August 24th - August 28th, 2026 | Vol. 12, Issue 34
In this issue:
7th Annual Informational Interviewing Session for SMD First-Year Graduate Students
��️Thursday August 27th | ⏱️ 11:00am - 1:00pm |�� Class of '62 Auditorium
Discover the value of informational interviewing and how it can support your academic, professional, and career development journey. Learn practical strategies for building connections, exploring career paths, and gaining insights from professionals in your areas of interest.
During this interactive workshop, trainees will:
- Understand the purpose and benefits of informational interviewing.
- Learn how to identify contacts, prepare for, and schedule informational interviews.
- Develop and refine effective informational interview questions.
- Build networking skills through guided activities and practice with fellow trainees.
- Connect with fellow graduate students and the myHub team!
Food will be provided
Time Management for Graduate Student Success
��️Thursday August 27th | ⏱️ 9:00am - 10:30pm |�� Class of '62 Auditorium
Take Control of Your Time
Graduate school is demanding, but with the right strategies, you can balance coursework, research, professional development, and your personal well-being. Join us for this interactive workshop to learn practical tools that will help you work more effectively, reduce stress, and create a sustainable plan for success.
Breakfast will be provided at 8:45am
In This Session, You Will Learn How To:
· Balance classes, practicum, research, professional development, wellness, and personal commitments.
· Apply practical time management techniques and productivity tools.
· Develop a personalized plan that aligns with your goals and priorities.
· Build healthy habits that support long-term productivity and well-being.
Whether you're just beginning your master's program or looking to improve your current routine, this session will provide actionable strategies you can start using immediately.
Space is limited - Register today
Fall [F]ellowship Club 2026
��️Thursday September 10th | ⏱️ 11:00am - 10:30pm |�� 1-7619 Adolph (Lower) Auditorium
Moderator:
Elaine Smolock, PhD; Director of Writing Services & Training Grant Development Elaine_Smolock@urmc.rochester.edu
Independent Work | Check in with Dr. Smolock on ‘Office Hours’ weeks | Sign up docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1a6r6CpCCp2ikauAPxAbC_F0tBXtWbiFeoEFXLgJc0_A/edit?usp=sharing
F-repository with examples shared with permission from student/postdoc/sponsor:
rochester.box.com/s/angf2wy6f90m6zefji2v2cx2ta1ib4vv
Dates, Times, and Location:
Thursdays | Sept 10 – Dec, 3 | In-Person Sessions start Sept 10
Time | 11:00a - 1:00p
Locations:
Thursday, September 10, 2026, 1-7619 Adolph (Lower) Auditorium
Thursday, September 17, 2026, G-9554
Thursday, September 24, 2026, SRB 1404
Thursday, October 1, 2026, G-9554
Thursday, October 8, 2026, SRB 1404
Thursday, October 15, 2026, G-9554
Thursday, October 22, 2026, G-8534 Anderson Room
Thursday, October 29, 2026, G-9554
Thursday, November 5, 2026, 1-9545 Natapow Room
Thursday, November 12, 2026, G-9554
Thursday, November 19, 2026, 1-9576 Ryan Case Method Room
Thursday, November 26, 2026, NO MEETING HOLIDAY
Thursday, December 3, 2026, G-9554
In-person Meeting Format:
11:00a - 12:30p Didactic Session and Example Review
12:30p – 1:00p Workshop, Questions, and Active Writing Session
Expectations:
- Come prepared to learn and ask questions.
- Bring drafts to In-person meetings for review.
- All sessions are modular, and you may attend when relevant or time permits. However, you are strongly encouraged to attend all sessions to build community and strengthen your grant writing knowledge/skills.
- Review any necessary links and resources to help prepare.
- Office Hours weeks are designated for trainee drop-in and for the moderators to read and review drafts – please send drafts as early in advance as possible.
Career Story with Ryan Dawes, Ph.D.
Join Neuroscience Graduate Program alumnus Ryan Dawes, Ph.D., for two engaging sessions exploring career opportunities beyond the bench and the intersection of science, strategy, and biotech business development.
