Science & Technology
Straining memory leads to new computing possibilities
“We’ve combined the idea of a memristor and a phase-change device in a way that can go beyond the limitations of either device,” says Stephen Wu, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering and of physics.
How do living things use meaningful information to survive?
A team from the Department of Physics and Astronomy has applied the theory of semantic information to a realistic model capturing attributes of living systems—and found the critical point where information matters for survival.
Qubit by qubit: Optimizing silicon for quantum computing
A team of researchers including John Nichol, an associate professor of physics, has won a grant from the US Air Force Office of Scientific Research to address challenges posed by silicon spin qubits.
Society & Culture
Vicious cycle: Depression as both cause and consequence of stress
A meta-analysis finds the established stress generation model applies not only to depression but also to other mental health disorders.
Mt. Hope Family Center awarded $8.5M to continue child maltreatment studies
Funding from the National Institutes of Health builds on the grant given five years ago to establish the TRANSFORM multidisciplinary national research and resource center.
The Brazilian miracle that wasn’t
In his new book, anthropologist Daniel Reichman finds a competing narrative of progress that reveals a tension at the heart of contemporary Brazil.
The Arts
How Nobel Prize–winning author Jon Fosse was found in translation
Open Letter’s Chad Post on discovering the Norwegian author for English audiences—and the importance of foreign translation presses today.
The ‘first English language trans novel,’ adapted for stage
The International Theatre program’s production of Orlando promises “a wild ride” and a serious reflection on the fluidity of identity.
Digital Media Studies and the Memorial Art Gallery team up in digital equity project
With a Museum Initiative grant, a joint project of Verizon and NYC Media Lab, the Memorial Art Gallery and recent digital media studies graduates team up to expand the museum’s digital reach.
In Photos
November 2023 in photos
Before we turn the calendar to December, here’s a look back at some images captured in November across the University.
Campus Life
Mechanical engineering launches overhauled lab courses
Faculty members work with industry advisors to modernize hands-on aspects of the department’s curriculum.
Army veteran follows a winding path to success at Rochester
Students like Garrett Boehmer ’25 bring “experiences and background that add to our diverse community,” says the College’s associate director of admissions.
Jack Downey: Family tragedy channeled into a passion for social justice
The associate professor of religion helps shape the perspectives of his undergraduates not only at the University, but also at area prisons.
Voices & Opinion
The interpretation of information will determine Ukraine war
In an op-ed for The Economist, political scientist Hein Goemans and his coauthor argue that the war in Ukraine won’t end until Russian and Ukrainian expectations intersect.
Large language models could be the catalyst for a new era of chemistry
Chemical engineer Andrew D. White explains why large language models like GPT-4 will open new frontiers for researchers.
Why did Silicon Valley Bank collapse?
Alan Moreira, an associate professor of finance at the Simon Business School, reflects on the bank’s failure and what may happen next.
University News
Courtney Peplin appointed senior associate vice president for finance
Peplin is a finance leader with more than 20 years of experience in the not-for-profit and health sectors.
Sarah Jesse named eighth Memorial Art Gallery director
Jesse brings to Rochester more than 20 years of experience working in art museums across the country.
Michael Liberty named associate vice president and chief safety officer
Liberty, an expert in exposure assessment and reducing worker risks, has been serving in an interim capacity since December 2022.