RIT undergraduates explain how their hands-on research experiences are shaping their futures and contributing to real-world solutions

Rochester, New York – At Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), undergraduate students are proving that impactful research doesn’t have to wait until graduate school. This year’s Undergraduate Research Symposium, held on July 31, showcased the work of more than 150 students from a variety of fields, each one driven by the idea that learning can lead to real-world change.

For fourth-year physics major Rowen Brignon, the day was more than just a presentation — it was an unforgettable moment. After weeks of preparing to discuss her work on solar cells, Brignon found herself presenting to none other than NASA’s Clayton Turner, a 1990 RIT graduate and trustee of the university. Turner currently serves as the associate administrator for the Space Technology Mission Directorate, a major leadership position within NASA.

“I can’t even believe this,” said Brignon, a fourth-year physics major from Buffalo, N.Y. “Just the fact that I was able to talk to him about the impact of my research on the future of solar cells in space, and that he was so engaged in my work, is a dream come true.”

Turner, who gave the keynote address at the symposium, took time to walk among the rows of posters and interactive displays set up in RIT’s SHED (Student Hall for Exploration and Development). As he stopped to chat with student researchers, he seemed genuinely impressed.

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“I can hear the excitement in the students’ voices as they explain their research,” Turner said. “When I was a student here at RIT, I was involved in research, but I didn’t do anything like what these students are doing. They are finding the solutions to the world’s problems faster than ever before.”

Brignon’s solar cell research, aimed at improving power systems for space environments, struck a personal chord for Turner. As he looked at a photo of his young grandson, he explained that power generation is the number one challenge for living and working on the moon — something that Brignon’s work could help solve.

“The number one challenge when considering the lunar surface is power,” he explained. “The work that Rowen is doing now on solar cells is going to enable this young child and his peers to one day live and work on the moon.”

Blending Science With Personal Purpose

But not all the research was focused on technology or space. In fact, one of the most powerful stories came from Sayyada Khaki, a fourth-year student who combines psychology and public health to raise awareness around maternal care.

“The part of psychology that first drew me in was the idea of using research to understand why and how people make the choices they do,” Khaki said. “But I also believe that we can use data to improve our communities by empowering vulnerable populations.”

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Born prematurely in Tanzania, Khaki said she’s aware of the dangerous lack of prenatal care in many low-income countries — and she’s hoping her work can be a step toward change.

“Working on research as an undergraduate has given me the opportunity to see what a career in this field would look like and improve on the skills and knowledge I learn in many of my psychology classes,” she said. “This is allowing me to gain a better feel for my future academic pursuits.”

Khaki’s mentor, Stephanie Godleski, is an associate professor in RIT’s Department of Psychology. She sees her role as not only guiding students academically but also helping them build confidence and professional curiosity.

“My role as a faculty mentor is to promote research exploration and independence while also providing support, encouragement, and opportunities for growth in technical knowledge and skills,” said Godleski. “For me, fostering undergraduate student research interest and engagement is one of the most important and rewarding parts of being a faculty member.”

Lab Discoveries and Career Direction

For some students, like Gabriella Redman, the research journey began unexpectedly. Redman, a fourth-year biochemistry major from Rochester, N.Y., is investigating an experimental breast cancer treatment that uses special dyes and beams of light to target cancer cells.

“I didn’t think that I would become so interested in research, but being in a lab gets me excited,” she said. “Gathering samples and seeing a hypothesis proved as true is so cool.”

Redman says being part of a research team gave her a new sense of direction — and possibly a new career path. Like many students at the symposium, she didn’t enter college expecting to find herself doing high-level investigations. But the experience changed how she sees her own potential.

A Culture of Discovery

RIT’s Undergraduate Research Symposium is open to students from all of the university’s colleges, and the projects presented this year spanned artificial intelligence, sustainability, health sciences, engineering, and beyond. What tied them all together was a shared desire to make an impact — whether through designing space technology or improving public health systems.

The event doesn’t just offer students a platform to show their work. It also connects them with professionals, alumni, and mentors who are eager to support their growth. For Turner, returning to his alma mater to witness this energy firsthand was both humbling and inspiring.

By the end of the symposium, one thing was clear: RIT students aren’t just preparing for the future — they’re helping shape it. And thanks to dedicated mentors and opportunities to explore meaningful research, they’re doing it earlier than ever before.