Study examines second COVID-19 booster to strengthen immunity, prepare for future waves
Medical Center researchers are leading a new national COVID-19 vaccine study that will evaluate a second booster dose. The study will include a currently approved vaccine and new investigational vaccines that target the Beta, Delta, and Omicron variants, to determine which regime of vaccines offers the broadest immune response—which could offer protection against current and future variants.
In today’s issue:
A Q&A with this year’s Distinguished Visiting Humanist Amitav Ghosh
Graduate Student Appreciation Week kicks off today
The Memorial Art Gallery is hosting a book signing and film screening in conjunction with its Up Against the Wall: Art, Activism, and the AIDS Poster exhibit
Amitav Ghosh: geopolitics are key to understanding the climate crisis
Amitav Ghosh, an author of both award-winning novels and nonfiction histories focused on climate change, says humanists have a vital role in reframing the climate crisis as rooted in history and culture as much as technology and economics. Learn more in this Q&A and hear from Ghosh, this year’s Distinguished Visiting Humanist, on Thursday, April 7, at 5 p.m. in the Hawkins-Carlson Room, Rush Rhees Library.
Microsoft Edge replacing Internet Explorer on University, Medical Center computers
A familiar icon on your Windows desktop will be changing as the University prepares for Microsoft to retire its long-time web browser, Internet Explorer. Microsoft Edge’s blue-green wave icon—already available on computers—will replace the blue “e” icon as University IT rolls out the change to computers over the next two months. You will notice the new icon on your taskbar and your start menu. If your default browser was Internet Explorer, your links will open in Microsoft Edge instead. If you use Google Chrome, Firefox, or Edge already as your default browser, your experience will not change.
All Internet Explorer applications have been tested and verified to work with Microsoft Edge. eRecord users will see links opening in Edge. Bookmarks saved in Internet Explorer will be copied to Edge and saved under Favorites in an “Imported from Internet Explorer” folder. You can start using it today. Visit University IT News to view the icons, learn more about Edge, get directions to import your favorites, or change your default.
When was the last time you scrubbed through your social media friends list or cleaned up your digital past? There could be fake accounts, followers, or friends on your list whose accounts have been hacked, which could mean trouble for you. Consider some social media spring cleaning and avoid oversharing personal details that could put your identity in jeopardy. Find this and more tips on University IT’s Social Media Security page.
“The inner core regenerated Earth’s magnetic field at a really interesting time in evolution,” says John Tarduno, the William R. Kenan, Jr., Professor of Geophysics in the Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and dean of research for Arts, Sciences & Engineering. “What would have happened if it didn’t form?”
Graduate Student Appreciation Week is a nationally celebrated week dedicated to recognizing the contributions of graduate students to the campus community.
The University is celebrating across all graduate schools by offering unique programming including in-person and virtual socials, and visits to Rochester attractions such as the Memorial Art Gallery, Strong National Museum of Play, the Public Market, and more. There will be opportunities to showcase and share research, learn new things, win prizes, pick up free Rochester swag and show off your pet or plant photos. The week will culminate with a Graduate Wellness Fair on the River Campus and a special performance at Eastman Theatre.
Pet the pups today, April 4, from 6 to 7:15 p.m. in the Goergen Athletic Center with PAWS for Stress Relief. The UHS Health Promotion Office also will provide information about upcoming events, wellness resources, as well as quote cards to bring you inspiration during the final weeks of the semester.
Learn more about the UX Certificate
Undergraduates interested in the University’s new UX (User Experience/User-Centered Design) Certificate can learn more at an information session from noon to 2 p.m. EDT on Friday, April 8, at the Barbara J. Burger iZone. UX design is used to create products that provide meaningful and relevant experiences to users through understanding behaviors, needs, and attitudes. This interdisciplinary certificate unites computer science, engineering, psychology, statistics, art, and design to focus on user experience.
