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January 26, 2022

Using nanodiamonds as sensors just got easier

Andrea Pickel, Assistant Professor of Mechanical Engineering and Ph.D student Dinesh Bommidi are pictured with an atomic force microscope in PIckel’s Lab in Hopeman Hall January 20, 2022. PIckel’s lab had a paper recently come out in Applied Physics Letters that was selected as a Featured Article and was also chosen for a brief Scilight (“science highlight”) perspective article. Additionally, the group’s work on optical nanothermometry was recently featured in an article in the journal Matter highlighting “35 challenges in materials science being tackled by PIs under 35(ish) in 2021.”

Rochester researchers have found a new way to extract temperature from light emitted by a diamond defect. PhD student Dinesh Bommidi (left) and Andrea Pickel, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering, used an atomic force microscope to locate and move nanodiamond sensors.

In today’s issue:

  • Faculty and staff can still register to participate in LGBTQ+ safe space sessions
  • Attend a public health grand rounds lecture on advancing cancer control in the Northern Plains American Indians
  • Wellness Wednesday offers up two resources for students
TODAY’S UPDATES

Update on new positive cases of COVID-19

There are six new positive cases among students to report: five on the River Campus and one on the Medical Campus. 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.


ROCHESTER IN THE NEWS

With vaccine mandate looming, nursing homes face more staffing problems

US News and World Report, January 25

Nursing assistants “can typically find a job with better pay that is less physically and emotionally demanding,” says Brian McGarry, an assistant professor of medicine and of public health sciences. “Somebody’s life and dignity is in your hands, and it’s a huge responsibility, and you are not getting paid commensurate with that responsibility.”


FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

Honor a colleague’s innovation and leadership

Established in 2021, the Lamar Riley Murphy Leadership Award recognizes an individual who is an exemplary role model, demonstrating innovative, proactive leadership affecting their immediate department, division, or the University community as a whole. Nominate a colleague no later than February 16 for this award, as well as the Witmer Award for Distinguished Service, the Meliora Award, and the Staff Community Service Award. Learn more about eligibility and the new online nomination process for all awards here.

LGBTQ+ Safe Space sessions

Limited space remains for faculty and staff to register for “LGBTQ+ Safe Space Part 1: Gaining Knowledge” this winter.  Following the completion of this course, employees may register to complete “Part 2: Creating Safety,” which enables employees to then become a University LGBTQ+ Safe Space. Classes are free and are currently all virtual. Register for the course in MyPath. Questions can be directed via email to the Office of Learning and Organizational Development.

Don’t be blindsided by your health

High cholesterol has no symptoms and puts you in danger of heart disease and a stroke. The only way to know if you are at risk is to have your cholesterol checked through a biometric screening or by your doctor. Then, enroll in Well-U’s high cholesterol program and take charge of your well-being.

Tuition reimbursement reminder

Are you utilizing the tuition reimbursement benefit for the fall 2021 semester? Be sure to submit your supporting documents (tuition bill, proof of payment, and final grades) to tuitionbenefits@ur.rochester.edu within 90 days of the completion of the course.


FOR THE COMMUNITY

Public health grand rounds lecture on advancing cancer control in the Northern Plains American Indians

Daniel Petereit, a radiation oncologist at Rapid City Regional Hospital, presents “Walking Forward: Collaborating at the Community Level to Advance Cancer Control in the Northern Plains American Indians,” a public health grand rounds webinar in collaboration with the Wilmot Seminar Series. Preregistration is required for the lecture, taking place Friday, February 4, at noon EST. ASL interpreters will be present. Email Carolyn Settle with questions.


WELLNESS WEDNESDAY

Peer-led meditations available for students

Tune into meditations hosted by students. The Mindful University Project’s mindfulness facilitators will be hosting meditations on the project’s Instagram and podcast. Follow along to meet the facilitators and to keep informed about upcoming meditation sessions.

Students: Chat with a peer coach

Are you feeling stressed or overwhelmed? Homesick? Not sleeping well? A UR Connected coach can help. The team of undergraduate and graduate coaches has received specialized training in the areas of active listening, helping students in distress, and suicide prevention. They are also educated on all of the resources campus has to offer, from academic support to navigating an off-campus therapy appointment to finding a program to improve your sleep habits. To get started, visit the UR Connected website. You can review coach profiles, choose one that will be a good fit, and schedule directly with them online.

SOCIAL MEDIA SPOTLIGHT

Screenshot of the Eastman School of Music Instagram showing the Ring Quartet

Live concerts return to the Eastman School of Music on Sunday, January 30. The Ying Quartet performs at 3 p.m. in Kilbourn Hall as part of the Eastman Ranlet Series. Find more information and tickets here.


COVID-19 QUICK LINKS


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