January 11, 2021

Dear members of the Hajim School community,

Again this year we’re trying very hard to celebrate as many University traditions as possible, despite the restrictions imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. A good example is our annual, University-wide Art of Science Competition.

Entries are now being accepted from currently enrolled students, faculty, and staff for the competition, which celebrates the aesthetic and interconnected natures of science and art. We welcome photographs, illustrations, visualizations, renderings, and posters showing an artistic representation of science, technology, engineering, math, and sustainability themes. Creativity and uniqueness are favored in the judging, as well as the ability of artists to convey the meaning of their work in terms understandable to a general audience.

Again this year we have an online submission form; the deadline to submit high resolution jpeg entries (300 dpi, at least 3,000 pixels wide on the longest edge) is March 19. Cash prizes of $1,000, $500, and $250 will be awarded to winning student entries. All other entries will be eligible for a People’s Choice Award of $250. For inquiries, contact Brian McIntyre and the project team at artofscience@gmail.com.

Take advantage of our winter break to start planning your entry. Let’s see if we can surpass last year’s total of 72 submissions! Click here to read about last year’s winning entries.

FUNDING FOR LLE

The FY21 omnibus deal reached by Congress recently includes $82 million for the Laboratory for Laser Energetics–a $2 million increase over last year and the highest funding level in its history. Overall, the bill includes $575 million for the National Nuclear Security Administration’s Inertial Confinement Fusion program, a $10 million increase over last year.

The bill also includes funding for the Office of Fusion Energy Sciences’ LaserNetUS facilities, which provide U.S. scientists increased access to the unique high intensity laser facilities at 10 institutions. (LLE is the most requested facility). Moreover, the omnibus includes language supporting the Brightest Light Initiative, which is laying the groundwork for upgrading the capabilities of LLE’s Omega EP and furthering LLE’s leadership in ultrafast lasers.

This is great news for LLE, our University, and the Hajim School, which benefits so much from our collaborations with LLE. Congratulations to LLE director Mike Campbell and his team and to Josh Farrelman, associate vice president for the University’s Office of Government and Community Relations and his team. Most importantly, a big thank you to our Congressional delegation.

SENIORS: CONSIDER OUR MASTER’S DEGREES

I would like to encourage our seniors who are wondering what to do following graduation to give serious thought to pursuing one of our master’s degrees to enhance your job prospects. Students interested in entrepreneurship, for example, or students completing our BA in engineering science, should consider our Technical Entrepreneurship and Management (TEAM) program. Computational and data management skills are an advantage across many professions. So you might want to consider a master’s degree in Computer Science or in Data Science. And students with an interest in materials may want to consider our master’s degree in Materials Science.

The Graduate Engineering Opportunity Fellowship is a new fellowship we are offering to support students who have a commitment to diversity and the pursuit of an MS degree in any field of engineering or applied science. Contact Kristina Lantzky-Eaton to learn more.

FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS

UR Graduate Women in Science (GWIS) is challenging all full-time University graduate students (gender-inclusive) in the biomedical, biological, or chemical sciences to take charge of their futures by setting and achieving professional and personal goals for Spring 2021 with mentoring assistance. Resolutions of three professional and three personal goals (1000-word limit) are due to elizabeth_leverenz@urmc.rochester.edu by noon January 21. A panel of judges will select contestants for presentations at a GWIS seminar on May 20. These contestants will compete for the chance to receive one of two $2000 technology-related prizes. All applicants must also attend four Spring 2021 GWIS meetings. To register and read more, click here.

SCHOLARSHIPS

The American Council of Engineering Companies of New York is offering scholarships  ranging from $2,500 to $10,000 for engineering students intending to become consulting engineers. Applicants must be students completing the third year of a four-year program or fourth year of a five-year program. (A total of $80,000 was awarded to students in NYS last year.) The application deadline is Jan. 22.

Have great week!

Your dean
Wendi Heinzelman