Issuu

About RES

RES Mission Statement:

The RES will become the lead organization for improving the image and influence of the engineering community in the greater Rochester area by: Demonstrating a comprehensive knowledge of the region’s engineering and technical capabilities; Providing the best clerical support and public relations assistance to our affiliates; Continually communicating the engineering and technical accomplishments to both the engineering and technical community and the public; Providing regular forums and networking opportunities for the exchange of ideas and discussion of issues; and, Providing programs that identify career opportunities to the region’s youth and develop the skills of the practicing engineer.

The deadline is the 10th day of the month prior to the issue Unless otherwise stated, opinions expressed in this publication are those of contributors, not of the Rochester Society, Inc.

Advertising information may be obtained by contacting the office of the Rochester Engineering Society or going to the website at www.roceng.org.

Published quarterly, four issues electronically. You can purchase individual copies directly from ISSUU. 2,500+ quarterly circulation (4 issues electronically) ISSN 0035-7405

Go to www.roceng.org to join the Rochester Engineering Society. Click on the individual membership and you can submit your application on-line

News items and articles are invited.

Materials should be submitted to e-mail: therochesterengineer@gmail.com www.roceng.org.

Stay up to date with the Rochester Engineering Society & their affiliates events by going to: https://roceng.org/Calendar

Board of Directors:

Executive Board

President

DENNIS ROOTE, PE

CDE Engineering & Environment, PLLC

dennis.roote@cde-pllc.com

Treasurer / Imm. Past President

MICHELLE SOMMERMAN, PE

Colliers Engineering

Michelle.Sommerman@collierseng.com

HOWARD RESSEL, PE

Directors

Popli Design Group (retired NYSATE) ressel@frontiernet.net

MIKE KURDZIEL, PhD

L3Harris Corporation

mike.kurdziel@L3harris.com

BRETT ELIASZ, PE

Colliers Engineering

Brett.Eliasz@collierseng.com

KENTON G HINES

Merrill Lynch

Kenton Hines@ml com

TRACEY KARATAS, PE

Senior Engineer, Environmental Resources Management (ERM)

JESSIE COCQUYT

Administrative Director

Builders Exchange of Rochester res@frontiernet.net

First Vice President

DAWN LaPIETRA L3Harris Corporation

dawnlapietra@gmail.com

Second Vice President

Kelly Robinson, PE, PhD Founder, Electrostatic Answers

kelly.robinson@electrostatic answers.com

STEVEN W DAY, PhD Rochester Institute of Technology swdeme@rit.edu

NOAH KELLY NAM Products Services Manager, Alstom noah.kelly@alstomgroup.com

JESSICA SHANG, PHD

Associate Professor, University of Rochester j k shang@rochester edu

RICK CHURCH, PE

Electrical Engineer, L3Harris Space & Airborne Systems

SHEILA RANSBOTTOM, PE

Senior Transportation Engineer, Wendel sransbottom@wendelcompanies.com

President’s Message

It’s a good time to be an engineer. According to the New York State Department of Labor statistics thru August 2025, engineering employment has grown about 6% since January 2024. For the year period from August 2020 to August 2025, employment has increased almost 18% Given retirements, relocations, and other losses from the ranks, the need for engineers will continue to grow.

So what is it about our profession that keeps societies’ need for it on an upward trajectory? As Henry Petroski, a well known civil engineer who wrote “The Evolution of Useful Things: How Everyday Artifacts-From Forks and Pins to Paper Clips and Zippers-Came to Be as They Are.” once said, “Science is about knowing, engineering is about doing.”It is our role as engineers to take the sometimes abstract concepts derived from scientific discovery and turn them into useful accessible products and projects that benefit society. We are not alone in this, as our colleagues in medicine, pharmacology, and optics (to name a few) do the same as well

But why does society need engineers? What makes our profession unique? Engineering is a multifaceted profession that reaches all needs of society, and in many ways, does so invisibly. If anyone has ever had medical imaging done, or gone through TSA screening at an airport, or drove across a bridge, or sat in an auditorium during a concert or other performance, they have reaped the benefits of engineering – your profession - and may not have even thought about it. Engineering also touches society in ways that are even less visible. Steel, when recycled, is melted in electric arc furnaces using carbon electrodes that were designed by engineers.

Is engineering flashy? Not usually Is it a critical profession? Yes

As always, thanks for reading.

Dennis R. Roote, P.E. President, Rochester Engineering Society

if you have any questions or concerns, email me at dennis.roote@cde-pllc.com give me a call at (585) 330-6986

THEEASTERNCROSSOVER CANOFWORMS:

Did you ever wonder how and why Rochester’s “Can of Worms” came to be?

Saturday, December 6, 2025 1:00PM - 2:00

Registration for this free program is recommended but not required.

Kate Gleason Auditorium, Bausch & Lomb Public Library Building, Central Library of Rochester & Monroe County First Floor 115 South Ave, Rochester, NY 14604 This is an in-person program that will also be livestreamed

CLASSIFIEDS

PROJECT ENGINEER (CIVIL)

Costich Engineering, Land Surveying &

Landscape Architecture D.P.C.

CIVIL ENGINEERING PROJECT

MANAGER - WIRELESS

TELECOMMUNICATIONS DEPT.

Costich Engineering, Land Surveying & Landscape Architecture D.P.C.

RES Tutoring…New Opportunities?!?

Since the June 2024 closing of Dr. Walter Cooper Academy (RCSD School #10), the RES has identified three, RCSD K-6 elementary school, in-person, daytime tutoring programs we believe to be compatible with the interests and historic availability of our RES Tutors. A synopsis of each of these three Programs will be featured in upcoming articles in “The Rochester Engineer” magazine. The first of these synopses describes the “Help Me Read” Program…

Program Synopsis:

The “Help Me Read One-On-One Tutoring Program” (HMR), has been operating for the past 16 years in School #17 and for three years in School #45, with the addition of School #50 and School #46 in 2025. The Program pairs children in grades 1st – 4th and up to 6th grade with responsible and committed volunteer adult tutors, serving 200+ students yearly.

Every Student’s involvement in the Program is predicated by a signed agreement from the parent/guardian, agreeing to support their student in this effort.

English & bilingual volunteer tutors work 30 minutes weekly with each student in the school library, during the school day, for the whole school year and into succeeding years, when possible.

Tutors are trained to teach students literacy skills ranging from basic phonics, reading comprehension, critical thinking, and math By providing students with additional support in their education, the HMR program aims to and sees improved reading scores and overall academic performance, enhanced through consistency and support for the students and teachers.

The HMR Program has a dedicated group of volunteer tutors (English and Bilingual tutors) from the community, including firemen, police officers, retired teachers & professors, sheriffs, Excellus, corporate professionals, churches, State and County personnel, and concerned citizens including husband & wife teams) who enjoy helping the students perform to their best potential.

Subjects being taught: Reading & Math

Grade Levels to which these subjects are being offered: 1 to 6 graders st th

Locations at which the HMR Tutoring is happening:

The Help Me Read program is currently happening in three schools: and School #7 is pending School #17 158 Orchard St. 14611 (5 days a week- 8am to 1:30pm)....started Sept 30th. School #50 - 301 Seneca Ave 14621 .....(Mondays only - 9:00am to 11:00am....will start October 27th. School #46 - 250 Newcastle just off Browncroft Blvd. 14610... will start November 5th....Wednesdays only….9:20 to 12:20

A request has been received from School #7 located at: 31 Bryan St. corner of Dewey Ave 14613….5th graders need help

Tutoring Time Schedule(s)?

Time Commitment: expected from each tutor? 1 hour or 2 hours one day per week for the whole school year. (Note: we are very flexible, and we do have a substitute tutor who fills in for vacations, etc.)

RES Tutoring…New Opportunities?!?

Tutoring Time Schedule(s)?

After-school tutoring opportunities? No after school tutoring yet. We do have requests for help from Edison Tech…..but currently we don’t have the logistics (volunteer tutors, coordinator) to activate After School tutoring.

