An interdisciplinary hub at the University of Rochester has been renamed to reflect its deep expertise encompassing two rapidly growing fields of research. The new moniker for the Goergen Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence (GIDS-AI)—previously the Goergen Institute for Data Science—is intended to communicate the University’s leadership in both AI and data science.

“AI has historically been a subdiscipline of computer science, but has been playing a central role in broader, interdisciplinary initiatives in data science, which emerged as a new discipline over the past decade,” says Mujdat Cetin, the Robin and Tim Wentworth Director of the Goergen Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. “GIDS-AI serves as an important facilitator that creates opportunities for Rochester faculty and students to engage in collaborative work where the disciplines overlap.”

The University has been a leader in AI research and education for more than 50 years, dating back to the founding of the Department of Computer Science in 1974. Since then, Rochester’s computer science faculty have made major contributions to the field of AI, including with seminal texts in computer vision and natural language processing. Cetin says GIDS-AI’s close relationship with the department is critical to staying on the cutting edge of AI research.

Celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, GIDS-AI has grown to include more than 100 affiliated faculty across the University. The institute currently offers a bachelor of arts (BA), bachelor of science (BS), master of science (MS), and advanced certificate in data science. This fall, the Institute will launch a new online professional master’s program in healthcare AI and data science in partnership with the UR Health Lab.

Cetin says the institute is planning to offer other learning opportunities in data science and AI in partnership with other units. As an example, this fall, the Department of Computer Science and GIDS-AI plan to pilot an “AI for All” class to empower students not only to use AI in ways beneficial to their education and beyond, but also to help them navigate doing so in a safe and ethical fashion. The course, which would not have prerequisites or require previous experience with AI, would also provide intuitive perspectives on how AI works and show students how they can stay up to date with rapidly developing advances throughout their careers.

Cetin, who has served as director since 2020, was reappointed to lead GIDS-AI for another five-year term.

In addition to its academic offerings, GIDS-AI houses the Center of Excellence in Data Science (CoE). Funded by Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology, and Innovation (NYSTAR), the CoE aims to help drive regional economic development through supporting basic research, training, and technology development in data science and AI.

Elaine Sia has been appointed the inaugural senior vice provost for academic excellence at the University of Rochester, effective January 1. In this new role, Sia will be responsible for advancing the University’s academic mission by working closely with faculty, deans, and other senior leadership to strengthen the quality and impact of the University’s academic programs, research, and student success initiatives.

Sia is a professor in the Department of Biology and currently serves as the associate dean of academic affairs for the School of Arts & Sciences and the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences. She is known for her contributions to genetics education and research on mitochondrial DNA and comes to this role with a distinguished career in academic leadership and higher education administration. She brings a wealth of experience in fostering interdisciplinary collaborations, supporting faculty development, and leading initiatives that enhance the academic environment.

As senior vice provost, Sia will play a pivotal role in the continued growth and success of the University’s academic offerings, furthering our commitment to excellence and innovation.

“I am thrilled to welcome Elaine Sia to our leadership team as senior vice provost for academic excellence,” says Interim Provost Nicole Sampson. “Her vision, academic acumen, and deep commitment to faculty and student success make her the ideal person to lead this critical area of our institution. Elaine’s leadership will be instrumental in furthering the University’s academic goals, advancing excellence across disciplines, and creating a more inclusive and dynamic academic community.”

Since joining the University in 2000, Sia has been a pivotal figure in the academic community. She has taught nearly 4,000 undergraduates with a philosophy that emphasizes understanding the experimental basis of scientific knowledge, encouraging students to explore not just what we know but also how we know it. In 2021, Sia received the Goergen Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Education. She has served on numerous school and University-level committees and is currently a member of the Institute for the International Education of Students (IES) Abroad Curriculum Committee and the IES Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning Steering Committee.

Throughout her career, Sia has been recognized for her dedication to teaching and mentorship. She has been described as approachable, supportive, and committed to student success, often making herself available for discussions outside of class. Her efforts to enhance laboratory components of introductory courses have provided students with essential hands-on experience, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical application. “I am honored to accept this position and to work alongside such a talented and dedicated community of scholars, faculty, and students,” says Sia. “I look forward to collaborating with colleagues across the University to build on its strong academic foundation and help shape its future trajectory. Together, we will continue to drive innovation in teaching, research, and the overall student experience—and foster an environment where every member of the university can thrive.”

Sia earned a bachelor of science in biological sciences from Michigan State University and completed a PhD in microbiology at Columbia University in 1994. Following her doctorate, she conducted postdoctoral research in the biology department at Columbia University and at the University of North Carolina. Sia’s research has focused on the replication, repair, and maintenance of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) in the budding yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Her work has provided insights into the unique requirements of this subcellular genome, utilizing genetic and molecular techniques to identify proteins involved in mtDNA stability.

University of Rochester faculty are leaders in their fields who are regularly recognized with regional, national, and international awards and honors for their professional contributions to research, scholarship, education, and community engagement.

As part of an ongoing series, we’re spotlighting their many and varied achievements.

