January 24, 2022
Marc Porosoff, assistant professor of chemical engineering, works with students Adel Fadhul, Jiola Paco and Ubanni Opashi all ’25 as they set up and test equipment this past fall in Marc’s Introduction to Sustainable Energy class. (Photo by J. Adam Fenster/University of Rochester)
Dear members of the Hajim School community,
I urge our faculty and staff members who have innovative ideas for a new or revised course or program for our undergraduates–especially for first- and second-year students–to apply for a Wadsworth C. Sykes Faculty Engineering Award ranging from $2,500 to $30,000.
Proposals are due March 1.
The award has enabled many exciting teaching innovations and student opportunities over the years. For example, a $15,000 Sykes Award allowed Marc Porosoff, assistant professor of chemical engineering, and two of his teaching assistants to develop a new lab experiment and support group projects focused on solar heating as part of Marc’s CHE 150: Introduction to Sustainable Energy class. This garnered great reviews from students who took this “reimagined” class last fall.
Other examples of recent projects include:
- Developing a diversity and inclusion curriculum for BME 101: Intro to Biomedical Engineering, by Kanika Vats, assistant professor, and Danielle Daniels, director of diversity in STEM at the Kearns Center.
- Adapting ME 160, an introductory course on engineering computation, to increase active learning and improve student learning specifically around the programming basics, by Laura Slane, assistant professor of mechanical engineering.
- Developing a new undergraduate course titled “Design for Future Reality” that provides undergraduates the concept, principles, methods, and special topics of AR/VR and related technologies, by Zhen Bai, assistant professor of computer science.
Proposals, not to exceed three pages, should include a one paragraph abstract of the project along with details on program content, budget and budget justification, and the benefit for Hajim School students. Submit proposals via email to Tim Woodward, director of finance and administration. Questions? Feel free to contact Tim or associate dean Paul Funkenbusch.
CHAMPIONS OF DIVERSITY
Please join me in congratulating this year’s recipients of our University’s Presidential Stronger As One Diversity Awards, announced last week. The awards honor faculty, staff, students, the Greater Rochester Community, and a member of the Board of Trustees whose actions, activities, and accomplishments support our five institutional equity, diversity, and inclusion priorities toward making the University a welcoming and inclusive environment. What an outstanding group of recipients! Learn more.
I also would like to draw attention to the following Hajim School nominees:
Astrid Müller and Marvin Doyley.
Astrid Müller, assistant professor of chemical engineering, founded and chairs the Chemical Engineering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Committee. This past summer she was instrumental in building awareness of the work of this committee by creating highly visible web content. She also completely overhauled the department’s website, including pages such as this one, to reflect the essence of diversity, equity, and inclusion. She initiated and continues to organize the department’s annual DEI Panel on Equity and Inclusion in Chemical Engineering, and initiated a Chemical Engineering DEI Award to recognize outstanding alumni for their leadership roles in equity and inclusion. Astrid also practices what she preaches, welcoming a large proportion of underrepresented minority and women students in her research group.
Marvin Doyley, professor and chair of electrical and computer engineering, chartered the department’s DEI committee–which was also nominated–and a webpage to highlight its members and mission. The department now has a DEI Lending Library so faculty, staff, and students can learn more about diversity, equity, and inclusion. Marvin successfully applied for National Science Foundation funding for a Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program titled “Imaging in Medicine and Biology for Underrepresented Minorities,” which beings this year. Marvin has refreshed the ECE advisory board to include members from underrepresented groups and made efforts to increase engagement with and input from the board. Last year he moderated a Black History Month panel discussion titled “Experiences and Accomplishments of African Americans in Academic, Industry and Research.”
These are outstanding examples of the many ways we can work together to improve diversity, equity, and inclusion in the Hajim school. Great work, Astrid, Marvin, and all the alumni, faculty, staff, and students who have supported your efforts!
CONGRATULATIONS TO . . .
Matthias Banet, an optics PhD student, who has received the Dr. Jack Slater Award from the Directed Energy Professional Society. Matt’s research in the lab of Jim Fienup includes 3D imaging, image reconstruction, and wavefront sensing in deep turbulence. Currently, he is employing 3D imaging modalities and image reconstruction algorithms to improve tracking and aimpoint maintenance for distant targets in directed energy systems. Additionally, he is using digital holography to expand wavefront sensing and coherent imaging capabilities in deep turbulence. Well done, Matt!
STAFFING UPDATE
Kelly Johnson and Nick Valentino.
Alvin Lomibao, our assistant dean for undergraduate studies, is pleased to announce two staffing updates in the Hajim Dean’s Office.
After a search, Nick Valentino has been selected as the new Assistant Director of Hajim Undergraduate Programs. His primary focus will be on office strategy, operations/finance, and events/outreach; he will also maintain his advising cohort through the College Advising model. Among an exceptional slate of candidates, Nick stood out with his experience, existing relationships, and his sincerity (and track record) in wanting to help students find success. We will soon begin a search to fill his previous position (Academic Counselor-STEM Gems).
Kelly Johnson has been promoted to Assistant Director of Hajim Undergraduate Programs, with a primary focus on academic advising strategy and assessment. Kelly will support assessment efforts, especially those related to the College Advising model, hybrid/online student engagement, and student retention and graduation. She will be the new primary liaison with department undergraduate coordinators and oversee new staff training.
These are well deserved promotions for Nick and Kelly, who have served our students extraordinarily well!
LAST CALL . . .
. . . for alumni, parents, and students to register for the next round of the Meliora Collective Mentorship Program. This a great way for alumni and parents to provide invaluable career advice to our Hajim School undergrads and graduate students. If you’re interested in serving as a mentor, or would like to work with one as a mentee, click here to sign up by Thursday, January 27. Questions? Contact program manager Michelle Cavalcanti at michelle.cavalcanti@rochester.edu.
ALUMNI NEWS
Biomedical engineering alumna Joanne Wu ’02 ’06 (MD) was recently appointed Medical Group President at San Diego-based WithHealth Inc., a digital precision telehealth company for employers and their employees. Joanne will manage all WithHealth physicians in direct primary care, urgent care, and specialty care. In addition, she will oversee patient care and actively serve as a physician at WithHealth, offering proactive and preventative care to patients and their families. Joanne, who also earned an MBA at Capella University, is certified in medical acupuncture through Harvard Medical School. She has previously worked as an integrative spine rehabilitation physician with Rochester Regional Health, adjunct assistant professor in the Division of Medical Humanities at our Medical Center, telemedicine provider, and wellness consultant.
Have a great week!
Your dean,
Wendi Heinzelman