Summer Tutoring? (Can become an option when funds and logistics are in place)

Contact Method (and Person) to whom a prospective tutor should apply, to be considered for joining your Program?Contact Ms. Linda Maulding at the Help Me Read email: hmrcolc@yahoo.com, or phone at (585) 766-8440

Or the Celebration of Life Community Inc website: www.celebrationoflifeny.com

Recent Successes of the HMR Program;

We consistently tutor 200+ students at Enrico Fermi School #17 yearly Last year we tutored 245 students with 60 volunteer tutors! The program continues to grow with two additional schools onboard in 2025 and open requests from 3 other schools, School #25, Edison Tech, School #7 not yet filled.

HMR has been consistent for the past 16yrs During the COVID shutdown HMR partnered with teacher Ms Homer and tutored 62 second graders on Zoom, with help from a United Way grant.

Recent Successes of the HMR Program; (continued)

HMR Student Alumni:

D Colon is a Certified Education Paraprofessional and works in the RCSD School District

Another student finished high school a year early, and recently graduated college early

Recently, a former student stopped by to say thank you to his tutor he was graduating from high school and heading to RIT, on a scholarship, to study Sports Medicine

HMR tutor retention averages 78%.........for the tutors it’s a WIN -WIN so they keep coming back.

“Help Me Read” New Tutor Orientation schedule........we can use more volunteers (1 or 2 hours, once a week for the whole school year).....Last year we served 245 students with 60 volunteer tutors at school #17

Prospective Tutors are invited to attend any Orientation Session, with no obligation.........Please contact:

Ms. Linda Maulding - Help Me Read Coordinator (585) 766-8440, hmrcolc@yahoo.com

Scheduled HMR Orientation Sessions:

Wednesday, November 5 , 9:00 to 10:30am th

·Wednesday, November 12 , 9:00-10:30am th

·Wednesday, December 3 , 9:00-10:30am rd

·Wednesday, December 10 , 9:00-10:30am th

All HMR Tutor Orientation Sessions take place at Celebration of Life Church, 1000 N. Winton Rd, Rochester, NY 14609.

Rochester History

A Sampling from the Archives of the Rochester Engineering Society...1897 - 1979

By Lee M. Loomis

Continuing with the historical sampling of the earlier writings on behalf of the Rochester Engineering Society, the years following "The Great War", into and through the “Great Depression”, continued to be a time of reaching out for the maturing Society, both locally and nationally. The meeting minutes describe a series of technical discussions and presentations intended to broaden the technical horizons of the membership (especially the CE's, ME's and EE's).The RES affiliated itself with a number of National technical societies, adopted local Affiliated Societies, frequently held joint meetings with them and continued taking action on a growing list of public matters. Certain issues of standardization, some crucial to public safety, became the responsibility of the RES and its affiliates. In the pervasive economic downturn of the “Great Depression”, the magazine offered classified advertising for unemployed engineers, technicians and draftsmen and took other steps to try to deal with the crisis. Still, it continued its effort to shape the function, focus and infrastructure of the City of Rochester, and beyond. World War, again affected the Society, taking away many of its leaders while providing opportunities for others to step forward to fill these vacancies. In an effort to provide even greater perspective on the happenings and concerns of the day, a synopsis, featuring selected items from "The Rochester Engineer" has become an integral part of this series. The Second World War, the Korean Conflict, and the Vietnam War are now history. These experiences have changed the face of and will, no doubt, influence the future of the community. The Rochester municipal leadership and the industrial community have become immersed in the cold-war, growth economy.

June 6, 1979 – RES Board Meeting (University Club) RES President, George Landberg, presented the new organization chart for approval by the Board, pointing out that one RES Director is required to be appointed to the Executive Committee, and that this person would also become a member of the Technology Advisory Committee. The Board voted unanimously to appoint Dr. Brian Thompson, Dean of the U of R College of Engineering and Applied Science to this position. The Board approved three new Membership Applications: one Regular, one Associate and one Retired Member. RES Director, James Sterlace introduced Ronald Mead as the new Acting Technology Transfer Agent, replacing Andrew C. Hirsch, who would be leaving for a position with the International City Managers Association, in Washington, DC. Dan also commented on the new grant application for the RES Technology Transfer Program. RES Director, Dave Schneeberger (NYSATE) thanked the Board for the coverage provided in the March ’79, issue of “The Rochester Engineer”, for the NYSATE Conference. He reported that the RES Magazine had been distributed to NYSATE Members throughout NY State, leading to the attendance by over 1,000 members at this year’s conference in Rochester. RES Director, Peter Oppelt reported that, after expenses, the 1979 Engineers Joint Dinner had netted over $800.

Rochester History

“The Rochester Engineer” (June 1979) Andrew C Hirsch, Technology Agent for the RES Technology Transfer Program, announced his resignation, and reported that he would be joining an Energy Management Program being developed by the International City Managers Association, in Washington, DC As the founding Technology Agent, Andy had been crucial to the growth and success of this three-year-old program, founded under a National Science Foundation grant by Dr Richard Kenyon, PE, County Manager Lucien Morin, and former City Manager, Elisha Freedman. The feature article in this issue “Leadership Through Research: The General Railway Signal Story”, by RES Executive Director, Joseph C Campbell, described the history of this giant of Rochester (and world) industry, as it celebrated its 75 anniversary. GRS had developed a reputation as a leading consultant on rail transportation signal and control problems Research and development by GRS had played a key role in the technical sophistication of today’s modern railroads. As an illustration of this, in 1930, the track mileage of America’s railroads had reached 411,000 miles By 1969, it had been reduced to 339,000 miles. During this period, through improved signal-based operating efficiencies, the net ton-miles per freight train-hour had quadrupled, a testament to GRS’ “Block Signaling”, a system that has provided complete siding-to-siding protection for following train movements. In the 1920’s GRS held a 30% share of the railroad signaling business. Since then, GRS has broadened its focus to prison cell-door lock controls, highway traffic controls, and personal rapid transit systems control. In this issue, the RES also described its May 5 Annual Dinner meeting where the new slated of officers was presented, including: President – George G. Landberg, PE, 1 Vice President – Lee, M. Loomis, 2 Vice president –James Sterlace, 3 Vice President – Peter Oppelt, Treasurer – Dan Turner, Directors – David Schneeberger, PE, Dr. Ronald Salzman, PE, Malcolm Drummond, Virender Saigal, Richard Van Meter, and Dr. Brian Thompson.

July 18, 1979 – RES Board Meeting (University Club) The Board approved two new Regular Membership applications. RES Director, James Sterlace introduced Ronald Mead, the new Acting Technology Transfer Agent, who reported on projects including, County Energy Monitoring Program, Old City Hall Renovation, and a plan to use the RES magazine to report on projects and for soliciting new applicants for the RES Skills Bank. RES Director, John Robertson reported for the Investment Committee; dissatisfaction with the management of the RES portfolio by Lincoln First Bank (returns @ 7.5%) has led to interviews with local investment management firms (returns @ 9.25%). At this juncture, the RES’ asset portfolio was valued at $228,500. Under the management of Lincoln First Bank this had been yielding approximately $17,000. (less bank fees), annually. Moving these assets to a local professional financial management firm, at a higher rate of return, could raise this to $21,000, annually. To give Board Members sufficient time to ponder such a move, a decision on this issue was postponed to the September RES Board meeting. President Landberg introduced the new RES Membership Chair, Mary Elizabeth (Libby) Ford (Nixon, Hargrave, Devans & Doyle) who invited suggestions from the Board members on membership recruiting activities. RES Treasurer, Dan Turner reported that the Audit Committee, comprised of himself, John M. Robertson and Virender K. Sagal, had completed their examination of the RES Financial Records and had found them completely in order.