Nursing faculty honored for research, clinical excellence in cardiovascular and stroke care

School of Nursing faculty members were recognized for their clinical and scientific contributions to heart attack and stroke care at the American Heart Association’s (AHA) annual Scientific Sessions.

Salah Al-Zaiti, an endowed professor and the chair of cardiovascular nursing, received the AHA Council on Cardiovascular & Stroke Nursing’s (CVSN) 2024 Research Article of the Year Award. In collaboration with a national team of researchers, Al-Zaiti is developing a machine learning-based clinical decision-making support tool to better classify chest pain and identify hidden heart attacks among emergency department patients.

Ann Leonhardt-Caprio, an assistant professor of clinical nursing, won the Excellence in Clinical Practice Award. She was recognized for her work as program coordinator with the UR Medicine Comprehensive Stroke Program, which delivers the region’s most advanced stroke care and provides 24/7 support to 16 hospitals across Upstate New York.

School of Nursing Dean Lisa Kitko, the chair-elect of the CVSN Council, presented both awards to Al-Zaiti and Leonhardt-Caprio during the AHA conference in Chicago in November.

• Learn more about the awards on the School of Nursing website.

Three Rochester professors make Clarivate’s list of ‘highly cited researchers’

The triumvirate of Robert Boyd, a professor of optics and physics, James Druckman, the Martin Brewer Anderson Professor of Political Science, and Maiken Nedergaard, the codirector of the University’s Center for Translational Neuromedicine, has made it onto Clarivate’s 2024 list of Highly Cited Researchers. Among other criteria, each selected researcher on the annual list has authored multiple highly cited papers that rank in the top 1 percent by citations for their field, according to Clarivate. The company is a global provider of analytics, data, and expert services in the areas of academia and government, intellectual property, and life sciences and health care.

Boyd is known for his pioneering work in nonlinear optical interactions and nonlinear optical properties of materials. Druckman’s research focuses on democracy and political polarization. Nedergaard is an expert on the brain’s unique waste removal system—the glymphatic system, discovered by her team—and sleep’s role in its function.

• Read about the work of Boyd, Druckman, and Nedergaard.

Robert Foster named Paul Mellon Visiting Senior Fellow

Robert Foster, the Richard L. Turner Professor of Humanities in the Department of Anthropology and the Graduate Program in Visual and Cultural Studies, has been awarded a Paul Mellon Visiting Senior Fellowship.

The fellowship provides scholars with two-month appointments to conduct research in residence full time at the Center for Advanced Study in the Visual Arts at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, DC. There, fellows have access to the notable resources of the museum, including its library and art collection.

Foster will conduct archival research for his project titled, “Tracking ‘Primitive Art’ from New Guinea: How Morton D. May Assembled Department Store Exhibition Sales for Middlebrow America (A Detective Story).” May, who died in 1983, was the head of the May Department Stores Company, formerly one of the largest retail chains in the United States, and an ardent collector of so-called “primitive art” from New Guinea and elsewhere.

• Get the details on Foster’s fellowship.

Jennifer Grotz honored with poetry award

Jennifer Grotz, a professor of English, has received the Bogliasco Foundation/Van Cleef & Arpels award in poetry. The Van Cleef & Arpels Fellowships in Choreography and Poetry sponsors annual fellowships for choreographers and poets of any nationality.

Grotz is the author of four books of poetry, most recently Still Falling (Graywolf Press, 2023). Everything I Don’t Know, the selected poems of Jerzy Ficowski, which Grotz co-translated from the Polish with Piotr Sommer, received the 2022 PEN Award for Best Book of Poetry.

• Discover the meaning behind Grotz’s latest collection.

Krystel Huxlin named Silver ARVO Fellow

Krystel Huxlin, the James V. Aquavella, MD Professor in Ophthalmology with the Department of Ophthalmology, the Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, the Center for Visual Science, the Department of Neuroscience, and the Institute of Optics, has been selected as a 2025 Silver Fellow by the Association for Research in Vision and Ophthalmology (ARVO). This honor recognizes her outstanding contributions to advancing vision and ophthalmology research and her dedication to the ARVO community. As a fellow, Huxlin will continue to serve as a role model and mentor for individuals pursuing careers in vision and ophthalmology research.

Huxlin is currently president of the Vision Sciences Society and a member of its board of directors.

• Read more about Huxlin’s research on visual training after a stroke.

Sally Norton named New York’s top nursing researcher

Sally Norton, a senior associate dean for research and a nationally recognized expert in palliative care, was named the 2024 Distinguished Nurse Researcher by the American Nurses Association–New York and the Center for Nursing at the Foundation of New York State Nurses. The award is given every two years to a nurse researcher conducting studies that contribute to the advancement of nursing and patient care.

Norton, the Independence Foundation Chair in Nursing and Palliative Care, joined the School of Nursing in 2001 and has led its research mission since 2019. Her groundbreaking research focuses on improving communication and care delivery for patients with advanced illness, particularly in palliative and end-of-life care.

• Learn more about the award and Norton’s research.

Steve Rozenski awarded Hagiography Society Book Prize

Medieval historian Steve Rozenski, an associate professor of English, has been recognized with the 2024 Hagiography Society Book Prize for his book Wisdom’s Journey: Continental Mysticism and Popular Devotion in England, 1350–1650 (University of Notre Dame Press, 2022).

