Ihab Mardini

Ihab Mardini serves as an Assistant Professor in the School of Design within the College of Art and Design at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), and holds an affiliate Professor position at the Center for Media, Arts, Games, Interaction & Creativity (MAGIC). His academic career at RIT began in 2014 as an adjunct Professor in the School of Film and Animation, progressed to a visiting professor role in the 3D Digital Design program, and culminated in his current tenure-track Assistant Professor position.

His academic background includes:

• BA in Imaging Arts, International University of Science and Technology (Syria)
• MFA in Film and Animation, Rochester Institute of Technology

Mardini's creative research centers on Animation, 3D Design, and Computer Graphics, with significant extensions into Game Design, Virtual Reality, and Artificial Intelligence applications in creative practices. He masterfully integrates traditional art techniques with advanced digital tools including Autodesk Maya, Unreal Engine, and Adobe Creative Suite to produce innovative visual narratives and installations that bridge cultural heritage with cutting-edge technology.

His distinguished recognitions include:

• Two Best Animation Awards
• Permanent display of 'Iroquois Creation Story' at Ganondagan’s Seneca Art & Culture Center
• Permanent display of 'Soap Film' at the Exploratorium Museum of Science

He has also received teaching nominations including the Eisenhart Award for Outstanding Teaching (2018) and the Outstanding Teaching Award for Non-Tenure-Track Faculty (2015). Mardini mentors students through courses in 3D design and animation, with student works regularly featured on professional platforms like Behance. His community engagement extends to teaching children at RIT Tiger-Camps and volunteering with the Joseph Avenue Arts and Culture Alliance. As a MAGIC Center member, he participates in interdisciplinary projects such as the partnership with Foundry that creates blockchain research opportunities for students.