April 21, 2025

System of colorful neurons with glowing connections against a dark background.

Getty Images illustration

Dear members of the Hajim School community,

Researchers from the Institute of Optics and the University of Rochester Medical Center are teaming up to explore a question that would profoundly change current models of how the nervous system works. A team led by Professor Pablo Postigo has begun an ambitious project to study if living neurons can transmit light through their axons—the long, tail-like nerve fibers of neurons that resemble optical fibers.

Scientists have found hints that neurons may transmit light in the past, but there’s still not clear experimental evidence. Pablo, an expert in nanophotonics, will design probes that are able to interact optically with living neurons. He is partnering with Michel Telias, an assistant professor of ophthalmology and of neuroscience and a member of the Center for Visual Science, who specializes in measuring the electrical properties of neurons and their action potentials.

If light is at play and scientists can understand why, it could have major implications for medically treating brain diseases and drastically change the way physicians heal the brain. Read more at the News Center.

A CAMPUS START-UP REINVENTING THE NETWORKING EXPERIENCE

Tamuda Chimhanda holds up a business card with the Rochester Alumni Ambassadors logo on it.

University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster

A team of University of Rochester students and one alumnus have developed a novel approach to digital business cards they believe will transform networking. Penpal is powered by near field communication and allows people to set up a profile on their smartphones and then share information with any other smartphone—all with a simple tap.

The start-up—whose cofounders include computer science students Tamuda Chimhanda ’26, Alessio Simoya ’22, and Ameenul (Gem) Haque ’26—has built early success. They captured first place at the 2023 Mark Ain Business Model Competition, sponsored by the University’s Ain Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, and won the 2024 Global Student Entrepreneur Award for Western New York.

Learn about the team at the News Center.

NYASHA GWAZA ’26 RECEIVES PROJECTS FOR PEACE GRANT

A graphic with blue and gray geometric shapes that includes a headshot of Nyasha Gwaza and text that says, "Nyasha Gwaza '26, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Projects for Peace Fellow."

Congratulations to electrical and computer engineering student Nyasha Gwaza ’26 for receiving a Projects for Peace grant. Projects for Peace is a global program that encourages young adults around the world to develop innovative, community-centered responses to the world’s most pressing issues.

Nyasha will spend May through August in Gwanda, Zimbabwe for a project titled “Sewing Peace” at a local high school that she attended.

The project’s objective is to divert young people from engaging in illegal gold panning activities and the resulting conflict with local environment management authorities, using sewing instruction as a means of socially acceptable economic self-sufficiency. Read more about Nyasha’s project at the Student Fellowships Office website.

HAJIM SCHOOL ALUMNI NAMED NSF GRADUATE RESEARCH FELLOWS

A composite of headshots of Danielle Getz and Christopher Lu.

Congratulations to two recent Hajim School alumni who were named National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellows. Danielle Getz ’23 (chemical engineering) and Christopher Lu ’23 (biomedical engineering) were among the seven Rochester students and alumni to receive the fellowship this year.

The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program supports outstanding students who are pursuing research-based master’s and doctoral degrees at accredited US institutions. The federally sponsored program provides up to three years of graduate study support for US students who demonstrate outstanding scholarly promise and leadership potential.

See the full list of this year’s winners at the Student Fellowships Office website.

GRADUATING STUDENTS: THANK YOUR FAMILIES

A closeup of a graduation cap with blue and yellow writing that says "Thank you my dad!"

Students who are walking during the Commencement Weekend celebrations are encouraged to share their messages of gratitude, appreciation, and humor thanking their parents and families for support. Submissions will be highlighted in the parent and family newsletter, Rochester Family, and on the Parent & Family Relations webpage and Facebook page.

The deadline for submissions is Sunday, May 4, 2025. Submit your message using Google Forms.

REMEMBERING JAMES C.M. LI

A black and white graphic with hexagonal shapes, a headshot of James Li, and text that says, "James C.M. Li, Professor Emeritus, MEchanical Engineering and Materials Science, 1925-2025."

A beloved member of the Hajim School faculty who was an iconic figure in his field has passed away. James C.M. Li, a professor emeritus in the Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science Program was 100 years old when he died.

Jim was a world-renowned researcher who found a way to produce metallic glass for the first time. He made significant contributions to the understanding of how materials deform and become damaged under mechanical loading. Over the course of more than 40 years as a faculty member at the University, his advice helped shape the careers of countless students and fellow faculty members.

Professor Renato Perucchio, chair of the Department of Mechanical Engineering, called Jim “Not only an outstanding scientist but a very warm human being. One of the pillars in our department.” University flags on the Eastman Quadrangle will be lowered at a later date that will be communicated through @Rochester.

Have a great week!

Your dean,
Wendi Heinzelman