The prize is awarded annually to the author of a first scholarly book that significantly contributes to the study of saints, virtue traditions, and sanctity. In Wisdom’s Journey, Rozenski explores the English translations and adaptations of medieval devotional and mystical literature.

• Learn more about Wisdom’s Journey and the Hagiography Society Book Prize.

Denise Yarbrough selected as a Sinai and Synapses Fellow

Denise Yarbrough, the director of religious and spiritual life and an associate professor in the Department of Religion and Classics, has been named a 2024–26 Sinai and Synapses Fellow. The fellowship is a small interfaith group of clergy, scientists, and writers committed to elevating the discourse surrounding religion and science.

At Rochester, Yarbrough works with staff chaplains and affiliated faith community leaders to create, articulate, and carry out the mission of the Interfaith Chapel, providing leadership by encouraging multi-faith understanding, interfaith dialogue, education, and cooperation through a variety of educational programs, spiritual offerings, and service projects in the University and the local off-campus community.

• Get to know the 2024–26 class of fellows.

Two University of Rochester faculty members have been elected as fellows of the National Academy of Inventors(NAI), the highest professional distinction awarded solely to inventors.

• Eby G. Friedman, Distinguished Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Steve Goldman, the Dean Zutes Chair in Biology of the Aging Brain in the Department of Neurology and URMC Distinguished Professor of Neurology

They are among the 170 inventors, representing 135 research universities and governmental and nonprofit research institutes worldwide, being honored this year. Explore the full list.

The honor recognizes academic inventors “who have demonstrated a prolific spirit of innovation in creating or facilitating outstanding inventions that have made a tangible impact on quality of life, economic development and the welfare of society.”

The 2024 class of fellows will be honored at the NAI 14th Annual Meeting on June 26, 2025, in Atlanta, Georgia.

Eby Friedman: Advancing high-complexity, high-performance integrated circuit design

Friedman was recognized for his pioneering work in high-performance integrated circuits. Friedman’s work spans topics such as clock synchronization, power delivery and management, interconnect models, three-dimensional (3-D) integration, and emerging technologies such as superconductive circuits and magnetic devices. His research is used in a variety of common applications, such as microprocessors, wireless cell phones, cloud computing centers, and electronic design automation (EDA) tools used throughout industry.

As an inventor, Friedman holds 25 US patents and four foreign patents, which cover topics ranging from circuits for high-performance microprocessors and superconductive systems to methods for directional biasing of magnetic devices in high-density magnetic memory. His research has been integrated into a variety of commercial products across a diverse group of industries such as ink jet printers (Xerox), electronic design automation algorithms (Synopsys), digital cameras (Eastman Kodak), power management circuits (Qualcomm), and synchronous circuits (Intel) for microprocessors. His patents have been licensed by the primary EDA companies.

Friedman has been a member of several technical advisory boards and has founded multiple startup companies in the areas of electronic design automation and quantum computing. Several of these startups commercialized design tools for clock network synthesis to automate the on-chip synchronization process, necessary in almost all modern integrated circuits.

Friedman worked at Hughes Aircraft Company for 12 years, where he participated in the development of a large variety of integrated circuits and systems for US military and commercial applications. Friedman joined the University of Rochester in 1991 where he directs the High-Performance VLSI/IC Design and Analysis Laboratory. Friedman also serves as a visiting professor at the Technion—Israel Institute of Technology, where he directs the Technion Advanced Circuits Research Center and is a member of the Technion Board of Governors. He previously led the Center for Electronic Imaging Systems at Rochester for nine years. The Center is now known as the Center for Emerging and Innovative Sciences.

A prolific author and scholar, Friedman has authored more than 600 peer-reviewed publications and 17 textbooks. His books cover a broad range of topics, including high performance integrated circuits, 3-D integrated circuits, quantum integrated circuits, and on-chip power delivery and management. Friedman is a Fellow of the IEEE and past Editor-in-Chief of the IEEE Transactions on Very Large Scale Integration (VLSI) Systems and the Microelectronics Journal.

Friedman is a Fulbright scholar and has been a recipient of many awards such as a University of Rochester College of Engineering Teaching Excellence Award, the University of Rochester Graduate Teaching Award, the University of Rochester Hajim Lifetime Achievement Award, the IEEE Circuits and Systems Charles A. Desoer Technical Achievement Award, the IEEE Circuits and Systems Mac Van Valkenburg Award, and is an inaugural member of the University of California, Irvine Engineering Hall of Fame.

Steve Goldman: Pioneering neurological therapies through innovation and commercialization

Goldman, the URMC Distinguished Professor of Neurology and Neurosciences, was recognized for his innovative research on stem and progenitor cells in the central nervous system. This work continues to shape the future of therapeutic development for complex neurological conditions, including progressive multiple sclerosis, childhood leukodystrophies, Huntington’s disease, and other neurodegenerative and myelin disorders, potentially touching the lives of countless individuals worldwide.

