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March 6, 2023

People with autism may process illusory shapes differently

Researchers in the Frederick J. and Marion A. Schindler Cognitive Neurophysiology Laboratory at the Del Monte Institute for Neuroscience have found that the process in our brain that allows us to see visual distinctions may not be happening the same way in the brains of children with autism spectrum disorder.

In today’s issue:

  • Well-U is offering a new wellness goal-setting program for faculty and staff
  • Learn about colorectal cancer symptoms and screening options at the next “Got Health?” talk
  • Save the date for the second annual AS&E Graduate Research Symposium on March 23
TODAY'S UPDATES

Rochester medievalist Russell Peck remembered

Russell Peck, a professor emeritus of English and the John Hall Deane Professor Emeritus of Rhetoric and Poetry at Rochester, is being remembered as much for his eminent medieval scholarship as his excellence in teaching. A renowned expert on the medieval poets Geoffrey Chaucer and John Gower, Peck died on February 20. University flags on Eastman Quadrangle and near the entrance of Strong Memorial Hospital will be lowered for Peck on March 28.


SECURITY TIP

How monitoring your online accounts could save your tax refund

With tax season underway, malicious actors are targeting taxpayers by claiming discrepancies with their account information. Scammers use fear tactics to swindle you into making rash decisions and handing over financial info. University IT reminds you to monitor your online accounts and bank statements on a regular basis and be cautious of how tax information is shared. If you’re contacted, ask yourself: are you using a tax professional? Are you sharing sensitive data with them over a secured network? Any stolen tax information could compromise your refund and identity. Should you receive any suspicious phone calls, emails, or text messages—or if you notice errors related to your bank accounts—contact your bank or credit card provider immediately through their verified contact information.


FOR FACULTY AND STAFF

Financial Health Bites: Homeownership incentive program

The Office of Total Rewards hosts a webinar on Wednesday, March 8, at noon EST to learn about the University’s homeownership incentive program, a joint program with the City of Rochester and participating banks or credit unions. Benefit-eligible faculty, staff, residents, and fellows can receive $9,000 toward the purchase of a primary residence. Register to attend. There will be time for your questions at the end of the presentation.

Goal-setting program with Well-U

Self-discovery can lead to victory in Well-U’s new program, “Goal-setting Success.” Follow expert guidance to craft your plan, knock down barriers, and accomplish and keep up your personalized health goals. Get started here for the program beginning on Thursday, March 9.

Retiree benefits webinar

Attend a retiree benefits webinar with the Office of Total Rewards on Wednesday, March 15, at 1 p.m. EST to discuss what it means to be eligible for retiree benefits, health, and dental insurance, Medicare, enrollment periods, and other benefits offered to you as a University retiree.


FOR THE COMMUNITY

‘PositiviTEA’ with the Mindful University Project

Join the Mindful University Project for “PositiviTEA” talks. Take a 15-minute break during your Tuesday to make a cup of tea and use a mindful moment to acknowledge what you’re grateful for and to recenter your energy. The first talk will take place on Tuesday, March 7, at noon EST via Zoom.

Level up your professional superpowers this month

Looking to zhuzh up your resume or polish up your personal brand to nail that dream interview? Career experts Jay Berger and Barbara Grossman ’77 will get you charged up with the skills to power through a job search or career transition. The next virtual session on crafting an authentic resume is March 8. Explore the full series, sign up for any of the sessions that interest you to create your customized experience, and catch the recordings of previous webinars.

Virtual talk on early detection and prevention of colorectal cancer

Visit the Center for Community Health & Prevention’s Facebook page on Thursday, March 9, any time after 11 a.m. EST as Hannah Farley, promotion, education, and targeted outreach manager for the Cancer Services Program of the Finger Lakes Region, presents “How Does Colorectal Cancer Start & What Can You Do to Help Prevent It?” Learn about the symptoms of colorectal cancer and screening options to help with early detection and prevention, find out what to expect during a colonoscopy, and what at-home test options are available and how they work. This Got Health talk is presented in recognition of National Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month observed in March.

Next ‘Commit to Quit!’ series begins March 16

Are you ready to cut back or stop smoking or vaping? Acceptance, support, planning, and goals are the four pillars of the free six-session “Commit to Quit!” group program offered by the Center for Community Health & Prevention. This virtual program could be the right fit for you, or a family member looking to start their journey. The next weekly series starts at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, March 16. Learn from others with similar goals and work with certified experts. Register today.

Summer School in Computational Social Sciences accepting applications

The Summer School in Computational Social Sciences at the University, taking place May 8–19, is accepting applications until March 17. The program gives students the opportunity to build a computational social sciences project with a team of researchers and is open to seniors planning to do a PhD, master’s students, PhD students, and junior faculty within 7 years of their PhD. Tuition is free and the program will cover the cost of lunch, coffee, and snacks. For more information on the program and how to apply, visit the program website or email Cantay Caliskan.

AS&E Graduate Research Symposium set for March 23

Celebrate the research and accomplishments of Rochester’s graduate students at the second annual AS&E Graduate Research Symposium on Thursday, March 23, from 3 to 5:30 p.m. in Feldman Ballroom, Douglass Commons. More than 70 graduate students, both master’s and PhD, from a variety of disciplines will showcase posters of their research and will be available to discuss their work. The event will include the Graduate Research Poster Session from 3 to 4:30 p.m. and a networking reception and awards ceremony from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The reception will include remarks by Nick Vamivakas, AS&E dean of graduate education and postdoctoral affairs.

Mindful Practice in Medicine Core Workshop

The “Mindful Practice in Medicine Core Workshop: Find Joy and Resilience, and Enhance Quality of Care” was developed by physicians to help medical practitioners and educators respond to the erosion of joy in their work. It provides an experiential and interactive learning environment. The workshop takes place virtually May 10–13; learn more and register online. Discounted registration fees end on April 26.


THIS WEEK IN UNIVERSITY HISTORY

Igor Stravinsky residency

1966: Legendary composer Igor Stravinsky was in residence at the Eastman School of Music. The weeklong residence included a variety of events designed to enable meaningful interactions between Stravinsky and the Eastman community. “Stravinsky Week” culminated with a gala concert at which the University would confer an honorary doctorate on the composer. Sibley Music Library’s website includes more information and photos from the week’s events.


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