September 29, 2025

A graphic featuring a medium shot of John Nichol, a yellow thought bubble, and blue text that says "Ever Wonder What Is Quantum?"

Getty Images photo

Dear members of the Hajim School community,

The Hajim School is partnering with the Warner School of Education and Human Development and Boise State University on an exciting new initiative to empower K–12 STEM educators to become leaders in the rapidly expanding microelectronics and semiconductor industries in New York and Idaho.

The program will strengthen STEM teacher leadership across both states, equipping highly trained educators to implement K–12 STEM programs that inspire all students to see themselves in STEM and explore opportunities in the microelectronics and semiconductor industries. A $2.1 million grant from the National Science Foundation, supported by funding from Micron Technology, Inc., will fund the initiative over the next five years.

Mitch Anthamatten, professor of chemical and sustainability engineering and distinguished scientist at the University’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics, is a co-principal investigator of the initiative, which will introduce new collaborative activities to provide a pathway for STEM teachers to make connections to leading researchers in the field.

WHAT IS QUANTUM?

Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize our society, performing calculations millions of times faster than any computer that exists today. John Nichol, associate professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy and co-lead of the Center for Coherence and Quantum Science provides a fantastic explanation of quantum physics and experimental quantum computing in a recent “Ever Wonder” video.

In an enlightening companion piece, John as well as Distinguished Professor Eby Friedman from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and Valeri Goncharov, Distinguished Scientist and Theory Division Director at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics, explain the differences between classical computers, supercomputers, and quantum computers.

Read the story and watch the video at the News Center.

RECORD GIFT TO THE EASTMAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC TO HELP CREATE NEW MUSIC TECHNOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM

A close-up shot of Joan and Jeff Beal.

Vocalist, music and education champion, and University Trustee Joan Beal ’84E and Emmy-winning composer Jeff Beal ’85E have made a historic, multimillion-dollar gift to the Eastman School of Music. The gift—made by the alumni as part of For Ever Better: The Campaign for the University of Rochester—supports the intersection of music, technology, and education. It is also the largest individual gift made to the school since George Eastman established it in 1921.

The gift will provide support for the Beal Innovation Hub, a state-of-the-art collaborative center that will span 6,000 square feet. It will house labs, creative spaces, workstations, recording booths, and teaching studios. The Beals’ gift will help repurpose and modernize an existing space while creating an environment that will enhance connections across the University. This includes SoundSpace—a new transdisciplinary center advancing the University’s leadership in music and technology co-lead by distinguished Professor Mark Bocko, director of the audio and music engineering program.

PHLOTONICS RECEIVES $1.1 MILLION FROM AIM PHOTONICS TO LAUNCH BIOPROSENSE

A photonic chip delicately rests on the tip of a finger.

Phlotonics Inc., co-founded by University of Rochester alumni and Benjamin Miller, a Dean’s Professor of Dermatology at Rochester with joint appointments in biomedical engineering, biochemistry and biophysics, optics, and materials science, has been awarded a $1.1M AIM Photonics contract to launch BioproSense, a breakthrough photonic biosensing platform for regenerative biomanufacturing.

This collaboration with ARMI | BioFabUSA, the University of Rochester, and Rochester Institute of Technology will advance real-time, non-invasive monitoring in stem-cell therapies, ultimately paving the way for scalable solutions in diabetes treatment. We’re proud to see URochester alumni driving innovation at the cutting edge of photonics, biotechnology, and regenerative medicine.

JOHN PERSHING NAMED SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND CTO OF ASCAP

A closeup shot of John Pershing.

Congratulations to computer science alumnus John Pershing ’10, who was named senior vice president and chief technology officer of the American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) earlier this month. ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews says that John will be instrumental as ASCAP works to harness the power of AI in exciting new ways to create growth, solve market needs, and advance efficiencies.

In addition to being a distinguished alumnus, John is an invaluable member of the Hajim School National Council, providing important guidance on the direction of the School.

2025 BOUNDLESS TOGETHER CONFERENCE TAKES PLACE FRIDAY

A graphic featuring a bridge with spokes of various colors and text that says "Boundless Together: Meeting the Moment."