Goldman’s contributions and entrepreneurship extend beyond academia into commercial biotechnology. He holds 36 US patents, with another 32 pending, and more than 100 foreign patents. These new technologies include innovations like fluorescence-activated cell sorting of brain cells, stem cell-derived glial cells, and human-glial chimeric brain models, all of which have become industry standards. The technologies—licensed by the University of Rochester to Sana Biotechnology, Oscine, CNS2, and Lyriq—are being employed in the development of new cell and gene therapies for neurological disorders.

Oscine was cofounded by Goldman in what was then the University’s largest-ever biotech startup, and was later acquired by Sana Biotechnology, which subsequently went public. He then cofounded another startup, CNS2, which now employs 22 staff members in Rochester, New York, further supporting innovation and job creation in the region’s biotechnology sector. Research done in the Goldman Lab—under both academic and commercial support—has led to FDA applications for therapies targeting progressive multiple sclerosis, Huntington’s disease, and other conditions.

Goldman is a neurologist and former chair of the Department of Neurology at the Medical Center. He has published more than 250 articles, most as first or senior author, which include papers in top journals such as Science, Nature (including Nature portfolio journals Nature Biotechnology, Nature Communications, Nature Medicine, Nature Neuroscience) Cell (including subjournals Cell Stem Cell and Cancer Cell), Neuron, JCI, and Brain, among many others. He is an associate editor of Brain, on the editorial board of Stem Cell Reports, and has been editor of the neuro-oncology and neuroscience sections of the Merck Manual. He has also served as a permanent voting member of the FDA’s Cell, Tissue, and Gene Therapy Advisory Committee. Goldman and his wife, Maiken Nedergaard, codirect the Center for Translational Neuromedicine, which maintains labs in both Rochester and at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark.

Reporting by Luke Auburn and Mark Michaud.

Anthony Beckman, a director of the Office of Research and Project Administration (ORPA), has been named the University of Rochester’s interim associate vice president for research administration, succeeding Gunta Liders, who has announced her retirement. Beckman will begin the interim position on January 1.

Beckman has been involved in sponsored projects at the University for over 20 years, serving as a research study and program project coordinator and a department administrator with clinical and research management responsibilities. He is a co-presenter for the Continuous Learning for Administrators of Sponsored Programs (CLASP) program, which was initiated by Liders, for all Rochester administrators who have functional responsibility for sponsored projects. Additionally, Beckman leads the monthly Integrated Online Research Administration (IORA) user group meetings.

Beckman has been a coauthor of several peer-reviewed publications and has authored and coauthored articles for the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA) Magazine. He is a NCURA Executive Leadership Program graduate, has served as chair of the NCURA professional development committee, has presented at national conferences, and is a faculty member of the Contract Negotiation and Management traveling workshop.

During Liders’ four decades of service to the institution, she has served the research community in almost every role, beginning in 1987 as a department research administrator and culminating as ORPA’s leader. Through her mentorship, Liders’ team has developed to be nationally recognized leaders in the field of research administration, clinical research billing compliance and export controls. Among her many accolades, Liders received the 2024 Susan B. Anthony Lifetime Achievement Award.

Liders and her team have been instrumental in growing sponsored program funding from $196 million in 2000 to over $476 million in 2023. With the development of the CLASP program, she and her team have enhanced research compliance across the institution.

At the national level, Liders has been the University’s primary representative to the Council of Governmental Relations, serving in several leadership positions. She has also served as secretary for the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA), where she has been a peer reviewer for several years.

Winter weather will soon be upon us in the Rochester area. The University of Rochester’s emergency preparedness teams are ready with the plans and tools that keep the University operational and community members informed during snowstorms or severe weather.

When thinking about a possible “snow day,” it’s important to know that only under extreme weather conditions do University officials consider reducing or delaying on-campus operations or canceling activities, provided that essential services can still be maintained. As a National Weather Service (NWS) StormReady University, the University is well-equipped to deal with snow and ice and, in general, remains in operation and continues with regular activities, classes, and services.

Here are key points to remember about staying informed during winter in Rochester:

• However infrequent, the decision to curtail some operations and activities will normally be made by 5:30 a.m. on the day of the expected severe weather. To make an informed decision, University experts analyze forecasts and NWS warnings overnight and throughout the day, looking at the severity of current conditions and predictions; expected duration of a storm; road conditions, both on campus and in the region; and how quickly snow and ice can be cleared from University sidewalks and parking lots. Note: according to University policy, only senior leaders can curtail, cancel, or close operations at the University.
• When a change to University operations is necessary due to the weather, AlertUR, the University’s official emergency notification system, is used to make the first notice. AlertUR sends urgent messages via text, phone call, and email. To receive AlertUR messages, University community members must keep their AlertUR phone and email settings current. Students, faculty, and staff can use their Active Directory ID to update their settings online at any time.
• All essential University staff members are still expected to report to work during severe weather unless otherwise notified by a supervisor. Employees should confirm with their supervisor whether their status is essential or non-essential. All Medical Center employees—whether at Elmwood Avenue or any off-site location—are considered essential staff and are required to report even during severe weather, unless notified otherwise. If you are an employee who currently works remotely or hybrid, you should continue to do so during curtailed operations unless otherwise instructed by your manager.
• The Office of Marketing and Communications is responsible for delivering announcements to students, faculty, and staff as soon as a change to regular University operations is known. In addition to AlertUR, official weather channels include:
  • University email
  • The University homepage: rochester.edu
  • Instagram (@urochester) and Twitter (@UofR)
  • Local TV and radio news stations
  • Blackboard (students should check Blackboard for individual class cancellations as determined by an instructor)
• University Facilities works around the clock to ensure that the University is accessible and safe in the event of a major snow or weather event. However, if an individual feels it’s unsafe to travel to campus, they should notify their professors or supervisor to work out the necessary arrangements for their absence or delay.

