February 17, 2025
University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster
Dear members of the Hajim School community,
Cybercriminals are finding increasingly cunning ways to scam people into unwittingly divulging their private information, but a team of researchers from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering have developed a promising safeguard against one of the latest trends—QR code-based phishing attacks known as “quishing.”
Professor Gaurav Sharma and Assistant Professor of Instruction Irving Barron have engineered a new form of QR codes that can protect smartphone users from these types of attacks by signaling if users are being directed to a safe link or a potential scam. The technology is outlined in a new study published in the journal IEEE Security & Privacy.
Gaurav and Irving have been exploring opportunities to commercialize the technology, working with UR Ventures to file a patent for their codes and securing a National Science Foundation I-Corps grant to explore industry applications. Learn more about the project at the News Center.
XI-CHENG ZHANG RECOGNIZED WITH EDWIN LAND MEDAL
Congratulations to Xi-Cheng Zhang, the M. Parker Givens Professor of Optics, who was named a recipient of the 2025 Edwin H. Land Medal, presented jointly by Optica and the Society for Imaging Science and Technology (IS&T).
The medal recognizes pioneering work empowered by scientific research to create inventions, technologies and products. X-C was honored “for pioneering advancements in terahertz photonics, transformative technologies impacting diverse industries, entrepreneurial success in commercializing THz tools globally, and dedication to mentoring future scientific leaders.”
Read about X-C and his accomplishments at the Optica website.
SUSANA MARCOS FEATURED ON TECH ENTREPRENEURSHIP PODCAST
UR Ventures recently launched Tech Hustle & Buzzle, a new podcast featuring interviews with passionate technology entrepreneurs. Hosted by Dina Uzri, assistant director of new ventures technology development, the podcast offers insight and advice from experienced startup founders, academic entrepreneurs, investors, and business leaders from Western New York and the Finger Lakes.
The latest episode features Susana Marcos, the David R. Williams Director of the Center for Visual Science, the Nicholas George Professor in Optics, and a professor of ophthalmology at Rochester. They discuss Susana’s academic journey, her pioneering work in developing new technologies for eye evaluation, and the challenges of commercializing these innovations.
Previous guests include Jim McGrath, the William R. Kenan Jr. Professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Darren Lipomi, chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering. Listen to the podcast on Spotify or Apple Music.
HUANG SPEAKER SERIES IN TECHNOLOGY AND INNOVATION FEATURING DOUG KELLEY
University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster
I’m excited to moderate an upcoming webinar for the University of Rochester alumni community featuring Professor Doug Kelley from the Department of Mechanical Engineering. Doug will deliver a virtual talk titled “Cleaning Up the Aging Brain” from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, February 20 as part of the Huang Speaker Series in Technology and Innovation.
Doug will discuss the University’s groundbreaking work exploring the fluid that surrounds and permeates the brain, which plays a crucial role in brain health. The talk will highlight new insights into swelling during strokes, a potential technique for targeted drug delivery, and promising experiments using existing drugs to enhance brain fluid circulation, even as we age. Register for the webinar.
REMINDER: ED AND BARBARA HAJIM ART OF SCIENCE COMPETITION
Submissions have begun to roll in for the annual Ed and Barbara Hajim Art of Science Competition. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to submit artistic representations of science, technology, engineering, math, and sustainable themes.
The contest offers cash prizes, and the winning entries will be displayed in the Carlson Library. The deadline to submit is Sunday, March 16. Learn more on the Art of Science webpage.
PEER TO PEER INTERNSHIP FAIR AND PANEL
Hajim School students interested in pursuing summer internships are encouraged to stop by an internship fair and panel hosted by the Greene Center from 3-4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 21. The event will feature a panel of current students and alumni working in the field who have completed internships and are eager to share their stories.
After the panel, attendees will have the opportunity to connect with student hosts from Hajim departments to learn more about their internship experiences, the search processes, job functions, and what their next steps should be in securing their own summer internship. Prizes and a dessert bar will be available.
The event takes place in the May Room in Wilson Commons. See the list of panelists and register for the event on Handshake.
GRADUATING STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO COMPLETE CAREER OUTCOMES SURVEY
The Gwen M. Greene Center for Career Education and Connections would like graduating students who have already confirmed their plans for after graduation to complete the Career Outcomes Survey.
- The results inform a Career Outcomes dashboard that allows both prospective and current students the ability to see where certain degree may take them.
- It helps others understand who our top employers and continuing education programs are.
- It also assists in the fight for pay equity by showing all students what starting salaries may look like.
- Finally, the information informs the national and international discourse on undergraduate degree outcomes, showing what’s going well, and what needs further support.
Complete the 5-minute survey on Handshake.
GUIDELINES CREATED FOR THE USE OF AI
The education subcommittee of the University of Rochester AI Council recently released new guidelines for the use of generative AI in teaching and learning. The guidelines recognize the “rapidly evolving landscape of generative artificial intelligence” and provide guidance on several issues, including student learning, privacy protection, policy development, and academic honesty, among others. Students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to review the guidelines and to be familiar with the requirements and best practices for use of AI in coursework and instruction. More information is available on the Artificial Intelligence at Rochester website.
Have a great week!
Your dean,
Wendi Heinzelman
