Wilmot completes final hurdle in NCI designation journey
Thirty team members at the Wilmot Cancer Institute spent six hours last Wednesday with 15 reviewers from the National Cancer Institute to complete its virtual site visit for NCI designation––the last step in a more than five-year process to build the case for NCI designation. Being designated by the NCI as one of the country’s elite centers opens doors to many opportunities in research and patient care. A final decision on whether Wilmot will become the 72nd designated center in the US is expected by early summer.
In today’s issue:
For the 13th year in a row, the University is participating in the annual “Campus Race to Zero Waste” competition
Faculty and staff can nominate an outstanding student for Student Employee of the Year
Undergraduate and graduate students, faculty, and staff can sign up to be part of community forums on student mental health
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 on what kinds of masks are acceptable.
At age 80, John Thomas writes new chapter in an illustrious career
John Thomas, a professor emeritus of astronomy and of mechanical and aerospace sciences, was recently recognized as a fellow of the American Astronomical Society. Thomas was honored not only for his service and leadership but also for five decades of groundbreaking contributions to solar and stellar physics, “including advancements in our understanding of the behavior of magnetic fields and theoretical and observational studies of sunspots.” Lured from retirement, Thomas is now helping Maiken Nedergaard, a professor of neurology and neurosurgery, expand on her breakthrough discoveries about the brain’s glymphatic system.
Go Green: ‘Campus Race to Zero Waste’ commences
For the 13th year in a row, the University is participating in the annual “Campus Race to Zero Waste” competition (formerly RecycleMania). Rochester joins hundreds of colleges across the United States and Canada in a friendly eight-week-long competition that is designed to help college campuses find ways to reduce or eliminate waste. Learn more in this week’s Go Green blog post.
Brain-based arguments to reduce child poverty miss the point
In a Washington Post op-ed, Mical Raz, a professor of history and of health policy, traces the history of US anti-poverty measures to highlight the pitfalls of using babies’ brain function and biology to inform policy.
Student Alumni Ambassadors are positive, enthusiastic students who serve as liaisons within the University’s alumni community. Passionate about “all things Rochester,” this select group of students connects with alumni and classmates to share their Rochester experience and promote school spirit. This role provides students with opportunities to expand their personal and professional networks, develop leadership skills, and connect with other student leaders on campus through fun and engaging events and programs. Apply online by midnight on February 7. Find more information online and follow along on Instagram. You must be enrolled during the 2022–23 academic year to apply.
Wilmot fellowship opportunities available
Wilmot Cancer Institute is accepting applications for both its predoctoral and postdoctoral cancer research fellowships. The goal of the postdoctoral fellowship is to provide research training to prepare physicians for independent careers in cancer research and training. The predoctoral fellowship is aimed at helping enable emerging scientists to build an independent career in the investigation of the causes, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, or management of cancer or its side effects. The deadline for both opportunities is Friday, February 11. Learn more and download application materials here.
Nominate an outstanding student for Student Employee of the Year
The Student Employment Office invites faculty and staff to nominate an outstanding undergraduate or graduate student employee for Student Employee of the Year. This is an opportunity to let students know their hard work is appreciated. The winners will receive an award in April from the University and compete at the state, regional, and national level for National Student Employee of the Year organized by the National Student Employment Association. The nomination form is due by February 8.
Health Bites: Defeating your debt
Join UR Medicine EAP and Andrea Colline from Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Rochester on Tuesday, February 8, from noon to 1 p.m. EST to learn strategies for negotiating interest rates, negotiating settlements, and developing repayment plans. This class empowers consumers to take charge of their debt and work towards a debt-free lifestyle. Register here to attend.
Explore family care resources
Check out the family care website for family-related benefits and resources offered by the University. You can view resources by categories ranging from new and expecting parents to elder care. Benefits include Care.com memberships, child care discounts, and more.
Science and sustainability seminar series kicks off today
The Science and Sustainability seminar series, cosponsored by the Earth and Environmental Sciences Department and the Environmental Sustainability University Committee for Interdisciplinary Studies, begins today, February 2, with “Sustainability in the Supply Chain,” presented by Trish Donohue, senior program manager at the New York State Pollution Prevention Institute. The seminar takes place from 3:25 to 4:40 p.m. EST in Hutchison Hall, Room 473, or via Zoom. Talks continue weekly through April 13.
Take part in a month-long racial equity challenge
Join the URMC 21-Day Racial Equity Challenge in partnership with the Association of Minority Residents and Fellows. The month-long series features daily challenges and reflections, weekly debriefs, and lectures intended to energize participants about equity work. There will be three featured lectures, the first of which takes place on Friday, February 4, at noon EST. Sign up online.
Simon Entrepreneurs Association virtual talk
Are you interested in learning more about the fashion industry and female-owned businesses? Join the Simon Entrepreneurs Association virtually on Friday, February 4, from noon to 1 p.m. ESTÂ for a Q&A with Renee Greenstein, founder of Women with Control and ATTITUDES by Renee, to learn more about her experience as a business owner and her time spent on QVC.
Attend a community forum on student mental health
A series of community forums are being offered to gather ideas and feedback about student mental health and wellness at the University. The information gathered will be used to create change in campus culture and practices related to mental health.
Forums will be held for undergraduate students, graduate students, faculty, and staff during the weeks of February 7 and 14. Complete the registration form online or submit your thoughts through the feedback form if you cannot attend. All sessions will be held via Zoom. Brought to you by the President’s Coalition on Student Mental Health and Wellness.
Tripods 2022 Careers in Data Science lecture series: Ian Alevy
Join the Goergen Institute for Data Science for the virtual Tripods 2022 Careers in Data Science lecture series. On Monday, February 7, at 8 p.m. EST Ian Alevy will discuss his work as an algorithm developer and software engineer for defense contractor SciTec and the many applications of math to missile defense and software engineering.
Submit nominations for the annual Satcher Community Health Improvement Awards
The Center for Community Health & Prevention invites Medical Center faculty and staff to nominate colleagues for the 12th annual Dr. David Satcher Community Health Improvement Awards. Self-nominations are also accepted. The awards recognize faculty and staff for significant contributions to the health of the community through research, teaching, practice, and service programs. The awards reflect the shared mission of the Center for Community Health & Prevention and the Medical Center to develop and expand University-community partnerships that support participatory research and interventions to reduce health inequalities and improve the community’s health. The nomination deadline is noon on Thursday, February 25. Learn more here.
23rd annual diabetes conference
This year’s annual diabetes conference will provide primary care physicians as well as healthcare providers in a wide variety of other specialties with up-to-date information on diabetes research and treatment options. Program themes include a focus on personalizing drug therapy based on risk profile, addressing diet plans, treating diabetes during pregnancy, and preventing cardiovascular and kidney disease. The hybrid conference takes place Saturday, March 12. Learn more and register here to attend.
The therapy dogs are back. PAWS for Stress Relief will take place each month on the River Campus and at the Eastman School of Music. The Health Promotion Office will also provide educational information, news about upcoming events, and stress-relief giveaways such as lavender sachets or stress balls. The next sessions are:
Monday, February 7, from 6 to 7:15 p.m. in the Feldman Ballroom, Douglass Commons
Thursday, February 24, from 6 to 7:15 p.m. in the Eastman Student Living Center
Get safer sex supplies delivered straight to your campus mailbox. Choose from a variety of safer sex supplies using the online order form for free, anonymous delivery. This service is available to all students with an on-campus mailbox and is brought to you by the UHS Health Promotion Office.
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