Faculty Stories
![image of trees in leaf](/sites/g/files/upbtqy111/files/styles/landscape_3_2_250x166/public/2024-06/Alum-Mag-Rene-Payne-Season.jpg?h=41f55a5b&itok=5E9CFfGe)
As a designer and educator, RISD alum and faculty member Rene Payne strives to break down social and cultural barriers.
![accurate black-and-white satellite imagery collected by Raina and her team](/sites/g/files/upbtqy111/files/styles/landscape_3_2_250x166/public/2024-06/SSIF24-Raina-listing.jpg?h=c6980913&itok=SoG50mPn)
Four ongoing research projects by faculty and recent alums focus on composting, improving the visual data used to drive climate research, sustainable biomaterials and tenants’ rights.
![The New York Times logo](/sites/g/files/upbtqy111/files/styles/landscape_3_2_250x166/public/2023-12/press-new-york-times.png?h=5e0c93d4&itok=hli29XL3)
RISD faculty member Jonathan D.S. Schroeder, the scholar who rediscovered the narrative, said he hopes the book will restore fugitive and abolitionist John S. Jacobs to history.
![artists accompany a robotic horse across the Andes](/sites/g/files/upbtqy111/files/styles/landscape_3_2_250x166/public/2024-06/Alum-Mag-Andes.jpg?h=41f55a5b&itok=x3slPdam)
A RISD professor, a Hyundai lab and a group of Argentine artisans turn robotics upside down.
![Assistant Professor Juana Estrada Hernandez working with a student on a print](/sites/g/files/upbtqy111/files/styles/landscape_3_2_250x166/public/2024-04/PR-Juana-Patricia-Hero.jpg?h=6acd6912&itok=cQ3Mz4-n)
The course is taught by new faculty member Juana Estrada Hernandez, who focuses on contemporary approaches to the medium.
![other-worldly still from sci-fi film](/sites/g/files/upbtqy111/files/styles/landscape_3_2_250x166/public/2024-04/AI-Rathman-still2-sharper.jpg?h=4927ed63&itok=vGk5SFwU)
Experts from across the country share creative uses of AI and predictions about where the industry is headed.
![presenters and honorees gather at the Fleet Library for a group shot](/sites/g/files/upbtqy111/files/styles/landscape_3_2_250x166/public/2024-03/Womxn-Hero.jpg?h=f1bb40df&itok=c3QBX0U6)
The honorees discussed the joys and pressures of modern womxnhood during an inspiring panel discussion at the Fleet Library.
![RISD Auditorium stage in intense red lighting](/sites/g/files/upbtqy111/files/styles/landscape_3_2_250x166/public/2024-03/TEDx2024-Hero.jpg?h=8637822a&itok=89Psx6Nt)
Six speakers delivered compelling talks at the second annual student-led event.
![Interior Architecture students work on large model of the Pell Bridge](/sites/g/files/upbtqy111/files/styles/landscape_3_2_250x166/public/2024-02/EFF24-Pell-BridgeModel3Best.jpg?h=c3635fa2&itok=ey89S5vM)
Expanded Field Fund grants are supporting wide-ranging projects by faculty members Adela Goldbard, Jonathan Knowles, Rene Payne, Liliane Wong and Derrick Woods-Morrow.