March 10, 2025
University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster
Dear members of the Hajim School community,
Last week when the film Mickey17 opened in theaters worldwide, it brought the words of a Hajim School alumnus to the big screen. The film, directed by Bong Joon-ho and starring Robert Pattinson, is based on the novel Mickey7 by Edward Ashton ’96 (PhD).
Ashton is an accomplished cancer researcher who studied electrical and computer engineering at Rochester and currently serves as ICON’s senior director for oncology imaging. But he has also been passionate about writing science fiction since he was a child. He recently published his sixth book, The Fourth Consort, and now his novel Mickey7 has served as the inspiration for one of the year’s most anticipated sci-fi films.
Ashton exemplifies that Hajim School alumni can excel both as engineers and as artists. Read about his fascinating journey from his roots in southern West Virginia to hitting the red carpet for the film’s world premiere.
DEVELOPING TECHNIQUES TO REMEDIATE FOREVER CHEMICALS
Concerns are mounting about the level of “forever chemicals” in drinking water supplies globally, and wastewater treatment plants can’t currently remove them all. Spectrum News recently interviewed Assistant Professor Astrid Müller from the Department of Chemical Engineering about her innovative approach to remediating forever chemicals including perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances.
Astrid is developing a PFAS remediation process using electrocatalysis that would have big advantages in cost and effectiveness compared to existing methods.
Watch the story on the Spectrum News website.
CENTER FOR FUNDAMENTAL AND APPLIED FLUID DYNAMICS
Last year, the University put out a call for proposals for new transdisciplinary centers and institutes and 42 teams of Rochester researchers submitted proposals. Ten were selected to receive planning awards and are now refining their plans for final proposals for full-scale funding.
Better Things: The Boundless Possibility blog recently provided an overview of the Center for Fundamental and Applied Fluid Dynamics. The co-leads include:
- Rachel Glade, assistant professor of earth and environmental sciences and mechanical engineering
- Jessica Shang, associate professor of mechanical engineering and staff scientist at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE)
- Petros Tzeferacos, associate professor of physics and astronomy and senior scientist at LLE
- Hussein Aluie, professor of mechanical engineering and senior scientist at LLE
- Eric Blackman, professor of physics and astronomy and distinguished scientist at LLE
- Erin Black, assistant professor of earth and environmental sciences
- Thomas Weber, associate professor of earth and environmental sciences
- Douglas H. Kelley, professor of mechanical engineering and senior scientist at LLE
The team aims to make the University a national hub for fluids research. Their proposed transdisciplinary center would take down the barriers between fields and leverage Rochester’s strengths in biomechanics; earth, planetary, and astrophysical sciences; and plasma physics to fuel fluids research and enable greater exploration of existing frontiers.
Learn more about their vision at the Boundless Possibility blog.
ED HAJIM ’58 DELIVERING VIRTUAL TALK TO STUDENTS MARCH 21
Students can get important advice from the Hajim School’s namesake during a virtual event titled, “Lessons on How to Chart Your Path.” Ed Hajim ’58 will share his perspective on how to embrace curiosity early in your academic journey, build relationships, and begin to explore pathways that align with your interests and values.
Ed is a University of Rochester trustee emeritus, author of On the Road Less Traveled and Island of the Four Ps, and previous chairman of the University of Rochester board. In recognition of his generosity, the University named the Edmund A. Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences in his honor in 2009. His message of exploration, connecting with others, and discovering your path is powerful and I encourage students from all class years to attend.
The event takes place from 5-6 p.m. Friday, March 21 on Zoom. Register on Handshake.
APPROACHES TO CREATING AN INCLUSIVE STEM ENVIRONMENT
I look forward to joining a panel of expert alumnae for a Career Conversation webinar on breaking down barriers and fostering inclusion in STEM fields. The virtual event takes place from noon to 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, March 19.
Moderated by alumni career coach Carole Curley ’87, this discussion will focus on enhancing representation in STEM by addressing challenges that impact access, opportunity, and career advancement. Following the Q&A we will have breakout discussion groups facilitated by fellow alumnae. Joining me on the panel will be:
- Doreen Harris ’96, President and CEO of NYSERDA
- Jennifer Allen ’97, ’10S (MBA), Managing Director for ImpactVest Giving
- Jeanine Hayes ’92, Vice President of Global Innovation Labs for Nike
Register for the event here.
REMINDER: ENTER THE ART OF SCIENCE COMPETITION
The deadline for the 2025 Ed and Barbara Hajim Art of Science competition is nearly here. All submissions must be in by Sunday, March 16th at 11:59pm for the chance to win $1,000.
- Photographs, illustrations, visualizations, renderings, and posters are welcome.
- Entries must connect to the theme of STEM.
- Entries must be large, high-resolution images (300 dpi) in JPEG format and at least 3,000 pixels wide on the longest edge.
- The competition is open to students, faculty, and staff of the University of Rochester.
Submit your entry on the Art of Science website.
HAJIM STAFF AND PARTNERS RECOGNIZED AS UR STARS
Congratulations to the Hajim School staff members and partners who were recently recognized by others at the University as UR Stars who embody Meliora values. UR Stars is a University-wide employee recognition platform designed to reinforce a culture of appreciation and collectively celebrate achievements together across the University, strengthening our shared values as “One University.”
The Hajim School staff members and partners recognized in January include Emma Derisi (Hajim Dean’s Office), Andrea Duffy (Arts and Sciences and Hajim), Dominique Edwards (Pathology & Laboratory Medicine), and Bonnie Lipari (Biomedical Engineering). Recognize a colleague today.
Have a great week!
Your dean,
Wendi Heinzelman
