Advances in gene editing technologies have unlocked new potential for treating diseases, but they also carry a risk of unpredictable effects. Bioethicist Lainie Friedman Ross, the Mark and Lois Taubman Distinguished Professor of Health Humanities and Bioethics, emphasizes that we must approach gene editing carefully, ensuring it’s done in an ethically and scientifically sound way.

The recipients of the 2026 Goergen Awards for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching are being recognized for outstanding teaching and innovation. Read more about what sets them apart:

• Laurel Carney: Stacking her deck for undergraduate success
• Benjamin Hafensteiner: Helping students connect the dots
• Thomas Howard: Find big problems that will keep you challenged

URochester Medicine faculty interested in applying to the Academy of Educators are invited to attend an info session on Friday, October 30, from noon to 1 p.m. on Zoom. Academy leaders will review the application process and answer questions from attendees.

Have a quick money question? Want to feel more confident about retirement? Meet one-on-one with a financial coach through MMA Prosper Wise at no cost, in person or virtually. Plus, anyone in your household can use this benefit with you, making it easier to stay aligned on shared financial goals. Get started here.

Looking for ways to make the most of Blackboard? Discover tools and strategies to support your teaching in this month’s Blackboard newsletter, which highlights the latest release features and offers practical tips for using Blackboard Assignments and Tests.

Early voting for the US midterm elections starts Saturday, October 24, in New York State. Those registered to vote in Monroe County can vote early at one of several locations, including the nearby Staybridge Suites at 1000 Genesee Street. It’s not too late to register to vote in New York State—eligible citizens can register to vote through this Saturday and still cast a ballot in this election cycle. For further information, contact the Center for Community Engagement (CCE) in Lattimore Hall, Room 107, or the Monroe County Board of Elections.

Join a free corn-dusting screen-printing workshop on Wednesday, October 28, with Mizin Shin, an associate professor of art. Participants will create and take home a print featuring a design from Shin’s artwork, currently on view in The Psychological Ledger at Hartnett Gallery. Drop by Hirst Lounge in Wilson Commons anytime between 1 and 2 p.m. No experience is necessary.

Discuss clinical, translational, and basic science research related to microbial pathogens, commensals, and immunity at the second annual Infectious Diseases and Immunity Symposium on Monday, November 2, in the Class of ’62 Auditorium (G-9425), Health Sciences Campus. The event will emphasize research at the intersection of infection, immunity, and human disease. Registration is required.

A team from the Rutgers University Genetics Coordinating Study will describe their study design and recruitment approaches for research studies on the genetics of breast cancer, blood cancer, kidney diseases, and pulmonary hypertension. The virtual event on Monday, November 2, from noon to 1 p.m., is hosted by the Trial Innovation Network and is made available to the URochester community via the Clinical and Translational Science Institute.

The University offers a streamlined path into one of Simon Business School’s full-time MS programs through the Business Master’s Pathway. URochester students can apply during their junior year and will receive a guaranteed 40 percent tuition scholarship if admitted. Learn more at a webinar on Tuesday, October 27, at noon.