July 13th- July 17th, 2026 | Vol. 12, Issue 28
In this issue:
myHub Summer Career Ready Boot Camp Second Session
��️Monday July 13th | ⏱️ 11:30am - 1:30pm |�� CEL 2-7534
Take charge of your professional future with our interactive program designed to guide you through every step of career exploration and development. Whether you're a graduate student or postdoctoral fellow, this experience-based program will empower you with the tools, knowledge, and confidence to take the next big leap in your career. This will include asynchronous, group, and individual appointments. At the end of the session, students will receive a certificate of completion, a digital badge for LinkedIn, and access to career exploration funding.
Registration Closed
Food and snacks will be provided
Mental Health First Aid Training for Graduate Students and Postdocs! (Morning Sessions)
��️Monday July 13th | ⏱️ 11:30am - 1:30pm |�� CEL 2-7534
Become certified in Mental Health First Aid through this 7.5 hour in-person training course. Certification is through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and is active for 3 years.
At a research institution where the demands on PhD students, postdoctoral associates, faculty, and staff are high, mental health literacy is impactful. It helps us become better prepared to support colleagues and trainees, contributes to healthier work environments, and reduces stigma around mental health.
Mental Health First Aid is a training that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance abuse challenges. You'll learn:
✅ Common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges
✅ How to interact with a person in crisis
✅ How to connect a person with help
✅ More about trauma, substance use and self-care
Attendance at both sessions is mandatory to achieve certification.
Monday, July 13 and Tuesday, July 14, 2026
8:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Breakfast served both mornings
Room location will be emailed to you
SciLine "Understanding the media" Training for Scientist
��️Wednesday July 15th | ⏱️ 2:00pm - 3:00pm |�� Virtual
This free, virtual, one-hour course - designed specifically for media-curious scientists with little or no media experience - teaches the basics scientists need to know as they consider dipping their toes or diving deeper into media engagement. We provide an overview of the U.S. news landscape, including the different types of media outlets and reporters a scientist might encounter (and what each is looking for), professional similarities and differences between journalists and scientists, and the risks and benefits of participating in interviews.
Unlocking Your Family Story: Genealogy Series
��️Wednesday July 15th | ⏱️ 12:00pm - 1:00pm |�� Rush Rhees Library, Second Floor Special Collections
Begin your genealogy journey by learning the essential foundations of family history/genealogy research. Participants will explore how to ask effective research questions, use pedigree charts and family group sheets, and build a strong starting point for discovering their family story. This interactive session is perfect for beginners and those looking to refresh their research skills.
Contact for Questions: evaughn@nyrgs.org
Graduate Teaching Workshop: Learning Assessment Techniques for GTAS
��️Friday, July 17th | ⏱️ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm |�� Zoom
Open to all URochester graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, this interactive Zoom Teaching Center workshop will define and share strategies for implementing learning assessment techniques (LATs) into your work as a GTA. Additional details and registration information are attached and can also be found at https://www.rochester.edu/college/teaching/graduate/programs.html.
Designing Effective Assessment: Backward Design in Action
��️Monday July 20th | ⏱️ 12:00pm - 2:00pm |�� G-8534 Anderson Room
Explore what makes assessment meaningful and effective within a course. This session will introduce backward design principles and connect them to curriculum development, scaffolding your learning goals, activities, and assessments for greater student success! Food will be provided!
Guest Speaker: Lauren Brooks, Associate Professor, Co-Director of the Biomedical Sciences Program
Lauren Brooks, PhD, is an Associate Professor at Nazareth University with a deep passion for teaching, learning, and student success. Drawing on her background in microbiology, immunology, and clinical laboratory science, she is dedicated to creating engaging learning experiences that help students connect theory to practice. Lauren is committed to helping others discover new ideas, strategies, and approaches to teaching, fostering growth and excellence in the classroom. Her enthusiasm for education and mentorship inspires both students and fellow educators alike.
9th Annual Presentation Skills Workshop
��️Friday July 24th| ⏱️ 1:00pm - 4:00pm|��Neuman Room (1-6823)
About the workshop:
• learn principles for designing effective scientific talks
• emphasis on clear visual communication
• aimed primarily at students, but postdocs, fellows, techs, faculty,
and staff are welcome
• be prepared to share a set of slides from a scientific talk during
the small-group discussions portion
Presented by Dr. Alan Grossfield - Associate Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics
Light Refreshments will be provided!
Linkedin Session Part II - "Beyond the Bench: Exploring Career Tracks"
��️Wednesday July 29th| ⏱️12:00pm - 1:00pm|��Virtual
A myHub Career Workshop Designed by Eric Vaughn, M.Ed.
