James McGrath, the William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Biomedical Engineering and director of the Translational Center for Barrier Microphysiological Systems, leads a team that develops and leverages tissue chips to study diseases where two different types of tissue meet, including at the blood-brain barrier. A pair of recent studies used the chips to identify how the blood-brain barrier breaks down under serious threats, which could lead to new treatments to keep brains healthy.

Are you a manager or in a supervisory role? Join Well-U and UR Medicine EAP on Wednesday, October 15, at noon to learn about the prevalence of stress, depression, and anxiety in the workplace, and what you can do to help a struggling employee. Search “EAP Supervisor Series” in MyPath to register.

University President Sarah Mangelsdorf invites employees to the fall employee social at the George Eastman Museum on Tuesday, November 4, at 5 p.m. Reserve your spot and drop in anytime during the evening to explore the museum, connect with colleagues, and enjoy heavy appetizers and drinks. Space is limited.

The Clinical and Translational Science Institute is seeking a faculty lead for its recruitment and retention function, which aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of participant recruitment and retention in health research studies, ultimately translating discoveries into interventions that enhance the health of communities and populations. The ideal candidate will be an experienced, NIH-funded investigator with a strong track record of recruiting participants into health-related research studies. Interested candidates should submit their CV and a statement of interest to Jane Tolbert by October 31.

This experience will help you relax and unwind and give you the time to take in the autumn sights across the URochester campus and riverfront areas. Expect short activities, breathing exercises, and an awakening of the senses. Open to all students, staff, and faculty, this event will be held on October 13. Meet at the Wilson Commons front porch by 5 p.m. to leave with the group. Comfy shoes and a weather-appropriate outdoor coat are all you need.

Considering a career helping individuals and families struggling with relationship conflict, parenting, or mental health challenges? The Department of Psychiatry hosts several virtual open houses for those interested in pursuing a master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy. Find open house dates, times, and locations, and register to attend.

Join the Warner School of Education and Human Development for a virtual information session on Thursday, October 16, from 8 to 9 a.m. Discover graduate program options, learn about scholarship opportunities, and explore Warner’s rolling admissions process. Register to attend.

Tilar Mazzeo, coeditor of the journal Blake/An Illustrated Quarterly and a New York Times bestselling author, will be visiting URochester October 20 through 24 for a series of events, including a film screening at the Little Theatre, a writing lecture, and a workshop. Follow the links for event details.

This is a free, half-day silent meditation retreat for students, faculty, and staff interested in a more immersive meditation experience. Engage in contemplative practices such as walking meditations, mindful eating, and sound healing cofacilitated by Mindful University Project meditation and yoga teachers. Prior meditation experience is not necessary. Space is limited; register to reserve your spot on Saturday, October 25, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Spurrier Dance Studio.

Looking for a way to level up your business toolkit in a short, flexible format? Simon’s microcredentials are 0.5-credit online courses taught by expert faculty. URochester employee tuition benefits are accepted. Learn more about the courses and apply now. You can also explore current topics in AI and business and learn more about upcoming microcredential options at a virtual session on Wednesday, October 15, from 12:30 to 1 p.m.

Reducing maternal mortality, alleviating the effects of poverty, and decreasing stress and anxiety are the core focuses of the 2025–27 Monroe County community health improvement plan, coordinated out of the Center for Community Health & Prevention. This is a collaborative effort between the area health care systems, Monroe County Department of Public Health, and community partners.

Students interested in cultural experiences, spiritual development, support services, or simply having fun can stop by the International Services Office Community Resource Fair on Friday, October 10, from 2 to 4 p.m. in Hirst Lounge, Wilson Commons.

Health Promotion offers an online program, Sex Ed 101, for students to learn the basics of sexual health.

Students can also learn about BDSM and discuss the importance of consent and safety at an event on Tuesday, October 21, at 7 p.m. in the Gowen Room. Registration is encouraged but not required. Presented by Health Promotion, the Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center, and Title IX Office.

Earlier this week, three scientists received the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physics for demonstrating that quantum effects—specifically, quantum tunneling—can appear in larger, visible systems, not just tiny particles. URochester researchers, including Machiel Blok, an assistant professor of physics and astronomy, are exploring the same quantum phenomena highlighted by the Nobel Prize–winning work, both to study fundamental physics and to develop new quantum technologies.

Cheer on Rochester’s varsity teams at home contests scheduled for this coming week. Find more information on the Athletics website calendar and social media channels. Events are weather-dependent and subject to change.

Saturday, October 11

• Women’s rowing (Head of the Genesee), 10 a.m.
• Football vs. Hilbert College, noon