Faculty appointed to named professorships

Several faculty members were appointed to named professorships in the first half of 2023. An honor designed to recognize the national stature of a professor’s work, the named positions are part of a long-standing tradition to celebrate the work of Rochester’s faculty as researchers, scholars, and teachers.

• Christopher Azzara, the Eisenhart Professor of Music Teaching and Learning
• Amy Blatt, the William L. Morgan, Jr. Professor in Medicine
• Sina Ghaemmaghami, the George Y. and Catherine H. Wu Professor in Chemistry
• Lisa Kitko, the Independence Foundation Chair in Nursing Education
• Todd Krauss, the Jay Last Professor in Arts, Sciences & Engineering
• Dennis Kuo, the Purcell Family Distinguished Professor
• Mitchell Lovett, the Benjamin Forman Professor of Marketing
• Ellen Matson, the Marshall D. Gates, Jr. Professor of Chemistry
• James McGrath, the William R. Kenan, Jr. Professor
• Matthew McGraw, the George Washington Goler Chair in Pediatrics
• Jeanine Miklos-Thal, the Fred H. Gowen Professor of Economics & Management
• James Palis, the Northumberland Trust Professor in Pediatrics
• Douglas Portman, the Donald M. Foster, M.D. Professor in Biomedical Genetics
• Michael Scharf, the Mark and Maureen Davitt Distinguished Professor in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
• Laurie Steiner, the Lindsey Distinguished Professor for Pediatric Research
• Holly Watkins, a Minehan Family Professor

Flags will be lowered for Tracy Kraft

University flags on the Eastman Quadrangle and near the entrance of Strong Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department will be lowered on Tuesday, August 8, for Tracy Kraft, a secretary IV in the neuroimmunology division of the Department of Neurology, who died on July 24. Kraft joined the University staff in 2000.

Cybersecurity in the workplace is everyone’s responsibility

With the avalanche of online apps for personal communication, fun, games, and work, the lines between work and personal lives have increasingly blurred. Using good cybersecurity practices that protect yourself and the University is critical. University IT recommends these cyber-safe protocols to help you keep data secure and thwart cyber threats.

• Keep a clean updated machine: Update your computer, mobile phone, and tablet software and apps often.
• Enable two-factor authentication (Duo): This can prevent unauthorized access even if your login credentials are stolen or lost.
• Protect your device: Use strong passwords and enable passcodes on your devices to prevent your sensitive information from being stolen.
• When in doubt, throw it out: Do not take the bait from phishing emails, and avoid suspicious links, even from known sources.

Updates to tuition benefit salary bands

Effective fall 2023, income levels will increase for the three employee tuition benefit salary bands for regular full-time and part-time faculty and staff. The annual index for the salary bands is based on changes in the national average wages as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. For more information, visit the Tuition Benefits website.

New research repository

The University of Rochester Libraries has launched a new space for Rochester researchers to easily share their work while meeting publisher and funder requirements. Use the “UR Research Repository” for research outputs such as papers, presentations, and data. To get started, go to rochester.figshare.com. You can find more information on the libraries’ website. Contact the data librarians team for personalized guidance.

Virtual seminar on dietary supplements

What are dietary supplements? Why and when should you use them, and what are the health benefits and risks? Join Jill Chodak, a registered dietitian with Well-U’s lifestyle management team, on Tuesday, August 8, at noon for a deep dive into powders, vitamins, minerals, and more. Sign up here.

A parent’s guide to kids and money

The Office of Total Rewards hosts the webinar, “A Parent’s Guide to Kids and Money (from Toddlers to Teens)” on Wednesday, August 9, from noon to 1 p.m. Learn about the relationship between children and money from a parent’s perspective and ways to teach your children valuable money habits. This webinar will be conducted by a representative from MetLife. Enroll now to save your spot.

World Universities Network Research Development Fund 2023

The World Universities Network (WUN) Research Development Fund 2023 is now open. The annual competitive fund aims to bring together researchers to undertake innovative, high-quality, sustainable research that addresses global challenges. Each member institution can lead two proposals per year but collaborate on as many as desired. If you are interested in leading a proposal effort or would like more information, contact Megan Bennett-Spears. Review the RDF guidelines and more information on the Global Engagement website. Internal applications are due Wednesday, September 16.

Lecture: ‘Using Restorative Practices to Build Capacity for Well-being’

The Department of Psychiatry, in partnership with the Departments of Medicine, Neurology, and Surgery; the School of Nursing; Wilmot Cancer Institute; and the Medical Center’s Office of Equity and Inclusion, hosts the 11th annual Summer Brown Bag Series, an educational series focused on all facets of inequity.

The next session, “Restoring oURselves: Using Restorative Practices to Build Capacity for Well-being,” takes place on Wednesday, August 9, from noon to 1 p.m. Speakers include Traci Terrance, a senior instructor of psychiatry and of family medicine; Kristin Hocker, deputy Title IX coordinator and an assistant professor of clinical nursing; Kit Miller, director emeritus of the MK Gandhi Institute for Nonviolence; and Caroline Nestro, an associate clinical administrator in the Department of Psychiatry. A Q&A will follow from 1 to 1:30 p.m. This session is a group activity, and active participation is required for all registrants. Participants may attend virtually or in person at the School of Nursing. Space is limited; register by Tuesday, August 8, at noon.

‘Fix a Bike Flat’ virtual class

If you’ve ever wondered how to fix a flat bike tire, this 15-minute Zoom class is for you. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced cyclist, these step-by-step instructions will have you confidently pedaling in no time. Join the Department of Transportation and Parking for “Fix a Flat Bike Tire” on Wednesday, August 9, from noon to 12:15 p.m. Registration is required. Find the full schedule of classes here.

‘University Night’ at the Rochester Red Wings

Join the University community on Thursday, August 10, for a night at Innovative Field. Enjoy a pre-game picnic in the Hot Corner before cheering on the Rochester Red Wings as they take on Lehigh Valley. Regular admission is $25 with discounted and free tickets available for children. Advance registration is required, as tickets are limited in quantity and reserved for family members and special guests of the University community. Register now.

Participate in a clinical study of a new COVID-19 treatment

If you, or someone you know, have tested positive for COVID-19 within the past three days and currently have symptoms, you may qualify for a clinical study of a new COVID-19 treatment. Participants receive compensation for study visits and travel, and free transportation to the study clinic is available. Contact volunteer@rochestervictoryalliance.org or call (585) 756-2329.

UR Tech Store Apple back-to-school promotion

Apple’s back-to-school promotion, “Buy a Mac for College and get AirPods. Buy an iPad for College and get an Apple Pencil,” is now available at the UR Tech Store. This offer is available for personal purchases only. For full details, visit the Tech Store website or stop by retail locations at the Medical Center (G-7220B) or Rush Rhees Library.