This event is in collaboration with SAS & Hajim GEPA
Graduate students and postdoctoral trainees develop a wide range of valuable skills that extend far beyond the traditional academic research path. This interactive workshop will introduce participants to a variety of career tracks available to learners including industry research and development, data science, government and public health, science communication, regulatory affairs, nonprofit leadership, and research administration. Participants will explore common roles, key skills, and work environments across these sectors while learning how to translate their research experience into transferable strengths. The session will also highlight how LinkedIn can be used to explore career paths, identify professionals in different sectors, and begin building a personalized strategy for career exploration. This session will include a brief overview of key concepts, small group activities, and dedicated time for individual exploration and one-on-one assistance!
Teaching Reimagined: Building, Engaging, and Learning Experiences
��️August 10th and, August 11th| ⏱️ Various Times|��TBD
Join us for the myHub Teaching Retreat 2026, a two-day interactive experience designed for graduate students and postdocs who are interested in teaching, mentoring, and academic careers. Whether you're certain about a teaching path or just exploring, this retreat will provide practical tools, strategies, and a supportive community to help you grow as an educator! Food will be provided.
| 2026 PDA Career Enhancement Awards |
The Postdoctoral Association (PDA) Executive Committee would like to announce the call for applications for the 2026 PDA Career Enhancement Award!
The Career Enhancement Award was created as part of the PDA’s mission to support the professional development of postdoctoral researchers at the University of Rochester. Eligible proposals may include request for funds to travel to a conference, workshop, or training; support independent research; cover the cost of software packages/programs not available at University of Rochester; support fees or tuition for a class taken by a postdoc; or support other personal professional development endeavors. Priority will be given to individuals who can clearly demonstrate how they will use the requested funds to enhance their career development or pursue opportunities for professional development that are currently unavailable at the University of Rochester or not financially supported by their mentor.
Depending on the number of applicants and available funds, up to 3 SAS/Hajim postdocs and 3 SMD postdocs will be selected to receive an award up to $500 to be used before June 2027. Candidates must submit a short, written proposal including an itemized budget as well as their CV. Please see the attached PDF for award details, application requirements, and the link to the online application form. All application documents must be submitted using the online application by Friday, July 24th to be considered for the award. The winners of the award will be announced in September.
Please email PDA Vice Chair, Soumaya Belhadj (sbelhadj@ur.rochester.edu) with any questions.
| Mental Health First Aid Training for SMD Faculty, Staff and Trainees! (Full Day or Morning Sessions) |
Become certified in Mental Health First Aid through this 7.5 hour in-person training course. Certification is through the National Council for Mental Wellbeing and is active for 3 years.
At a research institution where the demands on PhD students, postdoctoral associates, faculty, and staff are high, mental health literacy is impactful. It helps us become better prepared to support colleagues and trainees, contributes to healthier work environments, and reduces stigma around mental health.
Mental Health First Aid is a training that teaches you how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance abuse challenges. You'll learn:
✅ Common signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges
✅ How to interact with a person in crisis
✅ How to connect a person with help
✅ More about trauma, substance use and self-care
Wednesday, July 22, 2026
8:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.
Breakfast and lunch provided
Room location will be emailed to you
Faculty/staff register by emailing Amber Rivera amber_rivera@urmc.rochester.edu
Attendance at both sessions is mandatory to achieve certification.
Monday, July 27 and Tuesday, July 28, 2026
8:00 a.m. - 12:15 p.m.
Breakfast served both mornings
Room location will be emailed to you
| The PhD Superpower with Michael Chen, PhD! |
Public Health PhD Driving AI Innovation: An Unexpected Career Journey
Michael Chen, PhD came to the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry with all intentions of being a full time teacher. After earning his PhD in Health Services Research & Policy, he landed a tenure-track faculty position and began the career he had always envisioned.
Then came the pandemic, and his career trajectory changed.
In this episode of The Next Step, Michael joins faculty co-host Chris Seplaki, PhD to reflect on graduate school, mentorship, teaching through COVID-19, and the difficult decision to leave academia. He shares how the research, communication, and problem-solving skills he developed during his PhD prepared him for an unexpected career in civic technology, where he now helps evaluate AI-powered tools designed to connect people with public benefits and essential services.
Along the way, the conversation explores the value of mentors, the importance of transferable skills, and why a PhD can prepare you for opportunities that may not even exist when you begin graduate school.
| Free Summer English Support Course |
The Language Center is offering a free four-week program, July 21 through August 12, designed to help international graduate students strengthen their academic English skills and gain confidence navigating communication in US academic settings.
| Summer Wellness and Connection |
Summer Break Lunch With The BIC!
