Wildfires—and their toxic smoke—are affecting us more often. What can we do about it?

CNN, June 8

The Clean Air Scientific Advisory Committee—a group of physicians, state environmental officials, and academics who are tasked with advising the EPA on air quality—has written letters to EPA administrator Michael Regan asking the agency to take a harder look at whether wildfire smoke should be classified as a natural or exceptional event. “A lot of the (committee) members felt that is something EPA ought to reconsider and not exclude, especially with climate change and the more frequent fires,” says Mark Frampton, a pulmonary disease specialist and a professor emeritus in the Department of Medicine. “It’s certainly having adverse health effects on people.”

Gift supports registration fee for 100 University bike riders at Wilmot Warrior Weekend

An anonymous donor has contributed $10,000 to pay the registration fee for 100 University employees who sign up between now and July 1 for the Wilmot Cancer Institute’s first-ever cycling event, the Wilmot Breakaway. The ride, on Saturday, September 30, is part of the Wilmot Warrior Weekend. Riders of all levels are encouraged to join. Register online and enter the discount code URBREAKAWAY. “I’m excited that Wilmot Cancer Institute is hosting its first-ever bike ride to support cancer research and care,” says Jonathan Friedberg, director of Wilmot Cancer Institute. “We are also grateful to the donor who is helping support more people to register for this event. Thank you!”

Staff and faculty tennis event

Sign up to attend the “Staff and Faculty Tennis Social” organized by the Event and Classroom Management Office on Thursday, June 29, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Lyman Outdoor Tennis Center on the River Campus. The social is open to all level players. Depending on the number of players who’ve registered to come, each player will start with a preassigned partner. Find more information and register online by June 19.

Register for the Community-Based Participatory Research Training Program

Registration is now open for the Community-Based Participatory Research Training Program offered each year by the Clinical and Translational Science Institute. In the course, community members and University faculty, staff, and students learn a collaborative approach to research that involves community members or recipients of health interventions during all phases of the research process and recognizes the unique strengths of each research team member. Register for the 2023–24 course by Thursday, August 17.

On April 8, 2024, Rochester will get a prime view of a rare total solar eclipse. To mark the occasion, a poster exhibit created by Smithsonian artist and astronomer Tyler Nordgren will make the rounds across Rochester, changing location each month until April’s totality. The Eastman School of Music hosts Nordgren’s posters for the month of June in Eastman’s East Wing, located on Main Street. Learn more, including a schedule of other Rochester locations where the exhibit will be featured.