More than 300 RIT students have published Changeling VR, a new narrative mystery game on Steam. The virtual reality (VR) game is now available to download for free on the online game platform for early access. The community-built game is five years in the making. It has included students and faculty from RIT’s Golisano College of Computing and Information Sciences and the College of Art and Design. For many students, working on the game counted as a key co-op credit for their degree program. In Changeling VR, players take on the role of a detective who can see people’s thoughts and memories. Using these mystical powers and skills of deduction, players must work with a family to discover what is wrong with their baby. Each member of the family has their own unique level, making it like five VR games in one. For example, the mother’s level is ethereal, like floating through space. With the brother, players slingshot through a level in the style of his sketchbook. The father—an engineer—is faced with a series puzzles.  ‌ Changeling VR Elouise Oyzon, associate director of the School of Interactive Games and Media (IGM), came up with the idea for Changeling VR while watching “Murder on the Orient Express.” “In detective stories, you interview all these people, and they give you their version of truth in flashbacks,” said Oyzon. “The VR genre is perfect for this because it can really give you a point of view. And in this game, we can give each family member’s memory a totally different vibe and aesthetic.” The project began during the COVID pandemic, when Oyzon noticed that many co-op opportunities in the industry were being put on hold. She had the idea for the VR game and thought it could be a great experiential learning experience in agile development. “Typically, IGM students on their first co-ops might work in quality assurance or user experience, but they don’t always get to do level design, narrative, or sound composition,” said Oyzon. “At the Changeling studio, they get to do the things they have been doing in class and even take on new roles.” Students on co-op with the Changeling studio worked full time and had the option to work remotely. Documentation was key for development because new co-op cohorts came in each semester. For Julian Alvia, a fourth-year game design and development major, the co-op was an opportunity to learn Unreal Engine, as opposed to the Unity game engine he uses in the classroom. As a team lead, he oversaw development and fixed bugs. Later, as a producer, he ran the studio’s daily stand-up meeting and weekly milestone meetings. “It was a challenge allowing people to be creative, while also meeting deadlines within the scope of what we wanted to do during our cohort,” said Alvia, who is from Waterbury, Conn. “It was rewarding learning how to be a leader and now that’s the direction I want to focus my career.” ‌ Changeling VR Alvia added, “Having a published game to your name is good to put on résumé and show future employers.” Kyle James still uses the skills he learned from working on Changeling VR. He graduated from the Combined Accelerated BS/MS in game design and development in 2024 and now works as a project a project manager for the STNDRD Fitness app. “As a co-op, being able to manage 80 people across disciplines was a huge learning process,” said James. Right now, the game is in Steam Early Access—a unique development model that allows games to be played as they progress towards a full release. The team plans to continue development for about 18 months. Four out of the seven eventual levels can now be played. Players speeding through the game can finish it in about 40 minutes, while others looking to explore can take hours. The game is published through RIT’s MAGIC Spell Studios. Download Changeling VR for free on Steam.

