University researchers have developed, for the first time, a mathematical approach to grouping children for the purpose of instruction.

According to global grouping theory—the study of how the selection of individuals into groups affects group members’ learning and performance—there are two common ways to group individuals:

• A like-skill tiered grouping strategy where individuals of similar aptitude are grouped together, for example, in reading groups where the more advanced readers are placed in one group and the less advanced readers in another group.
• A cross-sectional grouping strategy where equal groups are formed, composed of individuals of varied aptitudes; all groups have near-equal skill. Think of two soccer teams, each equally composed of individuals who have played soccer before and individuals who have never played.

To evaluate these two common grouping methods, the researchers used mathematical principles and equations. Their conclusion? Like-skilled tiered grouping is better than cross-sectional or random grouping when the end goal is improving learning for all individuals. Learn more.

Mark Taubman, Medical Center CEO and dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry, will not seek reappointment upon completion of his terms on December 31, 2023, or later if a successor has not been identified.

“I have been honored to lead this great institution and am proud of the significant advances we have achieved, particularly over the past two years,” Taubman says. “With so many of the goals of our strategic plan either accomplished or well underway, the time feels right to begin succession planning to assure our Medical Center is structured for a strong and vibrant future.”

Common concerns about telemedicine don’t hold up to scrutiny, concludes a first-of-its-kind study highlighting the technology’s remarkable effectiveness.

The paper is one of two studies on telemedicine by Medical Center (URMC) researchers appearing in NEJM Catalyst. The second study demonstrates the success of URMC’s effort to provide mental health services to nursing homes via a hybrid model that includes telemedicine.

“For patients, the message is clear and reassuring: Telemedicine is an effective and efficient way of receiving many kinds of health care,” says Kathleen Fear, lead author of the first paper, “Busting Myths about the Impact of Telemedicine Parity,” and director of data and analytics at the UR Health Lab. “Especially for those with transportation challenges, it is a service that really fills a gap – and, vitally, it does not compromise the quality of the care that patients receive.” Learn more.

Thomas Diekwisch has been named the founding chair of the Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, part of Eastman Institute for Oral Health.

Diekwisch joins the institute from Texas A&M University’s College of Dentistry, where he has served as director for the Center for Craniofacial Research and Diagnosis and head of the Department of Periodontics.

Diekwisch, who is widely published and cited, has secured $13.3 million in grants over the last 20 years. He will lead the development of high quality, strategic, and innovative oral health related research and education in the newly established Department of Oral and Craniofacial Sciences, which replaces the Center for Oral Biology.

Learn more.

Left to right, Shui’er Han, Parinaz Esbah, and Preeti Maurya.

The annual Steadman Family Postdoctoral Associate Prize in Interdisciplinary Research competition recognizes outstanding University postdoctoral associates who do research across the fields of humanities, science, engineering, mathematics, and medicine.

This year’s winners are:

Shui’er Han, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, who received the Steadman Family Postdoctoral Associate Prize in Interdisciplinary Research ($2,000) for her presentation, Bridging human perception research and the real-world using VR. This award recognizes an outstanding postdoctoral associate who embraces innovation and interdisciplinary research.

Parinaz Esbah, Department of Chemical Engineering, who received the Interdisciplinary Research Award ($750) for her presentation, Surface science and its application to biomedical and optical coatings. This award is presented to the postdoctoral associate whose research represents a unique and impactful synthesis of theory/experiment and methodology from multiple disciplines of study.

Preeti Maurya, Cardiovascular Research Institute, who received the Award for Innovative Research ($750) for her presentation, Does Adult platelets transfusion upset babies’ immune homeostasis? This award recognizes research activity and creative thinking that addresses high impact questions of science and humanity.

They were among five finalists who gave three-minute oral presentations to a panel of judges, who weighed not only the scientific merits of the presentations, but the ability to communicate to a general audience.

AS&E’s intramural seed funding program is designed to stimulate extramural funding for projects otherwise difficult to launch.

It supports innovative pilot research to help faculty establish a novel research direction. Up to $50,000 for one year will be provided. Cost sharing with departments is encouraged. The deadline to apply is October 25. Learn more about the application process and submit an application here.

Join John Tarduno, AS&E dean for research, and Aaron White, assistant professor of linguistics, from 1-2:30 p.m. October 17 in the Gamble Room, Rush Rhees Library, for a presentation and discussion of the federal research grant submission process for the humanities and social sciences.

Participants in humanities and targeted social science disciplines will learn how the AS&E Research Team can help you apply and win support for your scholarship.

To register, email SASresearch@rochester.edu – space is limited!

Join Stefanie J. Hollenbach, assistant professor, obstetrics & gynecology, from noon to 1 p.m. today, Friday, October 7, to learn about the associations between previously “redlined” districts and current obstetric outcomes.

Despite spending more on healthcare than other countries, the United States is still plagued by striking racial and ethnic disparities in obstetric outcomes – as is our local community. Learn more.

Register to join us on Friday, November 11 to celebrate the innovative research that has been developed through the University’s Clinical and Translational Science Institute (UR CTSI) and the pilot awards, research grants, and training programs it supports.

Learn about the work students and colleagues are doing to facilitate translational research by turning observations in the laboratory, clinic, and community into interventions that improve the health of individuals and communities. Submit your poster by Friday, October 21.