Chat with certificate advisors Stephanie Ashenfelder, director of digital media studies and academic director of studio art, and Caitlin Owens, academic advisor of the Multidisciplinary Studies Center. Students in the certificate program and in the UX/UI Club will also be on hand.
‘BIC-Ture This’: A queer art-making series for LGBTQ students
The next “BIC-Ture This” class, “Make Your Own Scarf!,” takes place Friday, April 8, at 6 p.m. in the Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center, 305 Douglass Commons. Registration is required by Tuesday, April 5. This class was rescheduled from March; if you registered previously, there is no need to re-register. Supplies will be provided.
Applications for summer funding due April 11
Monetary support for various summer experiences is available for undergraduate students in Arts, Sciences & Engineering.
Summer internship funding: For undergraduates who obtain a summer internship to investigate career options, develop skills, and link classroom learning to the world of work.
Creative experiential learning funding: Investigate career options, develop skills, and link studio learning to the world of work. These training programs usually occur in the visual arts, performing arts, or writing and differ from internships as the primary focus is on the production, creation, and improvement of arts-specific skills.
Attend a workshop to ask questions and strengthen your application on Monday, April 4, from 6 to 7 p.m. EDT via Zoom or Friday, April 8, from 2 to 3 p.m. in Dewey Hall, Room 4-200.Â
Continuing Student Scholarship for students in the College
The Continuing Student Scholarship was created to reward the outstanding achievements of current students in the College. This highly selective scholarship is awarded to approximately 30 students each year. Award amounts range up to $2,500 and are given for one academic year and are nonrenewable. The application deadline is April 15.
April is National Financial Literacy Month and an opportunity to review and upgrade your financial knowledge. TIAA offers an interactive trivia challenge this month where you can test your financial IQ for a chance to win an Amazon gift card. Visit TIAA to schedule an appointment with an advisor or utilize online tools to help you plan for your future.
Self-Owned Success Summit
University faculty and staff are invited to participate in Emerging Leader’s upcoming Self-Owned Success Summit on Friday, April 22. From 11 a.m. to noon EDT, meet professional communications coach Andrea Holland as she shares her workshop entitled “Lean Your Ladder on Your Own Wall,” then stick around for virtual networking. Registration is required, and space is limited.
Lifestyle benefits from Securian Financial
A suite of additional resources is automatically available to active employees covered under the University’s life insurance plan. There is no additional fee or enrollment, and these programs are available to spouses, domestic partners, and insurance-eligible children. Travel assistance services from Redpoint, legacy planning resources from Securian Financial, and beneficiary financial counseling from PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP are also accessible for benefit-eligible employees.
David Chalmers is a professor of philosophy and neural science and codirector of the Center for Mind, Brain, and Consciousness at New York University. In his new book, Reality+: Virtual Worlds and the Problems of Philosophy, Chalmers argues that virtual worlds are not second-class worlds. On Wednesday, April 6, from noon to 1 p.m. EDT, Chalmers will discuss his book in his talk, “From the Matrix to the Metaverse,” over Zoom and in-person in Studio X. Register to attend.
Sustainability seminar on plastic pollution in the Great Lakes
Book signing, film screening at the Memorial Art Gallery
Join the Memorial Art Gallery for a screening of Keith Haring: Street Art Boy and a book signing with Bill Valenti, author of AIDS: A Matter of Urgency, in the museum’s Vanden Brul Pavilion on Thursday, April 7, at 6 p.m. The event is being held in conjunction with the Up Against the Wall: Art, Activism, and the AIDS Poster exhibition on view through June 19. Registration is not required.
UR Tech Store Apple spring discount
The UR Tech Store is offering $50 off Apple notebooks for faculty, staff, and students with promo code SPRING50 (personal purchases only). Purchases can be made online or in-store. The offer ends on June 25. For details, visit the Tech Store website or stop by retail locations at the Medical Center (G-7220B) or Rush Rhees Library.
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