September 29, 2025
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Dear members of the Hajim School community,
The Hajim School is partnering with the and Boise State University on an exciting new initiative to empower K–12 STEM educators to become leaders in the rapidly expanding microelectronics and semiconductor industries in New York and Idaho.
The program will strengthen STEM teacher leadership across both states, equipping highly trained educators to implement K–12 STEM programs that inspire all students to see themselves in STEM and explore opportunities in the microelectronics and semiconductor industries. A $2.1 million grant from the National Science Foundation, supported by funding from,will fund the initiative over the next five years.
, professor of chemical and sustainability engineering and distinguished scientist at the University’s , is a co-principal investigator of the initiative, which will introduce new collaborative activities to provide a pathway for STEM teachers to make connections to leading researchers in the field.
Read more at the News Center.
WHAT IS QUANTUM?
Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize our society, performing calculations millions of times faster than any computer that exists today. , associate professor in the and co-lead of the Center for Coherence and Quantum Science provides a fantastic explanation of quantum physics and experimental quantum computing in a recent “Ever Wonder” video.
In an enlightening companion piece, John as well as Distinguished Professor from the and , Distinguished Scientist and Theory Division Director at the Laboratory for Laser Energetics, explain the differences between classical computers, supercomputers, and quantum computers.
Read the story and watch the video at the News Center.
RECORD GIFT TO THE EASTMAN SCHOOL OF MUSIC TO HELP CREATE NEW MUSIC TECHNOLOGY DEGREE PROGRAM
Vocalist, music and education champion, andUniversity Trustee Joan Beal ’84Eand Emmy-winning composerhave made a historic, multimillion-dollar gift to the. The gift—made by the alumni as part of—supports the intersection of music, technology, and education. It is also the largest individual gift made to the school since George Eastman established it in 1921.
The gift will provide support for the Beal Innovation Hub, a state-of-the-art collaborative center that will span 6,000 square feet. It will house labs, creative spaces, workstations, recording booths, and teaching studios. The Beals’ gift will help repurpose and modernize an existing space while creating an environment that will enhance connections across the University. This includes—a new transdisciplinary center advancing the University’s leadership in music and technology co-lead by distinguished Professor , director of the .
Read more at the News Center.
PHLOTONICS RECEIVES $1.1 MILLION FROM AIM PHOTONICS TO LAUNCH BIOPROSENSE
Phlotonics Inc., co-founded by Ģý alumni and , a Dean’s Professor ofat Rochester with joint appointments in,,, and, has been awarded a $1.1M AIM Photonics contract to launch BioproSense, a breakthrough photonic biosensing platform for regenerative biomanufacturing.
This collaboration with ARMI | BioFabUSA, the URochester, and Rochester Institute of Technology will advance real-time, non-invasive monitoring in stem-cell therapies, ultimately paving the way for scalable solutions in diabetes treatment. We’re proud to see Ģý alumni driving innovation at the cutting edge of photonics, biotechnology, and regenerative medicine.
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JOHN PERSHING NAMED SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT AND CTO OF ASCAP
Congratulations to alumnus John Pershing ’10, who was named senior vice president and chief technology officer of the American Society of Composers Authors and Publishers (ASCAP) earlier this month. ASCAP CEO Elizabeth Matthews says that John will be instrumental as ASCAP works to harness the power of AI in exciting new ways to create growth, solve market needs, and advance efficiencies.
In addition to being a distinguished alumnus, John is an invaluable member of the , providing important guidance on the direction of the School.
2025 BOUNDLESS TOGETHER CONFERENCE TAKES PLACE FRIDAY
The University’stakes place thisFriday,October 3, at the Riverside Convention Center, featuring keynote speaker Michele Norris, a Peabody Award-winning journalist, MSNBC senior contributing editor, and former NPR host. The conference is free, and transportation is available for all University students and employees. This year’s Fireside Chat is with Harriet Washington ’76, a renowned medical writer, author, and ethicist. Register to attend at the Office of University Engagement and Enrichment website.
FALL IMMIGRATION GUIDANCE AND RESOURCES
With the fall semester well underway, faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to review the University’sFederal Policy Updatespage. The page provides information about federal policy changes that may impact our University community and its activities. It is updated regularly withguidanceon topics such as research funding, compliance, andimmigration.
Two new items have been added to theImmigrationsection: (1) afallsemester update with reminders for international and local travel, and (2) information about campus resources available if you have questions or concerns. The Federal Policy Updates page is an important resource to return to throughout the academic year.
LEADERSHIP CONVERSATIONS WEBINAR SERIES
The University recently launched Leadership Conversations, a new webinar series for all students, faculty, and staff where Ģý leaders address issues that affect the University’s mission, vision, values, and progress toward the goals ofBoundless Possibility.
The second installment of the webinar series will take place onFriday, Oct. 3 with Kathy Gallucci,senior vice president and chief human resources officer. Kathy will share HR modernization progress, discuss the upcoming employee engagement survey, and address other topics relevant to University employees. Please visittheLeadership Conversations webpagetoregister for Kathy’s session as well as the future webinars. Three more Leadership Conversations are scheduled between now and the end of the year:
- October 17: Steve Dewhurst, vice president for research and chief research officer
- November 7: David Linehan, senior vice president for health sciences, CEO of the Medical Center, and dean of the School of Medicine and Dentistry
- December 5: Elaine Sia, senior vice provost for academic excellence
UPCOMING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR STAFF
I invite all Hajim School staff to attend the Donuts with the Dean Hajim Staff Town Hall from 10-11 a.m. on October 9 in the Humanities Center, Conference Room D!
Join us for an interactive session as I answer questions about the latest developments and strategic goals at the University and within the Hajim School as they relate to staff. This is an opportunity to engage with leadership, network with colleagues, and most importantly, ask your questions. And of course, we’ll have coffee & donuts! .
Additional staff professional development opportunities this semester include:
- Wednesday, October 1 at 3 p.m.—Data Bloom: Composing Stories with Data and Viz in Tableau. .
- Wednesday, October 15 at 11 a.m.—Digital Workplace with M365 Part 1. .
- Wednesday, October 22 at 1 p.m.—Data Bloom: Cleaning, Spreadsheet Design, and Simple Functions in Excel. .
- Thursday, October 23 at 1 p.m.—Data Bloom: PivotTables, PivotCharts and Dashboards in Excel. .
- Friday, October 24 at 11 a.m.—Partnering for Progress: Hajim Academic Administrators and Institutional Advancement. Hybrid session held in Humanities Conference Center Room D in the Rush Rhees Library. .
- Friday, November 4 at 3 p.m.—Digital Workplace with M365 Part 2. .
- Monday, November 17 at 10 a.m.—Data Bloom: In 3D – XR for Data Visualization. .
COMFY FOR A CAUSE
Comfy for a Cause is officially underway! This year marks the 7thannual Comfy campaign. This a great opportunity for our Ģý community to get comfy while giving back. Each item purchased includes a $15 donation to your choice of the Student Emergency Fund, or Eastman Musical Assistance Fund, providing vital support to our students. Consider getting Comfy for a Cause yourself or sharingwith others. .
NEWLY FUNDED RESEARCH
Congratulations to Associate Professor from the Department of Chemical and Sustainability Engineering, who received $556,160 from the Department of Energy for a project titled “Precise Control of Tungsten Carbide in Joule Reactors via Natural Language Processing.”
Have a great week!
Your dean,
Wendi Heinzelman
