Using AI to map how the brain understands sentences
New research involving neuroimaging and AI—artificial neural networks—describes the complex network within the brain that comprehends the meaning of a spoken sentence. Led by Andrew Anderson, a research assistant professor at the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience, the study is an example of how the application of AI is enabling researchers to unlock the complex signaling in the brain that underlies functions such as processing language.
In today’s issue:
Two Rochester students have been awarded an Air Force research grant for their work developing technology to prevent the spread of traumatic brain injuries
Author and historian Erika Lee gives a lecture next week on xenophobia in the United States
The Graduate Writing Project is hosting a series of virtual workshops for AS&E graduate students and postdocs
Since Tuesday’s notice in @Rochester, there are two new cases of COVID-19 to report, both River Campus students. Please note that the University’s COVID-19 Dashboard is updated daily. Whenever a new case is known, the contact-tracing process begins immediately with confirmed exposures being contacted and required to quarantine.
It’s extremely important for the health of the University community that individuals continue to adhere to the face masking and social distancing protocols. Even as some individuals are now receiving their first or second dose of the vaccine, these practices to prevent the transmission of the virus cannot be relaxed.
If you think you’re experiencing any COVID-19 symptoms, it’s important to report them through Dr. Chat Bot—for non–Medical Center faculty, staff, and all students and for Medical Center employees—immediately. Even if you think your symptoms might be something else—like a cold, seasonal congestion, or allergies—it’s still important to tell University health professionals and contact tracers what you’re experiencing.
Campus Dining Services continues its sustainability initiatives by striving to utilize whole animals and produce to minimize waste on farms and support local businesses. The project began during the summer of 2019 and has evolved into a larger project throughout the campus dining halls.
Upcoming Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Assault and Misconduct
In April, the University will launch a Campus Climate Survey on Sexual Assault and Misconduct. All Rochester students are encouraged to participate in the survey, which will assess the prevalence and nature of students’ experiences with sexual and relationship violence, harassment, and other sexual misconduct, as well as students’ knowledge and opinions of the University resources available to them. Westat, a social science research firm, is administering the survey, and individual responses will be confidential. The de-identified results will be published on the University’s website as required by New York State law and will be used to guide policies to encourage a healthy, safe and nondiscriminatory environment at the University. Participation in this survey is completely voluntary. In early April, University leadership will email a survey link and additional information to all students.
Wellness Wednesday: Coursework
Need help? Check in with the nearest librarian. Whether you use Rush Rhees, Sibley, or Miner Library, you have access to experts (librarians) who can jumpstart your research, format citations, find resources, and more. Need inspiration? Head to iZone. Set up an appointment to consult with the iZone team on any ideas or problems you may have—big or small.
Check back next Wednesday for more tips and resources that will help you stay focused, healthy, and connected.
Writing workshops for AS&E graduate students and postdocs
The Graduate Writing Project is hosting a series of virtual workshops designed to support and improve your writing. These workshops will use a flipped classroom model; participants will receive instructional materials that they can work through independently prior to the workshop. During the workshop, participants will share their work and further develop their writing through discussion and small group activities. These virtual workshops will take place March 29 to 31, from noon to 1 p.m. EDT. Learn more and register online.
Funding your summer 2021 experience
Monetary support for various summer experiences is available for undergraduate students in AS&E. Applications are due April 12. Learn more about various funding opportunities:
Milestone service anniversary recognition for 2020
The University is powered by dedicated and committed staff who work hard to improve the lives of students, patients, and colleagues. There is no more evidence of this than the 1,498 staff members who celebrated a milestone service anniversary in 2020, all of whom were invited to choose a service award gift during their anniversary month. Those with 10, 15, or 20 years of service in the calendar year 2020 will receive a specially engraved University of Rochester travel mug with a printed program of all honorees’ names at their homes in lieu of the annual recognition reception. For honorees with over 25 years of service celebrating a milestone anniversary, a package including a travel mug, the printed program, and an invitation to order a meal kit from Gobble was sent to their home in lieu of the annual recognition reception and dinner. Learn more about the University’s Awards and Recognition Program. The site also includes a video message to honorees from President Sarah Mangelsdorf.
Faculty artist concert features works by Beethoven, Mendelssohn
The next concert in Eastman School of Music’s Faculty Artist Series features Chiao-Wen Cheng, an assistant professor of accompanying; Yoojin Jang, an assistant professor of violin; and Guy Johnston, an associate professor of cello. The performance takes place Friday, March 26, at 7:30 p.m. EDT, and will be free to stream live at esm.rochester.edu/live. The stream will start approximately 15 minutes before the event.
Lecture on xenophobia in the United States
After being postponed from January, award-winning author and historian Erika Lee, the Rudolph J. Vecoli Chair and director of the Immigration History Research Center at the University of Minnesota, will present a lecture on the role that xenophobia has played in the United States and its impact on immigrant communities, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Register here to attend the virtual event, taking place Wednesday, March 31, at noon EDT.
'Open Access Book Publishing: Cross-Disciplinary Perspectives'
Curious about the process of publishing open access books? Attend a virtual discussion with panelists from the humanities and social sciences. The panel will be moderated by Joan Saab, vice provost of academic affairs and a professor of art history and visual and cultural studies, with opening remarks from Mary Ann Mavrinac, vice provost and the Andrew H. and Janet Dayton Neilly Dean of the University of Rochester Libraries. Register to attend the event, which takes place Thursday, April 29, from noon to 1 p.m. EDT.
Share photos for upcoming COVID-19 tribute performance
The University Chamber Orchestra, in partnership with the Program of Dance and Movement, will produce Vivian Fine’s elegy “Piece for Muted Strings” for victims of COVID-19. Faculty, staff, administrators, and students who are interested in honoring their family members or friends as part of the performance are invited to share photos. You can upload photos of 300 dpi resolution here. Performance details will be announced at a later date.
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