Faculty member helps redesign ‘Doomsday Clock’
An RIT faculty member helped redesign an infamous clock that made international headlines this week—and the body of the clock was printed in RIT’s SHED.
Juan Noguera, assistant professor in RIT’s School of Design, and Tom Weis, associate department head at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) and founder of Altimeter Design Group, redesigned the “Doomsday Clock,” a symbolic attempt to assess how close humanity is to destroying the world.
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From left, Tom Weis and Juan Noguera pose next to the back of the redesigned “Doomsday Clock,” which was unveiled on Jan. 28 in Washington, D.C.
Created 78 years ago, the time is set by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists’ Science and Security Board. On Jan. 28, the redesigned clock was unveiled and set to 89 seconds to midnight during an annual event at the United States Institute of Peace. This moves the clock one second forward, the closest the clock has ever been to midnight, according to AP News.
Representatives from the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists contacted Altimeter Design Group about the redesign of the clock in 2024. The firm has collaborated with several esteemed national and international organizations, including the United Nations, Sandia National Laboratories, and the Naval Postgraduate School.
The designers first met when Noguera was a student at RISD and Weis was his professor. This redesign offered an opportunity for them to collaborate and use design to underscore an important message for the world.
Noguera and Weis agreed to combine both traditional and modern techniques in the redesign. The clock’s base was crafted with traditional woodworking techniques, the body and components of the clock’s face were 3D-printed in the SHED, and the pair used a combination of pencil-sketching and artificial intelligence (AI) visualization tools in the ideation process.
The resulting design was more akin to a sculpture than the previous clocks—with the addition of the hand-crafted wooden base and a larger body—and commanded a presence when presented to global audiences.
“We liked the juxtaposition of the traditional wood crafting techniques and the 3D-printed and AI elements. We think it represents what the Bulletin is trying to communicate,” said Noguera. “We know that the world is changing, but we can’t forget about what happened in the past because we need to learn from it.”
Noguera has consistently advocated for the use of AI to transform the creative process and has used it to inform his own work. One example is a 2023 artwork created in collaboration with Paolo Cardini called “PastFastForward,” which aimed to give autonomy to Guatemalan traditional artisans.
While the symbol of the “Doomsday Clock” is far from positive, Noguera shared that he and Weis leaned into optimism when working on the project. The pair designed the new clock to be modular, attaching the text and hands on the clockface with magnets and providing additional letters and numbers.
“I think everyone hopes that the clock changes and that, instead of being seconds from midnight, we can move back to minutes,” said Noguera. “Hopefully, they can make use of those other numbers and letters that are now in their toolset in the future.”
The clock is set to be displayed at the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists’ office in Washington, D.C.
“Reimagining such a powerful symbol, one that has resonated for decades as a measure of existential risk, was both a privilege and a challenge,” said Weis in a collaborative artist’s statement. “This redesign goes beyond mere aesthetic enhancements; it reaffirms our responsibility as designers to engage with both the past and the future, to wield technology judiciously, and to create things that not only serve as objects of design, but also convey narratives of adaptability, resilience, and hope.”
Go to the Bulletin’s YouTube to watch the full press conference.