Sevin Yeltekin has been reappointed to a second five-year term as dean of the Simon Business School at the University of Rochester, a position she has held since her initial appointment in 2020. During her first term as dean, Yeltekin helped navigate and lead the school through the Covid-19 pandemic, led the efforts to develop Simon’s 2025 strategic plan, and oversaw the creation of several new programs, including the school’s online master of science degree in Business Analytics and Applied AI, the master of science degree in AI in Business, and the advanced certification in FinTech and AI, a program designed to teach the latest in financial technology and the impact of artificial intelligence in finance.

Yeltekin also spearheaded Simon’s Generative AI Initiative, embedding the latest artificial intelligence instruction into the curriculum, with the goal of advancing the school’s reputation as a pioneer in exploring generative AI in business education.

A respected scholar and proven partner, Yeltekin has also collaborated closely with the University of Rochester Medical Center to launch the Healthcare Leadership Certificate program, and with University Advancement to create the Simon Proud and Simon Quick Takes webinars, designed to raise funds and foster connections between current students and alumni.

“Sevin is a dedicated thought leader who is committed to the success of Simon and the entire University,” says Nicole Sampson, University of Rochester interim provost and chief academic officer. “Under her leadership, the Simon Business School has recruited stellar faculty, improved its financial health, and further established itself as a school dedicated to equity, diversity, and inclusion. I am delighted to appoint her to another term as dean.”

Under Yeltekin’s leadership, Simon has continued its commitment to providing high-quality and inclusive business education by establishing the school’s equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) office and council, implementing EDI action plans, and engaging Consortium alumni on key initiatives to increase African American, Native American, and Hispanic American representation in business schools. In 2022, Simon was ranked first in the nation in diversity among the top 50 MBA programs in US News & World Report and continues to be ranked at the very top in diversity metrics.

“I am honored to be reappointed as dean of the Simon Business School,” Yeltekin says. “The opportunity to work with our alumni and everyone in the Simon community to promote and support our analytic and data-driven approach to business and problem solving is incredibly rewarding. Our stellar education and research are shaping tomorrow’s business leaders and defining business practices.”

Prior to her first term as dean, Yeltekin was the Rohet Tolani Distinguished Professor of Economics and senior associate dean of education at the Tepper School of Business at Carnegie Mellon University, where she led the business school through its five-year re-accreditation process, completed the process for MBA and PhD programs to be STEM-designated, and launched a new undergraduate interdisciplinary major, economics and politics.

In her second appointment as dean of the Simon Business School, Yeltekin plans to launch new initiatives and build on some of the accomplishments from her first five years as dean. “I look forward to working with our excellent students, faculty, and staff in my second term,” she says. “Together, we will focus on faculty recruitment, program innovation, and sound financial management to rise to the opportunities and meet the challenges of a changing business education landscape.”

Yeltekin will begin her second term as dean on July 1, 2025.

University of Rochester faculty are leaders in their fields who are regularly recognized with regional, national, and international awards and honors for their professional contributions to research, scholarship, education, and community engagement.

As part of an ongoing series, we’re spotlighting their many and varied achievements.

John Bennett earns lifetime achievement award in myelodyplastic syndromes

John Bennett, professor emeritus of medicine, received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Congress on Myelodysplastic Syndromes and Myeloproliferative Neoplasms at its annual meeting in Boston in June.

Bennett is a member of numerous professional societies and was the first chair of the Myelodysplastic Syndromes Foundation from 1997 to 2010. He has contributed more than 560 publications to the medical literature as well as several books and was the editor-in-chief of the Leukemia Research Journal for 20 years.

• Read more about Bennett and his work.

Astrophysicist Adam Frank wins Berggruen Prize Essay Competition

Adam Frank, the Helen F. and Fred H. Gowen Professor in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, has been named one of the inaugural winners of the Berggruen Prize Essay Competition, an international competition hosted by the Berggruen Institute, a think-tank based in California.

Launched earlier this year, the competition aims to stimulate fresh perspectives and innovative ideas relating to the biggest challenges of our time, while facilitating the cross-cultural exchange of thought across fields, disciplines, and geographies. The 2024 competition focused on the theme of “planetarity,” inviting essay submissions on a broad array of topics under the theme.

As one of two English essay winners, Frank will share a $25,000 award for his essay, “The Coming Second Copernican Revolution.”

In addition to publishing the essays in Noema and Cuiling magazines, the Berggruen Institute will host an award ceremony for the winners in November 2024 as part of the Planetary Summit it is hosting at its European center in Venice, Italy.

