It’s August 12.

The first day of fall classes is 13 days away.

And this is what’s in focus.

Spotlight: Quantum initiative

In June, we “zoomed in” on quantum computing. If you don’t remember, and maybe even if you do, you might be thinking, “What is ‘quantum’ again?” Think of it as shorthand for the world of atoms and subatomic particles. It’s a world in which our researchers have explored whether teleportation is possible. It’s a world that makes magic seem real. And now, we’re joining a $73 million national initiative to better understand and harness this world.

Funded by the US Department of Energy, the initiative includes 29 projects that will help “develop the next generation of quantum smart devices and quantum computing technology.” One of those projects belongs to Todd Krauss, chair of the Department of Chemistry, and his fellow researchers. Krauss is being awarded $1.95 million over three years for his project on light-matter interfaces.

Basically, says Krauss, “we’re sticking colloidal nanoparticles into optical cavities in order to interact the nanoparticles with the quantum-light of the cavity.”

Want more? Get the whole story.

Zooming In

Taking a closer look at some news we think you might be interested in reading.

On pandemic effects. We’ve all experienced the short-term effects of COVID-19 in some way. But how will the virus’s presence be felt years from now? Rochester researchers are among the scientists exploring the pandemic’s long-term societal effects. Fueled by a $3.1 million grant, Rochester psychologists and the Mt. Hope Family Center are focusing on American families and parenting. For families who experienced high levels of pre-pandemic difficulites, psychology professors Melissa Sturge-Apple and Patrick Davies expect acute, negative effects that last years. Learn more.

On Adam Frank. He was a consultant on the Marvel movie Doctor Strange. He asks questions like, “Are we alone?”  He is a self-described “evangelist of science,” that has taken the shape of four popular books, including his most recent, Light of the Stars. He is Rochester’s Helen F. and Fred H. Gowen Professor of Physics and Astronomy and the 2021 recipient of the Carl Sagan Medal for excellence in public communication in planetary science. The award was presented to Frank by the Division for Planetary Sciences of the American Astronomical Society. Need more reasons why he was worthy of the honor? Get them here.

Quick View

There’s a lot of University news and information being sent your way. Here’s a glance at some other noteworthy School of Arts and Sciences stories you might have missed.

Geophysics. Rochester researchers are behind a paper that helps answer the cosmic question: did the moon ever have a long-lasting magnetic field?

Physics. A paper flagged as an editor’s choice in Physical Review Letters describe how remarkable reactions occur when using “squishy” compounds.

Remembered. David Holloway, an assistant professor of Japanese, was a prolific and creative scholar with a “trailblazing” book in the works.

Economics. Easing fears, economics professor Narayana Kocherlakota said the pandemic economy’s higher inflation rate is a “blip.”

Professorships. Thomas Brown ’87 (PhD) and Sina Ghaemmaghami are the newest Mercer Brugler Distinguished Teaching Professors.

On the Horizon

Looking for something to do? Consider attending one of the upcoming events below. For all other School of Arts and Sciences events, check the University Calendar.

8/18…Chemistry: The International Student Experience

9/9…Humanities Center: Sawyer Seminar—Opening Reception

9/16…Biochemistry and Biophysics: Graduate Women in Science

9/23…Humanities Center: Sawyer Seminar—Rethinking the American Immigration Narrative

10/7…History: Verne Moore Lecture Series—Karen Offen