June 16, 2025

A composite of headshots of the Hajim School's two US Fulbright Student Awardees.

The University of Rochester has consistently been a top producer of recipients of the Fulbright program, which aims to promote mutual understanding and peace between the United States and other nations through educational and cultural exchange. I’m delighted to share that two recent Hajim alumni will set out for new ventures abroad thanks to funding secured through the Fulbright US Student Program.

Melisanda Feliz ’22, ’23 MS (biomedical engineering) won a Fulbright student grant for the English Teaching Assistant (ETA) program in La Rioja, Spain, where she will help Spanish children develop their English communication skills. Ryan Rosenblatt ’25 (computer science) will advance his career goal of becoming a security software engineer by pursuing a master’s in computer science with a focus on computer security at the University of Ottawa.

I’m proud to have alumni like Melisanda and Ryan representing our country abroad through this prestigious program. Read more about them and this year’s other Fulbright recipients from the University of Rochester at the Student Fellowships Office website.

HESAM ASKARI EARNS EDITOR OF DISTINCTION AWARD FROM SPRINGER NATURE

A dark blue hexagonal graphic with a headshot and text that says "Hesam Askari, Assistant Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Springer Nature Editor of Distinction."

Assistant Professor Hesam Askari from the Department of Mechanical Engineering was recognized by Springer Nature with a 2025 Editor of Distinction Award for his role with The Journal of The Minerals, Metals & Materials Society (JOM). The award recognizes exceptional service in improving the author experience and ensuring the peer review process is efficient, constructive, and fair.

Hesam has edited three special topics during the past two years in JOM and was selected to receive the Author Service Award for his contributions to the journal. Please join me in congratulating Hesam!

INFO SESSIONS FOR ONLINE MS IN HEALTHCARE DATA SCIENCE AND AI

A person sits at a desk while typing on a laptop in a well-lit room.

The Goergen Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence has one more Zoom informational session planned for their new online MS program in Healthcare Data Science and AI. Professor Barney Ricca will introduce the unique program, how the curriculum is structured, and answer questions about expenses and applying at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, June 24.

Offered in collaboration with the UR Health Lab, the program is designed to position working professionals for high-demand positions in data analytics, data science, and AI within the healthcare industry. Register for the session today.

JUNETEENTH

The University will be closed on Thursday, June 19 in celebration of Juneteenth. In the spirit of the holiday, the Arthur Satz Department of Music will host the Freedom Day Carillon Concert, a Juneteenth-themed bell song celebration, today from 6:30-7:30 p.m.

Have a great week!

Your dean,
Wendi Heinzelman