- Eva Navarro among list of 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics 2025RIT Professor Eva Navarro López was named one of the world’s most influential people in artificial intelligence (AI) ethics. She was selected for the list of 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics–2025 by Women in AI Ethics. Navarro is a leader in hybrid dynamical and cyber-physical systems. Along with her expertise in computational neuroscience, neuro-inspired computing, data science, and collective intelligence, Navarro is an AI activist. Listen Now Navarro was featured in episode three of the AdvanceRIT “Trailblazing Women at RIT” podcast series, which offered a behind-the-scenes look at her career and groundbreaking contributions. Listen to the episode on Spotify. “I’m honored to be nominated for this list and to make an impact on the world with my AI research,” said Navarro, who is a computing and AI professor in the School of Interactive Games and Media at RIT’s Golisano College of computing and Information Sciences. “I believe that the future of AI lies in diversity of both people and ideas.” Women in AI Ethics is a global initiative that increases recognition, representation, and empowerment of women and other marginalized groups that have been historically underrepresented in the tech industry. The group aims to address any harms of powerful AI technologies and ensure the benefits from AI are distributed equitably to all, not just a select few. The 100 Brilliant Women in AI Ethics list is published annually to highlight pioneers as well as rising stars from diverse backgrounds. Navarro developed her career in industry and academia in four different countries—the U.S., Mexico, the U.K., and Spain. At RIT, she is establishing the Artificial intelligence and DAta science (AiDAs) Research Lab. Navarro is an honorary senior research fellow at The University of Manchester, where she applies network and data science to analyze social and urban dynamics. She is also a member of the advisory council for Gender Music Tech and has been recognized at Spain’s “Guide to Women Leaders of the Business Ecosystem.” She is part of AI Mexico, which promotes AI education and its responsible adoption by industry, and TechnoLatinas, a community that brings together technologists and scientists to advocate for equality, diversity, and inclusion. She is a member of the International Panel on the Information Environment, an expert of the UNESCO Inclusive Policy Lab, and co-founder of ACM-W Europe and ACM womENcourage.
- RIT student will take ‘Year Unknown’ on the road in hopes of winning Best Student GameJulian Heuser, a fifth-year computer science major from Potsdam, N.Y., is taking his game Year Unknown on the road to the Game Developer’s Conference in San Francisco in March. His game is in the running for Best Student Game at the Independent Games Festival, which is held during the conference. Released in October, Year Unknown is available on Steam and Itch.io and was also the Best in Show winner at the 2024 RIT Experiential Development and Games Expo. What’s the concept behind Year Unknown? My game, Year Unknown, is a short, story-driven exploration game about the very far future. With the help of two artificial intelligences, players explore a universe conquered by humanity, uncover their purpose in it, and try to stop it from falling apart. To clarify, not real AI, just written characters. When I started developing the game, I didn’t have to clarify that! How long have you been developing games and where did your interest for game development come from? It depends on what you consider a game. The earliest I remember was when I was probably around 8 or 9 years old. I tried making a game in PowerPoint, where you had to quickly click a button or it would auto-advance to the next slide, which showed “game over.” Eventually, I started using a platform called Scratch and then I got into modifying games like Half-Life and Portal. I’ve always been curious about how things work, and learning programming and computer science in general is where that curiosity took me. I’m also the type of person that needs a creative outlet. Right now, that’s mostly in the form of music. I play cello and make electronic music in my free time. Game development has always appealed to me because it lets me combine all of my interests. What are some of your academic or personal highlights from your time at RIT? For me, the best part of RIT is the people. Through clubs and my on-campus job, I’ve gotten to know a lot of super cool and talented people, and that’s something I really value. As for a more specific highlight, last year I took “Interactive Music Experiences,” which was the most fun class I’ve taken at RIT. Along with a few friends (shout-outs to Orion, Chris, and Andromeda), I made a short game and presented it at Imagine RIT. Seeing people of all ages and backgrounds play and enjoy it was super rewarding and reminded me why I make games.
