Transformational gifts, distinguished honors, launched pumpkins, climbed towers: October at the University of Rochester was anything but mundane. Explore how we spent the month. Photos by J. Adam Fenster unless otherwise noted.
IN THE SHADOW OF THE DAY: A groundhog is photographed behind Susan B. Anthony Halls on the University’s River Campus.
A STAR AMONG US: Earlier this month, Lynne Maquat, the director of the Center for RNA Biology and the J. Lowell Orbison Endowed Chair and Professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, received the 2024 Albany Medical Center Prize in Medicine and Biomedical Research. The prize is in recognition of her research on RNA mechanisms that contribute to a wide range of diseases. Above, Maquat is pictured at the press conference.
MELIORA IN STRIDE: The Meliora letters are seen on the Eastman Quadrangle during Rochester’s annual Meliora Weekend.
A NEW WAY TO LEARN: Yifan Li (left), a computer science PhD student, and Wenyao Gao ’26, a computer science and brain and cognitive sciences student, test the Tabletop Interactive Play System (TIPS) in the lab of Zhen Bai, an assistant professor of computer science. TIPS uses augmented reality and artificial intelligence to help parents learn American Sign Language as they interact with their Deaf and hard-of-hearing children.
AUGMENTING REALITY: Research assistant Yi Zhang adjusts a 3D-printed optical device that, when paired with augmented reality, is designed to help children understand how artificial intelligence is used in preference selection.
IN SUPPORT OF THE FUTURE: The Saunders Foundation, led by University Trustee Emeritus E. Philip Saunders (left), made a $30 million commitment to the Medical Center to support novel research and clinical programs in orthopaedics, faculty in the School of Medicine and Dentistry, and nursing students. The foundation will also establish an endowed professorship in the Department of Orthopaedics named for Dean’s Professor Michael Maloney (right). (University photo / Matt Wittmeyer)
THOUGHT LEADERSHIP: In his latest book, Philip V. McHarris, an assistant professor of Black studies, presents a reimagined world without police. His research delves into the weight of policing on people and communities and makes the case that many routine police reforms often only lead to more police.
FIND YOUR LIGHT: Evening sunlight shines through a doorway from Messinger Periodical Room into the Great Hall of Rush Rhees Library.
TRUE COLORS SHINING THROUGH: It’s peak fall foliage season at the University’s C.E.K. Mees Observatory and the surrounding areas of Naples, Gannett Hill, Ontario County Park, South Bristol, and Canandaigua Lake.
FEATS OF ENGINEERING: Elvis Imamura ’26 watches as machine smoke flows over an adjustable 3D-printed wing in a lab he helped design to measure the speed of airflow, and the effect of angle of attack on lift and stalling of an airfoil. The work is part of Introduction to Aerospace Engineering, taught by John Lambropoulos, a professor of mechanical engineering.
THE OTHER SQUASH TEAM: Rochester students were joined by their peers from Monroe Community College and Rochester Institute of Technology for the American Society of Mechanical Engineers’ annual pumpkin launch on Wilson Quadrangle. (University photo / AJ Pow)
A VIEW FROM THE TOP: Rochester students take a selfie from the Rush Rhees Library tower during the annual Scare Fair, a Halloween season tradition hosted by the River Campus Libraries.
A TOUR TO REMEMBER: Students and staff tour the tower of Rush Rhees Library during the annual Scare Fair. In addition to tower tours, this year’s fair included scavenger hunts, games, prizes, and even a visit from therapy dogs. (University photo / AJ Pow)
YOU’RE SO VANE: As seen from a drone, a Meliora weathervane atop Rush Rhees Library tower with the Medical Center in the background. (University photo / AJ Pow)