Dear members of the Hajim School community,
If you have ever used an artificial intelligence text-to-image generator like ChatGPT or Google Gemini, you may have encountered a common but maddening problem: the image looks nearly perfect, but when you ask the AI to fix one small detail, it messes up something unrelated. The issue is caused by the way the AI models are built to cut down on computation, but the method has its drawbacks, sacrificing controllability.
The laboratory of Jiebo Luo, the Albert Arendt Hopeman Professor of Engineering, and his collaborators at NVIDIA took a big step toward overcoming this problem by developing a new model that allows users to make precise changes by working with individual pixels without unintentionally altering other details. The team will present a paper showcasing PixelDiT2 at the Neural Information Processing Systems conference (NeurIPS) this December.
Read about their novel approach at the News Center.
ROCHESTER REVIEW ACHIEVES LIFTOFF
The latest issue of Rochester Review is arriving in mailboxes across the country. The cover story shines a light on the dozens of URochester alumni who helped design, build, and test components of NASA’s Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope, leading to its successful launch earlier this fall. You should also check out a great profile of computer science student Riley Laygo ’27, who has rewritten the URochester softball record book.
Throughout the magazine, you’ll find additional stories that capture the University’s enduring commitment to academic, research, performance, community, and professional excellence. Visit the Rochester Review webpage for more info.
PUMPKIN LAUNCH
Gary Kong / University of Rochester photo
URochester’s chapter of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) hosted one of the University’s best fall traditions on Friday: the annual Pumpkin Launch. URochester’s Solar Splash, Baja SAE, and UR Makers student organizations, as well as two teams from RIT put their hand-built pumpkin launchers to the test on the Wilson Quad.
If you missed out on the fun, 13 WHAM TV captured footage and interviewed ASME President Amy Rheaume ’27, and there are more photos on the University’s Instagram account.
APPLY TO LUMINATE
Photo courtesy of Luminate
For early-stage startups developing optics, photonics, imaging, and laser technologies, Luminate offers a faster path to commercialization. The world’s largest OPI+L accelerator, Luminate invests $3 million each year into early-stage companies developing solutions across almost every industry.
Apply to cohort 10 of the hybrid accelerator to connect with funding and support:
- Receive an initial investment up to $100,000 and compete for up to $1 million in follow-on funding.
- Access mentors matched to your needs, co-working space and lab facilities, and an industry-renowned advisory board.
- Connect with investors, a world-class OPI supply chain, and tailored support to fast-track your growth.
Applications close January 11, 2027. Apply today or sign up for an info session to learn more.
REMEMBERING ROBERT KNOX, 1931-2026
Lastly, Professor Emeritus Robert Knox died peacefully at age 95 in October. Bob Knox earned his PhD in physics and optics from URochester in 1958, joined the URochester faculty in 1960, and served as chair of the Department of Physics and Astronomy from1969–1973 and Associate Dean for Special Programs in the College from 1982–1987. Our thoughts are with the Knox family, including his son Professor Wayne Knox from the Institute of Optics. Read more about Bob Knox’s life and legacy.
Take care.
Your dean,
Wendi Heinzelman