��️Thursday, October 15th | ⏱️ 1:00pm - 2:30pm |�� CEL 2-7536
Hear Dr. Dawes share his career journey from neuroscience research and drug discovery to business development and external innovation.
Interactive Session & Networking Lunch
Interactive Session: ��️Friday, October 16th| ⏱️ 10:00am - 12:00pm |�� 1W – 502 Collins & Wilson
Take part in an interactive, case-based session on biotech search and evaluation, followed by a networking lunch.
Networking Lunch: ��️Friday, October 16th| ⏱️ 12:00pm - 1:30pm |�� 1W – 502 Collins & Wilson
NIH Fellowship Mock Study Section
��️Thursday November 12th | ⏱️ 12:00pm - 2:00pm |�� 1-7619 Adolph (Lower) Auditorium
myHub will host an NIH Fellowship Mock Study Section to help trainees understand what happens to a fellowship application after it is submitted, reviewed, and processed.
University of Rochester Faculty will review fellowship applications and demonstrate the process by which an application is discussed and scored.
Food will be provided
| Mental Health First Aid Training Fall Sessions! |
Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training course from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. Since 2008, more than 3 million people in the U.S. have been trained by certified instructors to identify, understand, and respond to signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges. More information about Mental Health First Aid is available at the National Council for Wellbeing, and also in the slides below.
Training is available for everyone - SMD graduate students, postdocs, staff, and faculty can all attend Mental Health First Aid training conveniently on-site. MHFA Certified Instructor Amber Rivera, Director of Learner Life and Wellness, offers the training several times per year. Contact Amber (amber_rivera@urmc.rochester.edu) for more information or to register for an upcoming training session.
| NPA News: PDO Leader Training Opportunity! |
PDO Leader Training Opportunity with Sharon Milgram, Ph.D.
NPA ally, Sharon Milgram, Ph.D., is leading a free, virtual series, Raising A Resilient Scientist, in collaboration with the 4D Experience at the University of Denver. The series is designed to promote well-being, productivity, and collegial group interactions by strengthening the leadership, communication, mentoring, and relationship-management skills of faculty, staff, and administrators.
The series focuses on helping leaders create environments where early career researchers can thrive despite the inherent stress, uncertainty, and challenges of research careers. The information will focus on balancing accountability with support so that the group, and all its members, can thrive. The series consists of four, 60-minute webinars, each followed by a brief Q&A. All webinars start at 2 p.m. ET; there is no charge for attending.
September 15, 2026: Cultivating Resilience
September 29, 2026: Empathic Communication to Build Trust
October 13, 2026: High Stake Conversations
October 27, 2026: Cultivating Belong and Inclusion
| LGBTQ Life September Events! |
LGBTQ Life Meet and Greet
Join the Paul J. Burgett Intercultural Center on Wednesday, September 2nd for our first event of the semester! Come enjoy sushi and mocktails, community, and giveaways. Learn what LGBTQ Life is planning for the rest of the semester, and get to know your fellow students, faculty, and staff.
Date: Wednesday, September 2nd
Time: 4:30 – 6:30 PM (come and go as you please)
Location: Feldman Ballroom, River Campus
RSVP by 9/1 at bit.ly/lgbtqlifemeetandgreet26
FREE Tickets to the Rochester Red Wings Pride Night!
We’re excited to offer FREE TICKETS to URochester students for Pride Night at the Rochester Red Wings (Rochester’s local minor-league baseball team). Shuttles will be available to and from the game. We only have a limited number of tickets, available on a first-come first-served basis – so sign up to reserve yours soon!
Date: Wednesday, September 9th
Time: Shuttles leave Rush Rhees at 5:00 PM; game starts at 6:05 PM
Location: ESL Stadium
RSVP by 9/4 at bit.ly/prideredwingstickets
| AIMBE Public Policy Institute |
AIMBE is bringing back its highly acclaimed Public Policy Training Institute for Rising Leaders on October 15-16, 2026, in Washington, DC. This workshop informs undergraduate and graduate students and post-docs about the policy landscape that surrounds the scientific enterprise. Top government officials, industry representatives, and senior leaders at advocacy organizations will lead small-group discussions.
