March 23, 2026
Ģý photo / J. Adam Fenster
Dear members of the Hajim School community,
The URochester, UR Medicine, and University affiliates are, collectively, a transformative economic force for the region, driving prosperity and innovation, attracting investment, and creating opportunities for residents and industries across the region and the state.
At the end of last year, the Universitypublisheda report that explores the economic and social impact Ģý has on the Greater Rochester and upstate New York regions. Commissioned by the, the report, created by, used fiscal year 2024 data to quantify and articulate the University’s annualized economic footprint through its operations, academic activities, and healthcare system.
In a new Q&A with Josh Farrelman, the vice president for government relations, he digs into the recent economic impact study and the value of its findings. Read more on the News Center.
THE ROCHESTER BEACON SPOTLIGHTS THE STELLAR PROJECT
Ģý photo / J. Adam Fenster
With hopes of further expanding our positive economic impact on the Rochester and Finger Lakes region, Ģý is leading STELLAR, a coalition vying to become a National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine. The project seeks up to $160 million in federal funding over the next decade to position the region as a national hub for optics, photonics, imaging, and laser innovation.
The Rochester Beacon published an in-depth look at the foundation laid by the STELLAR project, with interviews from , the director of and several of the STELLAR co-principal investigators. .
BARRY SILVERSTEIN DISCUSSES AUGMENTED REALITY ON CONNECTIONS WITH EVAN DAWSON
How will augmented reality reshape the way that humans interact with computers on a daily basis? Barry Silverstein, director of the Center for eXtended Reality, discussed that topic in a recent episode of the hourlong WXXI program Connections with Evan Dawson.
As the former senior director and chief technology officer of optics and display in Meta’s Reality Labs, Barry helped create AR and virtual reality products used by millions of people. He discussed the future of AR, VR, and AI and how he sees it all affecting our daily lives.
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VOTE FOR THE ART OF SCIENCE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD
More than 50 pieces of art were submitted to the 2025 Ed and Barbara Hajim Art of Science Competition, and it is time to cast yourvotefor your favorite entry.Please go tothe to vote for thePeople’s ChoiceAward.You can onlyvote onceso make it count!
During a ceremony at 2 p.m. on Thursday, April 30, we will announce the first, second, and third place in the student competition, plus the People’s Choice Award winner. The winning entries will be placed on display in the .
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NOMINATE A STAFF MEMBER FOR THE DOTTIE WELCH AWARD
Has a Hajim staff member had a positive impact on your experience as an undergraduate at the URochester? Now is your chance to recognize their hard work and dedication! Nominations for our are now being accepted until Tuesday, April 7.
Until July 2013, as long as there had been a Department of Biomedical Engineering, Dottie Welch was the “go-to” person for BME undergraduate students who needed a signed form, an update on their academic status—or a word of encouragement or support to get through a stressful time. To make sure her long years of dedicated service are not forgotten, we began an annual ritual of presenting the Dottie Welch Student Enrichment Award to a Hajim School staff member “whose performance and dedication enriches the student experience in the tradition exemplified by Dottie Welch during her 25-plus years of service to the students at the URochester.”
Please email Nate Trieste with the name of the person you’d like to nominate, along with a description of the reason for his or her nomination. A committee will review each nomination after the April 7 deadline, focusing on the number of votes and the quality of the statements. Please note: faculty are not eligible for this award, only Hajim school staff members.
HAJIM STAFF AND PARTNERS RECOGNIZED AS UR STARS
Congratulations to the Hajim School staff members and partners who were recently recognized by others at the University as UR Stars who embody Meliora values. UR Stars is a University-wide employee recognition platform designed to reinforce a culture of appreciation and collectively celebrate achievements together across the University, strengthening our shared values as “One University.”
The individuals recognized from December through March include Christine Pratt (ME), Ozioma Anele (Simon), Kim Phan (ECE), Sarah Westin (Global Engagement), Michele Foster (ECE), Cody Phillips (ME), and Angela White (ECE). Well done!
SOUNDSPACE—A UNIQUELY ROCHESTER INITIATIVE
As part of the Huang Speaker Series in Technology and Innovation, Professor Mark Bocko will explore how SoundSpace, is working to fulfill our mission of leading the way in the development and use of technology to preserve and advance music—the most human of art forms and a medium for human expression, communication, and community building. The virtual event takes place from noon to 1 p.m. on Thursday, March 26..
VOICES OF XR: OPTICS RESEARCH AT META REALITY LABS
, a technical lead for laser-based displays in the Display Systems Research group at Meta Reality Labs, is the guest at the next Voices of XR session on Wednesday, April 1, at 3:30 p.m. in Carlson Library and via Zoom. Greif will summarize work towards novel laser-based display architectures for AR glasses within Meta Reality Labs Research. .
COLLEGE NIGHT AT THE ROCHESTER MUSEUM & SCIENCE CENTER
The Rochester Museum & Science Center is hosting its secondfrom 7-10 p.m. on Friday,March 27. Students will get access to the RMSC’s interactive exhibits & Planetarium shows while connecting with peers and making memories in a relaxed, student-only atmosphere.Programs & Activities will include:
- Buzz-worthy Electricity Theater shows with singing Tesla Coils
- Experience the life of a space explorer in our Astronaut exhibit (best experienced with a crew)
- Meet members of the RMSC Collection staff to learn about some of the weird, strange, and unique objects housed in our collections that aren’t always on view.
- Add on a dazzling laser show on our 65-ft-wide and 4-story-tall Planetarium dome.
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CLAUDE CODING: HOW EMPLOYERS ARE UTILIZING AI TOOLS
Join Ģý alum Sefik Emre Eskimez (’19 PhD), who is working at the forefront of AI, for a one-hour interactive session exploring how tools like Claude Code are changing the way engineers write code, solve problems, and collaborate. During this virtual event from 4-5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 8, you will see practical examples of AI-assisted coding in action and learn how AI is reshaping the skills employers look for in early-career engineers.
The session will also explore how entry-level engineering roles are evolving: which tasks are being automated, what new responsibilities are emerging, and how students can prepare now to stay competitive. Whether you’re curious about AI-assisted coding or thinking about your future in engineering, this session will offer insights and strategies to help you adapt and thrive.
Participants are encouraged to have Claude Coding on their computer during the session for interactive challenges. .
MEMORIAL AND CELEBRATION OF LIFE FOR KEVIN PARKER
The University will host a service and reception to celebrate the life of Kevin J. Parker, the William F. May Professor and Dean Emeritus, from 9-11 a.m. onFriday, April 10 at the Joseph P. Mack Center. As we gather to remember Kevin, we will share stories, memories, and moments of gratitude for a life that touched so many and a legacy that will live on. .
Kevin was an ardent proponent of the importance of high-quality PhD education.In his own words: “One of the most important things we can do as faculty members is to spend time recruiting excellent, top candidates for our Ph.D. students, then mentoring them through their startup years and keeping them involved in the University to the extent that makes sense.In the long run,it is these really exceptional people who add greatly to our reputation,while opening new opportunities for our current students.”
Kevin worked tirelessly to support his own PhD students and to advocate for all Ģý PhD students.In recognition of Kevin’s commitment to and engagement with PhD education, we have set up theto provide top-off stipends for future PhD students. The fund will ensure that Kevin’s legacy, and his commitment to outstanding PhD education, will live on for generations.Please contactJenna Dellwith any questions and visit the to contribute. Thank you for your support.
Take care.
Your dean,
Wendi Heinzelman