- Rochester Prep High School students gain research experience at RITMalik Jett wants to study neuroscience and eventually go to medical school. The Rochester Prep High School senior recently gained hands-on skills in RIT’s microbiology lab that will prepare him for his college journey. Jett was part of a team of Rochester Prep students who spent the last four months studying bacteria for potential antibiotic properties. He shared his findings at the RIT and Rochester Prep Capstone Experience held on Feb. 4 in the Wegmans Theater in MAGIC. Jett is one of 24 Rochester Prep seniors who participated in the annual research program that pairs student teams with faculty mentors. Students visited the RIT campus weekly from September through January to work on their projects. While Jett’s team focused on bacteria, other students learned to build a small self-driving car with Dimah Dera, assistant professor in the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science; manufacture harbor seal whisker sensors with Qian Xue, associate professor of mechanical engineering; and test the strengthening effect of shampoo on hair follicles with Amy Engelbrecht-Wiggans, assistant professor of mechanical engineering. Jett and his team worked with André Hudson, RIT dean of the College of Science, and Danae Rodriguez, postdoctoral researcher. Although speaking to a large audience was, at first, “nerve-wracking,” Jett was confident in his scientific experience. “I actually conducted research, and I have something to show,” Jett said. Public speaking is the added bonus for students participating in the capstone experience, said Donna Burnette, executive director of RIT’s K-12 University Center, which administers the RIT-Rochester Prep Partnership. “There’s a maturity that comes with being able to reflect upon your experience to figure out what you gained from it and what you learned, whether it be a positive or a negative,” Burnette said. “To be able to talk about their reflections puts them a step ahead when they go to college.” The partnership allows students to stretch their skills while they preview the college experience. RIT’s K-12 University Center staff works closely with Rochester Prep administration to identify students for the capstone program. During the spring of their junior year, the students sample different academic experiences at RIT before they start their capstone project the following fall. This academic year marks a milestone for the partnership and its 10th year anniversary of educating students. The partnership with RIT formed in 2013 under the leadership of RIT Board of Trustee member Ron Zarrella to prepare high school students for college, and the school opened in 2014. “Not only do Rochester Prep High School students get the opportunity to be on the RIT campus, but they also get opportunities to evolve and discover new versions of themselves,” said Edward Eckert, principal of Rochester Prep High School. This year’s seventh annual capstone experience is an example of the progress made over the last decade, Burnette said. “Every year we make tweaks based on the experience and feedback from the students and faculty,” Burnette said. “We’re really growing into something that’s been institutionalized, something that we look forward to, and that we’re happy to be here to celebrate.”
- GIS introduces master’s collaboration with Zurich University of Applied SciencesThe Golisano Institute for Sustainability (GIS) at Rochester Institute of Technology has partnered with Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW) in Switzerland to launch a dual-degree master’s program. The collaboration aims to equip students with interdisciplinary expertise and cross-cultural experiences to address global environmental challenges. The two-year program, the first of its kind at GIS, will allow students to earn a Master of Science in sustainable systems from RIT and a Master of Science in circular economy management from ZHAW. The inaugural class will include up to three students from each institution. Participants will alternate between RIT’s Henrietta campus and ZHAW’s Winterthur campus. The curriculum focuses on sustainability science and circular economy principles while fostering connections between U.S. and Swiss academic and professional networks. All courses will be taught in English, and students will follow the academic standards and tuition policies of their home and host universities. Both institutions will assist students with visa requirements, housing, and other logistics to comply with U.S. and European Union regulations. “This partnership between RIT and ZHAW exemplifies the global collaboration necessary to tackle pressing sustainability challenges,” said Nabil Nasr, associate provost of Academic Affairs and director of the Golisano Institute for Sustainability at RIT. “Combining our expertise in sustainable systems and circular economy management will empower students with the knowledge and skills to innovate and lead in a rapidly evolving world.” “This dual master’s program will offer students on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean an opportunity to study and understand how the myriad sustainability challenges affecting our planet are dealt with by professionals,” added Amit Batabyal, head of the Department of Sustainability. “At the same time, the program ought to enhance the employability of these MS/MSc graduates in both the United States and in Europe.” The program is set to launch in fall 2025.
