October 19th - October 23rd, 2026 | Vol. 12, Issue 42
In this issue:
Transitioning Projects from the Open Science Framework (OSF)
��️Tuesday, October 20th | ⏱️ 1:00pm - 2:00pm |�� Virtual
OSF is changing! Join us on Tuesday, October 20th, from 1 – 2 pm to understand what this means for you and your projects moving forward. Learn which platforms are available to you for migration and plan ahead.
OSF is phasing out OSF Projects as an active collaboration and storage workspace. Published OSF Projects will remain available in a static form indefinitely, but active projects should migrate to alternative platforms. OSF itself will continue, with a renewed focus on supporting open, connected research workflows through Preregistrations. Attend this event to learn your options at the University of Rochester.
Unlocking Your Family Story: Genealogy Series
��️Wednesday, October 21st| ⏱️ 12:00pm - 1:00pm |�� Rush Rhees Library
A 12-month genealogy learning program designed to help participants explore, preserve,
and share their family history through interactive sessions and hands-on activities.
Whether you are just getting started or already have genealogy experience, this program
offers something for learners of all backgrounds and skill levels.
Future Faculty Workshop Series: Understanding the Faculty Role Part 1
��️Friday, October 23rd | ⏱️ 11:00 am - 12:00 pm |�� Hybrid, In person: 109 - Fantone Lecture Hall, Robert Goergen Hall
Considering a career in academia but unsure where to start? This workshop explores academic career paths, faculty roles, and how hiring decisions are made. Whether you’re just beginning or actively applying, you’ll gain clear answers and practical advice to confidently navigate the faculty journey.
Winning Strategies for Grad App Personal Statements with Steven Torrisi
��️ Thursday, October 22nd | ⏱️ 6:00 pm | ��Virtual
A personal statement of purpose for a PhD application is very unlike the college admissions essay. It is a professional document with a very specific purpose: convincing your future PhD advisor that you will be a good member of their lab. In this talk, I will detail the full rationale for how statements of purpose work, provide examples from statements that helped people get into top graduate schools, and explain the principles of how to draft one that puts your work in the best light possible
SMD Entrepreneurs Coffee Meet & Greet
��️ Friday, October 30th | ⏱️ 2:00 pm | ��Saunders Research Building, 1st Floor Atrium
2026 GEPA Awards Philosophy Meeting
��️ Wednesday, October 28th | ⏱️ 3:30 pm -5:30 pm | ��Sarah Flaum Atrium
Research Security: Guidelines for Collaborating in a Global Context
��️ Wednesday, October 28th | ⏱️ 1:00 pm -2:30 pm | ��Hybrid, Humanities Conference Room D (located on the 2nd floor of Rush Rhees)
The session will feature the University’s Research Security Officer, Export Control Officer, and members of the Cybersecurity team. Together, they will provide an overview of the evolving research security landscape, including federal policy and sponsor requirements, disclosure obligations, export control compliance, cybersecurity, and foreign talent recruitment programs. Attendees will also have an opportunity to engage directly with the University’s research security experts.
All members of the University community are welcome, including faculty, staff, students, and researchers at all career stages. The session may be particularly useful for individuals funded by or applying for NIH, NSF, or other awards with research security or responsible conduct of research training requirements.
For questions, please reach out to: ORISE@rochester.edu
Fall into Focus: Offsite Writing Retreat at the Gell Center
��️ Wednesday, November 4th | ⏱️ 9:30 pm -5:00 pm | ��Gell Center of the Finger Lakes
Escape the daily grind for a serene day of writing and community | With Dr. Elaine Smolock, Ph.D.
What’s Included:
- Dedicated, quiet writing time off campus at the Gell Center of the Finger Lakes on W. Hollow Road!
- Light breakfast & catered lunch
- Refreshing nature walk or relaxing movement activity
- Optional: Celebratory social gathering after the retreat at Glen Hollow Winery on Seneca Point Road!
- Open to all grad students and postdocs.
�� Capacity: Limited to 20 people!
Brought to you in part by Writers & Books: A premier literary arts organization dedicated to fostering the reading, writing, and sharing of literature. Learn more at writersandbooks.org.
Pride Shirt Giveaway!!!
��️ Tuesday, October 20th | ⏱️ 3:00 pm -4:30 pm | ��Flaum Atrium URMC
��️ Monday, October 26th | ⏱️11:30 am -1:30 pm | ��Hirst Lounge River Campus
��️ Wednesday, October 28th | ⏱️ 9:00 am -11:00 am | ��Lowry Hall ESM
Hallo-Queer
��️ Tuesday, October 27th | ⏱️ 4:00 pm -8:00 pm | ��305 Douglass Commons
Join the Paul J. Burgett Intercultural for their annual Hallo-Queer! Celebrate the spooky season with pumpkin painting, halloween movies, candy apples, and the best dang donuts you've ever had. Please RSVP by 10/23 to ensure we have enough food and pumpkins for everyone!
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| 2026 GEPA Awards Philosophy Meeting |
| Mental Health First Aid Training November 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.
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.
Training Sessions for Graduate Students & Postdocs
Afternoon Sessions:
��️Thursday, November 5th & Friday, November 6th| ⏱️ 12:30pm - 4:30pm |�� Rooms will be emailed
OR
Full Day Session:
��️Monday, November 16th| ⏱️ 8:00am - 4:15pm |�� Rooms will be emailed
| NIH Fellowship Mock Study Section |
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
This week's featured read ��✨: A PhD Is Not Enough!: A Guide to Survival in Science by Peter J. Feibelman is a practical guide to navigating the challenges of building a successful career in scientific research. Drawing on his experience in academia, Feibelman explores the skills and strategies needed to move beyond earning a PhD, including finding research positions, developing professional relationships, securing funding, and establishing independence as a scientist. This book offers valuable advice on navigating the academic and research landscape, building a professional network, and preparing for the transition from graduate student to independent researcher. It is a helpful resource for graduate students and postdocs looking to advance their careers, strengthen their professional skills, and successfully navigate the next steps in their scientific journeys.
Stop by the GEPA office to check it out!
This week’s spotlight celebrates Sarah Eckl, a Ph.D. candidate in Tumor Immunology and T Cell Biology, who recently participated in three meetings focused on immunology and cancer research!
Sarah shared that she had the opportunity to present her research at the annual American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) meeting in San Diego, attend the American Association of Immunologists (AAI) Advanced Course in Immunology in Boston, and present a poster at the ImmunoRad annual meeting in New York City. Reflecting on these experiences, she highlighted learning about “the latest advances in cancer biology and novel therapeutics” and engaging in “valuable discussions with people working on the intersection of immunology and radiotherapy.”
Sarah also expressed gratitude for the travel funding provided by Graduates Working in Science (GWIS) and the Department of Microbiology & Immunology.
Congratulations to Sarah on these exciting opportunities to share her research, expand her knowledge, and connect with fellow scientists!
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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