June 22nd- June 26th, 2026 | Vol. 12, Issue 25
In this issue:
Spill the T.E.A
��️Thursday, June 25th| ⏱️ 3:00pm |��Louise Slaughter Conference Room (1-9555)
Please join us for the inaugural meeting of Spill the T.E.A. (Talking, Experience, and Advice), which is a peer mentoring group presented by MyHub Learning and Wellness! This group is for grad students and post docs from any SMD department, and we will be meeting over steaming cups of tea to discuss career goals, share exciting news, and get advice on any topic. Peer mentoring groups are composed of folks at similar career stages and are important for networking, support, confidence, and much more.
We will also have a special tea themed giveaway from Happy Earth Tea for a lucky participant!
WNY Structural Biology Collaborative Summer Symposium
��️Tuesday, July 28th| ⏱️ 8:30 am - 6:00 pm |��Class of ‘62 (G-9425), Flaum Atrium, and LeChase room (G-9576)
The Western New York Structural Biology Collaborative (WNYSBC) is a network of researchers with the common goal of fostering scientific community and collaboration within our region. Our meeting serves as a platform to build connectivity, leverage our collective intellectual and technical resources, and promote structural biology among the broader scientific community.
Symposium highlights include:
- Scientific talks highlighting new opportunities for interdisciplinary partnerships
- Poster sessions
- Networking opportunities and brainstorming discussions
- Trainee poster and talk awards
- Free registration for all participants
For further information, please visit: www.urmc.rochester.edu/biochemistry-biophysics/events/western-new-york-structural-biology-collaborative-summer-symposium
| Post-Doctoral Research Associate Position: School of Nursing |
The University of Rochester School of Nursing seeks a full-time postdoctoral research associate to serve as Project Director for an NIH-funded study designed to develop and pilot test a novel couples-based addiction treatment intervention for heterosexual couples in which both partners have drug use disorders. The study uses formative mixed-methods research, intervention mapping, and stakeholder co-creation to develop a feasible, relationship-centered treatment model.
Under the supervision of Dr. James McMahon, the postdoctoral associate will support study design, implementation, and dissemination. Responsibilities include developing qualitative and quantitative research tools; supporting recruitment, enrollment, and data collection with couples, providers, and administrators; managing Rochester-based field activities; contribute to data management, analysis, and mixed-methods integration; assist with intervention development, adaptation, training materials, and pre-pilot testing; support participant follow-up and retention; and contribute to manuscripts and presentations.
This is a 2-year, full-time position with a negotiable start date. The successful candidate must reside in the Rochester, New York, area for the duration of the postdoctoral appointment.
Qualifications: Doctoral degree in a relevant field required by the time of appointment; strong research training in qualitative, quantitative, or mixed-methods approaches; excellent organizational and communication skills; and the ability to work independently and collaboratively in a multi-site research team. Research experience in the areas of substance use disorders, mental health, or vulnerable populations preferred.
Salary Range: $60,000 to $65,000 per annum based on NIH guidelines.
Qualified candidates contact Dr. McMahon by email (james_mcmahon@urmc.rochester.edu) with attached CV.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement: The University of Rochester is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving an inclusive and welcoming culture to advance the University’s Mission to Learn, Discover, Heal, Create – and Make the World Ever Better. In support of our values and those of our society, the University is committed to not discriminating on the basis of age, color, disability, ethnicity, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, military/veteran status, national origin, race, religion/creed, sex, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law (Protected Classes). This commitment extends to non-discrimination in the administration of our policies, admissions, employment, access, and recruitment of candidates for all persons consistent with our values and based on applicable law.
| Study Opportunity: Cohesion in Academic Publications |
Attention STEM PhD Students and Postdocs:
Do you want to enhance your writing for publication and gain insights for future articles?
A goal of this study is to help researchers improve cohesion in multimodal academic texts. You may be eligible to participate in the study.
Who can participate: Researchers at any level (graduate students, post-docs, or
faculty/scientists) who have co-authored at least 1 peer-reviewed journal or conference article
within the past 5 years
Study involvement: Completing an online survey and Zoom interviews
Participation Benefits: $100 gift card, Nonjudgmental discussion about cohesive writing and insights into connecting visuals and text
| Learners on Location: Chrysilla Emanuelle & Megan Falsetta |
In this episode of Learners on Location, associate professor Megan Falsetta, PhD, and fifth-year PhD student Chrysilla Emanuelle share how mentorship, collaboration, and creativity have shaped their work here at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry. Filmed at OFC Creations Theatre Center, their conversation explores the parallels between science and storytelling, the supportive culture of the Falsetta Lab, and the translational research they’re conducting to better understand vulvodynia—a chronic pain condition affecting millions of women.
| Award Opportunities for Early Scientists |
AAAS / Science & SciLifeLab Prize for Young Scientists
See also: https://scienceprize.scilifelab.se/about-young-scientist-prize/
Target: Early Career
Deadline: 7/15/2026
Award Amount: $10k (category winner); $30k (grand prize)
Synopsis: The prize is awarded annually to one young scientist for outstanding life science research for which they were awarded a doctoral degree in the previous two years. The topic of the entrant's thesis research must be in one of the following categories: Cell and Molecular Biology; Genomics, Proteomics, and Systems Biology approaches; Ecology and Environment; Molecular Medicine. Eligible entrants must have been awarded their doctoral degree in 2024 or 2025, and the subject of their thesis should match one of the Subject Tracks below. The winners from each category will compete for the grand prize.
Eligibility: The research described in the entrant’s thesis must fall within one of the following categories (Subject Tracks):
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- Cell and Molecular Biology: Research in this category includes cellular and molecular processes at levels ranging from single molecule to single cell to tissue and organ systems.
- Genomics, Proteomics and Systems Biology Approaches: Research in this category focuses on genomics, proteomics, integrative omics and systems biology approaches, including computational, to facilitate comprehensive understanding of living cells, organisms and species.
- Ecology & Environment: Research in this category encompasses interactions between organisms and their environment, and how these processes are influenced by human activity.
- Molecular Medicine: Research in this category aims at building on the molecular understanding of disease in humans to develop preventive, diagnostic and therapeutic approaches, including individualized medicine.
The prize will only recognize work that was performed while the entrant was a graduate student.
This week's featured read ��✨: Teaching as a Performing Art by Seymour Bernard Sarason offers a powerful and thought-provoking look at teaching as a dynamic, relational, and deeply human practice. Sarason challenges educators to rethink the classroom as a space of engagement, presence, and performance—where learning is shaped not just by content, but by how teachers show up and connect with students. Whether you’re new to teaching or refining your approach, this book provides meaningful insights into creating more responsive, intentional, and impactful learning experiences. Stop by the GEPA office to check it out and explore why it continues to be a foundational read in conversations about teaching and learning!
This week’s social media spotlight features Ram Haddas, PhD, MBA, who recently represented UR Medicine Motion Laboratories at the Gait & Clinical Movement Analysis Society meeting in Phoenix, AZ. Dr. Haddas described the experience as "a great opportunity to present and discuss our latest research" with leaders and innovators in clinical movement analysis. He also celebrated the accomplishments of his colleagues, sharing that team members did "an outstanding job representing our laboratory and showcasing the exciting work being done at UR Medicine Motion Laboratories." We are proud to recognize Dr. Haddas and the entire team for their contributions to advancing research and collaboration in the field. Way to go Dr. Haddas!
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 the Office of Disability Resources. 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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