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November 5, 2021

Researchers develop novel 3-D printing technique to engineer biofilms

Graduate student Ram Gona designed a 3D bioprinter that creates biofilms using a technique developed by University of Rochester biology professor Anne S. Meyer and her collaborators at Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands.

Anne S. Meyer, an associate professor of biology, and her colleagues are studying how engineered biofilms closely mimic natural ones. Their research may aid in developing drugs to fight the negative effects of these microorganisms that adhere to surfaces. Graduate student Ram Gona, above, designed a 3-D bioprinter that creates biofilms using a technique developed by the researchers.

In today’s issue:

  • Elizabeth Milavec has been named interim University senior vice president, CFO, and treasurer
  • The Program of Dance and Movement presents its annual “Confluence” dance concert this weekend
  • The Hartnett Gallery is now accepting proposals for events, performances, or exhibitions
TODAY’S UPDATES

One new positive case of COVID-19

There is one new case of COVID-19 to report: a River Campus student. Please note that the University’s COVID-19 Dashboard is updated when a new case is reported. Find the latest COVID-19 messages and updates here.

A reminder on face masks: they must be worn properly covering the nose and mouth indoors on the University’s campuses and properties. Visit the face mask FAQ page for full information. Face masks with air valves are not permitted, nor are face shields alone without a proper face mask underneath.

Elizabeth Milavec named interim University senior vice president, CFO, and treasurer

University President Sarah Mangelsdorf has announced that Elizabeth Milavec, who currently serves as the University’s senior associate vice president for finance, has been appointed interim senior vice president for administration and finance, chief financial officer, and treasurer, replacing Holly Crawford, who will be joining the UT Southwestern Medical Center later this month.

Michael Andrews, who recently retired as senior associate vice president for budgets and planning, will return to the University on an interim basis as Milavec’s deputy and chief of staff while a national search is conducted for the senior vice president position. In addition, a new associate vice president for budgets and planning will be hired soon.

Clinical and Translational Science Institute offers more secure way to share, analyze patient data

Starting this month, the Clinical and Translational Science Institute will offer a new, more secure, and convenient way for researchers across the University to access and analyze data containing protected health information. The Secure Environment for Research Data Analytics offers a virtual collaborative workspace with free select analytical tools and secure data storage and backup to help researchers work with data and comply with federal data privacy laws.

DPS donation drive for Willow Center a success thanks to University community members

The Department of Public Safety’s recent donation drive to benefit Willow Domestic Violence Center of Greater Rochester was a success. The donation drive ran from October 4 to 22 and asked for items from Willow’s wish list. Officers delivered donated items to Willow on November 2, which will provide much-needed support and comfort to survivors of domestic violence and their children.

DPS thanks everyone who dropped off donations, and also those who helped collect and organize donations, including Strong West, the URMC Ambassador Group, Kessler Trauma Center, Strong Memorial Hospital Emergency Department, the Memorial Art Gallery, Eastman Dental, Brighton Health Center, Laboratory for Laser Energetics, and Imaging Sciences.


FOR STUDENTS

Learn more about earning a UX Certificate

User experience (UX) design is the process design teams use to create products that provide meaningful and relevant experiences to users through understanding behaviors, needs, and attitudes. Starting next semester, Rochester undergraduates can earn a UX Certificate that will give them a comprehensive set of skills and insights to enter this field. The certificate unites computer science, engineering, psychology, statistics, and art and design to focus on user experience and culturally relevant solutions to problems. Because the certificate requires the completion of seven courses and a capstone project, students should apply by spring of their junior year. Interested students can contact Digital Media Studies Director Stephanie Ashenfelder or Digital Media Studies Academic Advisor Caitlin Owens to talk about courses and how the certificate can fit with their interests. Students can also register at Handshake or Zoom for a virtual UX alumni panel discussion from 4 to 5 p.m. EST on Friday, November 12, to learn more.


FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

Embrace gratitude with a challenge from Well-U

Expressing gratitude helps improve employee health and well-being, and promotes a happy mood. Well-U’s “30 Days of Gratitude challenge” can get you on the path to incorporating gratitude into your daily routine. Submit a department request form today to participate in the challenge.

Apply for pilot program at Translational Immunology and Infectious Diseases Institute

The Translational Immunology and Infectious Diseases Institute is accepting requests for applications. The purpose of this program is to foster innovative new ideas and team-driven multidisciplinary translational research projects related to infectious disease and immunology. Abstracts will be reviewed and those applicants selected to submit full applications will be contacted shortly thereafter. Applicants must be full-time tenure or research track faculty at the University. Submit your abstracts to Stefanie Fingler by Tuesday, November 30, at 5 p.m. EST.


