Sofia Tokar

Sofia Tokar

Sofia Tokar

Director of Content

sofia.tokar@rochester.edu

RECENT POSTS

Video still showing Dave Canning pointing a laser pointer at a piece of paper near text that reads "ever wonder" and a thought bubble containing the phrase "what can we do with lasers?"

Science & Technology

7 surprising ways URochester’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics shapes science and society

February 9, 2026

The Laser Lab powers breakthroughs in fusion, national security, and technologies we use every day.

Maiken Nedergaard against a white background and next to text and a speech bubble that reads "ever wonder why do we sleep" to address the topic of why sleep is important.

Health & Medicine

Why is sleep so important? Your brain depends on it

January 26, 2026

Sleep does more than restore energy—it activates the brain’s waste-clearing system, protecting long-term brain health.

Mary Ellen Burris next to an illustration that says "my rochester story with Mary Ellen Burris '68 (EdM)."

Campus & Community

Mary Ellen Burris ’68W (EdM): From “voice of the customer” to champion of education

October 31, 2025

The Warner School graduate built a career advocating for shoppers—then turned her attention to helping future educators thrive.

Teenager in a high school hallway leaning against a wall and looking at misinformation on his smartphone with other students in the background.

Society & Culture

How educators can help students navigate misinformation

When misinformation often travels faster than facts, teaching young people to discern credible sources has never been more urgent.

Graphic featuring a photo of Eric Wagner near a blue background that shows the University of Rochester spirit "R" and the worlds "alumni connections: Eric Wagner '97, molecular genetics."

Campus & Community

Eric Wagner ’97: From first-generation student to RNA trailblazer

The alumnus-turned-faculty member reflects on how his undergraduate years set the stage for his life’s work.

A vibrant collage of scenes from around the University, celebrating together at the University of Rochester, showcasing joy and community.

Campus & Community

12 essential experiences for URochester students

Discover the Rochester bucket-list items that you’ll be reminiscing about for years to come.

Aerial view of Meliora Village on the Wilson Quad during Meliora Weekend 2024.

Campus & Community

Forever better at Meliora Weekend 2024

September 29, 2024

Meliora Weekend hosted thousands of University community members for a weekend of joyous celebrations and meaningful conversations.

University of Rochester students celebrate, cheer, and throw confetti into the night sky with Rush Rhees Library lit up in the background.

Campus & Community

Boundless beginnings: Welcoming our newest Yellowjackets to Rochester

August 25, 2024

More than 1,400 first-year and transfer students joined the Yellowjacket family ahead of the new academic year.

Wide shot of the compressor for generating laser pulses at ELI Beamlines to investigate the feasibility of producing coherent gamma rays. A person in safety gear stands near the instrument.

Science & Technology

Is a gamma-ray laser possible?

Federal funding will allow Rochester scientists and their European collaborators to study the feasibility of coherent light sources beyond x-rays.

Illustration of a black hole with plasma jets spewing forth.

Science & Technology

Pair plasmas found in deep space can now be generated in the lab

An international team of scientists has developed a novel way to experimentally produce plasma ‘fireballs’ on Earth.

Exterior of the Laboratory for Laser Energetics building expansion against a blue sky.

University News

Laboratory for Laser Energetics opens doors on pivotal building expansion

The first major addition to LLE in more than two decades includes clean room facilities to advance next-generation laser science and technologies.

Graphic featuring a photo of Laura Carstensen smiling at the camera alongside text that reads "University of Rochester Commencement Weekend."

University News

Stanford’s Laura Carstensen ’78 to deliver 2024 Commencement address

Carstensen is a research psychologist and internationally renowned expert on aging and the effects on well-being of extended lifetimes.