Students with an itch to innovate are seeing their ideas take form with the support of RIT’s Gap Year Entrepreneurship Fellowship Program. Jonathan Bateman, Aidan Makinster, Michael Norton, and Hridiza Roy—all from RIT’s School of Individualized Study—comprise the seventh cohort of gap year fellows developing business ideas. Each fellow received a $20,000 stipend to use over two semesters, as well as business coaching from the Simone Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship and Upstate Venture Connect, a network of business professionals. RIT alumnus and trustee Austin McChord established the fellowship for SOIS students as part of a larger gift to the university in 2017. The fellowship program launched in 2018 with its first fellow, Brandon Hudson. Since then, the program has supported a total of 28 fellows, including the current cohort. “Gap year fellows enjoy a rare opportunity to present their ventures directly to Austin, gaining thoughtful, actionable feedback on their biggest challenges, growth strategies, and next steps,” said Meg Walbaum, director of Strategic Partnerships in University Studies. “The experience leaves a lasting impact, shaping both their businesses and their personal development.” Entrepreneurial thinking sets the gap year fellows apart from their peers and adds a real-world advantage to their college experience. This year’s group is exploring software to prevent AI-powered and deepfake impersonations, and ways to improve underwater drones, 3D digital animation, and mountain bikes. Bateman, a third-year student from Denver, is developing a free mobile app to authenticate the identities of one’s closest contacts if faced with a targeted deepfake attack. His app, Real Recognizes Real AI (realxreal.ai), uses multifactor authentication to ensure trusted contacts are who they purport to be. The software personalizes methods used by commercial enterprises. Through SOIS, Bateman has studied applied math and computing security with anthropology and sociology to understand how people use and manipulate technology. “I want to prioritize security, privacy, and ethics,” Bateman said. “It’s not a hindrance to innovation.” His goal is to make Real Recognizes Real AI available on the iOS app store by December. Norton, from Long Island, N.Y., tried different majors before he discovered SOIS last year. “I realized I wanted something in between different types of engineering that didn’t exist,” said Norton, who expects to graduate in 2026 or 2027. He applied for a fellowship to build underwater drones using 3D printing and open-source software. Norton founded RocIn Industries LLC., to develop the proprietary technology for his fleet of water-bottle shaped drones. Although he works independently on the project, Norton runs ideas by “Brutus,” a chatbot he customized from an open-source AI model. Unlike ChatGPT, Brutus is a closed model that only Norton can access. “I’m a thinker and an ideas guy,” Norton said. “I have a passion for engineering and engineering work. My life goal is to be a successful engineer.” Makinster, from Waterloo, N.Y., has used his fellowship to develop a mountain-bike part he designed for his senior capstone project. His concept for an adjustable handlebar stem would allow riders to switch the handlebar position while ascending and descending hills, allowing for greater “ease, speed, and safety,” he said. Makinster used his capstone project as a blueprint and began experimenting with 3D-printed parts and different mechanisms for moving the stem into the preferred position. By mid-spring, Makinster anticipates having a working prototype or, even, a final version.  “My childhood dream is to open a store and sell bike parts,” Makinster said. “That was always my end goal.” Makinster also received the Gap Year Enhancement Award and an additional $20,000. Roy is concentrating her gap year into one semester to fine-tune a 3D stylized animation tool she built during the spring semester and to engage potential end-users. Her team includes Charlie Blaker, a third-year student in RIT’s 3D digital design program, and Jinhyo Huh, a computer graphics graduate student at Stanford University. They are analyzing existing research and techniques for achieving a painterly look for 3D animation and interviewing 3D artists about their workflow and general preferences. Roy’s fascination with 3D computer graphics led her to study the mathematics and computer science behind digital animation. Her fellowship focuses on simplifying the process animators use to create the appearance of brush strokes on digital objects. Movies such as Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and The Wild Robot popularized a stylized look achieved by combining different software applications. Roy’s 3D stylized animation tool bypasses the cumbersome process and integrates into existing software. She will attend LightBox Expo in Pasadena, Calif., in October to engage with more artists and seek feedback on her product. “I wanted to create something that automates a stylized look while also giving artists control, and I have been able to explore both the algorithmic and the human side of that space,” Roy said. “The gap year fellowship is an absolutely amazing program. I have gotten the opportunity to research the mathematics of stylized looks within 3D animation, and gained extremely valuable insights from and connected with a lot of 3D artists.” About the Gap Year Entrepreneurship Fellowship Program The Gap Year Entrepreneurship Fellowship Program began in 2018 within the School of Individualized Study to encourage students to pursue business ideas while earning a college degree. RIT alumnus and trustee member Austin McChord established the program as part of his $50 million gift to RIT in 2017. McChord started Datto, a global provider of data protection, in 2007, with an idea he had as an RIT student. Vista Equity Partners acquired Datto in 2017 for around $1.5 billion. McChord is currently the CEO of Casana, a healthcare technology firm, which microsystems engineering alumnus Nicholas Conn started at RIT.