Rochester History

ASamplingfromtheArchivesofthe RochesterEngineeringSociety...1897-1978

ByLeeM.Loomis

Subsequent articles in this series will describe the RES' continuing outreach to other technical societies as it considered its role in this and the larger community It will feature more of the activities of the RES as it moved to be of greater service to its membership, as the Society adopted a greater role in shaping the future of the City and its environs Noted also, will be the contributions made by RES members in the struggle to meet the challenges coming out of World War II, the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War, as well as a hoped-for period of post-war growth and prosperity. These articles will also feature an impressive array of RES activities in support of post-war re-emergence of Rochester area industry, and the continuing prosperity of the second-half of the 20th Century

We welcome your questions and comments on this series

400MeridianCentre Suite210 Rochester,NY14618Direct:585-2417546Fax:585-241-3986 philip. J.welch@wellsfargoadvisors.com

Business Services

Solving soils problems for over 40 years

46A Sager Drive, Rochester, NY 14607 Tel: 585-458-0824 • Fax: 585-458-3323 www foundationdesignpc com

New partnership empowers teacher-leaders in semiconductors and microelectronics

The program will advance K–12 STEM leadership for these growing industries in New York and Idaho.

TheUniversityofRochesterandBoiseStateUniversityhavebeenawardeda$2.1milliongrantfromtheNationalScienceFoundation (NSF),supportedbyfundingfromtheMicronFoundation,toempowerK–12STEMeducatorstobecomeleadersintherapidly expandingmicroelectronicsandsemiconductorindustriesinNewYorkandIdaho

Overthenextfiveyears,theinitiativewillstrengthenSTEMteacherleadershipacrossbothstates,equippinghighlytrainededucators toimplementK–12STEMprogramsthatinspireallstudentstoseethemselvesinSTEMandexploreopportunitiesinthe microelectronicsandsemiconductorindustries Theprojectwillfocusonfosteringteacherleadership,studentengagement,and educationalpathwaystosupporttheemergingmicroelectronicsecosysteminbothstates.

“Wearethrilledtobepartofthiscapacity-buildinginitiativethatwillempowerK–12STEMeducatorstoshapethenextgenerationof leadersinthesemiconductorindustry,”saysRositaNajmi,Micron’sglobalheadofsocialimpactandcommunityengagement, andexecutivedirectoroftheMicronFoundation.“Whenindustry,government,andeducatorscometogetherlikeMicronhaswiththe NationalScienceFoundationandtheUniversityofRochester,wenotonlyaccelerateprogressandenhancethetechnicalcapabilities ofinstitutionsandstakeholders,butalsoexponentiallyincreaseaccesstoqualitySTEMeducationfortheleadersoftomorrow”

Theresa Danylak September 25, 2025

(Getty Images photo)

New partnership empowers teacher-leaders in semiconductors and microelectronics

Theresa Danylak September 25, 2025

STEM teacher-leaders provide ‘critical foundation’

MichaelDaley,anassociateprofessorandthedirectoroftheCenterforProfessionalDevelopmentandEducationReformatthe UniversityofRochester’sWarnerSchoolofEducationandHumanDevelopment,emphasizestheimportanceofSTEMteacherleaders “K-12STEMteachersprovideacriticalfoundationforregionalinnovationindustries,”saysDaley,whoistheprincipal investigatoronthegrant.“Theyplaykeyrolesinschoolsbydevelopingcurricula,offeringprofessionallearning,andfostering communityandindustrypartnerships.Supportingtheirleaderdevelopmentisessentialforhigh-qualitySTEMinstructionandfuture innovation”

“ItisaboutpreparingSTEMteacherstobeleadersfortherapidlyexpandingmicroelectronicsorsemiconductorecosystemsinIdaho andNewYork,”addsfellowprincipalinvestigatorKrishnaPakala,anassociateprofessorofmechanicalandbiomedicalengineering andtheassociatechairfortheDepartmentofMechanicalandBiomedicalEngineeringatBoiseStateUniversity “FifteenSTEM teachers eightfromIdahoandsevenfromNewYork willundergoleadershiptrainingattheirrespectiveuniversities.”

Theprojectbringstogetheradiverseteamfrombothinstitutions InadditiontoDaley,UniversityofRochesterco-principalinvestigators includeMitchellAnthamatten,professorofchemicalengineeringanddistinguishedscientistattheUniversity’sLaboratoryforLaser Energetics;CynthiaCallard,professorandassociatedeanforgraduatestudiesattheWarnerSchool;andJenniferKruger,directorof mathematicseducationoutreachattheWarnerSchool’sCenterforProfessionalDevelopmentandEducationReform(CPDER) Additionally,CPDERstaffmembersMichaelOcchino,directorofscienceeducationoutreach,andAngelaMessenger,associate directorofmathematicseducationoutreach,willserveasseniorpersonnel.

Building local ecosystems and industry capacity

Inadditiontoempoweringeducators,thegrantaimstostrengthendomesticcapacityforthemicroelectronicsandsemiconductor industrieswhilesupportingcompaniesheadquarteredinIdahoandNewYork.Theuniversitieswillcollaboratewithruralandurban high-needschooldistrictsintheirrespectivestates,theIndustrialAssociatesProgramattheUniversityofRochester,andthe MicroelectronicsEducationandResearchCenteratBoiseStateUniversity Partnershipswillalsoincludenonprofitorganizationssuch astheIdahoSTEMActionCenter,theIdahoRuralSchoolsAssociation,andTheStoryCollider

ThecollaborativeeffortwiththefederalgovernmentunderscoresthecommitmentoftheUniversityofRochesterandBoiseStateto advancingSTEMeducation,fosteringinnovation,andpreparingthenextgenerationofleadersinmicroelectronicsand semiconductors.

“BothIdahoandNewYorkarefacingcriticalmomentsinSTEMeducationassignificantfederalandprivateinvestmentsarebeing madeinbothstatestoexpandsemiconductorandmicroelectronicsmanufacturingintheUnitedStates,”sharesWarnerSchoolDean MelissaSturge-Apple.“WearedeeplygratefultotheNationalScienceFoundationforawardingthisfundingandtoCongressfor recognizingtheimportanceofprogramslikethis StrongSTEMteacherleadersareneededtobridgeK–12teachingandlearningwith regionalSTEMworkforceopportunitiesandneeds”

New partnership empowers teacher-leaders in semiconductors and microelectronics

Theresa Danylak September 25, 2025

TheUniversityofRochesterisaleadpartnerontheNewYorkSemiconductorManufacturingandResearchTechnologyInnovation Corridor(SMARTI-Corridor)thatspanstheBuffalo-Rochester-Syracuseregion.

“WeareexcitedtopartnerwiththeWarnerSchoolonthisimportantregionalefforttogrowthemicroelectronicsandsemiconductor industriesthroughtheNoyceSTEMteacherleadershipproject,”saysWendiHeinzelman,deanoftheHajimSchoolofEngineering& AppliedSciences.“ThiswillintroducenewcollaborativeactivitiestoprovideapathwayforSTEMteacherstomakeconnectionsto leadingresearchersinthefield”

ThisprojectisfundedthroughtheNSF’sRobertNoyceTeacherScholarshipProgramandsupportedinpartbyfundsfromtheMicron Foundation TheNoyceprogramsupportstalentedSTEMundergraduatemajorsandprofessionalsinbecomingeffectiveK–12STEM teachers,aswellasexperiencedK–12teachersinbecomingSTEMmasterteachersinhigh-needschooldistricts Italsosupports researchontheeffectivenessandretentionofK–12STEMteachersinthesedistricts.