• Check out the list of the winning essayists and their essays.

Eric Fredericksen earns honors for online educational leadership

Eric Fredericksen, the associate vice president for online learning and a professor of educational leadership at the Warner School of Education and Human Development, is being recognized by the Online Learning Consortium (OLC) for his visionary leadership in online education. He will receive the Gomory-Mayadas Award for Excellence in Online Educational Leadership at an OLC event in Orlando in November.

The award recognizes his support of colleagues in the community, his contributions to the field of online learning, and his research initiatives about students, faculty, and chief online learning officers, which have set new standards for digital education leadership.

• Read more about the award.
   

Lauren Ghazal named New York Academy of Medicine Fellow

Lauren Ghazal, an assistant professor of nursing, has been selected as a fellow of the New York Academy of Medicine. As a new fellow, she joins a community of more than 2,000 New York health care professionals who share a commitment to achieving health equity.

Through her research and advocacy for adolescent and young adult cancer survivors, the assistant professor of nursing looks forward to supporting the New York Academy of Medicine’s mission of addressing health challenges among urban populations and advancing health equity.

• Learn more about Ghazal’s recognition.

Sveta Karelsky and Carolina Marcus earn national OSA recognition

Sveta Karelsky, an associate professor of otolaryngology, and Carolina Marcus, an associate professor of pulmonary and critical care medicine, received the Care Team of Excellence designation from Inspire Medical Systems, maker of the only FDA-approved device for selective upper-airway stimulation for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).

The destination recognizes a highly experienced team with proven excellence in patient outcomes using cutting-edge therapy for OSA. They are the first team in the northeast and one of only five teams associated with academic medical centers in the country to earn this designation.

• The honor is featured on the URMC intranet (network access required).

Alex Iosevich honored with best paper award

A paper coauthored by Alex Iosevich, a professor of mathematics, has been selected for a “Best Paper Award in Mathematics” from the International Congress of Chinese Mathematicians.

A presentation of the paper, “On Falconer’s distance set problem in the plane,” is scheduled to take place at a gathering of the organization in January 2025.

• Visit Iosevich’s faculty page for an overview of his research.

LLE research team honored for excellence in plasma physics research

The American Physical Society (APS) has awarded a research team from the Laboratory for Laser Energetics (LLE) with its John Dawson Award for Excellence in Plasma Physics Research.

The award recognizes outstanding achievements in plasma physics research, including pioneering experiments or novel theoretical developments that stand out for their innovation and impact on the field.

The team includes Rochester faculty members Riccardo Betti, the Robert L. McCrory Professor and a professor of mechanical engineering and of physics and astronomy; Varchas Gopalaswamy, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering; and Sean Regan, an associate professor of mechanical engineering.

The team received the award for pioneering the development of statistical modeling to predict, design, and analyze implosion experiments on the 30-kJ OMEGA laser, achieving hot-spot energy gains above unity and record Lawson triple products for direct-drive laser fusion. The award-winning research includes contributions from scientists and engineers in diagnostics and code development, target fabrication and cryogenic layering, and laser facility operation.

• Find the full list of team members being honored.

Martha Mock honored for furthering inclusive higher education efforts

Professor of Teaching and Curriculum Martha Mock, the director of the Center for Disability and Education at the Warner School of Education and Human Development, is the recipient of the 2024 Debra Hart Policy & Practice Leadership Award for her outstanding work to further inclusive higher education opportunities. She is being recognized at the 2024 State of the Art Conference (SOTA) at the end of October.

The award is named in memory of Debra Hart, a visionary leader in the field of disability, special education, and higher education for more than 30 years, whose commitment to seeking funding support for policy, practice, and research advancements contributed significantly to the progress made in inclusive higher education.

• Read more about Mock’s background and research interests.

Fatemeh Nargesian receives NSF CAREER Award

Fatemeh Nargesian, the James P. Wilmot Distinguished Assistant Professor in the Department of Computer Science, has received a 2024 Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) Award from the National Science Foundation (NSF). CAREER awards are the NSF’s most prestigious awards in support of early-career faculty who have the potential to serve as academic role models in research and education and to lead advances in the mission of their department or organization.

The award will fund Nargesian’s research in the data efficiency of machine learning, focusing on developing a novel paradigm for model-driven data preparation and summarization to ensure accurate, fair, and efficient model training. A model-driven view of data considers not only the completeness and correctness of data but also the performance of downstream models. This co-optimization of data and model involves treating the key dimensions of model quality—such as accuracy, fairness, and robustness—as first-class citizens during data acquisition and data generation interventions. Furthermore, learning from massive datasets requires substantial computational resources, which consume significant energy and contribute to a large carbon footprint. Summarizing data so that machine learning can be done efficiently, without significant loss in other aspects of model quality, is therefore crucial to reducing these costs and goes hand in hand with model-driven data preparation. The proposed work advocates for a paradigm shift toward model-driven data preparation, emphasizing model-aware data acquisition, coreset (weighted subset) construction, and the eventual declarative handling of the data preparation process.

• Find out more about Nargesian’s project.

