The United States National Science Foundation announced it will award $15 million over the next two years to launch the NSF STELLAR Engine in the Rochester/Finger Lakes Region of New York, led by URochester. The award, matched by $16 million in New York State support over the next six years, will establish an internationally competitive technology and innovation cluster in the region focused on laser technologies, education, business expansion and attraction, manufacturing, and workforce development.

Teenagers need about nine hours of sleep each night for optimal learning, mood, and safety, but most are not getting enough. Heidi Connolly, a professor of pediatrics and chief of pediatric sleep medicine at Golisano Children’s, breaks down signs of sleep deprivation, common sleep problems, and habits that help teens get better sleep.

URochester requires all faculty and staff to complete annual training on identifying and responding to workplace harassment and discrimination. This training supports the University’s Meliora values and helps ensure compliance with state and federal law. Please complete the training in MyPath by October 30.

Summer is a perfect time to take a pulse on your health by completing your Personal Health Assessment, which includes two online health surveys and a biometric screening. Gain insight into your overall well-being and earn $150 upon completion.

On Thursday, July 16, the Bursar’s Office will close for the day at 11:30 a.m. Regular hours will resume on Friday, July 17.

Part recital and part immersive meditation, ignite your inner calm with an evening of sound and shadow at Memorial Art Gallery. Find tickets and more information here for the July 16 Mindful MAGiC: Candlelit Consciousness Concert.

On Friday, July 17, bring your unwanted personal documents to the Sustainability Office’s 16th annual Shred Fest in the Alumni and Advancement Center parking lot (300 E. River Rd.) between 6:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. URochester faculty, staff, students, alumni, and retirees can drop off up to five boxes or bags per person. To get a sneak peek and learn more about what the event is like, check out this video from last year.

Volunteers are also needed to help make Shred Fest a success. Sign up to volunteer for a shift. For questions about the event, contact sustainability@rochester.edu.

Enjoy the sounds of the Hopeman Memorial Carillon when the free summer carillon concert series kicks off on July 20, featuring guests from across North America. Evening performances are every Monday at 6:30 p.m. through August 10, and lunchtime recitals take place every Tuesday from noon to 12:30 p.m. throughout the summer.

The URochester Red Cross Club hosts a blood drive on Thursday, July 30, in the Eisenberg Rotunda within Schlegel Hall, from 1 to 6 p.m.

The Friends of Strong ice cream fundraiser will be held on August 5, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., on the lawn outside of the lower Golisano Children’s loop. Tickets are $7.50 and include two scoops of ice cream, with 22 percent of all proceeds benefiting patient care initiatives. Individual tickets are available in the gift shop, and 312 requisitions must be brought to the Friends of Strong office (1-1230) by 5 p.m. on August 4. Learn more here.

Poster submissions are welcome for the 14th Annual Palliative Care Collaborative of Rochester, scheduled for Friday, November 6, at the School of Medicine and Dentistry. Find details, deadlines, and guidelines.

US News & World Report, July 6

“Most people probably do underestimate the assets that they have,” says Daniel Burnside, a clinical professor of finance at Simon Business School. As far as excluding Social Security from retirement planning, “I think that’s overly conservative,” Burnside says. “It could cause them to do foolish things with their money.”