Elected officials and leaders voice support for the partnership

USSenatorCharlesSchumer:“This$21millionfederalinvestmentwillhelppreparetheteacherswhoinspirestudentstosee themselvesinSTEMandconnectthemtothefutureopportunitiesbeingcreatedinUpstateNewYork’sboomingmicroelectronicsand semiconductorindustries.FromMicron’shistoricinvestmenttoUpstateNewYork’sfederaldesignationasasemiconductorTechHub, oneofonly31inthenation,wearebuildingaframeworkthatwillleadtheworldinadvancedmanufacturingandresearchand development.However,noneofthatispossiblewithouttheeducatorswhosparkcuriosity,trainyoungminds,andopendoorsfor everystudenttolearnfactsandscience.IamextremelyproudtodeliverthisfundingtotheUniversityofRochesteranditspartnersso wecangrowtheteacher-leaderswhowillpowerourSTEMworkforceandcementUpstateNewYorkasaglobalsemiconductor powerhouse”

USSenatorKirstenGillibrand:“EquippingK-12studentswiththetoolstheyneedforcareersinscienceandtechnologyisoneofthe mostcriticalactionswecantaketoreadythenextgenerationofSTEMleaders IamthrilledthattheUniversityofRochesteris receivingfundingtodojustthat,andampleasedtheNationalScienceFoundationrecognizesthestrengthofNewYorktohelplead thiseffort.WiththeBuffalo-Rochester-SyracuseTechHubdesignationandMicron’splannedinvestmentinNewYorkState,our semiconductorandmicroelectronicindustrieswillbenefitfromapipelineoffutureSTEMprofessionals Ilookforwardtoworkingwith Universityleadershiptoseethegreatthingsthatcomeoutofthisprogrammingandfunding”

CongressmanJoeMorelle:“TheUniversityofRochesterisoneofthecornerstonesofourcommunity,providingstudentsand researcherswiththetoolstheyneedtosucceedinleading-edgetechnologicalfields ThisawardfromtheNationalScienceFoundation highlightsUR’sstrongcommitmenttoresearchandinnovation.I’mgratefultotheNationalScienceFoundationfortheircontinued investmentinscienceandtechnology,andIlookforwardtoalltheopportunitiesthatarisefromthispartnership.”

CongresswomanClaudiaTenney:“IcongratulatetheUniversityofRochesteronreceivingthisNSFawardtostrengthenSTEM teacherleadership Bypreparingeducatorstoinspirethenextgenerationofinnovators,thisinitiativewillopenpathwaysforstudents intocareersinsemiconductorsandmicroelectronics.Theseindustriesarevitaltooureconomicfutureandnationalsecurity.Thisgrant willcomplementMicron’shistoricinvestmentinCentralNewYorkandreinforcesUpstateNewYork’sroleattheheartofAmerica’s growingsemiconductorecosystem”

New partnership empowers teacher-leaders in semiconductors and microelectronics

September 25, 2025

JosephStefko,presidentandCEOofOneROCandRegionalInnovationOfficerfortheNYSMARTI-CorridorTechHub: “CongratulationstotheUniversityofRochesterandBoiseStateUniversityonthiswell-deservedNSFaward.ByempoweringK–12 STEMteacherstobecomeleaders,thisinitiativeadvancesthefoundationforthetalentpipelinethatwillfuelthesemiconductorand microelectronicsindustriesofthefuture.ItdirectlyalignswiththeNYSMARTI-CorridorTechHub’smissiontoexpandworkforce capacity,strengthentheregionalecosystem,andsecureUpstateNewYork’sleadershipinthiscriticalindustry.Weareproudto celebratethispartnershipandlookforwardtotheimpactitwillhaveonbothstudentsandourregion’seconomicgrowth”

Business Services

Theresa Danylak

Forming bonds between chemical and sustainability engineering

Luke Auburn | Director of Communications, Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences October 1, 2025

Materials science PhD student Ziyi (Bruce) Meng a student in the lab of Astrid Müller, an assistant professor in the Department of Chemical and Sustainability Engineering tests samples of water to see how effective an electrocatalysis technique developed at Rochester is at remediating perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) pollution. (University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster)

The newly renamed Department of Chemical and Sustainability Engineering signals a commitment to shaping the future of the field.

Thefieldofchemicalengineeringiscentraltodeliveringaffordable,reliable,andsecuretechnologieswithlowerimpactsonair,water, land,andcommunities.Withsustainabilitynowamajorfocusofthediscipline,theUniversityofRochester’s110-year-oldchemical engineeringdepartmentrecentlychangeditsnametotheDepartmentofChemicalandSustainabilityEngineering

ProfessorDarrenLipomi,chairofthedepartment,saysretitlingthedepartmentisimportanttocommunicatethedepartment’sfaculty andstudentsareforward-thinkingandfocusedondevelopingsolutionstomeetgrowingglobaldemandsforinnovationsingreen technologies,advancesinenergyefficiency,productandmaterialsdesignedforcircularity(meaningtheycanbereusedorrecycled), andimprovementsinsustainablemanufacturing.

“Farmorethanamerecosmeticchange,thenewnamereflectstheprofessionalactivitiesofouralumni,ourcoursework, undergraduateresearchscholarships,andacademicofferings,and critically theresearchportfoliosofourfaculty,”Lipomisays “ThischangerepresentsarebirthofoneofAmerica’sfirstchemicalengineeringdepartmentsatatimewhenhalfofour12tenuretrackfacultyarenewinthelast2.5years.”

Faculty leadership and expertise in sustainability

Lipomisaysthefaculty’sresearchandteachinginterestsarealreadyrootedincatalysis,sustainablefuels,environmentalremediation, energystorage,biochemicalengineering,life cycleanalysis,andrelatedareas.Thedepartment’sresearchportfolioandrecentfederal fundingawardsdemonstratethatexpertise

Forming bonds between chemical and sustainability engineering

Luke Auburn | Director of Communications, Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences October 1, 2025

OneofthelatestexamplesisresearchconductedbyAssociateProfessorMarcPorosoff,whoisleadinganewprojectfundedwith morethan$550,000fromtheDepartmentofEnergytohelpunderstandcatalyticprocessesusingabundantmaterialsthatare designedtoleverageintermittentenergysourceslikewindandsolar.HisteamwillcollaboratewithscientistsatBrookhavenNational Labstodevelopnewmethodsformeasuringcatalyststructuresunderdynamicconditions

“ThisprojectisimportantbecauseitwillhelpmeetUSenergyindependencegoals,”saysPorosoff.“WearealsoleveragingAIand largelanguagemodelstorepresentthecatalyststhatareintegratedintothesystem,whichisacutting-edgetechniqueandaligned withthepushbyfundingagenciestopromoteUSleadershipinAI”

Earlierthisyear,AssistantProfessorAllisonLopatkin’13receivedaFacultyEarlyCareerDevelopment(CAREER)Awardfromthe NationalScienceFoundation(NSF),theNSF’smostprestigiousawardsinsupportofearly-careerfacultywhohavethepotentialto serveasacademicrolemodelsinresearchandeducationandtoleadadvancesinthemissionoftheirdepartmentororganization Herprojectaimstocreateapracticalapproachforcontrollingmicrobialcommunitiesthatcouldbeusedtoaidforbioproduction, environmentalcleanup,andhumanhealth.

Thedepartment’sfacultyareleadingadditionalprojectsinenergy-efficientmanufacturing,recyclableproductdesign,AIsystemswith reducedenergyconsumption,andsustainablepracticesinhealthcare.

Sustainability-focused curriculum

Lipomisaysasustainabilityfocusopensnewcareeropportunitiesforstudentsbecauseallindustrieshaveenvironmentalfootprints andchemicalengineershelptoreducethesefootprintsthroughbetterprocesses,products,andsystems.Traditionalsectors oiland gas,commoditychemicals,cement,steel alsoneedchemicalengineerstodriveefficiencyandcircularity,alongsidegrowthin batteries,cleanfuels,andsustainablemanufacturing

Whiletheundergraduatedegreetitlewillremainchemicalengineeringtoprovideflexibilityfortraditionalchemicalengineering students,sustainabilityisalreadywellintegratedintothedepartment’sundergraduateandgraduatecurriculumofferings.

Thedepartmentoffersamasterofsciencedegreetrackinsustainabilityandtheenvironment,co-administersaminorinenvironmental engineeringatthebachelor’sdegreelevelwiththeDepartmentofEarthandEnvironmentalScience,providesseveralelectivesin sustainabilityengineering,andchemicalengineeringstudentstakeahands-oncoursecalledIntroductiontoSustainableEnergyin theirfirstsemester

“Studentstodayareinterestedinsolvingglobalenvironmentalchallenges,”saysLipomi.“Ourcurriculumpreparesthemfor mission orientedworkinareaslikeelectrification,remediation,andmaterialsdesignedforreuse.”

