Betsy Dell

Professor Betsy Dell is a distinguished faculty member in the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering Technology within the College of Engineering Technology at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). Her career at RIT spans multiple leadership roles focused on academic excellence and diversity initiatives. She currently serves as Co-Chair of RIT's President's Commission on Women and has held significant positions including Director of AdvanceRIT Program (2019-2023), Senior Faculty Associate to the Provost for Women Faculty (2014-2023), and Graduate Program Director Manufacturing & Mechanical Systems Integration (2017-2019).

Professor Dell's research interests span multiple interconnected domains:

• Sustainable plastics and biodegradable materials research
• Engineering education pedagogy and curriculum development
• Sustainability practices in manufacturing and materials science
• Gender equity and diversity initiatives in STEM education and careers
• Institutional transformation for inclusive academic environments

Analysis of Professor Dell's recent publications reveals a strong dual focus on sustainable materials science and diversity initiatives in engineering education. Her materials research centers on biodegradable plastics, particularly poly(lactic acid) blends and their anaerobic digestion properties, contributing to sustainable packaging solutions. Simultaneously, her educational research examines strategies to improve retention and support for women in engineering technology programs, applying theoretical frameworks like Self-Determination Theory to develop effective interventions. This dual focus creates a unique interdisciplinary profile that bridges technical materials science with social aspects of engineering education.

Professor Dell's scientific recognition includes:

• Instrumental role in RIT receiving the NIH Prize for Enhancing Faculty Gender Diversity in Biomedical and Behavioral Science (2021)
• Miller Endowed Professor (2010-2013)
• Co-PI on multiple NSF-funded projects including the Advance Institutional Transformation grant and PLAN D project

Professor Dell has demonstrated exceptional commitment to mentoring and student development. She has led initiatives like the Women in Technology program, which included a five-year NSF-funded scholarship program supporting over a half-million dollars in funding. Her research on engineering technology students and graduates includes detailed surveys examining demographics and mentoring relationships, highlighting her dedication to understanding and improving student experiences. As Director of AdvanceRIT, she strategically aligned the Council for Representation Engagement of Women Faculty (CREW) to serve as the faculty advisory board, creating sustainable structures for ongoing diversity and inclusion work. In December 2023, she was leading an NSF-funded project to support minoritized women students in STEM through a co-mentoring network.

Professor Dell's research program bridges sustainable materials science and engineering education, with particular emphasis on biodegradable polymers and diversity initiatives. Her work demonstrates how technical expertise in materials science can be integrated with social science approaches to create meaningful impact in both scientific advancement and educational equity.