Rochester Institute of Technology, named as a top “National University,” continues its upward trajectory, rising to No. 88 in the 2026 U.S. News & World Report rankings. The publication also cited RIT as being among the best universities in value, game design/simulation, experiential learning with co-ops and internships, and innovation. The new listing of the nation’s prestigious research universities is the highest to date for RIT, a jump of three spots from last year. More than 400 schools are listed in the National Universities category, which includes institutions that offer a full range of undergraduate majors, plus master’s and doctoral programs, and emphasize faculty research or award professional practice doctorates. The 2026 edition evaluates more than 1,700 colleges and universities across the United States. Among the top citations, RIT was ranked:No. 3 for game design/simulation. Programs in this specialty emphasize game programming within a core computing education to prepare students for careers in the gaming, simulation, modeling, training, and visualization industries. No. 5 for co-ops and internships. These programs expose college students to new academic experiences outside the classroom. Research shows these enhanced student experiences are linked to student success and positive learning outcomes, according to U.S. News. RIT was ranked No. 6 in this category last year. No. 42 for “Most Innovative.” U.S. News asked top university officials to identify institutions that are making the most innovative improvements in terms of curriculum, faculty, students, campus life, technology, or facilities. No. 43 for “Best Value.” This ranking takes into account academic quality, the percentage of full-time 2024-2025 academic year undergraduate students receiving need-based scholarships or grants, and the average discount from the 2024-2025 sticker price for full-time undergraduates receiving the average need-based grant. In addition, RIT’s undergraduate computer science program was ranked No. 54, up 10 spots from last year. ‌ Other ranked programs include undergraduate engineering (No. 57), among universities that offer doctoral engineering programs, and undergraduate business (No. 77). “RIT’s commitment to groundbreaking research, technology, the arts, and design is just part of the reason that our university continues to be noticed by prospective students and parents, alumni, top researchers, corporate partners, and other universities,” said RIT President Bill Sanders. “In addition, our strong university community attracts students and faculty who are driven by purpose and are making a difference in the world through their creative and innovative ideas. We want to make sure RIT continues to be a place where all can explore boldly, fail safely, and succeed spectacularly.” As a “Best Value,” RIT was scored on overall academic quality, the percentage of full-time undergraduates receiving need-based scholarships or grants, and the average discount from the university’s sticker price for full-time undergraduates receiving need-based grants. RIT’s renowned co-op program, one of the oldest and largest in the nation, remains a hallmark of experiential learning. More than 5,000 RIT students typically complete a co-op each year, engaging in paid work experience at national and global companies and organizations in nearly every career field. “RIT continues to prove that we are the right choice for students and parents who are looking for the best value in higher education,” said Kathleen Davis, vice president for Enrollment Management and associate provost. “This ranking reflects our ongoing commitment to investing in an experiential, global, and customizable educational model. RIT has always been a leader in innovating education and creating an environment where every student can thrive.” The full list of RIT’s rankings is on the U.S. News Best Colleges website.