Thedepartmenthasalsoopenednewpathwaysforundergraduatestudentstogetinvolvedinsustainabilityresearch Earlierthisyear, agiftfromRochestertrusteeBarbaraJ.Burger’83helpedtoestablishtheBarbaraJ.BurgerChemicalSustainabilityScholars programtoprovideundergraduatechemistryandchemicalengineeringstudentscrucialpaidresearchexperienceattheforefrontof sustainabilityundertheguidanceofRochesterfaculty Theprogramhasinspiredadditionalalumnitosimilarlysupportchemical engineeringstudentsthroughpaidresearchopportunitiesinsustainability

University-led STELLAR project named a finalist in national ‘innovation engines’ competition

The National Science Foundation recognizes the Rochester/Finger Lakes region as a potential hub for laser science and development.

TheNationalScienceFoundationRegionalInnovationEngines(NSFEngines)programannouncedthataRochesterandFinger LakesregioncoalitionledbytheUniversityofRochesteradvancedtothefinalstageoftheprogram’ssecondcompetition.

TheSTELLAR(Science,TechnologyandEngineeringofLaserandLaserApplicationsResearch)projectaimstoprogressthe regionasanationalleaderinlasertechnologies,education,companycreation,manufacturing,andworkforcedevelopment Already hometomorethan150optics,photonics,imaging,andlasercompaniesandsuppliersemployingmorethan20,000people, STELLAR’sorganizersbelievetheRochesterandFingerLakesregioniswell-positionedtoleadthecountryinthedevelopmentof next-generationlasers

Theproject’skeypartnersincludetheUniversityofRochester’sInstituteofOpticsandLaboratoryforLaserEnergetics,Monroe CommunityCollege,RochesterInstituteofTechnology,Nextcorps,Luminate,GreaterRochesterEnterprise,AmeriCOM,andNew YorkState

LeadingtheeffortisThomasBrown,thedirectoroftheInstituteofOptics,andJonathanZuegel,laserandmaterialstechnology divisiondirectorandadistinguishedscientistattheLaboratoryforLaserEnergetics

Luke Auburn | Director of Communications, Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences September 18, 2025

The University of Rochester’s STELLAR project has been named a finalist in the National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) program. (University of Rochester photo / J. Adam Fenster)

University-led STELLAR project named a finalist in national ‘innovation engines’ competition

Luke Auburn | Director of Communications, Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences September 18, 2025

“InvestinginSTELLARwillhelpimprovethecountry’scompetitivenessinlaserscience,technology,andengineeringandprovide US-basedsourcesofnext-generationlasersforscientific,industrialmanufacturing,energy,biomedical,andnationalsecurity applications,”saysBrown “Togetherwithanoutstandinggroupofcollaborators,weaimtobuildonRochester’srichhistoryof innovationandeducationinoptics,photonics,andimagingtechnology.”

Laserproductsareessentialinawiderangeoffields,includingmanufacturing,communications,inspection,environmentsensing, defense,andsecuritysystems ButasBrownandZuegelnote,themanufacturingandpackagingoflasersareincreasinglybeing carriedoutoverseas.Atthesametime,there’sashortageofskilledworkersintheopticsandphotonicsindustry,accordingtothe InternationalSocietyforOpticsandPhotonics

Iffunded,STELLARwoulddevelopamanufacturingecosystemforlasers,providecriticalresearchanddevelopmentsupportfor growingcompanies,andhelpteachersfrommiddleschoolthroughalllevelsofcollegedevelopcurriculatohelpstudentslearn skilledtradesinlasersystems

Narrowing the field

WorkplanningSTELLARformallybeganin2023,whenNSFawardedtheUniversityofRochestera$1millionRegionalInnovation EnginesDevelopmentAwardgrant.Byearlysummer2024,NSFreceivednearly300lettersofintentinresponsetothesecond NSFEnginesfundingopportunity,whichithassincenarrowedtojust15finalists,includingSTELLAR NSFanticipatesannouncing theNSFEnginesawardsresultingfromthecurrentcompetitioninearly2026

“TheSTELLAREngineleveragesourregion’sstrengthsinoptics,photonics,imaging,andlasersandhelpspositionitasahubfor laserinnovation,talent,andtechnologiestoenhanceournationalcompetitivenessandlocaleconomicvitality,”saysUniversityof RochesterPresidentSarahMangelsdorf “BeingnamedafinalistisanexcitingnextstepfortheUniversityandourpublicandprivate partners,allofwhomhavebeenextremelysupportiveofthisstrategicinitiativethataimstogrowWesternNewYork’sleadershipin advancedlasertechnologies STELLARholdstremendouspotentialforjobgrowthandinvestmentintoourregion,aswellas securingUSleadershipintheseimportantareas Onbehalfofourpartnersandcollaboratorsinthiseffort,Iwanttothankthe NationalScienceFoundationandourelectedofficialsforsupportingtheallianceinthisincredibleopportunity.”

Duringthenextstage,NSFwillconductin-depthin-personinterviewsandduediligencewiththefinalistteamstofurtherassess risks,resources,andagiventeam’sabilitytoadapttochangingcircumstances.TheroleoftheNSFEnginesapplicants’partnerswill beakeycomponentoftheselectionprocessatthisstage.

“STELLARrepresentsthehardwork,collaboration,andinnovativespiritofourfaculty,researchers,andpartnerswhoalltogether areadvancingnext-levelknowledgeandapplicationsinoptics,photonics,imaging,andlasers,”saysVicePresidentforResearch StephenDewhurst.“TheRochesterregionisworld-renownedforthisexpertise,andweareextremelyproudtobeatthispointofa verycompetitivenationalcompetition WelookforwardtohostingasitevisitinRochesterwherewecanfurtherdemonstratethe tremendouspromisethatSTELLARholdstoleadthefutureoflaserscienceandtechnology,bothlocallyandthroughouttheworld.” Aninteractivemapshowingthe15finalistsisavailableontheNSFwebsite.

University-led STELLAR project named a finalist in national ‘innovation engines’ competition

Luke Auburn | Director of Communications, Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences September 18, 2025

Government officials voice their support

USSenatorCharlesSchumer:“Rochesterisadvancinginthenationwidecontesttobecomeoneofthehubsforthecutting-edge lasertechnologythatwilldefineAmerica’sfuture.IcreatedtheNSFRegionalInnovationEnginesprograminmyCHIPS&Science LawwithUpstateNY’sworld-renowneduniversitiesandinnovationecosysteminmind.I’mthrilledtoseetheUniversityofRochester anditsmanypartnersreachthefinalroundofthecompetitionformajorfederalinvestmenttoboostAmericanlaserinnovationand grownewjobsandbusinessesacrosstheRochesterFingerLakesregion.Theastonishingscientificadvancementsbeingmadeat RochesterarerecognizedacrosstheworldandarevitaltobuildingAmerica’sfuture.Thisisanexcitingmomentforthe Rochester/FingerLakesregion,andIwillcontinuetofighttobringnewfederalinvestmenttoadvancethiscutting-edgework”

USSenatorKirstenGillibrand:“IampleasedthattheUniversityofRochester’sSTELLARproposalhasbeenselectedasafinalistin theNSFRegionalInnovationEnginescompetition.TheRochester-FingerLakesregionisrenownedforitslegacyofadvanced manufacturing,andtheSTELLARproposalaimstobuildonthathistoryandcementtheregionasaleaderinlaser technologies.Lasertechnologiesplayacriticalroleinmanufacturinganddefense,andSTELLARwouldhelpcomplementthe existingBuffalo-Rochester-SyracuseTechHubdesignationIwasproudtofightfor.Ilookforwardtoseeingthisproposaladvance throughthecompetitionandextendmycongratulationstotheUniversityofRochesteronceagainonreachingthisphase”

CongressmanJoeMorelle:“Rochesterisapremierhubforoptics,photonics,imaging,andlasers,andtheUniversityofRochester’s STELLAREngineisoneofthebrightestexamplesofthatinnovation.I’mproudtoseeSTELLARnamedafinalistfordesignationas aNationalScienceFoundationRegionalInnovationEngine,aprogramIhelpedestablishthroughtheCHIPSandScienceAct. CongratulationstomyfriendProfessorTomBrownandtheentireteam IlookforwardtocelebratingSTELLAR’srecognitionasa fullyfundedInnovationEngineverysoon.”

