November 11, 2024
University of Rochester Laboratory for Laser Energetics photo / Eugene Kowaluk
A coalition led by the University is proposing an initiative to establish Rochester and the Finger Lakes as the epicenter of next-generation laser development through the National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines program. The University received a $1 million Regional Innovation Engines Development Award in 2023 to develop initial plans, and has now been invited to submit a full proposal to compete for up to $160 million in federal investment through the CHIPS & Science Act.
The project, titled Science, Technology, and Engineering of Lasers and Laser Applications Research (STELLAR), brings together various institutional, industrial, and business partners to lay the groundwork for establishing an innovation and economic hub built around laser innovation. The Rochester-led team is one of five from New York State selected to advance to the next stage of the second-ever competition. Proposals are due by February 2025.
I want to thank Thomas Brown, the director of the Institute of Optics and Jonathan Zuegel, a professor of optics and a distinguished scientist at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics for their leadership on this initiative, as well as US Senate Majority Leader Schumer, who sponsored the legislation, and US Representative Morelle, who has championed regional innovation for Rochester with his own legislation, the Innovation Centers Acceleration Act.
DUNCAN MOORE CELEBRATED FOR 50 YEARS OF SERVICE
Ria Tafani
The University recently celebrated the distinguished 50-year career of Duncan Moore, the Rudolf and Hilda Kingslake Professor of Optical Engineering. Duncan has had an incredible impact in academia, research, business, engineering, and government over the course of his five decades at the University.
In addition to his faculty appointments at the Institute of Optics, the Department of Biomedical Engineering, and the Simon Business School, he has held leadership responsibilities including serving as vice provost for entrepreneurship from 2007-2023, dean of the Hajim School from 1995-1997, and director of the Institute of Optics from 1987-1993.
He served as an associate director for technology in the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy from 1997 to 2000, advising President Bill Clinton on U.S. technology policies. He is the founder and former president of the Gradient Lens Corporation, the manufacturer of the high-quality, low-cost Hawkeye borescope. He also chaired the Hubble Independent Optical Review Panel, organized in 1990 to determine the correct prescription needed to repair the Hubble Space Telescope.
Duncan has advised more than 50 graduate students over the course of his career, many of whom came to campus for the special celebration in his honor. Congratulations, Duncan!
SUSANA MARCOS TO DELIVER PHELPS COLLOQUIUM LECTURE
University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster
Susana Marcos, the David R. Williams Director of the Center for Visual Science and Nicholas George Professor in Optics, will present a campus-wide lecture about the crucial role optics plays in advancing eye care. The talk is part of the Phelps Colloquium lecture series, which gives faculty opportunities to hear about research taking place campus-wide, spend time with colleagues outside their normal spheres, and promote cross-school and cross-discipline collaborations.
Susana’s talk will explore the latest advances in ophthalmic optics and envision the future of eye diagnostics and correction technologies. It takes place from 4-5:30 p.m. on Wednesday, November 20 at the Evarts Lounge in the School of Nursing. The talk will be preceded by a small reception and followed by an opportunity for informal discussion. RSVP on the Office of the Provost website.
MANY FACES IN TECH
The Women and Minorities in Computing (WiC-MiC) student organization will host Many Faces in Tech on Monday, November 11 in Wegmans Hall room 1201. The event features a chat with four women from Microsoft, AWS, IONQ, and Rebecca Everalene Trust Company, a tech for social good nonprofit.
Find out how a Software Engineer, Cloud and Infrastructure Engineer, Product Manager, and Data Analyst each approach problem-solving and innovation. Learn what skills these companies are really looking for, which field fits your passions, and how you can break in as a college student.
SCHWARTZ DISCOVER GRANT INFORMATION SESSIONS
Now is the time for students to begin thinking about applying for the Schwartz Discover Grant for Undergraduate Summer Research, sponsored by the Schwartz Undergraduate Research Fund, which supports immersive, full-time summer research experiences for undergraduate students at the University. The program’s goal is to help students get involved in research early in their academic careers and enhance their competitiveness for future fellowships and other advanced research opportunities.
The 2025 Schwartz Discover Grant application will open January 1, and the deadline is March 2. There are two upcoming info sessions and student panels to discuss grant eligibility, how to apply, and how to get started on written statements:
- In-person: 5-6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 12 in Dewey Hall room 2-162
- Virtual: 6-7 p.m. on Wednesday, December 4. Register on Zoom.