Limited travel awards are available, with a September 15, 2026, application deadline.
| Recycling Central: Supporting a More Sustainable Campus |
The Sustainability Office led an 18-month pilot to improve recycling within the School of Medicine & Dentistry, paving the way for better recycling across the Health Sciences Campus. The effort includes clearer guidance, centralized collection totes, and updated procedures to reduce contamination. See what SMD is learning from the pilot and how the community can help keep recyclable materials out of landfills.
| MyHub Career Ready Boot Camp Fall Cohort Sign Up |
An Interactive, Experience-Based Journey to Help You Achieve Your Career Goals
Fall 2026 Cohort
Take charge of your professional future with our 15-week 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. Food/Snacks will be provided!
What You’ll Gain:
- Self-Discovery & Goal Setting
- Career Materials That Share Your Story
- Strategic Networking & LinkedIn Mastery
- Informational Interviewing Like a Pro
- Hands-On Career Exploration
Program Starts Monday, September 21st, 2026 from 12pm -1:30pm
In-Person Meeting Dates with Time (12:00pm - 1:30pm)
• September 21st – IDPs & Goal Setting - Location CEL 2-7520
• October 5th- CV & Resumes - Location CEL 2-7520
• October 19th -Networking - Location Louise Slaughter Room (1-9555)
• November 2nd –LinkedIn - Location CEL 2-7520
• November 16th- Informational Interviewing - Location CEL 2-7520
• November 30th- Budgeting - Location CEL 2-7545
• December 14th– Wrap-up Lunch and Q&A - Location CEL 2-7520
| Join the Mindful Professor Training Program |
What if greater calm, presence, and compassion could transform the way you teach and connect with your students? The Mindful Professor Training, offered through the Mindful University Project, equips University of Rochester faculty, course instructors, postdoctoral fellows, and PhD students with teaching responsibilities with evidence-based mindfulness and mindful leadership practices. Through nine interactive workshops, participants will learn practical tools to manage stress, cultivate self-awareness and compassion, communicate mindfully, enhance teaching effectiveness, and support student well-being. Join a community of colleagues committed to fostering a more mindful and supportive University. Fall 2026 sessions will be held on Wednesdays from 11 AM–12 PM in Douglass Commons on the River Campus, from September 9–December 2. Participants receive a certificate of completion, a Mindful Professor sticker and notebook, and access to an exclusive Mindful Professor community and ongoing continuing education opportunities. Brought to you by Health Promotion within University Student Life.
Get moving this fall with daily yoga and group fitness offerings from Health Promotion, Yoga Vibe, Student Activities, and the Goergen Athletic Center. Beginning August 31, students, staff, and faculty can take advantage of a variety of classes designed to help you stretch, strengthen, recharge, and stay active throughout the semester. Whether you are looking to build strength, improve flexibility, reduce stress, or simply add more movement to your day, there is something for everyone. Best of all, these classes are free for all full-time students and R Club members, and we always have yoga mats and props to borrow. Find a class that fits your schedule, try something new, and make movement part of your fall routine. With daily options available, you can stay active, connect with others, and feel your best all semester long. Learn more and view the full schedule on our website today!
This week's featured read ��✨: Thinking, Fast and Slow by Daniel Kahneman explores the two systems that shape the way we think and make decisions. Drawing on decades of research in psychology and behavioral economics, Kahneman examines how quick, intuitive thinking and slower, more deliberate reasoning influence our judgments, choices, and everyday behavior. The book offers valuable insights into cognitive biases and how we can make more thoughtful decisions in our personal and professional lives.
Stop by the GEPA office to check it out!
This week’s social media spotlight features Zachary Smith, PhD candidate, whose research focuses on breast cancer and hormone therapy resistance. Last year, Zachary was one of two recipients of the Pamela Delp Polashenski M.D. Research Trainee Grant. In his proposal, he hypothesized that “KDM5 activity promotes estrogen driven growth and hormone therapy resistance in breast cancer.” Zachary recently shared an update on how his research has progressed over the past year.
We look forward to seeing where Zachary’s research takes him next!
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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