CongresswomanClaudiaTenney:“TheannouncementoftheUniversityofRochester’sSTELLARinitiativeasafinalistisimportant stepforbothourregionandournation Forgenerations,Rochesterhasledthewayinopticsandlasers,andthisprojectbuildson thattraditionbyunitinghighereducation,industryleaders,andworkforcepartners.Thisprojectwoulddriveregionaljobcreation, expandopportunitiesforstudentsandworkersinUpstateNewYork,andensuretheUnitedStatesremainscompetitiveandsecure inarapidlychangingglobaleconomy”

CongressmanNickLangworthy:“I’mproudtoseetheUniversityofRochesternamedoneofjust15finalistsinthesecondRegional InnovationEnginescompetition TheScience,TechnologyandEngineeringofLasersandLaserApplicationsResearch(STELLAR) initiativeisaboldvisionthatbuildsonourregion’slongtraditionofexcellenceinopticsandlasertechnology,pushingittothe forefrontofmanufacturingandresearch.Fromover300originallettersofintent,thisrecognitionhighlightsthestrengthofourtalent andtheabilitytodeliveronsuchanambitiousproposal.AsastrongadvocatehereinWashingtonfortheUniversityofRochester’s cutting-edgeworkinlasertechnology,IwishtheUniversityandallitspartnersthebestastheyadvancetothenextround”

Researchers develop self-healing materials to improve 3D-printing processes

Adding self-repair capabilities builds strength, durability, and could reduce part replacement processing by Michelle Cometa | October 15, 2025

Self-healingmaterialsarebeingdevelopedbyRITresearcherstofurtherimproveadditivemanufacturing,specifically3D-printed products,tomakethemstrongerandmoreresilient

ChristopherLewisandmembersofhisresearchteamdevelopedastimuli-responsivephotopolymersolution liquidresinssimilarin texturetosuperglue thatonceprintedexhibitstheabilitytoself-healwhendamaged,andthroughthelithographyprocess,these liquidresinssolidifyselectively,layer-by-layer

Thereisalotofinteresttodayinmaterialsthatcanheal,orself-repair,themselves.In3Dprinting,theabilitytobuildmorereliableparts thathavethesehealingactionscanbenefitmultipleindustriesandprovidecostsavings Companiescanrelymoreconfidentlyonthe strengthofmaterialsbeingusedforhigh-precisionequipmentsuchasprintedelectronics,softrobotics,orprostheticsforthe aerospace,automotive,andbiomedicalfields,saidLewis,anassociateprofessorandRussellC.McCarthyEndowedProfessorin RIT’sCollegeofEngineeringTechnology.

“Whenyoubreakabone,orcutyourself,wetakeitforgrantedthatthereisaself-repairingmechanismthatallowsforbonesorskinto rejuvenatethemselves,atleasttosomeextent,”saidLewis.“Wealsolearnthatitisnottrueforsyntheticmaterialsorman-made objects Andourworkinself-healingmaterialsisafuturisticslookathowwecandevelopsystemsthatmimicthosenaturalmaterial properties”

Overtime,3D-printedobjectscancrack,particularlythoseusedinload-bearingapplications.Thisisworsenedbythefactthatmanyof thematerialsusedin3Dprintingareinherentlybrittle Withoutintervention,thestructurescanfail Theteamdiscoveredthatby combiningathermoplasticagentwithanultraviolet-curableresinenablesastronger3D-printingprocess,whilealsocreatingablend thatreinforcescrackedareas.

“Itmakesthematerialmuchstrongerthanitusedtobe Oneoftheproblemswiththesesoft,elastomericmaterialsisthattheyare traditionallyweak.Anditalsoengendersanothertypeofproperty shapememorybehavior,andwearejuststartingtofocusour effortsonbetterunderstandingthisbehavior,”saidLewis.

Christopher Lewis, a faculty-researcher in RIT’s College of Engineering Technology, developed a self-healing materials solution to improve 3D printing. | Peter Schuck/RIT

Researchers develop self-healing materials to improve 3D-printing processes

Adding self-repair capabilities builds strength, durability, and could reduce part replacement processing by Michelle

Cometa

| October 15, 2025

Attheforefrontofthisworkforseveralyears,Lewisreceivedfundingfromthe U.S.DepartmentofDefenseandpartneredwithscientistsinRIT’sAMPrint Centertotesthowself-healingmaterialssupplement3D-printprocesses.He andco-authorsVincentMeiandKorySchimmelpfennig,RITdoctoralstudents, detailedtheworkinseveraljournalsincludingACSAppliedPolymerMaterials, Polymer,andarecentissueof3DPrintIndustry.Eachhighlightstheteam’s focusontheUV-vatpolymerizationofthisliquidresinsystem.

Thechallenges,hesaid,areinregulatingtheviscosityofthereactiveresin,and ensuringallmaterialsaresolubleandlightsensitive.

“Theapproachwehavetakenisonewherewehaveamixtureoftwodifferent things.Wehaveourphotoreactive,thermosettingpolymerthatoncecured becomesasoftrubber.Tothis,wealsoaddathermoplastichealingagent.We wereabletogetlighttopassthroughthesystem,andweachievedthatby utilizingpolymerizationinducedphaseseparation(PIPS).Itisaprocesswhere thethermosetandthermoplasticmaterialsseparateduringcuring,”hesaid. “Thatiskeytothiswholething”

PIPSisasingle,segmentedfunctionwhereanopticallytransparentliquidallowslighttopassthrough.BycuringtheUVresin,the thermoplasticphaseseparates Lewiscomparedthatfinalphase-separatedstructuretoalavalampthatchangesasitislitor heated Itissimilarwiththepolymersthattransformastheyareintegratedwiththe3D-printaseachlayeriscured

“Earlierworkonthermoplasticpolymerblendsthatareabletobeprocessedusingconventionaltechniqueslikeinjectionmolding orextrusionsuggestedthatitwasthatphaseseparationthatseemedtobedrivingtheself-healingbehaviorofthosesystems Thatunderstandingledusdownthispathofexperimentationwiththissamehealingagentandphotoreactivepolymersystem, andthen,alittlebitofluck,”saidLewis.

Christopher Lewis, left, discussed the cellular nuances related to the self-healing resins with BS/MS student Kaia Ambrose Ambrose is part of the team focused on shape memory behavior.

| Peter Schuck/RIT

Congratulations to the Winners of the 2025 Canstruction Contest

Canstruction is an international hunger relief charity that raises millions of pounds of food each year for local food banks. Every year, Canstruction chapters have competitions citywide where teams create CanArt® to compete for awards in the following categories: Best Meal, Structural Ingenuity, Best Original Design, Most Cans, Best Use of Labels, and People’s Choice awards. Winners from each local competition then go on to compete internationally in these categories.

This year’s theme: Cosmic Conquest

Best Original Design (tie): RIT & LaBella Associates

People’s Choice: Popli Design Group

Structural Ingenuity: Wegmans Design Group

Best Use of Labels: Colliers Engineering & Design

Most Cans & Best Meal: CPL

Honorable Mention: Canbusters & Stantec

AUEnergy 2025 Conference Highlights

Alfred University’s Leadership in Grid

Innovation and Workforce Development

Provided by John Simmins

Alfred, N.Y. October 23–24, 2025 The AUEnergy 2025 Conference and Power Quality Workshop at Alfred University gathered utility executives, academic researchers, manufacturers, and students to explore the technologies reshaping the modern grid. The two-day event, themed “Emerging Technology for a Resilient Grid,” underscored Alfred’s growing role as a hub for clean-energy research, workforce training, and public-private collaboration.

Industry Keynotes Set the Stage

The conference opened with remarks by Dr. Gabrielle Gaustad, Dean of the Inamori School of Engineering, who welcomed attendees and emphasized Alfred’s commitment to connecting classroom learning with realworld problem-solving

Two keynote speakers framed the day’s discussions Patricia Nilsen, President and CEO of Avangrid Companies (NYSEG and RG&E), addressed the rapid transformation of the energy sector and the challenge of balancing electrification, capacity growth, and sustainability She called for stronger collaboration between utilities, regulators, and academia to modernize infrastructure while ensuring equity and resilience. “We need to look at the entire energy mix renewables, nuclear, and existing assets as complementary tools in the transition to a cleaner grid,” she said.

