We celebrate the scholarly and service contributions of University community members to their fields. Recent award recipients include:

• Christopher Kanan, an associate professor of computer science, is one of five scholars named a senior member by the Association for the Advancement of Artificial Intelligence.
• Vivek Kaul, a professor of medicine, was elected by the World Gastroenterology Organization Governing Council as its new secretary general, where he will also serve on the executive and finance committees.
• Ketevan Kotorashvili, a PhD student in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, received the Zurab Zhvania Foundation’s Tsinandli Award in Natural Sciences for her research on the evolution of stars.
• Alayna Loiselle, an associate professor of orthopaedics, has received the Orthopaedic Research Society’s Adele L. Boskey, PhD Award for her contributions to musculoskeletal research and mentorship of next-generation scientists.
• Jeremy Pigeon, a scientist in the Plasma and Ultrafast Laser Science and Engineering Division at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics, has received a 2024 Young Investigator Research Program award from the Air Force Office of Scientific Research.
• Marc Porosoff, an assistant professor of chemical engineering, is taking part in one of seven cross-disciplinary teams of early career scientists awarded in the fourth and final year of Scialog: Negative Emissions Science.
• Erin Baylor, Luis Rosario-McCabe, and Tara Serwetnyk, associate professors of nursing, have been recognized as distinguished fellows of the National Academies of Practice.

Celebrating faculty, staff, and student honors: If you have news to share about a faculty or staff member, student, or department/unit that has recently achieved a significant professional accomplishment or received a prestigious national or international honor, please let us know so we can consider it for a future listing of awards and honors.

When was the last time you updated your device?

General software updates provide several benefits to your devices and keep them running smoothly. University IT warns that hackers love a good security flaw, and updates can patch software vulnerabilities. Opting out leaves you exposed to malware when malicious actors take advantage of weaker, out-of-date systems. Why should this be a concern to you? Chances are you have a lot of personal data on your devices (passwords, bank information) that becomes an open book to hackers. These viruses can infect friends, family, and colleagues. Many University-managed systems and devices are updated remotely, however, maintaining personal devices is up to you. Look for University IT announcements when critical updates require your immediate attention. Find more information and suggestions on updating your devices.

‘Purposeful Pauses’ for students

Add an intentional break to your week with “Purposeful Pauses” offered by the Mindful University Project. Ranging from 5 to 15 minutes, the sessions are a fit for both beginners and busy students. With frequent collaborations with campus groups, “Purposeful Pauses” can be an introduction to mindful practices and how they can apply to your interests and passions. The sessions are led by student mindfulness facilitators and offer the opportunity to ask any questions you may have about mindfulness and meditation. Sessions are led every Monday at 4:30 p.m. in the Douglass Community Room, Douglass 407. (There are no sessions on March 11 and 18 due to Spring Break). Stay up to date with what sessions will be led via the Mindful U Instagram.

LGBTQ+ resource fair

Stop by the LGBTQ+ resource fair today, February 5, from 3 to 4:30 p.m. in Feldman Ballroom. Learn about on- and off-campus resources for LGBTQ+ students, take home some giveaways, and enter a raffle for a portable JBL speaker. Participating organizations include Trillium Health, Title IX, Planned Parenthood, and the Burgett Intercultural Center. Brought to you by the UHS Health Promotion Office.

‘Paws for Stress Relief’ with therapy dogs

Feeling stressed? Stop by the Goergen Athletic Center and pet some therapy dogs today, February 5, from 6 to 7:15 p.m. Peer Health Advocates will also be there with giveaways including lavender sachets and stress balls. Brought to you by the UHS Health Promotion Office.

Graduate student webinar on advisor relations and interpersonal efficacy

The advisor-student relationship is often long-term and can be a source of support and stress. Join University Health Service for a virtual and confidential webinar open to all graduate students on Tuesday, February 13, from noon to 1 p.m. The session will highlight interpersonal effectiveness skills that emphasize how you can get what you need from others more often while considering objective effectiveness, relationship effectiveness, and self-respect effectiveness. This is Part I of a two-part event; participants from Part I will be sent information to register for Part II. Register in advance.

