October 2, 2023

A successful EP-OPAL design would enable the highest-power laser system in the world. The project’s co-principal investigators include (clockwise from upper left) Jonathan Zuegel and Antonino Di Piazza from the University of Rochester, Eva Zurek from the University of Buffalo, Franklin Dollar from the University of California–Irvine, and Ani Aprahamian from the University of Notre Dame. (University of Rochester artwork / Julia Joshpe)

A Hajim researcher will help design and prototype key technologies for EP-OPAL, a new facility dedicated to the study of ultrahigh-intensity laser-matter interactions. Jonathan Zuegel, a distinguished scientist at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) and a professor at the Institute of Optics, is principal investigator of a new National Science Foundation-funded project that provides the University of Rochester nearly $18 million over three years. The facility could be built at LLE upon completion of the design project.

The Omega Laser Facility at LLE houses two very powerful lasers—OMEGA and OMEGA EP—that are used by scientists from around the world. EP-OPAL—which stands for OMEGA EP-coupled Optical Parametric Amplifier Lines (OPAL)—will be designed to add two of the most powerful lasers in the world and to harness the capabilities of the high-energy OMEGA EP laser. The facility is envisioned to provide laser capabilities beyond those currently available internationally, helping to reestablish US leadership in the field of high-peak-power lasers and the fundamental science that it enables.

Jon says EP-OPAL’s two lasers combined “will deliver laser pulses with peak power approaching the same total power as incident on the Earth’s surface from the Sun, but focused into an area smaller than the cross-section of a human hair.”

Congratulations to all who are involved in this impressive new endeavor! Read more at the News Center.

REMINDER: CONNECT WITH ED HAJIM ’58 THIS WEDNESDAY

Ed Hajim ’58, Chair Emeritus of the University of Rochester Board of Trustees

This Wednesday, the Hajim community will have an exciting opportunity to meet with University trustee and our school’s namesake, Ed Hajim ’58. The Hajim School and the Simon Business School will host an interactive Q&A session with Ed from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. on October 4 in the Sands-Constellation Auditorium in Gleason Hall to discuss his improbable path from overcoming a difficult childhood to becoming a successful Wall Street executive.

Ed truly loves connecting with Hajim students and the campus community at large, so please take advantage of this chance to hear his words of wisdom. I’ll provide welcome remarks and the Q&A will be moderated by Sevin Yeltekin, dean of the Simon Business School. Advanced online registration for this event is encouraged.

CONOR MCNAMARA RECOGNIZED WITH CHEMICAL ENGINEERING’S YOUNG ALUMNI AWARD

Conor McNamara ’13

As we look ahead to Meliora Weekend, the Department of Chemical Engineering will celebrate Conor McNamara ’13, who is this year’s recipient of the department’s 2023 Young Alumni Award.

Conor works as the Director of Beyond Beer Operations for Anheuser-Busch (AB) in St. Louis, MO. He leads a cross-functional supply chain team responsible for the production, planning, and execution of AB’s Beyond Beer Portfolio, with a focus on Flavored Malt and Wine-Based products. Conor joined AB immediately after graduating from Rochester and has worked his way through a variety of roles in brewery operations, corporate planning, and supply chain innovations.

Conor remains deeply connected to the University by volunteering his time as an alumni interviewer for the admissions department, serving on the St. Louis Network Leadership Council, and co-chairing his 5th and 10th-year reunion committees. He is an active member of the George Eastman Circle, and previously served as a member of the Hajim Young Leadership Council.

Conor will accept his award during Meliora Weekend at the Eisenberg Symposium at 4:30 p.m. on Friday, October 6 in the Wegmans Hall Atrium. Read more about Conor’s award at the Chemical Engineering website.

FRANCIS PELLEGRINO HELPS FARMERS GROW MORE SUSTAINABLY

Francis Pellegrino ‘22

A recent alumnus is catching attention for his work applying novel optical sensing technology to help farmers grow more sustainably by facilitating the targeted application of pesticides and fertilizers. Francis Pellegrino ’22 (optical engineering) was interviewed by green.org about his startup Advanced Growing Resources (AGR).

Francis shared that his passion is creating technology that helps solve the world’s biggest problems. While he started out small and launched the company from his garage while he was still a student, he says he’s fortunate to be part of such a rich optics community locally.

“New ventures must dive deep into ideas that do not scale in order to learn enough about their customers to accomplish things that do,” he says. “Small steps towards those first iterative ideas are a great way to start, and there is no better place than your own backyard. I am fortunate that my home base of Rochester, NY has remained America’s Optics Capital for over 150 years.”

Read the full interview with Francis at green.org.

BOUNDLESS POSSIBILITY: 2030 STRATEGIC PLAN

In early September, the University community was invited to take a survey on the new strategic plan, Boundless Possibility. Now it’s time to learn what it’s all about, including our commitment to transformational materials and technologies. At boundless.rochester.edu, you will find all the details on what we aim to achieve over the next seven years and how we intend to do it.

The plan’s website is also the best place for you to keep track of our progress, find stories that illustrate the impact of our efforts, and provide feedback. If you have questions, suggestions, or want to share your Boundless Possibility experience, please reach out.

I look forward to reconnecting with many of you at Meliora Weekend! Have a great week.

Your dean,
Wendi Heinzelman