October 16, 2023
From left to right: NYSTAR Executive Director Ben Vershueren, New York State Assemblymember Sarah Clark, UR vice president for research Steve Dewhurst, NNSA Deputy Administrator for Defense Programs Marv Adams, NYSERDA President & CEO Doreen Harris and Director of University of Rochester’s Laboratory for Laser Energetics Chris Deeney pictured at the ribbon cutting for Intel’s Conesus supercomputer. (University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster)
On Friday, the University held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new supercomputer that has already received several impressive distinctions, earning a place on the most recent TOP500 list of the most powerful computer systems in the world and the GREEN500 list, denoting the world’s most energy-efficient supercomputers. The Conesus supercomputer, named after one of the Finger Lakes in the Greater Rochester region, gives University researchers and Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) scientists a crucial technological edge to simulate complex high-energy-density phenomena in inertial confinement fusion (ICF).
LLE is one of only several facilities in the world where scientists are studying laser-driven ICF for national security purposes and to harvest energy from nuclear fusion.
A host of federal and state elected officials and representatives, federal and state agency officials, members of the university board of trustees, university leadership and staff, and industry representatives gathered at the University’s Data Center for a special ribbon cutting ceremony. One of the officials who provided remarks was Hajim School alumna Doreen Harris ’96 (chemical engineering), who now serves as president and CEO of the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA).
“NYSERDA is proud to have supported the critical work of the Laboratory for Laser Energetics which, in collaboration with federal partners, has led to this remarkable high-performance computing advancement today,” says Harris. “I commend all those who have contributed to this achievement and look forward to the many innovative successes that are sure to come from this world-renowned facility.”
I’m excited for our researchers to put this incredible technology to use in truly innovative ways. Read more about Conesus at the News Center.
OPTICS RESEARCHERS GIVE DRONES A LIFT USING PHOTONIC CHIPS
A prototype photonic chip developed by Associate Professor of Optics Jaime Cardenas could replace the need for gyroscopes in drones and UAVs that operate where GPS is unavailable. (University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster)
Congratulations to Associate Professor Jaime Cardenas from the Institute of Optics, who received a new National Science Foundation grant to develop photonic chips that could replace the gyroscopes currently used in drones, enabling them to fly where GPS signals are jammed or unavailable. Using a quantum technique called weak value amplification, Jaime and his team aim to provide the same sensitivity level of bulk optical gyroscopes on small, handheld photonic chips, potentially transforming navigation for drones.
“Right now, the sensitivity and stability of a gyroscope must be fundamentally traded off between its size and weight,” he says. “As drones, UAVs, and satellites become smaller and more ubiquitous, the need for ultracompact navigation-grade gyroscopes will become critical. State-of-the-art miniaturized gyroscopes are compact and robust but suffer from a performance deficit that hinders their use in navigation.”
Learn more about Jaime’s exciting new project at the News Center.
AS&E GRADUATE RESEARCH DAY TAKES PLACE FRIDAY
Nearly 40 students from across Arts, Sciences & Engineering will present at AS&E Graduate Research Day on Friday, October 20.
I encourage you to attend AS&E Graduate Research Day on Friday, October 20 in the Feldman Ballroom of Douglass Commons. Nearly 40 students from across Arts, Sciences & Engineering will be presenting 10-minute talks on their research throughout the day. You can stop by any time during the event and stay for as many of the talks as you would like. I always look forward to hearing about the diverse research happening within our graduate student community. The event program includes:
- 9 to 10 a.m. Roundtable Discussions
- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Graduate Student Research Talks
- 4 to 5:30 p.m. Networking Reception/Social with awards presented for “best talks”
Free coffee, drinks and light food/refreshments will be available during the roundtable discussions and the networking reception. More details about the event can be found on the Graduate Education and Postdoctoral Affairs website, including a full program of presenter names, departments, and times once available. We hope to see you there!
JOIN A VIRTUAL STRATEGIC PLANNING DISCUSSION FORUM
All students, faculty, and staff are invited to join a virtual discussion forum at noon on Friday, Oct. 20 to learn more about the University’s Boundless Possibility 2030 strategic plan, ask questions, and provide feedback. This session is free and open to all but registration is required. Please note that each session will include PowerPoint slides and spoken remarks. If you have any accessibility requirements, please contact the presentation team.
Visit the schedule of upcoming forums.
CELEBRATE NATIONAL TRANSFER STUDENT WEEK
Today marks the beginning of National Transfer Student Week, where we celebrate transfer students and the professionals who support them on their journeys. There are about 60 transfer students currently in the Hajim School, and their distinct experiences and perspectives do so much to enrich our community. We will celebrate the occasion from 3 to 5:30 p.m. on October 18 and 19 in the Havens Lounge. All are welcome.
Special thanks to Hajim Academic Advisor Hana Goldstein and School of Arts & Sciences Academic Counselor Katie Gardner for organizing these events.
Have a great week!
Your dean,
Wendi Heinzelman
