March 24, 2025

University of Rochester graduate student adjusts a confocal microscope in an optics lab.

University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster

Dear members of the Hajim School community,

Hajim School researchers are leading the way on some incredible advancements in nanotechnology. Recently, a team led by Nick Vamivakas, the Marie C. Wilson and Joseph C. Wilson Professor of Optical Physics, found that by taking two flakes of special materials that are just one atom thick and twisting them at high angles, they unlocked unique optical properties that could be used in quantum computers and other quantum technologies.

In a new study published in Nano Letters, the researchers show that precisely layering nano-thin materials creates artificial atoms that can act as quantum information bits, or qubits.

Read about Nick and his team’s fascinating research at the News Center.

JOSEPH W. AND HONMAI GOODMAN DISTINGUISHED PROFESSORSHIP OF OPTICS

A medium closeup of Joe and Honmai Goodman with a feathered white background.

We continue to make tremendous progress in fulfilling the Wyant Challenge, a $12 million matching fund established in 2022 to create 10 endowed professorships in 10 years. I’m delighted to share that optical physicist Joseph “Joe” Goodman and his wife, Honmai, have established a new endowed fund, the Joseph W. and Honmai Goodman Distinguished Professorship of Optics at the Institute of Optics. Their generous $800,000 gift is being matched by $1.2 million from the Wyant Challenge.

Joe Goodman is a highly regarded optical physicist recognized for his pioneering contributions to Fourier optics and optical information processing. His research in holography, digital image processing, statistical optics, and speckle phenomena has influenced many, including Jim Fienup, the Robert E. Hopkins Professor of Optics at Rochester, who was one of Joe’s PhD advisees at Stanford.

Thank you to the Goodmans for this transformative gift! Read more on the Advancement website.

BAJA CAR UNVEILED

Students stand beside a Baja SAE car in the atrium of Rettner Hall.

University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster

Our Baja SAE team has been hard at work to build their new car and prepare it for competition. On Friday, the team unveiled the car at the Rettner Hall atrium.

The team will travel to Arizona at the end of the semester to compete against 77 teams from the United States, Canada, Mexico and India. Congratulations to the team for preparing an impressive car and good luck at the competition later this semester!

VOTE FOR THE ART OF SCIENCE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

Graphic that says "Ed and Barbara Hajim Art of Science Competition."

More than 60 pieces of art were submitted to the 2025 Ed and Barbara Hajim Art of Science Competition, and it is time to cast your vote for your favorite entry. Please go to the Art of Science website to vote for the People’s Choice Award. You can only vote once so make it count!

In late April, we will announce the first, second, and third place winner in the student competition, plus the People’s Choice Award winner. The winning entries will be placed on display in the Carlson Science and Engineering Library.

Vote now.

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR DOTTIE WELCH AWARD

A large group of students hugs Dottie Welch.

Do you know a Hajim staff member who has had an especially positive impact on the experiences of our undergraduate students? Now is your chance to recognize their hard work and dedication. Nominations for our Dottie Welch Student Enrichment Award are being accepted until Tuesday, April 8.

The award is named in honor of Dottie, who was the “go-to” person for the Department of Biomedical Engineering’s undergraduate students. It annually recognizes a Hajim School staff member whose performance and dedication enriches the student experience in the tradition exemplified by Dottie during her 25-plus years of service to the students at the University.

Please email the Hajim School with the name of the person you’d like to nominate along with a description of the reason for their nomination. We will review each nomination after the deadline for both number of votes and quality of statements. Please note that faculty are not eligible for this award; it is only for Hajim school staff members.

TIPS ON NUTRITION AND FITNESS FOR GRAD STUDENTS

Four people sit in front of microphones with text overlaid that says "Fuel Your Focus: The Next Step. Career and Grad School Advice from SMD Alumni."

The School of Medicine and Dentistry’s Next Step Podcast recently dove into strategies for staying healthy in academia—from quick, nutritious meals to realistic ways to stay active with a packed schedule. Our own Darren Lipomi, the chair of the Department of Chemical Engineering was part of a panel that offered practical tips about how diet and exercise impact focus and resilience, easy meal hacks for busy lab schedules, and ways to prevent burnout and maintain balance.

Watch the episode on YouTube.

Have a great week!

Your dean,
Wendi Heinzelman