February 3, 2025

Mark Buckley holds papers and gestures at a chalkboard full of equations during a biomechanics class.

University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster

Dear members of the Hajim School community,

Associate Professor Mark Buckley lives by the credo that biomedical engineering may not be for everyone, but everyone should have the chance to study it. His inspiring commitment to University of Rochester students and the greater Rochester area community earned him this year’s Goergen Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching, the University’s highest award for teaching.

You just need to watch Mark talk for 90 seconds about why we wake up taller than when we went to sleep to get a sense of his dynamic teaching approach and the passion he has for his craft.

Please join me in congratulating Mark on this wonderful accomplishment and read this terrific profile about him on the News Center.

ALUMNA GRACE STENSLAND ’23 HELPS EARN EMMY AND GOLDEN REEL NOMINATIONS

A portrait of Grace Stensland smiling with text overlaid that says, "Grace Stensland '23; Film and Media STudies, BA; Audio and Music Engineering, minor."

Congratulations to Grace Stensland ’23, who helped earn Emmy and MPSE Golden Reel nominations for two projects this year. Grace, who minored in audio and music engineering while at Rochester, now works at Sound Rebels, where she contributed to some terrific animation projects.

As a sound effects editor for “Orion and the Dark,” a Dreamworks feature streaming on Netflix, Grace contributed to a project that received an Emmy Nomination for Sound Mixing and Sound Editing for an Animated Program PLUS an MPSE Golden Reel Nomination for Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing – Non-Theatrical Animation.

Grace also worked as a foley editor on “Jurassic World: Chaos Theory” (also streaming on Netflix), which earned an MPSE Golden Reel Nomination for Outstanding Achievement in Sound Editing – Broadcast Animation.

Fabulous work!

FOR STUDENTS: SEATS AVAILABLE IN COURSE TO DESIGN YOUR LIFE

A graphic that says, "Design Your Life and Career. Maximize your time at Rochester by registering for CASC 104)."

Hajim students still have time to register for a unique course that will help you chart your path in life. CASC 104: Design Your Life is a 1-credit, 8-week course that will help you identify your interests and skills, craft career options that are unique to your goals, and take advantage of the resources and experiences available at Rochester early on. You will also connect with engineering alumni and have an opportunity to attend a talk by our school’s namesake, Trustee Ed Hajim ’58.

The Engineering Edition is section 7 and takes place from 10:20-11:50 on Wednesdays starting this week. Register through UR Student. Find more information at the Greene Center website.

FOR ALUMNI: JOIN THE MELIORA COLLECTIVE MENTORSHIP PROGRAM

A blue graphic with text that says "The Meliora Collective."

The Office of Alumni Relations & Constituent Engagement is looking for more alumni to join the Meliora Collective Mentorship Program. This virtual program brings enthusiastic undergraduate and graduate students, alumni, faculty, staff, and parents together in a unique partnership to support both student and alumni mentees in achieving their personal and professional short and long-term goals.

The 3-month program includes 4–5 meetings with your assigned mentee, resources to help you learn more about being a mentor, resources to help mentees identify short- and long-term goals, and discussion prompts for conversations. The registration deadline is Sunday, February 9. Learn more and register on the Meliora Collective website.

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR PRESIDENTIAL AWARDS FOR INCLUSIVE EXCELLENCE

The annual Presidential Awards for Inclusive Excellence recognize leaders and organizations at all levels of the University community and throughout Greater Rochester who embody the climate and culture of inclusion, excellence, and belonging. Nominations are open in categories honoring faculty, staff, students, departments and teams, bargaining groups, and community members and organizations. Submit nominations online through Wednesday, February 12. The awards are sponsored by the Office of the President and the Office of Equity and Inclusion.

FOLLOW THE HAJIM SCHOOL ON SOCIAL MEDIA

The Hajim School has become more active on social media, and I encourage you to follow us for the latest news, groundbreaking research, spotlights on our students, faculty, and alumni, and much more. You can find us on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, Bluesky, X, and YouTube.

Have a great week!

Your dean,
Wendi Heinzelman