A Rochester and Finger Lakes region coalition that includes researchers from RIT has been named a finalist for the National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) program. The team’s project, Science, Technology and Engineering of Laser and Laser Applications Research (STELLAR), aims to progress the region as a national leader in laser technologies, education, company creation, manufacturing, and workforce development. STELLAR is one of 15 finalists from nearly 300 letters of intent received by the NSF. STELLAR is led by the University of Rochester and also includes team members from Monroe Community College, Nextcorps, Luminate, Greater Rochester Enterprise, AmeriCOM, and New York State. RIT’s contingent is led by Stefan Preble, the Bausch and Lomb Professor in Microsystems Engineering. Co-principal investigators are Linda Bryant, director of the National Technical Institute for the Deaf’s Learning Consortium and Online Learning Initiatives, Seth Hubbard, head of the School of Physics and Astronomy, and Jie Qiao, associate professor in the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science. “We are excited to be part of the STELLAR team to drive the next wave of innovation in lasers and their applications by building on Rochester’s and RIT’s leadership in optics, photonics, imaging, semiconductor, and microelectronic research and education,” said Preble. “Together with our partners, we will advance laser technologies and develop a highly skilled workforce to ensure our region remains a global leader in optics, photonics, and laser-enabled solutions." After the NSF conducts in-depth, in-person interviews with the finalist teams to further assess risks, resources, and adaptability, awardees will be announced in early 2026. If funded, STELLAR will develop a manufacturing ecosystem for lasers, provide critical research and development support for growing companies, and help teachers from middle school through all levels of college develop curricula to help students learn skilled trades in laser systems. The Rochester region is already well known for its storied and robust history in optics, photonics, imaging, and laser companies and suppliers. Lasers are essential in a wide range of fields, including manufacturing, communications, inspection, environment sensing, defense, and security systems. More information on the award and finalists is available on the NSF Engines website.

What started as a concept for the School of Design’s annual T-Minus challenge has made a splash at Autodesk University 2025. The Autodesk MultiMeasure, created by RIT industrial design students in collaboration with Autodesk, was the Factory Experience product chosen for the global software and technology company’s annual conference. Autodesk University invited professionals from across the globe to come together to share ideas, advance industry practices, and explore opportunities for the future. Attendees span a wide breadth of industries, including architecture, engineering, construction and operations, product design, manufacturing, and media and entertainment. This year, the conference welcomed 11,000 attendees. The Factory Experience is where attendees gained hands-on experience with the concept-to-production process using Autodesk Fusion, the company’s artificial intelligence-powered industry cloud for manufacturing. RIT’s partnership with Autodesk goes back more than 12 years, according to Alex Lobos, director of the School of Design. Lobos said the partnership enhances student learning opportunities and gives faculty insight into what skills will help students flourish in successful careers after graduation. “Watching our students work together with Autodesk to develop this product from an early concept all the way to manufacturing is a unique experience. This type of collaboration with industry partners hardly ever happens to that level of detail and execution,” he said. Lobos added that the partnership “goes beyond free software and trainings.” Autodesk representatives come to campus often, offer students opportunities to work on sponsored projects, and support design courses. The Autodesk MultiMeasure tool was developed through one of those course collaborations. “It’s been an honor to host RIT students and showcase their design work at our largest customer event of the year,” said Mary Hope McQuiston, Autodesk’s vice president of education. “Autodesk University is our opportunity to demonstrate to more than 10,000 customers what our technology can achieve, but it’s also a moment for us to spotlight what’s possible when industry and academia come together to equip students with the skills, experiences, and confidence to excel in the workforce. We’re proud to have partnered with RIT students and educators on this Factory experience that celebrates the promise of tomorrow’s design and make innovators.” ‌ Kelly Sorensen Attendees of Autodesk University assembled the Autodesk MultiMeasure, designed by RIT industrial design students, as part of the conference’s Factory Experience. The experience is a highlight of the annual conference. The Autodesk MultiMeasure is a compact, hand-held device that combines a rotating arm with integrated distance and color sensors, a rotary encoder, and an LCD display for real-time measurement and feedback. The design highlights precision, versatility, and ease of use for applications such as measurement, color matching, and angle detection that design professionals may need while out on the field. Following the T-Minus challenge in January 2023, a few top