October 21, 2024
University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster
Dear members of the Hajim School community,
Scientists from our Department of Biomedical Engineering and the University of Rochester Medical Center are partnering for an exciting project to develop advanced tools to understand and treat neurological symptoms such as brain fog associated with respiratory diseases like influenza.
The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), part of the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response (ASPR) within the US Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), awarded a three-year contract to a team led by principal investigator Benjamin Miller, a Dean’s Professor of Dermatology with joint appointments in biomedical engineering, biochemistry and biophysics, optics, and materials science. They will develop a technology to model respiratory disease effects on the brain and test therapeutic drugs to prevent and treat symptoms. The base-year is funded at $2.4 million with two option years which, if fully funded, would total $7.1 million.
The project builds on work at Rochester’s recently established Translational Center for Barrier Microphysiological Systems (TraCe-bMPS) to build FDA-qualified drug development tools for studying the body’s barrier functions in combating disease. The center was created earlier this year with a $7.5 million grant from the National Institutes of Health.
Co-investigator James McGrath, the William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Biomedical Engineering and director of TraCe-bMPS, has been using microphysiological systems to study the mechanism by which inflammatory factors can enter the brain through the circulation and cause injury. The new BARDA-funded project will link two of Jim’s modular, mass-producible chips specialized to mimic different organs.
Congratulations to Ben, Jim, and the entire team! Learn more about this exciting project at the News Center.
HOW AI IS POWERING THE FUSION REVOLUTION
University of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics photo / Jacob Deats
Scientists from the Hajim School and the Laboratory for Laser Energetics are using artificial intelligence to bring fusion research into sharper focus. The OMEGA Laser Facility at LLE is the world’s largest laser in an academic setting, so to harness the incredible amounts of data it produces—and to accelerate fusion research in the United States more generally—LLE scientists are increasingly turning to AI and similar advanced computing technologies.
An in-depth feature on the News Center explores how AI is being used as a new tool to improve the design of inertial confinement fusion experiments, with insight from LLE Director Chris Deeney and Hajim School researchers including Christopher Kanan, Riccardo Betti, Varchas Gopalaswamy ’21 (PhD), and Valeri Goncharov. Read more at the News Center.
KAAN AYTEKIN ’25 RECEIVES APS BEST POSTER AWARD
Congratulations to mechanical engineering student Kaan Aytekin ’25, who won a Best Poster Award at the 2024 APS Division of Plasma Physics meeting. His presentation, entitled “Fast Free-Free Absorption Coefficient Calculations Including Plasma Screening,” was selected from more than 100 other student posters. Only five presentations at the conference received this award.
Kaan is a member of the Laboratory for Laser Energetics Undergraduate Education Program and is advised by LLE Scientist Nathaniel Shaffer. Learn more about his research at the LLE website.
SECOND ANNUAL WOMEN AND DIVERSITY IN INDUSTRY SPEAKER
Women and Minorities in Computing (WiC-MiC) and the Greene Center for Career Education and Connections are hosting a moderated discussion and open Q&A with a Wells Fargo executive Sukhi Sahni from 6:30-7:30 on Tuesday, October 22 in Morey Hall room 321. WiC-MiC President Rhea Bharadwaj ’24 (business) will moderate the fireside chat, after which the floor will be open to questions from the audience.
This event is open anyone interested in business, technology, working for Wells Fargo, or the experiences of women, minorities, and international students interested in business and finance. Register on Handshake to attend.
LEARN ABOUT THE HABITABLE WORLDS OBSERVATORY
The Rochester Museum & Science Center will host a talk by Christopher Stark, an astronomer at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, October 23. He is currently Deputy Observatory Project Scientist for the James Webb Space Telescope and a member of the Technical Assessment Group studying NASA’s future space telescope, the Habitable Worlds Observatory.
This is a chance to hear about NASA’s plans to find planets around other stars, including some that could closely resemble Earth. This talk will review what we have accomplished so far in the search for new planets, highlighting the contributions from NASA’s space telescopes including Hubble and the James Webb Space Telescope. It will then present NASA’s future missions, including what may be the most ambitious space telescope ever considered: the recently announced Habitable Worlds Observatory. Learn more at the RMSC website.
THORLABS MOBILE PHOTONICS LAB VISITING CAMPUS
The ThorLabs Mobile Photonics Lab will be on campus from 12-4 p.m. on Thursday, October 24 and from 9 a.m. to noon on Friday, October 25. It will be parked just off the Hajim Quadrangle between Wilmot Building and Taylor Hall. The Thorlabs Mobile Photonics Lab offers students a hands-on experience with photonics equipment used to measure, study, and harness the power of light.
GOOGLE DEVELOPMENT STUDENT CLUB TO HOST PHIA DEVELOPERS
The Google Development Student Club will host a fireside chat with Phoebe Gates and Sophia Kianni, founders of Phia, a sustainability-minded fashion platform start-up. Gates is an activist, entrepreneur, and daughter of Bill and Melinda Gates.
The event takes place from 7-8 p.m. on Wednesday, October 30 in Goergen Hall room 101. The session will explore Gates and Kianni’s entrepreneurial journey and conclude with a Q&A. Pizza and snacks will be provided. Learn more on the GDG website.
FACULTY WORKSHOP ON WORKING WITH GRADUATE STUDENTS
The Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA) office will host a workshop designed to enhance faculty members’ abilities to work effectively with graduate students throughout their educational experience. Whether you mentor MS or PhD candidates, this workshop will provide you with practical strategies for fostering positive relationships, setting realistic expectations, and navigating common challenges in graduate supervision. Key topics will include:
- Setting Realistic Expectations: Learn how to establish clear, achievable goals for students at various stages of their academic career, balancing ambition with realistic timelines.
- Handling Difficult Situations: Explore approaches to managing conflicts, addressing performance issues, and supporting students through personal or academic struggles.
- Supporting Students Holistically: Discover ways to guide students not only in their research and coursework but also in their professional and personal development, helping them thrive throughout their graduate experience.
This interactive session will offer faculty valuable tools and resources to ensure that both they and their students are set up for success. The session is intended to help you build stronger, more supportive relationships with your graduate students! The event takes place 3:30-4:30 p.m. on Thursday, October 31 in Douglass 401. Email GEPA Assistant Dean Kris Lantzky-Eaton for questions.
Have a great week!
Your dean,
Wendi Heinzelman
