Science & Technology

How can we be sure machine learning is accurate?
Rochester researchers have developed a new “counterfactual” method to verify predictions of drug safety.

Does urban living put kids at greater risk of experiencing psychosis?
Using a large, nationwide sample, Rochester researchers looked at the impact that environmental and social risk factors can have during childhood.

Study links fracking, drinking water pollution, and infant health
“Our findings indicate that drilling near an infant’s public water source yields poorer birth outcomes and more fracking-related contaminants in public drinking water,” says Rochester’s Elaine Hill.
Society & Culture

Putin in Ukraine ‘has his back up against the wall’
Randall Stone, an expert on Eastern and Central Europe, discusses the direction of the war in Ukraine, including the likelihood of Russia’s using biological, chemical, or nuclear weapons.

Gandhi Institute focuses on youth initiatives to curb violence
The University affiliate, offering programs, workshops, and outreach to teach de-escalation practices, enters its fourth decade.

Amitav Ghosh: geopolitics are key to understanding the climate crisis
This year’s Distinguished Visiting Humanist says humanists have a vital role in reframing the climate crisis as rooted in history and culture as much as technology and economics.
The Arts

Finding art in the tools of science
This year’s Art of Science competition, which explores “the aesthetic beauty that results when science, art, and technology intersect,” drew more than 50 entries and more than 700 votes cast for People’s Choice.

Taking a page from poetry to understand the music
Music theorist Matt BaileyShea explores the interrelationship between poetry, lyrics, and music in a new book.

Nearing its eighth decade, a modern musical invention remains cutting edge
When the Eastman Wind Ensemble was founded at the Eastman School of Music in 1952, it launched a movement in wind music.
In Photos

Gateways Music Festival Orchestra makes Carnegie debut
The Gateways Orchestra, which appeared as part of the 2021–22 season, was the first all-Black classical symphony orchestra presented by Carnegie Hall in its history.
Student Life

Rochester students win national awards and fellowships
From Fulbright awards to Projects for Peace funding, the array of honors recognize the scholars’ academic achievement, research potential, and commitment to service.

Science under the microscope of visual art
An art and geology double major, University of Rochester senior Gabrielle Meli brings scientific processes to her art.

Senior engineering students show their work
The University of Rochester’s Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences hosted its annual Senior Design Day for teams of graduating students to showcase their capstone projects.
Voices & Opinion

5 things to know about cryptocurrency
Gone are the days when digital currency was the realm of hobbyists and academics. Simon Business School professor Yukun Liu offers insights into cryptocurrency based on his research.

Anti-trans laws use child protective services to harm transgender youth
Professor Mical Raz argues in the Washington Post that for trans children, their “very existence is at stake” when definitions of neglect and abuse become overly broad.

Pro-White hiring bias for NFL head coaches, analysis finds
Writing in the Washington Post, Rochester political scientist Bethany Lacina shows the degree to which Black coaches are underrepresented in the NFL.
University News

Board elects five members, honors six life trustees
At an in-person May meeting, the University of Rochester Board of Trustees elected five individuals as board members, and recognized six individuals on becoming life trustees.

Christopher Deeney appointed new director of the Laser Lab
A leader in science and innovation, Deeney brings to the role his extensive experience running complex operations.

First institution-wide commencement in decades will celebrate entire Class of 2022
More than 4,000 undergraduate and graduate students will be honored during a ‘one University’ ceremony—the first in nearly three decades—in Fauver Stadium on May 13.