John Edmond, co-founder of Wolfspeed, followed with a forward-looking discussion on silicon-carbide (SiC) semiconductors and their growing role in power conversion for electric vehicles and renewable energy systems. Edmond described how SiC’s higher efficiency and smaller footprint are enabling lighter, faster, and more energy-efficient systems He also highlighted Wolfspeed’s vertically integrated manufacturing facility in New York, which now employs more than 400 people and stands as a model for domestic clean-tech investment

Research, AI, and the Living Grid

Dr. John Simmins, Director of the GE Vernova Advanced Power Grid Laboratory at Alfred University and a two-time AU graduate, presented on the university’s evolving grid-modernization ecosystem. Drawing from his earlier work with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Simmins described a project that demonstrated coordinated control of a simulated distribution feeder rich in renewables and demandresponse assets.

That experience, he explained, directly informed the creation of Alfred’s physical testbed for validating new grid technologies. “We’re developing a living grid,” Simmins said, “a platform where researchers and students can test ideas that help utilities operate more intelligently, safely, and autonomously.” He emphasized that Alfred’s integration of AI, data analytics, and real-time simulation now allows engineers to move seamlessly from digital models to physical implementation.

AUEnergy 2025 Conference Highlights

Alfred University’s Leadership in Grid Innovation and Workforce Development

Provided by John Simmins

Dr. Chandan Kumar, Assistant Professor of Computer Science, expanded on that theme with a presentation on AI and computer vision for resilient grids. Kumar discussed the use of digital twins, edge intelligence, and federated learning for predictive maintenance and adaptive control He cautioned that ethics and workforce integration must remain central to the deployment of AI in utility operations: “These systems must support not replace the people who keep the lights on ”

Regional Collaboration and the Clean-Energy Ecosystem

Emily Marino, Deputy Director of New Energy New York (NENY) at Binghamton University, detailed the regional initiative’s success in building a clean-energy and battery-storage ecosystem across New York’s Southern Tier. Supported by more than $113 million in federal and state funding, NENY has advanced five pillars: innovation, workforce development, supply-chain growth, community engagement, and technology acceleration. Marino announced that a Phase 2 grant proposal is in progress to extend the program beyond 2026 and focus on commercialization readiness at Technology Readiness Levels 6–9.

Workforce and AR Innovation

Dan Arczynski, President and CEO of Index AR Solutions, addressed the human side of grid modernization, noting that the energy industry will require more than 600,000 new utility workers nationwide over the next decade. He showcased how augmented-reality and multimodal digital tools can accelerate training, improve retention, and enhance safety in field operations

A panel of municipal and industry leaders echoed his call for integrated planning, highlighting the need for data-driven infrastructure design from smart-meter analytics to interagency coordination on sewer and water systems The panel also discussed energy equity, advocating targeted programs to help low-income households weatherize homes and adopt efficiency measures.

Research Spotlights and Emerging Technologies

Technical presentations explored state estimation, energy storage, and virtual power-plant integration.

Beirut Azumian presented a Bayesian framework for micro-PMU-based distribution monitoring.

James Grieve, CTO of MicroEra Power, described a tunable thermal-storage system that shifts off-peak energy to peak-demand hours.

Brian Seal, Principal Technical Executive at EPRI, discussed the FlexIt Project, a national effort to standardize communication interfaces for Virtual Power Plants (VPPs).

AUEnergy 2025 Conference Highlights

Alfred University’s Leadership in Grid

Innovation and Workforce

Development

Provided by John Simmins

Ribbon-Cutting for the Edibon Power Systems Simulation Lab

Following the day-long conference, attendees gathered for a reception and the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for Alfred University’s new Edibon Power Systems Simulation Laboratory. The ribbon was cut jointly by Provost Beth Anne Dobie and Dr. John Simmins, symbolizing the University’s continuing investment in hands-on, technology-driven education.

Developed in partnership with the Spanish engineering firm Edibon, the laboratory enables real-time simulation of renewable generation, storage, and microgrid control systems Dean Gaustad called it “an awesome playground where students can explore the dynamics of the power grid safely and at scale.” The new facility complements the GE Vernova Advanced Power Grid Lab, giving students and researchers the ability to move from software models to hardware-in-the-loop testing in one integrated environment.

A Vision for the Future

In her closing remarks, Provost Dobie praised the collaborative spirit of the conference. “Alfred University is educating the next generation of engineers while helping to shape the future of energy,” she said. The AUEnergy 2025 Conference and the launch of the Edibon Lab mark a new phase in Alfred University’s mission to connect innovation, education, and industry in building the resilient, intelligent power systems that New York and the nation will depend on.

SalasO’BrienwelcomesM/EEngineering, expandingserviceofferingsinNewYorkstate

Today, Salas O'Brien announced it is welcoming M/E Engineering, expanding client services in upstate New York. This strategic merger strengthens mechanical, electrical, plumbing, fire protection, and sustainable design services within the healthcare, education, government, and commercial sectors. M/E Engineering has over 200 team members throughout New York, in Rochester, Buffalo, Schenectady, and Syracuse. For more than 30 years, the team has built a reputation for design excellence, exceptional client service, and sustainable building systems. Loyal clients and repeated recognition on the MEP Giants list showcase M/E Engineering’s market strength.

“Welcoming M/E Engineering to Salas O’Brien is another exciting step in our mission to create the most agile, connected team of engineering and technical experts in the world,” said Darin Anderson, chairman and CEO of Salas O’Brien. “Their proven leadership across New York enhances Salas O’Brien’s ability to serve clients locally and globally with the same collaborative care that defines both our organizations.” In alignment with Salas O’Brien’s “local everywhere” approach to mergers, M/E Engineering team members and office locations will remain the same, under the continued oversight of the longstanding leadership team.

“We will continue to grow with Salas O’Brien while maintaining the local leadership and personalized approach our clients have come to expect,” said John Dredger, president of M/E Engineering. “We are excited to join a firm with more resources, international collaboration, and growth opportunities for our team while continuing to honor the legacy we have built over the past three decades. About Salas O’Brien

Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and technical services firm focused on advancing the human experience through the built environment. Our team is engineered for impact®, helping clients achieve critical goals, advancing our team members through growth and opportunity, and operating at the center of important global issues including sustainability and decarbonization. We are a top firm as ranked by Engineering News-Record and Consulting-Specifying Engineer, and we have appeared for over a decade on the Inc. 5000 list of North America’s fastest-growing private companies.

Media Contacts

Stacy Lake, Director of Corporate Communications

Salas O’Brien

(206) 547-1940

stacy.lake@salasobrien.com

LuEngineersAcquiresEisenbach&Ruhnke: ExpandsFootprintAcrossNewYork StateAddingMechanicalandElectrical EngineeringServices.

LuEngineers Acquires Eisenbach & Ruhnke: Expands Footprint Across New York State Adding Mechanical and Electrical Engineering Services.

ROCHESTER, NY – OCTOBER 20, 2025 – Joseph C. Lu Engineering, PC has announced they expanded services and location to Utica with the acquisition of Eisenbach & Ruhnke Engineering, P.C., a multi-disciplinary professional engineering firm located in Utica, New York.

The acquisition marks a defining milestone in Lu Engineers’ ongoing growth strategy to expand its footprint and service offerings across New York. It reinforces the firm’s commitment to partnering with clients and communities to deliver enduring engineering solutions. With Lu Engineers expanding its presence to Utica, the firm will gain stronger access to local and municipal markets and increase capacity to support projects throughout the Utica region.

“We’re a small firm but a mighty firm that keeps growing every day. The acquisition is a strategic opportunity for us and impactful to our growth,” said Cletus Ezenwa, President and CEO of Lu Engineers. “Lu Engineers has a great reputation for transportation and environmental projects, and expanding our capabilities to support mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) services will enable us to serve on a broader scale and deliver even greater value to our clients.”

