has been closely involved with the ASEAN Circular Entrepreneurship project, a program that educates and empowers entrepreneurs across ASEAN member states to integrate circular economy principles into their ventures. Through this initiative, Thiab has collaborated with universities and business networks to develop accessible training curriculums and establish entrepreneurial ecosystems that support sustainable business practices.

Beyond research, Thiab’s work extends into education. As a visiting assistant professor at RIT, she brings real-world sustainability challenges into the classroom, encouraging students to think critically about sustainable business models. Her teaching emphasizes practical skills, from business innovation strategies to circular economy frameworks, ensuring students leave with actionable knowledge applicable to their careers. She also leads a Summer Sustainability program, further deepening student engagement in the field.

Read also: Rochester’s Mayor Malik D. Evans announces ACTION team

Thiab’s influence is not limited to academia. Her research actively informs business strategies and policy discussions on sustainability. She aims to bridge the gap between theory and practice by providing data-driven insights that can shape business policies, governmental regulations, and economic incentives that encourage sustainability. One of her aspirations is to see major corporations integrating circular practices in a way that uplifts smaller enterprises, particularly those led by women and minority entrepreneurs.

Looking ahead, Thiab envisions a future where sustainability is seamlessly embedded into business strategies worldwide. Her work underscores the importance of moving away from wasteful, linear economic models toward regenerative systems that benefit both the economy and the environment. As she continues her journey at RIT and beyond, her efforts in driving global sustainability remain both impactful and inspiring.