Response to antisemitic vandalism on campus

The University is investigating vandalism in the River Campus tunnels that included antisemitic symbols and language, Adrienne Morgan, the vice president for equity and inclusion, and John Blackshear, vice president for student life, announced in a message to the University community on Tuesday. “The use of antisemitic symbols and language and other forms of hate will not be tolerated under any circumstances on University property,” they wrote. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Department of Public Safety.

Student researchers use social media data, AI technologies in data science collaboration

Student researchers are using social media as a data source through a collaborative program between the Clinical and Translational Science Institute and the Goergen Institute for Data Science. Learn more about the project.

Professor emeritus Edward Thorndike remembered

Edward Thorndike, a professor emeritus of physics, is being remembered as a “giant” in his field. Thorndike, whose research helped shape an understanding of the foundations of all matter in the universe, died on December 20.

AI chatbot shows surprising talent for predicting chemical properties and reactions

Nature, February 6

The fact that the technique can get predictions just from the chemical formula for a compound is “very surprising,” says Andrew White, an associate professor of chemical engineering. “We have used it in new projects—like designing new catalysts based on fine-tuning LLMs,” says White. “It is the first method we try when working on new projects.”

Mixer for graduate student teaching assistants

Open to all graduate student teaching assistants in the School of Arts & Sciences and the Hajim School of Engineering, “GTA Café” offers opportunities to develop skills and knowledge relevant to being a graduate TA, share experiences and insights, and meet other graduate students. Drop in, grab a slice of pizza, and learn strategies for managing your time and responsibilities effectively. The event takes place today, February 8, from 4 to 5:30 p.m. in Douglass Commons, Room 401.

Google Developer Student Club hosts talk with Monojit Choudhury

The University’s Google Developer Student Club is hosting a talk with Monojit Choudhury, a professor of natural language processing at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, Abu Dhabi, on Saturday, February 10, at 10 a.m. in Wegmans Hall, Room 1400. Find more information here.

Learn about Simon’s exclusive scholarships for Rochester employees

Stop by the Flaum Atrium today, February 8, between 2:30 and 5:30 p.m. to chat with an admissions representative about Simon Business School’s part-time programs and learn about exclusive scholarships for Rochester employees. University employees are eligible for merit-based scholarships toward their Simon degree, even if they’re using University tuition benefits. These scholarships can significantly reduce tuition expenses—potentially covering up to 100 percent of program costs. Gain insights tailored to your career goals, have your questions answered, and leave with a Simon gift, an application fee waiver, and a complimentary cup of coffee.

Join the Green Reps for ‘Mystery Date with a Book’

Spend the afternoon with a new book and warm company. Join the Green Reps for a “Mystery Date with a Book” on Tuesday, February 13, from noon to 1 p.m. in the Welles-Brown Room, Rush Rhees Library. Wrap up a book, write some details (no spoilers), and grab a friend. Bring a mug for direct-trade hot chocolate from Laughing Gull Chocolates. Reserve a space via email by February 9.

February Break is coming, Care.com can help

Use your free premium Care.com membership to help during school breaks. Memberships are available to eligible employees to find help with child care, elder care, household tasks, and other needs. Visit the family care web page for eligibility criteria and to enroll.

Reception for The Land Protectors exhibit

Attend a reception for The Land Protectors, an exhibit commissioned by the Preservation League of New York with support from a Capacity and Regrowth grant from the New York State Council on the Arts, featuring work by Rochester students in collaboration with the Olmstead Parks Alliance. The reception takes place in Sage Art Center today, February 8, from 6 to 8 p.m. Learn more about the project here.

Women’s Network webinar on creating your own happiness

Learn how to create your own happiness while manifesting your life’s goals with the University’s Women’s Network on Sunday, February 11, at 11 a.m. Join Sherli Looi ’04S (MBA) to learn how you can embrace the parts of life that make you feel fulfilled, work toward the grandest vision of yourself, reduce stress, and increase your happiness quotient. Register now.

Virtual event on embracing digital innovation in healthcare

The UR Health Lab is the Medical Center’s digital innovation incubator, which brings together faculty and students from across the University to leverage technology to solve some of the most pressing problems facing patients and clinicians. Attend a webinar on Tuesday, February 13, at noon to learn about the lab’s initiatives and partnerships, how digital innovation is used to revolutionize healthcare, and how to bridge gaps in healthcare by fostering collaboration. This event is part of the Huang Speaker Series in Technology and Innovation. Learn more and register here.

Wilmot Shared Resources seminar

Wilmot Shared Resources is hosting a “Lunch and Learn” seminar series, which kicks off on Tuesday, February 13, from 12 to 1 p.m. in the K-307 auditorium, Medical Center. The first session will provide an overview of Wilmot Shared Resources. Learn more and register to attend.

Lecture on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict with David Makovsky

Join David Makovsky, the Ziegler Distinguished Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and former US State Department special envoy for Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, for a talk about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The event takes place Tuesday, February 13, at 7 p.m. in the Interfaith Chapel, River Campus.

Grand rounds webinar on a new era of RSV prevention

Mary Caserta, a professor of pediatric infectious diseases, presents “A New Era of RSV Prevention,” the next public health grand rounds webinar, on Friday, February 16, at noon. Register to attend via Zoom. Email Carolyn Settle with questions.

Cheer on Rochester’s varsity teams at home contests scheduled for this coming week. Find more information on the Athletics website.

Friday, February 9

• Women’s basketball vs. University of Chicago, 5:30 p.m.
• Men’s basketball vs. University of Chicago, 7:30 p.m.

• Women’s tennis vs. Nazareth University, 10 a.m.
• Men’s tennis vs. Nazareth University, 2 p.m.

• Men’s basketball vs. Washington University in St. Louis, noon
• Women’s basketball vs. Washington University in St. Louis, 2 p.m.