Maiken Nedergaard awarded Ernst Schering Prize

Maiken Nedergaard, a professor of neurology, has been recognized with the 2024 Ernst Schering Prize for the discovery of the glymphatic system, the brain’s unique waste removal system, and the role that sleep plays in its function.

The EUR 50,000 Ernst Schering Prize is one of the most prestigious German science awards. Established by the Ernst Schering Research Foundation in 1991, it has been awarded annually since 2003. The prize honors scientists worldwide whose pioneering research has yielded new, inspiring models or led to fundamental shifts in biomedical knowledge. According to foundation’s citation, “By highlighting the role of the glymphatic system in eliminating potentially neurotoxic substances, including beta-amyloid, during sleep, Nedergaard has opened new avenues in sleep research and provided key insights into the connections between sleep and neurodegenerative diseases.”

Nedergaard is codirector of the Center for Translational Neuromedicine, which maintains research facilities at the University of Rochester Medical Center and the University of Copenhagen. In 2012, her lab first described the glymphatic system, a previously unknown network of channels that piggybacks on blood vessels. The system is used to transport cerebrospinal fluid deep into brain tissue and flush away toxic waste, including beta amyloid and tau, two proteins associated with Alzheimer’s disease.

Earlier this year, Nedergaard was also awarded the Nakasone Award for Pioneering Research.

• Read more about the foundation’s commendation for Nedergaard.

Lainie Ross inducted into National Academy of Medicine

Lainie Ross—an internationally renowned bioethicist, the chair of health humanities and bioethics, and the director of the Paul M. Schyve, MD, Center for Bioethics—has been inducted into the prestigious National Academy of Medicine.

She is one of only seven Medical Center faculty members to earn this distinction. Previous inductees are Paul Griner, hematology/oncology; Lynne Maquat, biochemistry and biophysics; Seymour Schwartz, surgery; Elizabeth McAnarney, pediatrics; Paul Frame, family medicine; and Robert Griggs, neurology.

• Read more about Ross and her election to the organization.

Lydia Rotondo named American Academy of Nursing Fellow

Lydia Rotondo, the School of Nursing’s senior associate dean of graduate education and innovation, was recognized by the American Academy of Nursing for her leadership and advocacy.

Rotondo, who also serves as director of the school’s Doctor of Nursing Practice program and a professor of clinical nursing, joins a cohort of American Academy of Nursing Fellows that represents 37 states, the District of Columbia, Guam, and 14 countries.

Under Rotondo’s leadership, the school has transformed its approach to nursing education over the past decade and emerged as a leader in DNP education and scholarship.

• Read about Rotondo’s contributions to nursing.

Anne-Marie Algier ’16W (EdD) has been named the University of Rochester’s associate vice president for university student life and dean of students, a role she has served on an interim basis since 2023.

As associate vice president and dean of students, Algier will provide leadership and strategic direction for a broad range of student service and support programs, including Wilson Common Student Activities, Fraternity and Sorority Affairs, Parent and Family Relations, and the Center for Student Conflict Management. She comes to the position with more than 20 years of experience in higher education and student advocacy. Algier has been recognized by the University with the Goergen Award for Distinguished Contributions to Undergraduate Learning, and with the Student Life Advocate of the Year Award.

“Anne-Marie is an experienced and trusted leader who values collaboration, belonging, and cocurricular excellence,” says John Blackshear, vice president for university student life. “Her strategic vision and considerable insights on student success will help us move forward as one university that is even more deeply committed to a consistent and high-quality experience for our students.”

Charged with ensuring a campus climate that is centered on student wellness and robust cocurricular offerings, Algier will continue to develop and scale the University’s award-winning programs like Rochester Traditions and the Medallion Leadership Program, to move them toward University-wide implementation.

“I am eager to continue the work of supporting our students and striving to meet and exceed the goals of the University’s strategic plan,” says Algier. “Through those efforts, we can reimagine student life at Rochester and create an even more inclusive environment that allows students to thrive, be joyful, and build the competencies that will lead them to success after they graduate.”

A champion of a University-wide approach to student experience and success, Algier plans to continue building a creative and collaborative student life team, and to further the efforts to bring all the schools together, especially in the areas of risk management, school spirit, student conduct, and utilization of the CARE network.

The University of Rochester announced today that the Saunders Foundation, led by University Trustee Emeritus E. Philip (Phil) Saunders, has made a $30 million commitment to the University of Rochester Medical Center (URMC) to support novel research and clinical programs in orthopaedics, faculty in the School of Medicine and Dentistry, and nursing students.

The gift includes $25 million to support the groundbreaking work of the UR Medicine Orthopaedics & Physical Performance Center, the most comprehensive orthopaedic facility in the northeastern United States. An additional $5 million will establish a named professorship in orthopaedics at the School of Medicine and Dentistry and create new scholarships in the School of Nursing.

In recognition of the long-standing philanthropic support from Saunders, the University will name its facility at 10 Miracle Mile Drive the Saunders Center for Orthopaedics & Physical Performance.

“We are proud to count Phil Saunders as one of the University of Rochester’s great champions. His latest example of generous support for our Medical Center, our pioneering research and clinical care, and our incredible nurses is a testament to his commitment to the University and to the community of greater Rochester,” says University President Sarah Mangelsdorf. “We share his vision for advancing the health and well-being of everyone in our region by providing world-class medical care close to home.”

