Teaching and Research Interests: In her hometown of Torino, Elisabetta D'Amanda studied Italian Literature and History at the University in Torino in the College of Liberal Arts with a Minor in Art.
    Elisabetta then pursued acting studies with Actor's Studio member Sandra Seacat and worked as an actor in both film and television productions in Italy between 1986 and 1991. Her career included work credits with directors Dino Risi, Pupi Avati, Mimmo Calopresti, Felice Farina, Roberto Giannarelli, and Guido Chiesa (http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0762783/).
    While serving as an Italian instructor at the University of Rochester since 1999 and at Rochester Institute of Technology since 2001, at both institutions, she has organized the "Club Italiano" to enhance students' experience with the Italian language and culture. She has created a Study Abroad program for Genova, Italy in collaboration with the RIT Study Abroad Office.
    Elisabetta is a member of the "Casa Italiana" Academic and Cultural Committee at Nazareth College where she has been active as an instructor for children and adults and has focused on the Italian-American community of Rochester since 1997. She pursues her interest in traditional foods and sustainable economy by co-leading the "Slow Food" chapter in Rochester and participates in the Slow Food National Education Committee.

Courses: Beg. Italian 1, 2, 3; Inter. Italian 1, 2, 3; Adv. Italian 1, 2, 3; Italian Program Advisor and Coordinator; Genova Study Abroad Program Director.