April 8-12, 2024 | Vol. 10, Issue 15
In this issue:
- Graduate Student Appreciation Week
- Wilmot Shared Resources Lunch and Learn: Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Seminar
- Well-being Listening Session for Graduate Students
- ORISE Virtual Career Fair
- Crafting An Effective Diversity Statement ��
- LGBT STEM Day
- Graduate Giving Gala
- Career Story with Deborah Brown, Ph.D.: The Long and Winding Road…Full Circle Adventures in Science and Academia
- GWIS Spring Travel Award
- Breaking the Silos
- myHub Travel Award
Graduate Student Appreciation Week: April 8–13, 2024
Graduate Student Appreciation Week is a nationally celebrated week dedicated to recognizing the contributions of graduate students to the campus community. Here at Rochester, we celebrate across all graduate schools annually by offering a mix of unique programming each year. Historically, these include social events and visits to Rochester attractions such as the Memorial Art Gallery, Strong National Museum of Play, the Rochester Public Market and other places. The week includes opportunities to win prizes, learn new things, share your research with peers, and even show off your pet or plant photos!
We hope the week provides you with an opportunity to learn something new, connect with your fellow graduate students, and feel our appreciation for your hard work and service to the University. Event Link.
Wilmot Shared Resources Lunch and Learn: Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Seminar
Tuesday April 9th | 12pm-1pm | K-307 Auditorium (Rm 3-6408)
Wilmot Shared Resources is hosting a Lunch and Learn Seminar Series!
Our Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Seminar, presented by Derick Peterson, PhD and Matt McCall (Co-Directors, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics Shared Resource (BBSR)), will be held on Tuesday, April 9th from 12-1 pm in the K-307 Auditorium (Rm 3-6408) and will provide an overview of the BBSR.
Attendees will learn:
• What services the BBSR offers and how to access them
• How to design efficient and powerful studies using the BBSR
• How the BBSR has supported research projects and clinical trials
You can register by clicking the link here. All students, technicians, post-docs, and PIs are encouraged to attend. Lunch will be provided.
NOTE: This will be a recurring seminar taking place on the second Tuesday of the month from 12-1 pm. Event Flier.
Well-being Listening Session for Graduate Students
Wednesday, April 10th | 12:00pm - 1:00pm | Zoom
Join us for an insightful Well-being Listening Session during Graduate Student Appreciation Week dedicated to understanding the well-being of graduate students and exploring avenues for enhanced support. As the demands of academic life continue to evolve, it's crucial to prioritize the mental, emotional, and physical health of graduate students. In this collaborative session, we'll ask you to share about unique challenges faced by graduate students, help us identify areas where support can be strengthened, and brainstorm innovative solutions together. Your perspectives and experiences are invaluable in shaping initiatives that foster a nurturing environment for growth and success. The session will be held on April 10th from 12 – 1 PM via Zoom. Registration is required. Open to all enrolled graduate students at University of Rochester. Hosted by the UHS Health Promotion Office's Graduate Student Wellness Committee.
ORISE Virtual Career Fair
Wednesday April 10th | 12:00pm – 2:00 pm | Virtual
Join us for a virtual career fair highlighting ORISE-administered internship and fellowship opportunities in life, health and medical sciences! Opportunities are available for college students, recent graduates and postdocs.
The fair will feature the ORISE programs at the following federal agencies:
The event will include a live informational presentation, and program representatives will be on hand to connect with attendees. Register here.
Crafting An Effective Diversity Statement ��
Thursday, April 11th | 4:00 pm - 5:30 pm | Rush Rhees Library G-121, Conference Room A
In today’s job market, a strong diversity statement can be what sets a candidate apart from other applicants—and a weak one can do just the same! So, it’s important that you have a statement that clearly and compellingly articulates your commitment to fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion in your research or teaching.
Sound challenging? It sure can be! Fortunately, we’re here to help. Join us on Thursday, April 11th from 4:00 - 5:30 PM in Rush Rhees Library G-121, Conference Room A (see attached map) for a UR Thinkers diversity statement workshop in partnership with the Writing, Speaking, and Argument Program’s Graduate Writing Project.
