November 3, 2025

A PhD student and faculty member look at 3D computer models together on a screen. Adam Fenster / University of Rochester photo

Dear members of the Hajim School community,

Today, universities like the University of Rochester are trying to find their footing in a rapidly changing research landscape. In his recent Leadership Conversations talk, Steve Dewhurst, the vice president for research and chief research officer at URochester, offered a frank assessment of the current and continuously evolving climate (shaped by more than 200 executive orders) and how the University is responding.

Steve addressed the funding challenges that loom large, how the University will respond with resilience, our decisions to invest in research, the role humanities will play in research, and why sharing advances in research is so critical. I encourage you to read a recap of his recent talk at the News Center. Similarly, Josh Farrelman, the vice president for government relations, recently provided insight about how the federal shutdown affects URochester in a Q&A.

ALEX GAETA, TOM BROWN WILL SERVE ON OPTICA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

A portrait of Alex Gaeta sitting on stairs outdoors.

Congratulations to optics alumnus Alexander Gaeta ’90 PhD, who has been elected as the 2026 Optica Vice President. He has devoted nearly four decades to research in quantum and nonlinear photonics, and his involvement with Optica, which began when he was a graduate student, has led to numerous volunteer positions. He was the founding editor-in-chief of the journal Optica; has organized conferences as a general co-chair for CLEO and Frontiers in Optics + Laser Science; and served on the board of directors from 2008–2010. He currently serves as chair of the Strategic Planning Council.

That makes two alumni from the Institute of Optics who have been elected to the Optica presidential chain, joining President Jim Kafka ’77, ’83 (PhD). Additionally, Tom Brown, the director of the Institute of Optics, was elected to serve on the board of directors as 2026-2028 Director at Large. Optica, Advancing Optics and Photonics Worldwide, is a society dedicated to promoting the generation, application, archiving and dissemination of knowledge in the field.

UR VENTURES ANNOUNCES TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT FUND AWARDS

A graphic with blue hexagonal shapes, a headshot, and text that says "Wayne Knox, Professor of Optics, Technology Development Fund Award."

Congratulations to Professor Wayne Knox from the Institute of Optics for receiving a 2025 Technology Development Fund (TDF) Award for his project Development of real-time imaging technology to distinguish nerves from other structures during surgery. The TDF supports University of Rochester researchers in translating innovative research into commercial opportunities. From a competitive pool of 24 pre-proposals, three projects emerged as this year’s awardees following a rigorous review and selection process.

Additional winners from across the University include Assistant Professor Paul Boutz from the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics for his project Development of an Oxford Nanopore direct RNA sequencing barcoding method, and Professor Jin Xiao from the Department of Dentistry for her project Development of a SMARTeeth AI agent for remote oral health monitoring. Learn more about the TDF on the UR Ventures website.

SWE HEADS TO NEW ORLEANS FOR WE25

Ten students pose in front of a backdrop featuring the logos of sponsors at the WE25 conference.

The Hajim School was proud to provide support to 10 students from our chapter of the Society of Women Engineers to travel to the WE25 conference in New Orleans. The three-day flagship event gave our students opportunities to engage in networking, gain career insights, and connect with industry leaders on innovation. Check out our SWE chapter’s Instagram account for highlights from their trip.

NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR THE SINGER FAMILY PRIZE

Members of the senior class can recognize and honor a high school teacher who significantly influenced them by submitting a nomination for the Singer Family Prize for Excellence in Secondary School Teaching. Four teachers will be selected from the nominees; the winning teachers will be acknowledged in a ceremony in May. The winners and their schools will also receive a financial prize. Nominations must be completed online and are due November 21.

APPLY FOR ROCHESTER ENGINEERING SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIPS

Hajim School students are encouraged to apply for the Rochester Engineering Society’s 2025 engineering scholarships. We typically have a strong showing, including six awardees earlier this year. The interview period is open now through December 5 and students can apply on the Rochester Engineering Society website.

