No new positive cases of COVID-19

Since Monday’s notice in @Rochester, there are no new cases of COVID-19 to report. Please note that the University’s COVID-19 Dashboard is updated daily. Whenever a new case is known, the contact-tracing process begins immediately with confirmed exposures being contacted and required to quarantine.

It’s extremely important for the health of the University community that individuals continue to adhere to the face masking and social distancing protocols. Even as some individuals are now receiving their first or second dose of the vaccine, these practices to prevent the transmission of the virus cannot be relaxed.

If you think you’re experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, it’s important to report them through Dr. Chat Bot immediately. Even if you think your symptoms might be something else—like a cold, seasonal congestion, or allergies—it’s still important to tell University health professionals and contact tracers what you’re experiencing.

Experience Rochester event explores the quest to beat COVID-19

On Thursday, January 28, at noon EST, join the Medical Center clinicians and researchers who have been at the forefront of the response to the pandemic since it began. During this session, you will learn about the latest on vaccine distribution, vaccine trials for children, and research on the new strains of the virus.

Featured speakers include:

• Nancy Bennett, a professor of medicine and public health sciences, founder and director of the Center for Community Health & Prevention, and codirector of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute
• Angela Branche, an assistant professor of medicine and codirector of the Vaccine Trials and Evaluation Unit
• Mary Caserta, a professor of pediatrics
• Stephen Dewhurst, vice dean for research at the School of Medicine and Dentistry, and chair of the Department of Microbiology and Immunology
• Ann Falsey, a professor of medicine and codirector of the Vaccine Trials and Evaluation Unit
• Dave Topham, the Marie Curran Wilson and Joseph Chamberlain Wilson Professor in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at the Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology, and director of the New York Influenza Center of Excellence.

Students, faculty, and staff can register for the virtual lecture here. This event is part of the Experience Rochester series, created to bring the very best of Rochester directly to you with topics and speakers unique to the University and is presented by the University of Rochester Alumni Board.

Study of Fragile X syndrome sheds light on what’s happening in nerve cells

A new study by a team led by Lynne Maquat, the J. Lowell Orbison Endowed Chair and Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, shows that many abnormalities in Fragile X syndrome cells are related to glitches with one of the body’s major quality control systems. The research provides fresh insight into the molecular mechanisms of the disorder and a pathway to search for potential treatments.

Call for nominations for the 12th annual Satcher Community Health Improvement Awards

The Center for Community Health & Prevention invites Medical Center faculty and staff to nominate colleagues for the 12th annual Dr. David Satcher Community Health Improvement Awards. Self-nominations are also accepted. The awards recognize faculty and staff for significant contributions to the health of the community through research, teaching, practice, and service programs. The awards reflect the shared mission of the Center for Community Health & Prevention and the Medical Center to develop and expand University-community partnerships that support participatory research and interventions to reduce health inequalities and improve the community’s health. The nomination deadline is noon on Thursday, February 25. Learn more here.

• Dr. Chat Bot: Non–Medical Center faculty, staff, and all students | Medical Center employees
• What to do if you or your close contacts have symptoms or have been exposed
• University’s COVID-19 Resource Center
• Medical Center’s COVID-19 update page
• COVID-19 Concern Report

How the national debt affects your investments

US News and World Report, January 22

“The economy is not going to implode tomorrow because of the national debt or federal deficit,” says David Primo, the Ani and Mark Gabrellian Professor and a professor of political science and business administration.”But it is a long-run problem and the sooner we start dealing with it, the better off we’ll be as a country.”

Off-campus and graduate students can now sign up for a COVID test

University Health Service (UHS) is in the midst of providing COVID-19 rapid tests to all students who require them as part of returning to on-campus housing. Once this process is complete, UHS can then provide a COVID test to off-campus and graduate students who wish to be tested (but not required). The sign-up for these appointments is now available on the UHS website. Appointments are needed and this one-time rapid test is free, even when asymptomatic. For questions, email uhscovid19@uhs.rochester.edu.

Connect for support

Dedicating time to find support and to engage in self-care may seem impossible. Well-U and UR Medicine EAP invite you to join a 30-minute Connect for Support session. Sessions are designed to provide you with coping strategies and to create a space to connect and support one another. There are different groups for employees in a non-management role, managers and supervisors, and faculty members. Email Well-U with questions.

'Lunch and Listen' program for Medical Center staff and clinical workers

The next “Lunch and Listen” concert from Eastman Performing Arts Medicine and the Office of Patient Experience takes place today, Tuesday, January 26, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. EST. Medical Center staff and clinical workers can join via Zoom to hear artists from the Eastman School of Music, and call in to make requests. This week’s concert features harpist Rosanna Moore ’19E (DMA).

Edward Peck Curtis Award for Excellence in Teaching by a Graduate Student nominations

The Edward Peck Curtis Award for Excellence in Teaching by a Graduate Student recognizes graduate students who advance the teaching mission of the University by providing highly skilled and innovative undergraduate instruction. One nomination from each department is welcomed, and each nomination—whether originating from student organizations or a department—must include a letter of support from the department chair or program director and at least one other faculty member. Learn more here.

The deadline for receipt of nominations is Friday, March 12. Nomination packets should be sent to UnivGradEducation@UR.Rochester.edu.