GDSC TO HOST FIRESIDE CHAT WITH JACK SWEENEY
The University’s Google Developer Student Club (GDSC) will host a fireside chat with Jack Sweeney, a software developer known for his high-profile aviation tracking projects, including CelebJets. Sweeney’s work—tracking private jets of public figures like Elon Musk and Taylor Swift—has sparked global discussions on privacy and transparency in the digital age. During this session, Sweeney will dive into his journey, the technical challenges he faced, and the ethical implications of tracking public data.
The event will take place from 12:35-1:45 p.m. on Thursday, November 14 in Lower Strong Auditorium. The event includes a Q&A session. Food will be provided for in-person attendees.
GAMING FOR ALL: A WOMEN IN GAMES CELEBRATION
The Digital Media Studies (DMS) Program is sponsoring a field trip to the Strong Museum of Play for their Women in Games event the evening of Thursday, November 14. “Gaming for All” is a special evening to celebrate and share the contributions of women, BIPOC, LGBTQIA+ communities, people with a disability, and other under-represented groups to the world of video games.
DMS is providing pizza, round trip shuttle service from River Campus, and admission to this event. All are welcome on the trip but you must RSVP to attend.
REGISTRATION OPEN FOR DANDYHACKS ’24
DandyHacks, the University’s 42-hour hackathon will take place this week from November 15-17 in the Feldman Ballroom. This is an opportunity for students to bring ideas to life and create exciting projects, experiment with new languages and technologies, attend fun activities and workshops, and win prizes. Learn more and apply at the DandyHacks website.
NSF I-CORPS REGIONAL COURSE FOR OPTICS AND PHOTONICS INNOVATORS
NSF I-Corps Regional Courses offer university-based STEM researchers and early-stage startup founders a chance to explore the market potential of their work and learn entrepreneurial skills. Training is provided online, and participants can be outside of the Rochester area. Participants learn to apply customer discovery methodology to evaluate the potential for translating their technology innovation from the lab into a successful product and/or service.
Researchers and early-stage startup founders working on optics or photonics technologies are invited to evaluate the market potential of your deep technology innovation, gain a deeper understanding of your industry, and learn valuable professional skills in a free, month-long I-Corps Regional Course. The University of Rochester in partnership with Dartmouth College is offering a hybrid course from January 6 to February 5 where a select group of researchers working on optics or photonics technologies will get out of their comfort zone and talk to customers at SPIE Photonics West conference to identify the best product-market fit.
The course begins online and culminates with a trip to San Francisco for SPIE Photonics West. Up to $5,000 (depending on team size) in travel reimbursement funding will be available for accepted teams. Apply by November 20. Contact Professor Jim Zavislan, the University’s NSF I-Corps Faculty Lead, if you have any questions.
FACULTY PROMOTION DISCUSSION SESSIONS
Hajim School faculty are invited to upcoming discussion sessions designed to provide information and support regarding the promotion process. Each session will focus on a different pathway, offering specific guidance and answering questions to help you navigate your career progression. Lunch will be provided. Registration is due November 15.
PREPARE FOR THE MYURHR LAUNCH
In about a month, the University will have a new human resources information system replacing HRMS, called myURHR. myURHR is comprised of two systems, UKG (used for time reporting functions) and Workday (used for HR information-related tasks, such as viewing payslips and updating personal information). The new system will go live on December 16.
I strongly encourage all faculty, staff, and student workers to complete the necessary trainings. Please review the checklists on the Office of Human Resources website to make sure you are aware of key dates and deadlines, especially for payroll and new transactions in HRMS.
The Hajim School Dean’s office is here to provide support and assist with training as needed. Thuy Tran, Jessica Stevens, and Emily Prinzi will offer dedicated office hours the week of go-live.
SHARE WHAT YOU THINK ABOUT @ROCHESTER
University Marketing & Communications wants you to help improve the @Rochester newsletter by sharing your thoughts in a brief survey. The goal is to gain a deeper understanding of your views about @Rochester, how you prefer to engage with content, and what kinds of content you’d like to see moving forward. Your feedback will help to improve the newsletter and make it more engaging for the Rochester community. The survey takes about five minutes to complete, and you can enter to win some Rochester swag at the end.
HAPPY VETERANS DAY
Happy Veterans Day! The University will honor those in our community who have served in the U.S. military and acknowledge their contributions during the annual Veterans Recognition Ceremony this morning.
Have a great week!
Your dean,
Wendi Heinzelman