Data de-identification service available

The Office of the Vice President for Research in conjunction with the Clinical and Translational Science Institute announces a new data de-identification service available to the University research community. The service can help with the removal or masking of elements in research data sets that contain Protected Health Information before publicly sharing or publishing data, as required by certain funding agencies or journals. To schedule a consultation or learn more about the service, visit the Data De-Identification Service Center.

Wilmot fellowship applications due February 12

The Wilmot Physician-Scientist Fellowship Program supports three years of mentored research training for physicians with MD or MD/PhD degrees who have completed residency training and intend to pursue an academic career in clinical, translational, or basic cancer research. The Wilmot Predoctoral Research Fellowship provides two years of support for graduate students enrolled in PhD training programs at the University who are interested in careers in cancer research. The goal is to enable emerging scientists to build an independent career in the investigation of the causes, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, or management of cancer or its side effects, under the mentorship of a Wilmot Cancer Institute member. The deadline to apply for both is Monday, February 12.

Health Bites webinar: Top tips for sleep

Join UR Medicine EAP, Well-U, and faculty from the UR Medicine Sleep Center on Tuesday, February 13, at noon for information about the physical and mental health impacts of insomnia and sleep deprivation. The session will leave you with suggestions on how to improve sleep quantity and quality. Register here.

Ambulatory Care Nursing Excellence Week

Celebrate Ambulatory Care Nursing Excellence, February 5–9. Take a moment to express your appreciation for the incredible work ambulatory nurses do each day. Their dedication, compassion, and expertise in the outpatient setting make a significant impact on the lives of patients and their families. Browse this photo gallery to see how Rochester’s ambulatory nurses celebrate the week, and use #ambcarenurse24 on social media.

‘Calming U’ meditation classes

Unleash the potential of mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and self-compassion in this four-week course tailored to Rochester students from the Mindful University Project, but open to all University students, staff, and faculty. By attending all four sessions, you will receive a giveaway of your choosing: The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook, a meditation cushion, or a yoga mat. Register at the links below.

• Thursdays with Laura, February 8–29, from 9 to 10:15 a.m. via Zoom
• Mondays with Whitney, February 12–March 4, from 7 to 8:15 p.m. in the Douglass Community Room
• Fridays with Debra, March 22–April 12, from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. via Zoom
• Thursdays with Rebecca, March 28–April 18, from 3 to 4:15 p.m. in Genesee Hall, Room 325

Strategic planning discussion forum with guest Adrienne Morgan, VP for equity and inclusion

All students, faculty, and staff are invited to join a discussion forum on Thursday, February 8, at noon, to learn more about the University’s Boundless Possibility 2030 strategic plan. Following an overview of the strategic plan, guest Adrienne Morgan, vice president for equity and inclusion, will join Joe Testani, deputy to the president, for a conversation about the MELIORA values, core beliefs, and success in each of the strategic goals. This virtual session via Zoom is free and open to all but registration is required.

Attend Friends of Strong’s 30th annual Gala Wine Tasting

Friends of Strong’s 30th annual Gala Wine Tasting fundraiser takes place Friday, February 9, at Monroe Golf Club. Sample from over 100 red, white, and sparkling imported and domestic wines, French champagnes, hors d’oeuvres, and desserts. Enjoy music, a complimentary photo booth, and peruse a selection of silent auction activities and items from in and around Rochester—all while supporting patient- and family-centered care at Strong Memorial Hospital. Tickets are available online.

LLE summer high school research program

The Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) announces its 35th Summer High School Research Program for students from Rochester-area high schools between their junior and senior years. Up to 16 students work full-time for eight weeks with LLE scientists and engineers on research projects of current interest. Information about this unique educational program and application forms are available here.