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February 20, 2023

Perovskites, a ‘dirt cheap’ alternative to silicon, just got a lot more efficient

Perovskites—a family of materials nicknamed for their crystalline structure—have shown extraordinary promise in recent years as a far less expensive, equally efficient replacement for silicon in solar cells and detectors. Now, a study led by Chunlei Guo, a professor of optics, suggests perovskites may become far more efficient.

In today’s issue:

  • University IT offers tips for surfing the internet more safely in this week’s Security Tip feature
  • Information sessions cover how to finance a part-time degree at Simon Business School
  • RSVP by February 24 to attend the Presidential Stronger as One Diversity Awards
SECURITY TIP

‘S’ is for safe web surfing

On average, internet users are browsing over 130 web pages per day and if you’re not careful, you could unknowingly be visiting unsecured sites. How can you surf the web safely? Look for a lock icon to the left of any link in the URL bar on your web browser. You can also double-check that an “S” is present at the start of any link (HTTPS). If you see HTTP without an “S” that means the site is unencrypted and therefore, not secure. Entering any confidential or personal information on an unsecured site can be intercepted and stolen by hackers. ‘


FOR STUDENTS

Self-defense workshops

Join certified pink-belt Gracie Women Empowered instructors for a free women’s self-defense seminar. There will be two workshops offered on Saturday, February 25, from 2:30 to 4 p.m. and Saturday, March 18, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Leibner-Cooper Room, Goergen Athletic Center. The seminars will cover the psychological and physical aspects of self-defense by teaching beginner-friendly Brazilian jiu-jitsu techniques in a fun and collaborative training environment. The techniques in this session employ leverage and timing, so anyone regardless of age or athletic ability can make them work against larger opponents. No previous martial arts experience is required. Open to all women and nonbinary students. Registration is required.

Cross-stitch to bliss with ‘BIC-Ture This!’

The “BIC-Ture This!” queer artmaking series brings together Rochester LGBTQ students. Cross-stitch a mystery design on Friday, February 24, at 7 p.m. in the Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center, Douglass Commons. All supplies are provided. Registration is required by Tuesday, February 21.


FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

Complete your biometric screening during your annual physical

Use Well-U’s provider lab value form for your biometric screening this year. Print the form and have your physician complete it during your 2023 exam. After submitting, your health numbers will be added to your wellness portal so that you can get a clear picture of your present health. Email Well-U for more information.

Find care for seniors through Care.com

Finding care for elderly loved ones can be challenging. Eligible employees can find experienced caregivers for seniors locally and across the country using their free Care.com premium membership. Visit the Family Care web page for eligibility information or to enroll.


FOR THE COMMUNITY

Explore graduate programs at the Warner School

Attend a virtual information session with Warner School of Education and Human Development admissions to learn more about graduate programs in counseling, educational leadership, education policy, health professions education, higher education, human development, online teaching, program evaluation, and teaching. The session will take place Tuesday, February 21, from 5 to 6 p.m. EST via Zoom. The next application deadline is March 1. Contact Warner School admissions with questions. Register to attend the admissions information session.

Learn more about financing a part-time Simon degree

Are you considering a graduate business degree designed for working professionals? Register to attend one of Simon Business School’s upcoming virtual information sessions to learn more about how to finance your degree. University employees may be interested in “Using UR Tuition Benefits for a Simon Degree” on Wednesday, February 22, from noon to 1 p.m. EST. General information will also be shared at “Funding Your Degree: Options for Part-Time Programs” on Thursday, February 23, from noon to 1 p.m. EST. Attendees of the live sessions will receive an application fee waiver of up to $150 value. Recordings will be available to registrants after the sessions.

Attend the Presidential Stronger as One Diversity Awards

Attend the Presidential Stronger as One Diversity Awards honoring faculty, staff, students, members of the Greater Rochester Community, and Board of Trustees members whose actions, activities, and accomplishments support the five equity, diversity, and inclusion priorities for making the University a welcoming and inclusive environment. All are welcome to the event on Thursday, March 2, in the Feldman Ballroom, Douglass Commons. The awards ceremony takes place from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. with a reception to follow from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. RSVP by February 24. For questions or more information, contact the Institutional Office of Equity and Inclusion at (585) 275-2125 or ioei@rochester.edu.


THIS WEEK IN UNIVERSITY HISTORY

Remembering two notable members of the University community

1981: In 1924, Howard Hanson was 27 years old when he became director of the Eastman School of Music. Twenty years after taking charge, Hanson won the Pulitzer Prize for Music for his fourth symphony, Requiem. Hanson, who retired in 1964 after a distinguished career at Rochester, died on February 26, 1981.

1999: David Smith ’58M (MD), who led a team of Rochester scientists in developing a successful vaccine against bacterial meningitis, died on February 23, 1999. Reports indicated cases of Haemophilus influenzae b (Hib), among children under five, dropped as much as 99 percent since its introduction in the late 1980s. The vaccine is now universally recommended for young children. The David H. Smith Center for Vaccine Biology and Immunology at the Medical Center is named in Smith’s honor.


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