��️Thursday August 6th| ⏱️ 11am - 2pm|��Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center
Join the Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center for a summer break lunch provided by Revolution Chinese! Come enjoy yummy food, cultural movies, and community! Please RSVP by Monday, August 3rd to ensure enough food is ordered for everyone.
Wellness on Demand Vending Machine
Our “Wellness on Demand” vending machine is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to students, and all items are free of charge in the UHS foyer. The machine is stocked every week day as needed, but please keep in mind that we do not stock over the weekend, so some supplies may be missing at this time. In order to ensure that all students are able to get what they need, please only take what you need at the time. With any questions about the vending machine, please email Zoe Black.
Food Pantry
Open Mondays, Thursdays, and Fridays during the summer from 3-6 PM. Individuals can browse and choose non-perishable items during the Pantry’s operation hours in 105 Wilson Commons, or pre-order a bag for pick up.
Safe Sex Express
The Safe Sex Express is a program that delivers safer sex supplies and information to Rochester students’ CMC boxes. The program was created by students on the UR Student Health Advisory Committee (URSHAC) in the spring of 2015. The Safe Sex Express makes around 100 deliveries each month throughout the academic year!
Lemonade Stand Mondays at the BIC!
��️Every Monday| ⏱️ 10:30am - 2:30pm|��Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center
Join the Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center this summer for our Lemonade Stand Mondays! Free, refreshing, and over 10+ flavors to choose from, come chill this summer with us!
Outdoor Equipment Rentals from the Campus In
Interested in renting out Bocce ball, frisbees, giant Jenga, hammocks, Kan Jam, and more for some outdoor social fun? Equipment can be signed out and utilized by the University community.
URMC Fitness Center Classes
For the months of June & July, UR affiliates (i.e. graduate students) can take any class without membership. The cost per class is $4 for employees and $3 for students, cash.
Kickball!
Enjoy the summer with 2 dates of fun and recreational play at Genesee Valley Park - July 15 and 22. Sign up with friends or by yourself. The cost is only $6 per person for play on both dates. For complete information, please email fitnesscenter@urmc.rochester.edu.
| Virginia Journal of Medicine Fall 2026 Issue |
The Virginia Journal of Medicine is a peer-reviewed, student-run journal that showcases the scholarly, creative, and community-focused work of medical students across the country. We welcome a wide range of submissions, including:
Original research
Review articles
Case reports
Quality improvement and medical education projects
Narrative medicine, reflections, poetry, and other creative pieces
Perspectives on advocacy, ethics, and community engagement
Whether you’ve been working on a research project, reflecting on a meaningful clinical experience, or developing something creative on the side, this is a wonderful opportunity to share your work and receive supportive, structured editorial feedback. We aim to have this version published prior to the due date of ERAS applications.
�� Fall 2026 submission deadline: July 24, 2026
�� Submission portal link: docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeO6tUbRh7bJRhSY__AM4Ee5nvo53RR-SYSsfmpMLrcxs5QxQ/viewform
For more information, visit vajournal.med.virginia.edu/ or email uvamedstudentreview@gmail.com
| Graduate Teaching Workshop |
Successfully Navigating Complex Work Relationships as a GTA
��️Thursday August 6th| ⏱️ 11am - 12pm|��Zoom
Open to all URochester graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, this interactive Zoom Teaching Center workshop will share practical time and stress management strategies for navigating the many responsibilities of being a GTA!
This week's featured read ��✨: Field Notes from Catastrophe by Elizabeth Kolbert examines the science behind climate change and its far-reaching impacts on our planet. Through compelling reporting and clear, engaging writing, Kolbert explores the evidence for a changing climate, the challenges of addressing a global environmental crisis, and the role of science in shaping our understanding of the future. This thought-provoking read is perfect for anyone interested in public health, environmental science, or the intersection of science and policy. Stop by the GEPA office to check it out!
This week’s social media spotlight features Nafisa Nawal Islam, Ph.D. candidate, who was selected to present her research at the 2026 AIM-AHEAD Annual Meeting. After eight months in the AIM-AHEAD All of Us Training Program, Nafisa reflected that the experience "has been an important part of my growth as a researcher," providing opportunities to strengthen her skills, learn from mentors, and build meaningful connections. We’re excited to celebrate this well-deserved milestone and wish her the very best as she continues "presenting, learning, and connecting" while advancing her impactful research. Congratulations, Nafisa!
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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