During this session, we will discuss diversity statements and how to effectively craft them, then workshop our own with the help of writing experts. If you already have a draft, great— bring it! If not, there will be time to learn, write, and revise, so you’ll be able to leave with one started.
Then afterwards, join us for a happy hour at Beerhead. Your first drink is on us if you participate in the workshop! ��
Have questions? Send me an email at mwoehl@ur.rochester.edu. Otherwise, RSVP here, so we know who to look forward to seeing! Event flier.
LGBT STEM Day
Friday, April 12th | 9am-5pm | Thomas Gosnell Hall
The campus/COS LGBT community (and allies) will be coming together for an all-day celebration of queer excellence in STEM! Events include free food, goodies, useful panels, and networking. We will be starting with a morning free breakfast consisting of muffins by Soulistic Sweets and coffee, where members and allies can sign a poster that will be hung up in Gosnell Hall to show queer visibility and solidarity in STEM. Followed by a faculty panel and potential guest speaker to discuss queerness in academia and resources for LGBT students in COS/on campus. Moving into our atrium party where queer clubs will be tabling to give out resources, information, and goodies, as well as an opportunity to network or enjoy some free pizza. Ending the day with a student panel about navigating being an LGBT student and what COSLISC is all about. Event Flier.
Graduate Giving Gala
Saturday April 13th | 7:00pm - 10:00pm | Flaum Atrium
Graduate Student Appreciation Week starts April 8 and we invite you to end it with a BANG at the 2024 Graduate Giving Gala! Join GSA,GSS, GSOC, and SACNAS at 7 pm on April 13th in the Flaum Atrium for food, drinks, and dancing with music by DJ Dr. Griffs. Be sure to bring cash for the Gala Raffle which will feature gift baskets packed with enticing items from many local businesses! Proceeds from the Gala Raffle will be donated to Golisano Children’s Hospital & The Center for Youth.
Event is open to all AS&E and SMD graduate students and their plus1's (21+ years of age).
Register here: cglink.me/2eC/r1938992.
Space is limited so register and pick up your tickets before it’s too late!
Suggested attire: formal*, to your personal style, comfort and flair. Event Flier.
Career Story with Deborah Brown, Ph.D.: The Long and Winding Road…Full Circle Adventures in Science and Academia
Monday, April 15, 2024 | 10:00am – 11:30am | CEL Classroom 2-7534
Dr. Brown is a ’01 alum of the Microbiology & Immunology PhD Program and is currently the Manager, Joint Educational Programs @ Trudeau Institute, a not-for-profit biotechnology research center in the Adirondacks. Dr. Brown will share her career experiences at different academic institutions from a medical school, to a research institute to a land-grant university. She will lend insight into navigating the bumps in the road, the importance of mentorship at all levels, and the lessons learned along the way. Event Flier.
GWIS Spring Travel Award
Application deadline is Wednesday, April 17th at noon.
You must be a graduate student in years 1 through 5 and an active participant in GWIS. Travel will be sponsored on the basis of scientific merit (thus it is key that you describe your past and ongoing research), need (explain why the requested travel is important for your scientific growth), and regular participation at GWIS meetings as evidenced from the meeting registrations and sign-in sheets. To date, 75 GWIS members have received Travel Awards.
There are two steps for completing an application:
Step 1. Submit a completed Application Form (attached document) along with a copy of your C.V. and copies of your peer-reviewed publications to stephanie_scoville@urmc.rochester.edu by noon on April 17th .
Step 2. Request that your Ph.D. mentor and one of your Ph.D. advisory committee members each forward a letter of reference to stephanie_scoville@urmc.rochester.edu by noon on April 17th.
Successful applicants for a GWIS Travel Award can also use funds to attend and participate in virtual meetings.
