January 16, 2024

Close-up of tweezers holding µSiM chip of the kind University of Rochester's Translational Center for Barrier Microphysiological Systems (TraCe-bMPS).

(University of Rochester photography / J. Adam Fenster)

Dear members of the Hajim School community,

I’m happy to share that the National Institutes of Health awarded researchers from the Department of Biomedical Engineering and the University of Rochester Medical Center a $7.5 million grant to establish the Translational Center for Barrier Microphysiological Systems (TraCe-bMPS) at Rochester in partnership with Duke University. The center aims to develop five Food and Drug Administration–qualified drug development tools related to study barrier functions in disease—interfaces in tissue that are critical for the progression of infection, cancer, and many autoimmune disorders.

The TraCe-bMPS scientists will create the drug development tools using microphysiological systems—small chips with ultrathin membranes of human cells. They will be built using the modular, mass-producible µSiM chips pioneered by center director Jim McGrath, the William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Biomedical Engineering.

The leadership team also includes Hani Awad, Ben Miller, and Joan Adamo from URMC as well as George Truskey, the R. Eugene and Susie E. Goodson Distinguished Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Duke University. Learn more about the exciting new initiative at the News Center.

INTELLIGENT IMAGING SERIES KICKS OFF JANUARY 25

A graphic that says "CoE in Data Science and CEIS Center for Emerging & Innovative Sciences PRESENT INTELLIGENT IMAGING; EXPLORING THE INTERSECTION OF AI AND ELECTRONIC IMAGING"

The Center for Emerging and Innovative Sciences and the Center of Excellence in Data Science are kicking off a series of events titled Intelligent Imaging to explore the intersection of imaging and artificial intelligence. The series will showcase Rochester’s rich legacy in imaging and how the region’s combination of industrial and academic expertise makes us well-positioned to lead in this area.

The Hajim School’s own Jiebo Luo, a professor of computer science and the Albert Arendt Hopeman Professor of Engineering, will be featured in the first panel on January 25. The event is free and open to the public and takes place from 4-5 p.m. at the Larry and Cindy Bloch Alumni and Advancement Center. An hourlong networking session will follow. Register now.

INSTITUTE FOR HUMAN HEALTH AND THE ENVIRONMENT

An illustration of many hands surrounding the Earth

I’d like to share a potential opportunity for faculty to engage in transdisciplinary collaboration. With an emphasis on research, education, and engagement, the Institute for Human Health and the Environment (IHHE) brings together teams from across the University to improve our understanding of environmental impacts on health across the lifespan, transform knowledge into actions and policies that will directly improve health, and engage with community members to design and implement solutions. Areas of focus include climate change and health, environmental justice, how water and air pollution impact health, and how environmental experiences at one point in life influence health later in life.

The IHHE offers funding and other opportunities to help you build new research and other scholarly activities. Preliminary proposals are being accepted for Research Catalyst Funds up to $50,000 for one year to investigate how environmental factors influence human health. Look for an announcement about Capacity Building Project applications in early 2024; applications will be accepted two times each year.

Visit the IHHE website to learn more, and contact Gaby Cuadra if you are interested in getting involved or want to sign up to become an IHHE Affiliate. Becoming an IHHE Affiliate affords the following benefits:

Elevated cross-campus visibility
Increased opportunities for collaboration and networking
Enhanced access and advanced knowledge of events, such as workshops, symposia, Seminars, and funding opportunity announcements
Matching with students interested in research experience
Directed information about funding opportunities

REVAMPED HAJIM WEBSITE LAUNCHES

A pumpkin launches through the air just after being fired from a blue and yellow cannon.

(University of Rochester photography / J. Adam Fenster)

Lastly, we have refreshed the main Hajim School website to modernize its look and feel, make content easier to find, and showcase what makes a Hajim School education unique. Visit the new Hajim homepage.

Have a great week!

Your dean,
Wendi Heinzelman