Science & Technology
‘Longevity gene’ responsible for more efficient DNA repair
Rochester researchers have uncovered more evidence that the key to the “Fountain of Youth” may reside in a gene that is found to produce more potent proteins in species with longer lifespans.
A prescription for physician frustration
Jesse Wang’s dual doctorates in medicine and translational biomedical science will position him to ease the burdens of e-records for his fellow physicians. His prototype of a virtual assistant is a finalist in the American College of Physicians’ “Innovation Challenge.”
Unraveling the origin story of beer yeast
Saccharomyces cerevisiae, or brewer’s yeast, has been used to make beer for thousands of years. To reconstruct the history of modern ale strains, Rochester biologist Justin Fay and his colleagues sequenced the genome of modern brewer’s yeast.
Society & Culture
Rochester can become US growth engine, says MIT economist
In his latest book, Jon Gruber puts Rochester at the top of the list of 102 cities poised to become next generation tech hubs. The MIT economist will host a panel discussion on Rochester’s potential to jump-start America.
Why do new college students need alone time?
Spending time alone isn’t necessarily bad, especially for first-year college students. A new study shows that having a positive motivation for seeking solitude can be a predictor for successful adjustment to college life.
Has the Renaissance warped our view of the Middle Ages?
The picture of the Middle Ages as “awful, smelly, stinky, [and] dangerous” is not accurate, says medievalist and University of Pennsylvania professor David Wallace, this year’s Ferrari Humanities Symposia visiting scholar.
The Arts
Spring weekend of shows explores dance, collaboration
Spring Explorations and Experimental Dances, or “S.E.E.D.,” features original work from student choreographers and composers, alongside renowned choreographer David Dorfman and performances from Rochester faculty.
Fairchild Award recognizes literature in translation
Kaija Straumanis ’12 (MA) has received the Lillian Fairchild Award—which recognizes artists for their commitment to the Rochester community—for her work bringing world literature to new audiences.
6 things you didn’t know about Saint Hildegard of Bingen
University musicologist and Hildegard biographer Honey Meconi explores the life of the 12th-century Benedictine nun who created her own language, wrote one of the first musical plays, and wrote books on health and healing.
In Photos
‘Finding the Courage to Lead’
In her keynote address at the 10th Annual Diversity Conference, novelist, activist, and commentator Samina Ali described the fear she faced when the birth of her son left her with brain damage. “I was scared, and I was completely alone,” says Ali. “Courage is like any other physical function in your body … each time we exercise our brave heart we are reinforcing our neural pathways for courage.” (University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster)
Student Life
Annual ‘Rockys’ honor outstanding student contributions to campus community
This year, nineteen individuals and three groups will be honored during the College’s annual Student Life Awards, also known as “the Rockys.” The 2019 dinner and awards ceremony takes place Thursday, April 18.
Students, faculty, staff, alumni honored at Gwennies Awards
The Gwen M. Greene Center for Career Education and Connections presented its third annual awards to partners and individuals who exemplify the career center’s values.
Upgraded Greene Center data shows success among recent graduates
Did you know: 92 percent of the Class of 2018 were working or in graduate school within six months of graduation? A new data visualization offers the most detailed picture yet of “first destinations” of recent College graduates.
Voices & Opinion
What historical artifacts like the ‘Lincoln bullet’ mean
Associate Professor of History Larry Hudson, a specialist in 19th-century African-American history whose scholarly interests include the Civil War, answers questions about the significance and meaning of the bullet that killed President Abraham Lincoln.
Crisis at the border? Anthropologist looks at Central American migration
Professor and author Daniel Reichman gives an overview of the last 40 years of Central American migration to the United States, and describes a system that is far more complicated than what’s often presented in the news.
A national pastime must have a national presence
As the baseball season opens, the league is looking to change some rules to speed up the game. English lecturer and baseball authority Curt Smith presents his own five-point plan to save the sport he loves.
University News
Kathryn Mariner wins Woodrow Wilson Fellowship for her work on social inequality
Kathryn Mariner, an assistant professor of anthropology and visual and cultural studies, is one of 32 faculty members in the United States named as new Career Enhancement Fellows.
‘Embodies the spirit’ of teaching and mentorship
Danielle Benoit, an associate professor of biomedical engineering who has provided research experiences for more than 80 undergraduates in her lab, is the second recipient of the College Award for Undergraduate Teaching and Research Mentorship.
‘Difference teaches you humility’
Donald Hall was formally installed as the Robert L. and Mary L. Sproull Dean of the Faculty of the Arts, Sciences & Engineering during an investiture ceremony Wednesday, in which is spoke about how his past experiences inspire him to address the needs of students and faculty who are facing challenges.