APPLY TO BECOME A GRADUATE AMBASSADOR

The Office of Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs (GEPA) wants to expand their team of graduate ambassadors. The position provides an opportunity to enhance your leadership skills and to work closely with your peers to build community among graduate students. In addition to the community building events, you will represent the University to prospective students and share with them your experiences as a grad student here.

The role includes a stipend of $500/semester ($1,000 per year) and has flexible hours – around 25 hours per semester. Applicants should be available for the Spring 2026 and Fall 2026 semesters. To see our current ambassadors and learn more about the program, visit the Graduate Ambassador webpage. The application is due Wednesday, November 5.

GREENE CENTER LAUNCHES UROCHESTER INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

The Greene Center for Career Education & Connections launched the URochester Internship Program that includes four elite programs for summer 2026. These programs offer financial support for returning undergraduate students who are interning in the Rochester area. These experiences are designed to provide you with valuable, hands-on experience in different industries and diverse roles. Students must apply individually to specific internship roles in Handshake, not the program itself. For more information, check out the URochester Internship Program website.

Applications for the Bond Scholars program are now open through Handshake. Deadlines vary based on the internship role.

DONATION DRIVE FOR THE FOOD PANTRY

GEPA is sponsoring a donation drop off box at their office in 206 Lattimore Hall for the Food Pantry on campus. The Food Pantry is an on-campus resource that provides free non-perishable food items to any students or postdocs in need. Students do not have to show proof of financial status but need their University ID to access the pantry.

They are collecting non-perishable food donations from now until December 1. Feel free to drop by the GEPA office in Lattimore 206 to drop off donations, anytime Monday-Thursday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

CELEBRATING FIRST-GEN WEEK

A blue and white graphic that says "Proudly First & Not the Last, First-Gen Week 2025."

Join the David T. Kearns Center, the Gwen M. Greene Center, the First-Generation Students and Families Committee, Alumni Relations & Constituent Engagement’s First-Generation Network, the First-Gen Society and the Office of Mentoring and Student Advocacy to celebrate first-generation college student pride. Events throughout the week include a networking night on Wednesday, a talk on Thursday by featured speaker Reggie Walker, Director of EOP at Rider University, and first-gen advocacy event on Friday. Go to the Kearns Center events calendar for a full list of events.

DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL ENGINEERING MASTER’S PROGRAM INFO SESSION

The Department of Mechanical Engineering will host an information session about their MS programs in mechanical engineering and aerospace engineering from 5-6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 4 in room 224 of the Hopeman Engineering Building. Professor Doug Kelley will share information about what makes their programs unique, how to double-count up to 12 credits toward both your BS and MS, provide application tips, and more. Pizza and refreshments will be provided.

‘THE ROBOTS ARE COMING: WILL AI TAKE YOUR JOB?’ PANEL DISCUSSION

An illustration of a woman sitting at a desk next to a robot while they browse through job titles on a computer screen.

Join David Primo, the Ani and Mark Gabrellian Professor and a professor of political science and business administration, for a panel discussion entitled “The Robots Are Coming: Will AI Take Your Job?” on Wednesday, November 5, from 7:30 to 9 p.m. in Wegmans Hall, Room 1400. There will also be an opportunity for audience questions. Learn more about the event.

BAD WEATHER DOESN’T DAMPEN SPIRITS AT THE PUMPKIN LAUNCH

A trebuchet launches a pumpkin in the air on the Wilson Quad on a rainy day as students watch.

Yucong (Gary) Kong / University of Rochester photo

Kudos to the students, faculty, and staff who wouldn’t let lousy weather stop them from having fun at the annual ASME Pumpkin Launch event. On Halloween, student-built catapults, trebuchets, and air cannons hurled pumpkins hundreds of feet in tests of accuracy and distance. Watch highlights on Instagram.

Have a great week!

Your dean,
Wendi Heinzelman