designs were selected to be prototyped in Assistant Professor Juan Noguera’s experimental studio course. Students in the course were split into teams, and each team was tasked with prototyping the designs. The MultiMeasure tool was refined over the course of two semesters, with many student hands influencing the design along the way. Once the final design was perfected, the Autodesk team finalized and manufactured the product. “The students were really driven by the idea that their designs could be manufactured, and I think it showed in the quality of their work,” said Noguera. “Seeing everyone come together for this opportunity and event that was promised to them years ago is very exciting.” Agneya Kulkarni, a fourth-year industrial design student from Mumbai, India, took the experimental studio in the fall of 2024. After completing an internship with Autodesk prior to taking the course, the opportunity to continue working with a real industry partner, and to learn from Noguera’s mentorship, inspired him to enroll. “During the class, Juan went through a lot of his own experiences working with clients, including how he tackled problems and when and how to present certain information,” said Kulkarni. “All of this information was super valuable. We couldn’t have had a better teacher for this because of the abundance of experience and knowledge he shared with us.” Ethan Solodukhin, a fourth-year industrial design major from Westchester, N.Y., has sought out experiential learning opportunities outside of his required coursework since his first year at RIT. This experimental studio was the perfect opportunity to combine in-class learning with real-world project parameters. In addition to his participation in the course, Solodukhin is an Autodesk student ambassador. This position paved the way for one of his original designs, the Revo chair, to be showcased by Autodesk at different industry events, dramatically increasing his visibility as a designer. “Autodesk opened so many doors that allowed me to add work to my resume and portfolio,” said Solodukhin. “The opportunity to have my work linked to a multi-billion-dollar corporation shines in the eyes of potential employers and other people in the design industry. It’s great exposure.” Todd Jokl, dean of the College of Art and Design, echoed the praise for the experience and exposure students gain through working with a company like Autodesk. “This collaboration with Autodesk is a great example of technology, the arts, and design converging with successful outcomes,” said Jokl. “Our faculty members and leaders in the School of Design prioritize these experiential learning opportunities, and the willingness to partner with our students speaks to the respect the industry has for our faculty.” The Autodesk MultiMeasure was officially launched during Autodesk University 2025, hosted Sept. 16-18 in Nashville, Tenn. For more information about the tool, go to the Autodesk website. Go to the School of Design website for more information about RIT’s design programs.

Satellites, planes, drones, canoes, and more were deployed at RIT’s Tait Preserve for ROCX 2025, an open-community, major data-collection experiment. Building off similar experiments done in 2010 and 2012, RIT’s Digital Imaging and Remote Sensing (DIRS) Laboratory gathered together more than 60 researchers and students from organizations around the globe to collaborate on-site with RIT students, faculty, and staff. Approximately 20 ground and 20 remote sensing experiments were conducted over the two-week period in September. “The goal is to provide data that are useful for educational and research purposes to the global community,” said John Kerekes, research professor in the Chester F. Carlson Center for Imaging Science and principal investigator of the project. “We have a history of putting data sets out on our websites and other websites that scientific researchers can use as part of education and training, as well as to research new methodologies to analyze the remote sensing data.” The DIRS staff had received interest from alumni and the community to do another large data collection project like had been done in 2012 and began to work on the planning of ROCX 2025 in the spring of 2024. The team coordinated surveys and working groups to approve and schedule proposals for the collection. The IEEE Geoscience and Remote Sensing Society signed on as a platinum sponsor for the event while Matter Intelligence and Spectra Vista Corporation were bronze sponsors. While the collection is complete, the work will continue. By the summer of 2026, all data will be processed and made public for instructional or research purposes. The data collected will be used for decades. The DIRS staff will disseminate results through special sessions at major conferences and peer-reviewed journal special issues over the coming months and years. The combination of remote sensing data from satellites, aircraft, and drones, combined with ground object deployments and ground truth collection makes the data collection unique, and therefore very useful. “There’s lots of data out there observing our Earth, but it’s not always coordinated with understanding what’s on the ground,” said Kerekes. “If you want to teach someone how to extract the information from the data, you need that truth.” Along with Kerekes, Nina Raqueno, research scientist, and Joseph Sirianni, associate director of the DIRS Laboratory, were the co-investigators for the project. More information on ROCX 2025 and the DIRS Lab is available at the ROCX 2025 website.