Science & Technology
From glaciers to great lakes: 8 big questions Rochester researchers are asking about our planet
Sunday, April 22, marks the 48th celebration of Earth Day, and University of Rochester researchers and scientists from across schools and disciplines are working to learn and discover how to make our world ever better.
Mobile apps could hold key to Parkinson’s research
A new Medical Center study shows that smartphone technology can accurately track the severity of the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. The findings could help researchers and clinicians develop new drugs and better treatments for this challenging disease.
New computing device would let microprocessors go ‘all out’
Researcher Mohammad Kazemi has proposed an entirely new concept for computer architecture to overcome the problems of heat transfer inherent in traditional microprocessors.
Society & Culture
What happens when democracy becomes irrational?
While in Rochester, Distinguished Visiting Humanist W. J. T. Mitchell will participate in lectures and discussions probing psychology, politics, and culture.
Learning the lessons of Red October
Ronald Grigor Suny, one of the preeminent historians of the Soviet Union, ethnic conflict, and nationalism, will speak as part of the Russian Studies program’s commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Russian Revolution.
Going beyond medieval times to explore early worlds
The Early Worlds Initiative—an interdisciplinary research project at the University of Rochester—connects faculty researching social and cultural developments worldwide from medieval times to the early modern period.
The Arts
Students learn the art of community change through dance
How can high school students inspire political and social change with the instuments of dance, theater, and visual art? University of Rochester students in the Program of Dance and Movement are working with local high schools to answer that question.
Fairchild Award honors mural artist Sarah C. Rutherford
A tribute to five Rochester women who work to lift others’ voices in the community, the “Her Voice Carries” art project has earned local artist Sarah C. Rutherford this year’s Lillian Fairchild Memorial Award.
Poetry a ‘powerful catalyst for dialogue and peace’
The United Nations created World Poetry Day to celebrate poetic expression in the world’s many languages. In honor of the day, University of Rochester students at the Language Center share some favorite poems in the languages in which they were written.
In Photos
Baja Strong
The UR Baja SAE team unveiled their Model ’18 baja vehicle on Friday in Rettner Hall. The team have christened the car “BONKO STRONG” for former Baja team member Kevin Bonko ’17, who was recently diagnosed with cancer. The student-run organization works throughout the school year to design, build, and test their car, and includes student majoring in biomedical engineering to business, optics to biology. Their racing season starts on April 19 in Maryland. (University of Rochester photo / Lori Packer)
Student Life
Celebrating student employees of the year
Luke Meyerson ’18 and Blake Harriman ’16, ’18W (MS) — student workers in the Department of Political Science and the Medical Center’s Edward G. Miner Library, respectively — are 2018 student employees of the year.
Mock Trial team to compete at national championship
For the second year in a row, the University of Rochester’s Mock Trial team is headed to the American Mock Trial Association’s national championship as one of the few teams that is completely student-run.
Student Life Awards honor outstanding contributions to campus community
Eighteen individuals and three groups will be honored at the College’s annual Student Life Awards, also known as the “Rockys.”
Voices & Opinion
Equal Pay Day points to 100-year wage gap for women’s work
The Susan B. Anthony Center’s Equal Pay Day panelists will discuss issues of gender pay inequity on the date that marks how long women have to work into the new year to earn the same as men did in the previous year.
Federal budget process is broken
“We need to take a look at the bigger picture here, which is that this bill does nothing to deal with our long-term budget challenges,” says Rochester political scientist David Primo. “Whether you are on the left or the right, that should be a big concern.”
Thinking about ‘visual privilege’ and the 2018 Oscars
Sharon Willis, a member of Rochester’s Film and Media Studies program faculty, says this year’s nominations show that change may be afoot in Hollywood—but that how much movies will be transformed remains to be seen.
University News
David McCamant wins first College Award for Undergraduate Teaching and Research Mentorship
With 12 years on the faculty, the associate professor of chemistry is being widely praised by his former students for his role in their current success as scientists.
Researchers win Furth Fund awards to support early career scientists
Kathryn Knowles, assistant professor of chemistry, and Martina Poletti, assistant professor of neuroscience, are this year’s recipients of University Furth Fund awards.
University remembers Andrew Kende, professor emeritus of chemistry
Kende was a former chair of the Department of Chemistry and a world renowned organic chemist and inventor who specialized in the synthesis of complex molecules, including ones used for anti-cancer treatments.