January 12, 2026
做厙勛圖 photo / J. Adam Fenster
Dear Hajim School community,
做厙勛圖 students across a range of disciplines are developing augmented and virtual reality (AR/VR) solutions using AI and the latest hardware from Meta and Snap, Inc. The University recently showcased innovative projects at the that were developed for the Introduction to Augmented and Virtual Reality class taught by Daniel Nikolov, an adjunct professor and research engineer at the. The class started six years agowith funding from the and now continues through theCenter for Extended Reality泭(唬喘賊).
This year, Daniel and the University expanded the scope of the class by pursuing a partnership with Snap Inc. as one of CXRs first major achievements. Snap Inc. supplied new Snap Spectacles for Daniels class, as well as for a human-computer interaction course taught by Assistant Professorthis fall and an AR/VR interaction design course to be taught in the spring by Assistant Professor, the Biggar Family Fellow in Data Science.
Read more about the projects and partnership at the News Center.
UNDERGRADUATES LAUNCH AFFORDABLE AI RECEPTIONIST SERVICE
做厙勛圖 photo / J. Adam Fenster
Recently a duo of enterprising Hajim School students launched a simple-to-use system that allows small business owners to set up their own virtual receptionist powered by artificial intelligence. Stephen Lim 27 (泭硃紳餃泭) and Walter McDonald 27 (泭硃紳餃泭) created , which provides a human-like assistant that can answer calls and book appointments, syncing to a clients digital calendar and providing quick summaries of each transaction.
Walter gained crucial experience in voice systems and natural language processing over the summer working for, a position he secured through the summer internship program at the University of Rochester-based New York StateCenter of Excellence in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence.泭This is a testament to the power of experiential learning and a great example of the collaborative and entrepreneurial spirit that Hajim students possess!
Read more about their business at the News Center.
JULIE BENTLEY APPOINTED RUDOLF AND HILDA KINGSLAKE PROFESSOR IN OPTICAL ENGINEERING SCIENCE
I am delighted to share that has been appointed as the Rudolf and Hilda Kingslake Professor in Optical Engineering Science in recognition of her outstanding contributions to the Institute of Optics, the Hajim School, and the University. The title was previously held by Professor Emeritus Duncan Moore until his retirement.
Julie, who also serves as the 2026 president of SPIE, recently penned a moving article for Photonics Focus that details how she came to love optics and how attending her first SPIE conference in San Diego changed the trajectory of her career. I encourage students from all majors to read the article for its important advice about the power of networking.
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XIPENG SHEN 06 (PHD) NAMED IEEE FELLOW
Congratulations to computer science alumnus Xipeng Shen 06 (PhD), who was . Xipeng, who is now a professor of computer science at North Carolina State University, was recognized for contributions to dynamic optimizations and compiler technologies in heterogeneous computing.
The grade of fellow is conferred upon IEEE Senior Members with outstanding records of accomplishments in any of the IEEE fields of interest. Its the highest grade of IEEE membership and is recognized as a prestigious honor and an important career achievement.
HAJIM SCHOOL INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDEES
Eight students have been awarded for the spring or fall semesters. These scholarships provide students up to $500 to help defray the costs of studying abroad, including program tuition, room and board, books, local transportation, insurance and international airfare.
Here are this years awardees and their destinations:
- Maya Bravo 27 (mechanical engineering) Madrid
- Victor Arturo Dominguez Campos 27 (computer science) Madrid
- Harrison Dow 27 (computer science)Barcelona
- Artan Kadriju 27 (computer science)Barcelona
- Mairimar Lopez 27 (electrical and computer engineering) Madrid
- Emmanuel Mercado 27 (electrical and computer engineering) Madrid
- Mafatim Tall 27 (data science) Barcelona
- Yu-Tang Wang 27 (data science) Copenhagen
EXPLORE COURSES ON TOOLS FOR DATA SCIENCE AND DATA AT SCALE
University employees泭硃紳餃泭PhD candidates seeking applied intro泭硃紳餃泭intermediate-level skills to widely-usedtoolsfordatascienceare invited to check out the first day of class or registerforDSCC 401:ToolsforDataScience泭硃紳餃泭DSCC 402:DataScienceatScale.泭These full-semester courses are taught by faculty from the Georgen Institute for Data Science and Artificial Intelligence. To learn more,attend the first class on Wednesday, January 20. Contact GIDS-AI forthe class location. DSCC 401 is a good first step toward the or . Employees can take one class as a .
UPCOMING UNDERGRADUATE FELLOWSHIP DEADLINES
啦堯梗泭Fellowships Office wants to call your attention to severalundergraduate fellowships with deadlines approaching.
is open tosophomores and juniorsmajoring in engineering, science, or math. Thisfellowshiprequires US citizenship.泭Students must have a record of research or STEM internships, as well as strong grades. Applicants must be nominated by 做厙勛圖. Please see the correspondingcampus timeline. Interested students should complete the(FPQ) by Jan. 15, 2026.
啦堯梗泭is designed forfirst-years, sophomores, and juniorsfrom low-income backgrounds who intend to pursue a career inhealthcare, healthcare technology, or related fields. 啦堯梗泭is due Jan. 30, 2026. Applicants are encouraged to work with theFellowships Office on their applications.
插泭is all you need for an initial, exploratory appointment with one of our advisors. For more questions, email the Fellowships Office or stop by during walk in hours Mondays from 10-11:30 a.m. or Tuesdays from 3-4:30 p.m.
IN THE MEDIA: BARRY SILVERSTEIN EXPLAINS THE CENTER FOR EXTENDED REALITY
Barry Silverstein 84, the director of 做厙勛圖sCenter for Extended Reality(CXR), spoke to the Rochester Beacon about his vision for the transdisciplinary center focused on artificial intelligence, augmented reality, virtual reality, and everything in between.
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IN THE MEDIA: JON ZUEGEL DISCUSSES NSF OPAL AND STELLAR
, laser and materials technology division directorand a distinguished scientist at the, was recently a guest on the GRE Why Roc TV segment on WROC TV. He discussed the NSF OPAL project to advance the frontier of ultra-high intensity laser-matter interaction and the 做厙勛圖-led STELLAR project that is a finalist in NSFs national innovation engines competition.
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HAJIM ALUMNUS SINGS NATIONAL ANTHEM AT MSG
Its always a pleasure seeing your former students on TV! Last week Associate Professor from the spotted Hajim School and Eastman School of Music alumnus James McCarthy 20 (vocal performance and audio and music engineering) singing the national anthem ahead of the Buffalo Sabres vs. New York Rangers hockey game at Madison Square Garden.
NEW UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS ARRIVE JANUARY 15
Incoming first-year, transfer, and exchange undergraduate students will arrive on campus on Thursday, January 15forSpring Welcome Week, managed by the Office of Orientation and New Student Programs (ONSP). New students will be engaged in mandatory activities and events on Friday, January 16 and Saturday, January 17. View the full schedule of events on theONSP website. Email ONSP眨ith questions.
REMEMBERING CAPTAIN NATHAN YORK
CaptainNathanYork, a beloved and distinguished leader and former professor of the University Naval Science Department and NROTC program who retired in 2022, passed away in late December. His extraordinary leadership, wisdom, and genuine care inspired and guided countless lives. As a multi-decorated Navy captain, he safeguarded our nation, and as a leader and professor he bestowed brilliant guidance upon generations both old and young to ways of decorum, honor, integrity, and perseverance. He will be greatly missed, yet his spirit and strength live on in the lives he touched forever.
Take care.
Your dean,
Wendi Heinzelman