Eisenbach & Ruhnke brings a specialized team of engineers, scientists, specialists, energy managers and auditors who provide advanced energy and environmental engineering solutions in areas that complement Lu Engineers’ established strength in civil/site, transportation engineering and environmental consulting. The acquisition enables Lu Engineers to pursue larger and more complex projects throughout New York state, and to diversify projects to include mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) engineering services.

“We are excited to become part of Lu Engineers; a firm committed to quality and serving its clients,” said Jack Eisenbach, Former CEO. “Eisenbach & Ruhnke Engineering has been in existence for almost 40 years, and we have worked with many engineering firms. Our staff is committed to maintaining the quality of service for the clients of the combined firm,” he said.

During the transition period, Lu Engineers will focus on combining expertise, aligning operational processes, and integrating project delivery systems while ensuring seamless continuity of service for Eisenbach & Ruhnke clients. Clients of both firms can expect uninterrupted communication and project schedules; and look forward to a higher level of technical excellence and project delivery as the two companies become one.

About Lu Engineers

Lu Engineers is a Veteran Owned, NY state certified Disadvantaged and Minority-owned Business Enterprise. For over 45 years, Lu has provided premier engineering, technical and operational services to federal, state, and local governments and a large assortment of private industries and developers. Headquartered in downtown Rochester, the firm also has offices in Buffalo, Syracuse, Utica, Binghamton and New York, New York. The staff is comprised of over 105 professional engineers, environmental scientists, geologists, technicians, construction and bridge inspectors, and administrative specialists that collectively possess the range of skills and experience needed to manage projects from conceptual design through construction.

Business Services

Antique Wireless Association 2025 Annual Conference

The Antique Wireless Association Annual Conference was held the first week of October at the RIT Inn and Conference Center. It included talks about German TV in the 1930s, the history of TV in the US, including mechanical scanning methods, Black-and-White TV, and Color TV, both cameras and receivers. Other talks discussed the history of WGN in Chicago and topics on amateur radio. In addition to presentations, there was a book fair and a flea market with radios and electrical components suitable for radio restoration and ham radio equipment. The conference ended with a banquet and awards ceremony, followed by an equipment auction.

Ram Dhurjaty, who is on the AWA Board of Trustees, the former Rochester Section Chair, and current IEEE Region 1 Co-historian, presented a talk on Charles Proteus Steinmetz, his life, works, and contributions to the theory and practice of Electrical Engineering. I have included a photo of his talk below.

Women In Engineering News and Events

Empowering Women in Engineering: IEEE WIE Forum USA East 2025 and Rochester’s Impact

IEEE Women in Engineering Forum USA East | Nov 6-8, 2025 | Arlington,VA

The IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) Forum USA East is an annual Region1and Region 2 event that brings together professionals, academics, and students to foster collaboration,share knowledge, and inspire future leaders in STEM. This year’s forum is especially meaningful forourSection, as IEEE WIE Rochester’s Chair, Deyasini Majumdar, is serving as the Program Co-Chair—aproud moment of

representation for Rochester at a widely recognized regional event. The 2025 Forum will feature keynote speakers, technical sessions, professional development workshops, and networking opportunities designed to empower women in engineering and technology. Attendees will gain valuable insights into industry trends while building connections across academia, research, and industry. The forum is a hub for innovation and mentorship, amplifying voices and ideas that are shaping the future of STEM.

Registrationisstill open—learnmoreandregisterhere:

https://attend.ieee.org/wie-forum-usa-east-2025/.

Closer to home, the IEEE WIE Rochester Affinity Group has had an impactful year. Since our inception in 2023, our membership has grown steadily by 23%, supported by strong collaborations and community engagement. In 2024, we hosted multiple Industry Speaker Series events, including talks at the University of Rochester and Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT), engaging over 35 attendees at each session. We also organized our flagship event, Industry-Academia Engagement: A Next-Gen View, at both RIT and UR, bringing together students, faculty, and industry professionals for vibrant discussions. Our strength lies in partnerships—with organizations such as WE@RIT, Women@MKS, TechRochester, NextCorps, Society of Information Management (SIM) Rochester, Campus ROC, and corporate sponsors including MKS Inc., Simutech Group, Vanteon Wireless Solutions, and Toptica. These collaborations have enabled us to secure funding, expand our reach, and deliver meaningful programs.

In addition, we proudly launched our IEEE WIE Rochester LinkedIn page and introduced the Spotlight Series, showcasing inspiring professionals within our community.

We encourage all readers to follow us on LinkedIn (IEEE WIE Rochester LinkedIn) and visit our website (https://r1.ieee.org/rochester-wie/about-us/) to stay connected and updated on our initiatives.

Image source: IEEE WIE Rochester LinkedIn Page (Poster for INWED Week)

Looking ahead, we are preparing for an exciting lineup of events, including a virtual speaker series, a networking event at RIT this fall, and a WIE ROC social gathering hosted by IEEE WIE ROC at our Secretary, Jean Kendrick’s house (also IEEE Rochester Section Awards Chair, IEEE Rochester PES/IAS Chapter Vice Chair, and IEEE Rochester Section Life Member Affinity Group Chair). This gathering will provide an informal and welcoming space for members to connect and strengthen our community bonds.

As we celebrate our Section’s involvement in the upcoming IEEE WIE Forum USA East 2025, we also look forward to continuing to grow, collaborate, and create opportunities that empower women in engineering—both locally and regionally.

An IEEE Senior Member is the highest IEEE member grade for which an IEEE member can apply. The member does not incur any additional costs or fees. Advancement to IEEE Senior Member recognizes professional experience and significant performance in a wide range of IEEE-related fields, including electrical engineering, computer science, information technology, physical sciences, biological and medical sciences, mathematics, technical communications, education, management, and law and policy. Becoming an IEEE Senior Member opens eligibility to hold executive IEEE volunteer positions and represents recognition from peers for technical and professional excellence.

The IEEE Rochester Section is pleased to recognize these Rochester Section members who have been elevated to IEEE Senior Member in 2025.

Dr. Sonia López Alarcón, RIT

James Chwalek, Imaginant Inc.

Mr. Ehsan Hoque, University of Rochester

Dr. Naresh Kshetri* RIT

Daryl Johnson, RIT

Prof. Parsian Mohseni, RIT

Mr. Christopher Noyes*, Xerox

Prof. James Olufemi*, SUNY Alfred State

Mr. Praveen Pathaneni*, CooperVision

Dr. Ivan Puchades, RIT

Charbel Rizk, Oculi

Mr. Franklin Santhosh*, Symbioun Technologies

Peter Stubler, Circle Optics

Mr. Rafael Venturini

Prof. Ke Xu, RIT

Prof. Bing Yan, RIT

* The IEEE Rochester Section is proud to have directly supported This application for IEEE Senior Membership.

IEEE Members Elevated To Senior Member In 2025

You are cordially invited to join us for our IEEE Rochester Section Webinar! Navigating OSHA Compliance: A Practical

Roadmap

Nick Donofrio

Safety Consultant at DOL

Certified Safety Consultant and Specialist

PinPointSafetyConsulting

This presentation provides local businesses with a practical roadmap for understanding OSHA. Workplace safety is a critical business advantage rather than a group of regulations. The session covers OSHA basics, outlines the Top 5 OSHA Violations (such as Fall Protection and Lockout/Tagout), and emphasizes moving to a proactive safety culture through regular inspections and comprehensive training. Ultimately, the guide helps businesses build essential written safety plans and avoid costly citations. For our Professional Engineers, 1.0 PDH is available to support your license renewal. Please register at: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/tego_/event/manage/506406

2026 Joint Chapters Meeting - Call For Topics and Presenters

Our next Joint Chapters Meeting will be held on March 26, 2026, at the RIT Inn and Conference Center. This meeting will be a half-day conference with several speaker tracks, a poster session, a dinner, and a keynote session. We are seeking speakers on electrical engineering-related topics, including electrical engineering technology, the application of AI in design, and best design practices. We want all your suggestions for possible topics and speakers, including talks that you would like to present personally. Please submit your interests and suggestions to Emmett Ientilucci at ejipci@rit.edu.

Submitted by IEEE Rochester Section Newsletter Editor Mark Schrader, m.schrader@ieee.org