January 12, 2026
Ģý photo / J. Adam Fenster
Dear Hajim School community,
Ģý students across a range of disciplines are developing augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) solutions using AI and the latest hardware from Meta and Snap, Inc. The University recently showcased innovative projects at the that were developed for the Introduction to Augmented and Virtual Reality class taught by Daniel Nikolov, an adjunct professor and research engineer at the . The class started six years ago with funding from the and now continues through the Center for Extended Reality(ݸ).
This year, Daniel and the University expanded the scope of the class by pursuing a partnership with Snap Inc. as one of CXR’s first major achievements. Snap Inc. supplied new Snap Spectacles for Daniel’s class, as well as for a human-computer interaction course taught by Assistant Professor this fall and an AR/VR interaction design course to be taught in the spring by Assistant Professor , the Biggar Family Fellow in Data Science.
Read more about the projects and partnership at the News Center.
UNDERGRADUATES LAUNCH AFFORDABLE AI RECEPTIONIST SERVICE
Ģý photo / J. Adam Fenster
Recently a duo of enterprising Hajim School students launched a simple-to-use system that allows small business owners to set up their own virtual receptionist powered by artificial intelligence. Stephen Lim ’27 (Ի) and Walter McDonald ’27 (Ի) created , which provides a human-like assistant that can answer calls and book appointments, syncing to a client’s digital calendar and providing quick summaries of each transaction.
Walter gained crucial experience in voice systems and natural language processing over the summer working for , a position he secured through the summer internship program at the URochester-based New York State Center of Excellence in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.This is a testament to the power of experiential learning and a great example of the collaborative and entrepreneurial spirit that Hajim students possess!
Read more about their business at the News Center.
JULIE BENTLEY APPOINTED RUDOLF AND HILDA KINGSLAKE PROFESSOR IN OPTICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
I am delighted to share that has been appointed as the Rudolf and Hilda Kingslake Professor in Optical Engineering Science in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the Institute of Optics, the Hajim School, and the University. The title was previously held by Professor Emeritus Duncan Moore until his retirement.
Julie, who also serves as the 2026 president of SPIE, recently penned a moving article for Photonics Focus that details how she came to love optics and how attending her first SPIE conference in San Diego changed the trajectory of her career. I encourage students from all majors to read the article for its important advice about the power of networking.
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XIPENG SHEN ’06 (PHD) NAMED IEEE FELLOW
Congratulations to computer science alumnus Xipeng Shen ’06 (PhD), who was . Xipeng, who is now a professor of computer science at North Carolina State University, was recognized “for contributions to dynamic optimizations and compiler technologies in heterogeneous computing.”
The grade of fellow is conferred upon IEEE Senior Members with outstanding records of accomplishments in any of the IEEE fields of interest. It’s the highest grade of IEEE membership and is recognized as a prestigious honor and an important career achievement.
HAJIM SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES
Eight students have been awarded for the spring or fall semesters. These scholarships provide students up to $500 to help defray the costs of studying abroad, including program tuition, room and board, books, local transportation, insurance and international airfare.
Here are this year’s awardees and their destinations:
- Maya Bravo ’27 (mechanical engineering) —Madrid
- Victor Arturo Dominguez Campos ’27 (computer science) —Madrid
- Harrison Dow ’27 (computer science)—Barcelona
- Artan Kadriju ’27 (computer science)—Barcelona
- Mairimar Lopez ’27 (electrical and computer engineering) —Madrid
- Emmanuel Mercado ’27 (electrical and computer engineering) —Madrid
- Mafatim Tall ’27 (data science) —Barcelona
- Yu-Tang Wang ’27 (data science) —Copenhagen
EXPLORE COURSES ON TOOLS FOR DATA SCIENCE AND DATA AT SCALE
University employeesԻPhD candidates seeking applied introԻintermediate-level skills to widely-used tools for data science are invited to check out the first day of class or register for DSCC 401: Tools for Data ScienceԻDSCC 402: Data Science at Scale.These full-semester courses are taught by faculty from the Georgen Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. To learn more, attend the first class on Wednesday, January 20. Contact GIDS-AI for the class location. DSCC 401 is a good first step toward the or . Employees can take one class as a .
UPCOMING UNDERGRADUATE FELLOWSHIP DEADLINES
ճFellowships Office wants to call your attention to several undergraduate fellowships with deadlines approaching.
is open to sophomores and juniors majoring in engineering, science, or math. This fellowship requires US citizenship.Students must have a record of research or STEM internships, as well as strong grades. Applicants must be nominated by URochester. Please see the corresponding campus timeline. Interested students should complete the (FPQ) by Jan. 15, 2026.
ճ is designed for first-years, sophomores, and juniors from low-income backgrounds who intend to pursue a career in healthcare, healthcare technology, or related fields. ճ is due Jan. 30, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to work with the Fellowships Office on their applications.
is all you need for an initial, exploratory appointment with one of our advisors. For more questions, email the Fellowships Office or stop by during walk in hours Mondays from 10-11:30 a.m. or Tuesdays from 3-4:30 p.m.
IN THE MEDIA: BARRY SILVERSTEIN EXPLAINS THE CENTER FOR EXTENDED REALITY
Barry Silverstein ’84, the director of Ģý’s Center for Extended Reality (CXR), spoke to the Rochester Beacon about his vision for the transdisciplinary center focused on artificial intelligence, augmented reality, virtual reality, and everything in between.
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IN THE MEDIA: JON ZUEGEL DISCUSSES NSF OPAL AND STELLAR
, laser and materials technology division director and a distinguished scientist at the , was recently a guest on the GRE Why Roc TV segment on WROC TV. He discussed the NSF OPAL project to advance the frontier of ultra-high intensity laser-matter interaction and the Ģý-led STELLAR project that is a finalist in NSF’s national ‘innovation engines’ competition.
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HAJIM ALUMNUS SINGS NATIONAL ANTHEM AT MSG
It’s always a pleasure seeing your former students on TV! Last week Associate Professor from the spotted Hajim School and Eastman School of Music alumnus James McCarthy ’20 (vocal performance and audio and music engineering) singing the national anthem ahead of the Buffalo Sabres vs. New York Rangers hockey game at Madison Square Garden.
NEW UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS ARRIVE JANUARY 15
Incoming first-year, transfer, and exchange undergraduate students will arrive on campus on Thursday, January 15 for Spring Welcome Week, managed by the Office of Orientation and New Student Programs (ONSP). New students will be engaged in mandatory activities and events on Friday, January 16 and Saturday, January 17. View the full schedule of events on the ONSP website. Email ONSP with questions.
REMEMBERING CAPTAIN NATHAN YORK
Captain Nathan York, a beloved and distinguished leader and former professor of the University Naval Science Department and NROTC program who retired in 2022, passed away in late December. His extraordinary leadership, wisdom, and genuine care inspired and guided countless lives. As a multi-decorated Navy captain, he safeguarded our nation, and as a leader and professor he bestowed brilliant guidance upon generations both old and young to ways of decorum, honor, integrity, and perseverance. He will be greatly missed, yet his spirit and strength live on in the lives he touched forever.
Take care.
Your dean,
Wendi Heinzelman
