Connecting the dots between aging, Alzheimer’s, and ‘junk DNA’
Vera Gorbunova (left), the Doris Johns Cherry professor of biology, and Andrei Seluanov, a professor of biology, join colleagues at Brown University and NYU to investigate the relationship between types of selfish genetic elements called retrotransposons and Alzheimer’s disease and neurodegeneration. The team will also search for targets to inform therapeutic strategies to treat those conditions.
In today’s issue:
Read about the recipients of the Presidential Stronger as One Diversity Awards
This year’s Rainbow Lecture focuses on trans rights
Attend a public lecture next month with writer and climate change activist Amitav Ghosh
Awards celebrate community diversity and inclusion efforts
The Presidential Stronger as One Diversity Awards, formerly known as the Presidential Diversity Awards, honor Rochester faculty, staff, students, as well as members of the Board of Trustees and the Rochester community. The awards recognize those who have supported the five institutional equity, diversity, and inclusion priorities and helped ensure a welcoming and inclusive environment at the University. Read about this year’s recipients who were honored at a virtual ceremony earlier this year.
On Friday, March 18, the Committee for Political Engagement is facilitating a political art-making event in which they will discuss protest art and expression through art. This student group is convened by the Center for Community Engagement to promote non-partisan engagement with domestic and international politics. Learn more about the event, taking place at 7 p.m. EDT in  Douglass Commons, Room 401.
Welcome Week volunteer information session
The Office of Orientation and First-Year Programs is holding a virtual information session on Tuesday, March 22, at 3 p.m. EDT via Zoom for interested AS&E undergraduate students to learn more about the fall 2022 Welcome Week volunteer position. Welcome Week volunteers help staff events and activities to welcome new students and their families to River Campus in August. Perks include early move-in (if living on campus), complimentary limited meals, and a free T-shirt. Register here to receive the link. Learn more about the position and submit your application online.
Check your inbox for the National College Health Assessment
Check your email for a personal invitation to complete the National College Health Assessment and let your voice be heard. Results from the survey will help UHS better understand student health needs and will be used to develop new student wellness programming. All students who complete the survey will be entered into a random drawing to win a Kindle Paperwhite, Air Pods, a 32-inch TV, or a wellness kit with a Fit Bit, yoga mat, and yoga block. Four other winners will choose from a selection of Rochester gear from the bookstore. For more information, visit the UHS website.
Complete the sustainability planning survey
The University has launched a planning process to create its first-ever sustainability plan. The plan will include University-wide goals, to be approved by leadership, and high-level strategies to achieve those goals. It is being developed by a collaborative process that includes many constituents across the University. In addition to listening sessions with various stakeholder groups throughout the University, a brief survey has been developed to gather thoughts and ideas about sustainability efforts and practices across campus to help inform the planning efforts. The survey will only take a couple of minutes of your time to complete.
Your body is calling out for more fiber but you may be unsure of how to add more to your diet. Connect with a dietitian through Well-U’s group program, Nutrition Basics, or personalized program, Nutrition and You, to learn how.
Deadline extended to March 18 for research collaboration survey
Faculty members are encouraged to complete a brief online survey on research collaborations to help focus efforts to foster collaborative science and support emerging investigators and networks. Participants can request their results by contacting the Research Help Desk. The deadline for surveys to be submitted has been extended to Friday, March 18.
In recognition of Women’s History Month, attend a discussion with notable women leaders who have not only established themselves in their respective fields but are helping to transform their communities through activism and social justice work. On Thursday, March 24, at 6 p.m. EDT the panel will share how they have used their professional talents to effectively address barriers to equity and access, creating opportunities for others to follow in their footsteps. Learn more and register for the event, presented by the Office of Alumni Relations and Constituent Engagement in partnership with the Office of Equity and Inclusion, Diversity Advisory Council, and the University’s Women’s Network. You can also explore the REAL Conversations archive.
Public lecture with writer, climate change activist Amitav Ghosh
Award-winning novelist, essayist, and climate change activist Amitav Ghosh is the University’s 2021–22 Distinguished Visiting Humanist. He will deliver a free public lecture based on his latest book, The Nutmeg’s Curse: Parables for a Planet in Crisis, on Thursday, April 7, at 5 p.m. in the Hawkins-Carlson Room, Rush Rhees Library. Ghosh traces today’s planetary crisis back to the discovery of the New World and the sea route to the Indian Ocean. At the center of his narrative is the now-ubiquitous spice nutmeg, with its history of conquest and exploitation—of both human life and the natural environment. Learn more and register.
Satcher Awards feature lecture on mental health equity
The 13th annual Dr. David Satcher Community Health Improvement Awards, hosted virtually by the Center for Community Health & Prevention, will be held at noon EDT on Monday, April 4. Sidney Hankerson, vice chair for community engagement in the Department of Psychiatry and director of mental health equity research at the Institute for Health Equity Research at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, will present “Leveraging Community Engagement to Promote Mental Health Equity.” This year’s awardees will also be honored for their significant contributions to the health of our community through research, teaching, practice, and service programs. Register today.
Zero-Cost Hero: Kristana Textor
This week, River Campus Libraries is recognizing individuals who are championing resources that are low- or no-cost and are easily accessible. Digital media studies instructor Kristana Textor uses open-source material in her classroom as a way to bridge the gap between traditional scholarship and the general public. Textor frequently uses films, TV shows, and video games as part of her course materials. Read her profile to find out why she likes to think beyond the textbook and learn about other Zero-Cost Heroes.
Stop by the Shops@WilCo
Support the fundraising efforts of Rochester student organizations by visiting the Shops@WilCo on the first floor of Wilson Commons. The Shops are open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. This week features stickers, T-shirts, boba, baked goods, and more.
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