September 22, 2025
Ģý photo / J. Adam Fenster
Dear members of the Hajim School community,
I’m pleased to share that a Rochester and Finger Lakes region coalition led by the Ģý of the National Science Foundation . The aims to progress the region as a national leader in laser technologies, education, company creation, manufacturing, and workforce development.
Led by , the director of the , and , laser and materials technology division director and a distinguished scientist at the , this initiative also brings in key partners including , , , , , , and New York State.
During the next stage, NSF will conduct in-depth in-person interviews and due diligence with the finalist teams to further assess risks, resources, and a given team’s ability to adapt to changing circumstances. The role of the NSF Engines applicants’ partners will be a key component of the selection process at this stage.
Congratulations to everyone involved. Read more at the News Center.
MY ROCHESTER STORY: BENJAMIN CASTANEDA ’09 (PHD)
Professor from the has dedicated his career to providing rural areas access to medical technology. When he returned to Peru after completing his PhD here in 2009, he found rural clinics without trained technicians or funding. Now back at Rochester as a professor, he’s developing biomedical technology for global health including an ultrasound system anyone can learn in 20 minutes—bringing life-saving care to the people who need it most.
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PREVIEW OF SOUNDTRAX MUSIC FESTIVAL
Featured guests, innovative programs, and film-focused concerts shape the , the first film-music festival in North America. The inaugural event unfolds over three days, October 16–18, right here in Rochester — the birthplace of motion picture film.
Soundtrax brings together film and music fans with industry professionals — including Academy and Emmy Award-winning composers, video game music pioneers, and innovative leaders in sound from Apple, Sony, Adobe, and Dolby.
Distinguished Professor , director of the and co-chair of Soundtrax, helped provide a preview of what to expect during the festival. .
JUNIYALI NAURIYAL ’22 (PHD) PROFILED BY ENGINEERING.COM
Photonect
Engineering.com recently published a fantastic profile of optics alumna Juniyali Nauriyal ’22 (PhD). Charting her path from growing up in Dehradun, India to becoming the founder and CEO of , her story serves as inspiration for us all. .
UNIVERSITY LAUNCHES ‘FOR EVER BETTER’ CAMPAIGN
During Meliora Weekend, the University publicly launched , its largest and most ambitious fundraising and engagement initiative ever. The $1.75 billion campaign will raise critical funds and deepen connections across alumni, students, faculty, staff, and the broader community, amplifying Rochester’s impact worldwide. .
STUDENTS: APPLY FOR ROCHESTER ENGINEERING SOCIETY SCHOLARSHIPS
Hajim School students are encouraged to apply for the Rochester Engineering Society’s 2025 engineering scholarships. We typically have a strong showing, including . The interview period is open now through December 5 and students can .
UPCOMING I-CORPS COURSES
Hajim School researchers are encouraged to explore several upcoming offerings through NSF I-Corps, which prepares scientists and engineers to extend their focus beyond the laboratory to increase the economic and societal impact of NSF-funded and other basic research projects:
- I-Corps Regional Course for Startups hosted by West Virginia University from October 20 to November 19. This course is designed for startup teams affiliated with business incubators. Applications close on Wednesday, September 24. .
- I-Corps Regional Course hosted by Dartmouth College from November 12 to December 15. This course is for tech innovators in all STEM Fields. Applications close on Wednesday, October 15. .
NEWLY FUNDED RESEARCH
Congratulations to the following faculty who recently secured funding for new sponsored research projects:
- Assistant Professor of Research and Professor from the along with Assistant Professor from the Department of Neurology received $299,000 from the National Science Foundation for a titled “Taming eMB: Leveraging artificial intelligence velocimetry to solve mysteries of cerebrospinal fluid flow in the brain.”
- , the Brian J. Thompson Professor of Optical Engineering, received $61,201 through a subaward with Spectral Sciences, Inc. sponsored by the Department of Defense for a project titled “Zernike Polynomials via Phase Recovery.”
Have a great week!
Your dean,
Wendi Heinzelman