 
The Saunders Foundation will establish an endowed research fund and an endowed professorship in the Department of Orthopaedics that will be named for Dean’s Professor Michael Maloney, a renowned orthopaedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine. Maloney is also the founder and director of the Center for Human Athleticism Musculoskeletal Performance and Prevention (CHAMPP), which offers a multidisciplinary and integrated approach to athletic performance, injury prevention, and wellness.

Saunders’ gift will also create an endowed scholarship fund at the University of Rochester School of Nursing to support the nursing career goals of staff members at UR Medicine Noyes Health. Based in Dansville, Livingston County, Noyes Health offers community-focused health care backed by Rochester’s world-class medical research initiatives.

“It’s no secret that the University of Rochester is one of the premier medical facilities in the country. People come from all over to seek medical treatment from the gifted physicians on staff. Adding the Saunders Center for Orthopaedics & Physical Performance elevates the University and allows patients to receive the very best from this state-of-the-art facility,” says Phil Saunders. “I am thrilled to give to this center, the endowed professorship for Dr. Michael Maloney, a gifted physician and personal friend, and to be giving the School of Nursing a new scholarship. Our community needs to invest in professionals such as nurses and I’m happy to do this for Noyes and Livingston County.”

David Linehan, the CEO of the University of Rochester Medical Center and dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry, adds, “Phil has invested generously in the research, education, and patient care missions of our Medical Center for many years. I am very grateful for the gift we are announcing today, which will advance URMC’s position as a leader in the science and practice of orthopaedic medicine, with ripple effects that benefit the patients and families we serve for decades to come.”

Paul Rubery, department chair and the Marjorie Strong Wehle Professor in Orthopaedics, says the innovative care and specialized treatment provided in the Orthopaedics & Physical Performance Center will continue to expand thanks to the Saunders Foundation investment. “Those of us who work here every day see firsthand the positive impact this incredible facility is having on our patients,” Rubery says. “Providing world-class orthopaedic care in a patient-friendly facility, while also pursuing ground-breaking research and training the next generation of surgeons is a truly wonderful gift. Phil’s generosity allows us to expand our ability to help patients live better, healthier lives.”

Maloney says having an endowed professorship established in his name is an honor he could never have expected. “I’ve known Phil a very long time, and while I am not at all surprised by his generosity, I am humbled to know that a future faculty member in the School of Medicine and Dentistry will carry a title with my name. Endowed professorships allow us to recruit top talent to Rochester and help raise the reputation of the school among our peers,” he says.

“Phil sees the big picture,” adds Lisa Kitko, the dean of the University of Rochester School of Nursing and vice president of URMC. “He knows how important nursing is to health care, and how an investment in nursing education benefits his community and our health system as a whole. By creating scholarships at the nursing school, he is making it possible for deserving Noyes staff members to advance their professional skills and achieve their career goals.”

Saunders has long supported the University of Rochester and the Medical Center. Between 2012 and 2016, he established the Saunders Family Distinguished Professorship in Neuromuscular Research, the E. Philip and Carole Saunders Professorship in Neuromuscular Research, and the Saunders Endowed Fellowship in Neuromuscular Research.

In addition to serving on the Board of Trustees from 2015 to 2020, Saunders is a member of the URMC Board and the honorary chair of the Rochester Philanthropy Council at the University. In 2011, the University named its newly constructed home of the Clinical and Translational Science Institute the Saunders Research Building. In 2015, the University awarded Saunders its Eastman Medal, which recognizes individuals whose achievements and service embody the institution’s highest ideals.

About Phil Saunders

Phil Saunders is an entrepreneur and philanthropist known for his significant influence on the travel center industry and diverse business interests. He founded several companies, including Genesee Regional Bank, Truck Stops of America, and Travel Centers of America. His business portfolio spans auto rental, recreation, tourism, packaged foods, property management, and banking. Additionally, he has ownership interest in Sugar Creek Farms, Western New York Energy, and American Rock Salt, among other companies.

Saunders serves as the current chair of Genesee Regional Bank Holding Company and has a rich history of board service, including at the University of Rochester, Cobblestone Capital, Lewis Tree, Royal Oak Realty Trust, New York State Trooper Foundation, Western New York Energy, and Rochester Institute of Technology, where the business school is named in his honor.

Among his many achievements, Saunders is a member of the Rochester Business Hall of Fame and the recipient of an honorary doctorate from Paul Smith’s College. His other accolades include receiving RIT’s Herbert W. Vanden Brul Entrepreneurial Award and the Rochester Business Journal Icon Honors award. Saunders was also inducted into the National Association of Travel Centers Hall of Fame and is a member of the Livonia Central School District’s Athletic Hall of Fame.

Health Care of the Highest Order

The University of Rochester’s 2030 strategic plan, Boundless Possibility, articulates bold goals that will guide the institution toward framing and solving the greatest challenges of the future. One of the plan’s key goals is health care of the highest order and a commitment to continue to expand and transform health care delivery, promote an inclusive culture, and build programs of excellence.