FOR COMMUNITY

Stop by the Shops @ Wilco

Visit the all-new Shops @ WilCo, located on the first floor of Wilson Commons. Student organizations are fundraising by selling various merchandise at each of the shop stations. Each week features different shopping experiences. For the remainder of the week, the Shops are featuring a pie sale for Habitat for Humanity; preorder a frozen pie from Special Touch Bakery, and the proceeds go towards Flower City Habitat. Other shop stations include a taekwondo sticker sale and Ballet Performance Group roses. All purchases must be made in person using cash, URos, or credit card. The Shops @ WilCo operate using the same hours as The Common Market, open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday and from noon until 11 p.m. on Saturday.

‘Celebramos’ with Club Rochester

Expand your hive while you mix and mingle with students, staff, and faculty. Enjoy free food, giveaways, discount drinks, and networking at a campus happy hour today, November 5, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. in the Feldman Ballroom, Douglass Commons. Themed “Celebramos,” the happy hour will be hosted by campus student organizations Salseros and the Modern Languages and Cultures Undergraduate Council. All guests will need to check-in using their personal QR code found in the CampusGroups app. Once you have downloaded the app to your mobile device, use this short video to see where to locate your personal QR code. Take a screenshot to save it for this and future events. Event Staff will be available to assist you when checking in. Follow Wilson Commons Student Activities on Instagram and Facebook for updates and giveaways.

Mindful outdoor experiences

Spending time outdoors is good for both physical and mental well-being. Certified Kripalu Mindful Outdoor Guide Gaelen McCormick, an instructor of arts leadership at the Eastman School of Music, will lead a guided outdoor experience, including an outdoor walk with prompts to awaken the senses to the colors, sights, and smells of autumn. Don’t miss the last guided experience at the Eastman School of Music campus on Saturday, November 6, from 1 to 2 p.m. Registration is required.

Annual ‘Confluence’ dance concert this weekend

The Program of Dance and Movement presents its annual “Confluence” event—a collaborative and multidisciplinary dance concert by students and faculty—on Saturday, November 6, at 8 p.m. and Sunday, November 7, at 2 p.m. at the Sloan Performing Arts Center. The event is free for all with a University ID and $10 for the general public. Registration is required online.

Carillon concert series continues on Sunday

The Carillon Society continues its Sunday carillon concert series this weekend at 5 p.m. EST. Enjoy the concert from the Eastman Quadrangle or online. Arrangements include musical selections from the Lord of the Rings film and “Let It Be” by John Lennon and Paul McCartney.

National, University first-generation college celebrations

In recognition of the Fifth Annual National First-Generation College Celebration, taking place November 8, the First-Generation Students and Families Committee invites students, faculty, and staff to join the campus campaign, “1st One.” Show support to first-generation college students, or show your own first-generation pride, by displaying “1st One” decals or stickers. To request a decal or sticker, contact Dawn Bruner via email or by calling (585) 275-5415. Learn more about the David T. Kearns Center’s First-Gen Week events.

Hartnett Gallery now accepting proposals

The Hartnett Gallery advisory board is now accepting proposals for events, performances, or exhibitions to be hosted in the gallery. If your department or student organization is interested in hosting an event or exhibition, fill out a proposal form. For more information, visit the Hartnett Gallery website and email questions to WCSA@rochester.edu.

25th annual Asthma and Allergy Update

The University’s Institute for Innovative Education presents the 25th annual Asthma and Allergy Update on Thursday, November 18, from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., at the Woodcliff Hotel and Spa or online via Zoom. The event is designed to provide physicians, advanced practice providers, respiratory therapists, and nurses with an update in the field of asthma, allergy, and selected pulmonary topics. The keynote speaker is Elliot Israel, a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and the director of the Respiratory Therapy Department, the director of clinical research in the Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine Division, and an associate physician at Brigham and Women’s Hospital. Israel will provide an update on severe asthma including phenotyping, biomarkers, and novel biologic therapies. 


SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT

Screenshot of the University’s twitter, showing the newly designed shuttle buses

Several new shuttle buses featuring an exterior wrap with graphics incorporating the University’s name, variations on its colors, and the motto, Meliora, have debuted on the University’s campuses. Learn more.


COVID-19 QUICK LINKS


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