July 14, 2025

An intraocular lens photographed on a fingertip to show scale. Adam Fenster / University of Rochester

Dear members of the Hajim School community,

Each year, more than 30 million people globally receive surgery to correct cataracts. As many people age, the crystalline lenses in their eyes become cloudy and obstruct their vision, but a simple and safe form of surgery where the crystalline lens is replaced with an artificial lens—known as an intraocular lens (IOL)—can restore clarity and lead to a vast improvement in quality of life.

Hajim School faculty, students, and alumni are leading innovation in IOLs, and advancements in optics, artificial intelligence, and biomedical engineering have led to rapid improvements in the types available and methods to help patients and their doctors select the right fit. 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 the University of Rochester, is a pioneer in this field and served as the lead guest editor of a special issue of the journals of Biomedical Optics Express and Optics Express that explores the state of the technology.

In a Q&A on the News Center, Susana answers questions about IOLs and how Rochester leads the way in making them ever better.

STELLAR PROPOSAL ADVANCES IN NSF REGIONAL INNOVATION ENGINES COMPETITION

A dark blue graphic that says NSF Engines 2025 Competition Semifinalists.

The Institute of Optics continues to push Rochester and the Finger Lakes region to lead the advancement of laser technologies. The U.S. National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) program announced that a proposal led by the University of Rochester is among the 29 semifinalists advancing to the next stage of the second competition.

The Science, Technology and Engineering of Lasers and Laser Applications Research (STELLAR) aims to create and grow a workforce-focused laser ecosystem, leveraging the University’s expertise and fostering innovation in the field. Tom Brown, the director of the Institute of Optics, and Jonathan Zuegel, a professor of optics and a distinguished scientist at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics, lead the initiative, which includes partners from MCC, RIT, Nextcorps, Luminate, Greater Rochester Enterprise, and AmeriCOM.

Learn more about the semifinalists on the NSF website.

SOUNDTRAX FILM MUSIC FESTIVAL ANNOUNCES SPEAKERS AND PROGRAMS

A collage of images of performers that will be featured in the Soundtrax Film Music Festival.

Featured guests, innovative programs, and film-focused concerts have been announced for the Soundtrax Film Music Festival, the first film-music festival in North America. The inaugural conference and festival will take place October 16-18 and are being collaboratively organized by faculty from the Hajim School and Eastman School of Music.

Soundtrax will bring together film and music fans with industry professionals — including Academy and Emmy Award-winning composers, video game music pioneers, and innovative leaders in sound from Apple, Sony, Adobe, and Dolby. Passes to the three-day festival are now on sale. Offering a variety of options, attendees will have access to a rich lineup of performances, talks, and networking opportunities from Thursday through Saturday.

ROQNET COLLABORATION BETWEEN UNIVERSITY OF ROCHESTER AND RIT

A screen capture of a WROC-TV interview with Professor Nick Vamivakas in his optics laboratory.

Leaders of RoqNET, an experimental quantum communications network connecting the University of Rochester and RIT campuses, have taken several local TV reporters behind the scenes of the exciting new collaboration. Nick Vamivakas, the Marie C. Wilson and Joseph C. Wilson Professor of Optical Physics, explained the group’s progress so far, work that lies ahead, and how quantum networks like these could massively improve the security with which information is transmitted over communications networks. Watch interviews on Spectrum News and WROC-TV.

NEWLY FUNDED RESEARCH

A composite of headshots of Ajay Anand and Zhiyao Duan.

Congratulations to Professor Ajay Anand from the Goergen Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence and Professor Zhiyao Duan from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering for receiving $447,517 from the National Science Foundation to fund a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) site titled “Computational Methods for Understanding Music, Media and Minds.”

Have a great week!

Your dean,
Wendi Heinzelman