Breaking the Silos
Thursday, April 25th | 6:00pm - 9:00pm | FTS Headquarters
SMD Entrepreneurs is hosting a "Breaking the Silos" networking event on April 25, 2024 from 6-9pm downtown at FTS headquarters. They will be providing a charter bus for continuous transportation from the interfaith chapel on River Campus to the event space and back. There will be food and drink provided, space to store your things if students are coming from class, and an opportunity to network with many of Rochester's entrepreneurs and business leaders. It's a great opportunity for trainees to expand their networks and find potential opportunities for employment.
See attached fliers for more information and link/QR code to register. Event flier.
myHub Travel Award
myHub Travel Award Application
Calming U
Unleash the potential of mindfulness, emotional intelligence, and self-compassion in this empowering 4-week course. Embrace a calmer, more focused mindset to conquer academic challenges and flourish throughout your college journey. The course is tailored to UR students but is open to all UR community members, including faculty and staff. Calming U Registration Information.
Bonus: By attending all four sessions, you will receive a giveaway of your choosing: The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook, a meditation cushion, or a yoga mat.
Two course options are available in March:
Fridays with Debra, 3/22-4/12, from 10:30-11:45 AM via Zoom
Thursdays with Rebecca, 3/28-4/18, from 3-4:15 PM in Genesee 325
The Body Project
4-week evidence-based program to build a healthier body image and increase self-esteem. Open to all women and non-binary undergraduate and graduate students. Provides a safe space for all women to confront and challenge unrealistic appearance ideals. The Body Project starts Wednesday, March 20th from 4:30 - 5:30 p.m. at the UHS Health Promotion Office. Register in CCC.
OUTbreath for LGBTQ+ Folks
Following the practices in “A Queer Dharma: Yoga and Meditations for Liberation” by Jacoby Ballard, Kyle Trenshaw will be facilitating two queer-centered spaces of shared experience and support in which participants can develop mindfulness skills for stress-reduction and relaxation. All members of the campus community are welcome to join this practice; however, allies will be asked to “step back” to make space for queer voices during debriefs and commit to contributing to safety for everyone in attendance. Classes will be held via Zoom on Thursdays April 4, 11, 18, and 25th from 8-9:15 PM. Registration is required for access to the Zoom link.
Bonus: By attending all four sessions, you will receive a giveaway of your choosing: Your own copy of “A Queer Dharma”, a meditation cushion, or a yoga mat.
Learn about SNAP Benefits for college students
Did you know that you may qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)? Join LawNY to learn about SNAP Benefits (formerly called food stamps), eligibility, and how to apply, followed by a Q&A. This webinar will be held on Wednesday, April 10th from 6-7pm. Brought to you by the UHS Health Promotion Office, Food Pantry, and Basic Needs Hub.
| Internship/Postdoc/Employment Opportunities |
SMD PhD. Alumnus, Thomas O’Connor ’23 (Genetics) shared a job opportunity for a researcher interested in advanced tissue imaging at Roswell Park in Buffalo. The job specifics, educational requirements, pay, etc. are outlined in the posting here. He would be happy to answer any other questions regarding specifics of the job that you may have at Thomas.O'Connor@RoswellPark.org.
Elizabth Belcher shared a job opportunity for a Visiting Assistant Professor of Biology Position @ Hobart & William Smith Colleges, Geneva, NY. They are seeking someone with expertise in Neurobio, Behavior, and/or Biology. For full position details, please visit apply.interfolio.com/143636. If you have any questions, feel free to contact Elizabeth Belcher at BELCHER@hws.edu.
BARDA Fellowship Opportunities in Medical Countermeasures Research & Development
The ORISE Research Participation Program has announced new fellowship opportunities at the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), within the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response (ASPR) within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). Please visit www.zintellect.com/Opportunity/Details/HHS-BARDA-2024-0027 for more information and details.
This week’s social media spotlight comes from Emily Quarato, PhD candidate in Toxicology.
Accommodations
The University of Rochester is committed to providing inclusive experiences and equal access to programs and services. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation, please contact Mary Beth Kitzel. In all situations, a good faith effort (up until the time of the event) will be made to provide accommodations.
OTE Submission Information
Submissions for the weekly Monday edition of OTE are due by Thursday at 5:00 pm. Please submit materials to myHub@urmc.rochester.edu.
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