- RIT professor forges connections as president of the Korean-American Scientists and Engineers AssociationProfessor Tae (Tom) Oh sees international cooperation as a key to addressing the challenges and opportunities of the 21st century—especially in artificial intelligence (AI). Since being named the 53rd president of the Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association (KSEA) in 2023, he is helping to foster that collaborative environment. Oh, a professor in RIT’s School of Information, leads the nonprofit professional organization with more than 7,000 registered members. The KSEA aims to promote science and technology, foster global collaboration, and help Korean-American scientists and engineers develop their full career potential. Oh was born in Korea and moved to the United States when he was 11 years old. Overcoming culture and language challenges, he describes himself as a member of the 1.5 generation—immigrants who entered a new country before becoming adults. As an undergraduate student studying electrical engineering at Texas Tech University, he joined the KSEA. “I have gained many mentors through KSEA, which played a pivotal role in guiding me toward earning my Ph.D. and becoming a professor,” said Oh. “I ran for president to give back to this incredible organization that has given me so much.” Supplied photo Oh, right, was interviewed by a reporter at the Korean Broadcasting System's KBS World Radio. As KSEA president, Oh has met with Korean diplomats, top officials, and presidents of top universities from Korea and science and technology research institutes and agencies. He said that Korea is looking for high impact collaborators and KSEA can foster that channel between Korea and the U.S., working with organizations including the National Science Foundation, the National Research Foundation of Korea, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, and Korea’s Research Institutes. “Korea and the U.S. have a strong partnership, and collaboration between the two fosters innovation and growth,” said Oh. “Embracing global connections allows us to stay competitive and benefit from diverse perspectives.” KSEA also runs an annual conference that brings together a diverse array of scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs from both Korea and the U.S. The U.S.-Korea Conference 2024 showcased groundbreaking research, fostered international collaborations, and highlighted the pivotal role of AI in shaping the future. “In light of the dynamic changes brought by AI, it is imperative for scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs to converge, exchange knowledge, and prepare for the future,” said Oh. KSEA has 70 local chapters, 16 technical groups, and 35 affiliated professional societies across the U.S. The organization hosts research collaboration workshops, regional conferences, career development activities, sponsors scholarships for high school students, and runs a national math and science contest for high school students. Oh noted that KSEA members now come from all different generations—1st, 2nd, and 3rd generations. He also remarked that member’s cultural relationships with Korea differ—especially with the more recent international spread of Korean culture and companies. At RIT, Oh is an adviser for RIT’s Korean International Student Association and the Korean Student Association at RIT. Oh worked for several telecommunications and defense companies for 18 years before joining RIT. His research focuses on vehicular/drone area networks, Internet of Things, security, and human computer interaction.
- Music, dance, even yo-yos featured at Ovation competitionRIT students will have a chance to show their talents and compete for cash prizes during Ovation: RIT Performing Arts Showcase, from 6 to 8 p.m. Feb. 7 in Ingle Auditorium in the Student Alumni Union. Ovation will feature 14 acts of dance, vocal and instrumental music. The first-place act will win $1,000, with a $500 prize awarded to the second-place act. RIT President David Munson and his wife, Nancy, will emcee the competition, which will feature judges from RIT and the community. The judges and their biographies can be found on the event website. “Nancy and I know our students are bright, but the number of students who also have talents in the arts is phenomenal,” Munson said. “We enjoy watching and hearing them perform at every opportunity we have and are delighted RIT allows them to continue their passions in performing arts.” The performers come from diverse backgrounds, representing majors from nearly every college at RIT. They include:“Death By Glamour,” video game tune arranged by Miles Davenport and Roman Barnes “Blissful Hour,” marimba percussion, by Alex Negrini RIT AIM Medley Showcase, jazz fusion Yo-yo performance, by Max Gonzaga “Black Chrome,” original rap by The Crown Kid Steven Simmons Currents n Sync,” tap dance by Hannah Boettcher and Yasmin Khan. AFro Dance Club, dance by the AFro Dance Club Choreography Team “Flamenco Farruca,” solo Flamenco guitar by Miles Rothman “Astonishing” from Little Women, sung by Alison Maselek WADAIKO, Japanese drumming and dancing group Vocal Accent, a cappella group Rachmaninoff’s “Bells of Moscow,” piano piece by Jonah Cousins The Jive, an RIT jazz combo “Spinning,” performed by Courtyard, a slow indie rock, chamber rock, and chamber pop band Last year’s winner, a rocking cello duet now named “Double Stop!” featuring Brandon Faunce and Gavin Palmer, along with guest Charles DiGiovanni, will perform during the judges’ deliberation. Ovation is free and open to the RIT community.