The University’s 2025 Boundless Together Conference takes place this Friday, October 3, at the Riverside Convention Center, featuring keynote speaker Michele Norris, a Peabody Award-winning journalist, MSNBC senior contributing editor, and former NPR host. The conference is free, and transportation is available for all University students and employees. This year’s Fireside Chat is with Harriet Washington ’76, a renowned medical writer, author, and ethicist. Register to attend at the Office of University Engagement and Enrichment website.

FALL IMMIGRATION GUIDANCE AND RESOURCES

With the fall semester well underway, faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to review the University’s Federal Policy Updates page. The page provides information about federal policy changes that may impact our University community and its activities. It is updated regularly with guidance on topics such as research funding, compliance, and immigration.

Two new items have been added to the Immigration section: (1) a fall semester update with reminders for international and local travel, and (2) information about campus resources available if you have questions or concerns. The Federal Policy Updates page is an important resource to return to throughout the academic year.

LEADERSHIP CONVERSATIONS WEBINAR SERIES

The University recently launched Leadership Conversations, a new webinar series for all students, faculty, and staff where URochester leaders address issues that affect the University’s mission, vision, values, and progress toward the goals of Boundless Possibility.

The second installment of the webinar series will take place on Friday, Oct. 3 with Kathy Gallucci, senior vice president and chief human resources officer. Kathy will share HR modernization progress, discuss the upcoming employee engagement survey, and address other topics relevant to University employees. Please visit the Leadership Conversations webpage to register for Kathy’s session as well as the future webinars. Three more Leadership Conversations are scheduled between now and the end of the year:

October 17: Steve Dewhurst, vice president for research and chief research officer
November 7: David Linehan, senior vice president for health sciences, CEO of the Medical Center, and dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry
December 5: Elaine Sia, senior vice provost for academic excellence

UPCOMING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF

A graphic featuring illustrations of donuts and flowers that says "Donuts with the Dean, October 9, 10:00-11:00 AM Humanities Center Conference Room D."

I invite all Hajim School staff to attend the Donuts with the Dean Hajim Staff Town Hall from 10-11 a.m. on October 9 in the Humanities Center, Conference Room D!

Join us for an interactive session as I answer questions about the latest developments and strategic goals at the University and within the Hajim School as they relate to staff. This is an opportunity to engage with leadership, network with colleagues, and most importantly, ask your questions. And of course, we’ll have coffee & donuts! RSVP and receive a calendar invite using this form.

Additional staff professional development opportunities this semester include:

Wednesday, October 1 at 3 p.m.—Data Bloom: Composing Stories with Data and Viz in Tableau. Learn more and RSVP.
Wednesday, October 15 at 11 a.m.—Digital Workplace with M365 Part 1. Learn more and RSVP.
Wednesday, October 22 at 1 p.m.—Data Bloom: Cleaning, Spreadsheet Design, and Simple Functions in Excel. Learn more and RSVP.
Thursday, October 23 at 1 p.m.—Data Bloom: PivotTables, PivotCharts and Dashboards in Excel. Learn more and RSVP.
Friday, October 24 at 11 a.m.—Partnering for Progress: Hajim Academic Administrators and Institutional Advancement. Hybrid session held in Humanities Conference Center Room D in the Rush Rhees Library. RSVP for the link.
Friday, November 4 at 3 p.m.—Digital Workplace with M365 Part 2. Learn more and RSVP.
Monday, November 17 at 10 a.m.—Data Bloom: In 3D – XR for Data Visualization. Learn more and RSVP.

COMFY FOR A CAUSE

Comfy for a Cause is officially underway! This year marks the 7^th annual Comfy campaign. This a great opportunity for our URochester community to get comfy while giving back. Each item purchased includes a $15 donation to your choice of the Student Emergency Fund, or Eastman Musical Assistance Fund, providing vital support to our students. Consider getting Comfy for a Cause yourself or sharing with others. Visit the webstore to get yours before October 6.

NEWLY FUNDED RESEARCH

A medium shot of Marc Porosoff gesturing with his left hand to explain a concept while teaching a class on the Hajim Quadrangle.

Congratulations to Associate Professor Marc Porosoff from the Department of Chemical and Sustainability Engineering, who received $556,160 from the Department of Energy for a project titled “Precise Control of Tungsten Carbide in Joule Reactors via Natural Language Processing.”

Have a great week!

Your dean,
Wendi Heinzelman