Grant helps biologist study ‘complex interplay’ of nature and nurture on genes
How does an organism sense its environment and pass on that information to its offspring? What are the genetic mechanisms that regulate how environmental cues influence the ways organisms develop? And how do these processes evolve? Jennifer Brisson, a professor of biology, received a grant from the National Institutes of Health to investigate these questions and more in a quest to better understand plasticity.
In today’s issue:
University IT recommends signing up for LastPass, the University’s free password management service
Attend “Tracing the Lines of Segregation: Building an Antiracist History Curriculum for Rochester,” the first Mellon DigiTalk of the semester
A new online course explores community engagement and the shifting landscape of health care
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.
Security Tip: Get LastPass, the University’s free password management service
You can—and should—have unique passwords for all of your accounts. The average person has upwards of 100 passwords to remember. LastPass—free for all University, Medical Center, and affiliate staff, faculty, and students—can help you manage, create, and secure your passwords. You remember one strong LastPass password and the service securely stores login credentials, autofill logins, and creates strong, secure passwords. Get a quick overview of LastPass, available for mobile and desktop, or read more details, then call the University Help Desk at (585) 275-2000 or ISD Help Desk at (585) 275-3200 to activate your free LastPass account.
Angela Branche, an assistant professor of medicine and codirector of the Medical Center’s vaccine treatment and evaluation unit, calls this flu season unusual. She notes that season peaked in December, just as COVID-19 cases surged, driven by the more transmissible omicron variant. Flu cases dropped as more people masked up and took other steps to prevent coronavirus from spreading, Branche says.
During National Eating Disorders Awareness Week, the University Counseling Center and UHS Health Promotion Office are offering brief screenings with a clinician so you can explore your relationship with food and have your questions answered. Learn more about the screenings, taking place Tuesday, February 22, from noon to 2 p.m. in the Welles-Brown Room “oasis” in Rush Rhees Library.
Student organization supports transfer students
A new student organization aims to “create a community for transfer students, to ease their transition to their new campus and help them make friends, learn about other clubs and activities, and explore Rochester,” says Savannah Schisler ’22, founder and president of the Transfer Student Organization. Schisler was the recipient of the University’s Transfer Student Award for 2020–21. Meetings this spring are scheduled for 4 p.m. on February 26, March 26, April 9, and April 23 in Genesee Hall, Room 309. Learn more.
Summer School in Computational Social Sciences accepting applications
The Summer School in Computational Social Sciences at Rochester, taking place May 9–20, is accepting applications until March 18. The program gives students the opportunity to build a computational social sciences project with a team of researchers. It is open to seniors planning to pursue a PhD, master’s students, PhD students, and junior faculty within seven years of their PhD. There is no tuition, and the program will cover the cost of lunch, coffee, and snacks. Find more information on the program and how to apply or email Cantay Caliskan.
Don’t pay more than you need to in tuition costs for your children. Submit your application as soon as possible if you have a dependent child attending the University for the spring 2022 semester and you have met the eligibility. You can find the application in HRMS under Self Service > Benefits > Tuition > Apply-Dependent Tuition Waiver.
America Saves Week
The goal of America Saves Week, February 21–25, is to encourage people to save money, reduce debt, and build wealth. Use this opportunity to either start or increase your savings to the University’s retirement program. To enroll or manage your 403(b) retirement account, go to the TIAA website or speak to a representative at (800) 410-6497.
Panel to discuss ‘Black Music, Engineering, and Resilience’
Attend the virtual panel discussion “Black Music, Engineering, and Resilience,” moderated by Jeffrey McCune Jr., the Frederick Douglass Associate Professor of African-American Literature and culture director of the Frederick Douglass Institute for African and African-American Studies, taking place Tuesday, February 22, from 5 to 7 p.m. EST.
Spring Mellon DigiTalk series begins tomorrow
The Andrew W. Mellon Digital Humanities Fellows host “Tracing the Lines of Segregation: Building an Antiracist History Curriculum for Rochester,” the first DigiTalk of the spring 2022 semester on Tuesday, February 22, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. via Zoom. The session will feature a conversation with Shane Wiegand, an adjunct instructor of neurology, a teacher in the Rush-Henrietta Central School District, co-lead of the Antiracist Curriculum Project, and a board member of City Roots Community Land Trust. A discussion and Q&A will follow. Learn more and register here for the Zoom link.
Startup Bytes event covers startups in AI
The Ain Center for Entrepreneurship hosts its next Startup Bytes event on Friday, February 25, at noon EST via Zoom. Computer science major and e5 scholar Daniel Munoz Huerta ’22 will lead a panel discussion on the ethics behind artificial intelligence (AI), what happens to data, what are some of the risks, and how AI might affect the workforce of the future. Students, faculty, staff, and community members are invited to attend. Register for a calendar invite, updates, and the recording.
Advanced certificate in data science
The Goergen Institute’s Advanced Certificate Program in Data Science is accepting applications through March 15. This four-course, graduate credential is designed for working professionals with knowledge of data science who want to formalize their training. The program is flexible and can be completed in two to four semesters of part-time study. Email Lisa Altman with questions or to receive an application fee waiver.
New course explores community engagement, shifting landscape of health careÂ
A free online course, “Community Engagement in Research and Population Health,” developed by Theresa Green, director of community health policy and education at the Center for Community Health & Prevention, was recently launched on Coursera. Course participants will explore the importance of engaging community members as researchers, educators, and managers to improve the health of the population. Users can learn at their own pace, with their own deadlines. A certificate of completion is available at the end of the course, for a fee. Learn more and enroll here.
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