Welte and Portman elected as 2023 fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)
Formed in 1848, AAAS is the world’s largest multidisciplinary scientific society and the publisher of leading research through its Science family of journals. Designation as an AAAS fellow is a distinguished lifetime honor within the scientific community. The latest class comprises 502 scientists, engineers, and innovators across 24 AAAS disciplinary sections.
Dragony Fu and Amanda Larracuente appointed to named professorships
Dragony Fu, an associate professor of biology, has been jointly appointed as the Mercer Brugler Distinguished Teaching Professor.
Amanda Larracuente, a professor of biology, has been jointly appointed as the Nathaniel and Helen Wisch Professor of Biology. Larracuente retains her joint appointment as associate chair in the Department of Biology.
Elaine Sia named senior vice provost for academic excellence
Elaine Sia has been appointed the inaugural senior vice provost for academic excellence at the University of Rochester, effective January 1. In this new role, Sia will be responsible for advancing the University’s academic mission by working closely with faculty, deans, and other senior leadership to strengthen the quality and impact of the University’s academic programs, research, and student success initiatives.
Amanda Larracuente awarded Edward Peck Curtis Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching
Amanda Larracuente, professor of biology in the School of Arts & Sciences, inspires her students through innovative teaching, a deep commitment to student success, and an unwavering dedication to mentoring. Larracuente developed curriculum in applied genomics that fosters an engaging learning environment and empowers students to explore the complex intersection of biology, statistics, and computer science. Through hands-on laboratories and real-world problem-solving, she creates a supportive classroom environment that encourages critical thinking and collaboration.
SMBE selects Amanda Larracuente for 2025 award
Congratulations to Amanda Larracuente, the Nathaniel and Helen Wisch Professor of Biology. Larracuente has been selected as this year’s recipient of the Society of Molecular Biology and Evolution Mid-Career Excellence Award. The prestigious honor is given to mid-career scientists who are recognized leaders in the field and have a record of truly outstanding research.
J. Albert (Al) C. Uy Named Interim Dean of the School of Arts & Sciences
J. Albert (Al) C. Uy, Dean’s Professor of Biology and current chair of the Department of Biology, has been appointed interim dean of the University of Rochester’s School of Arts & Sciences. He succeeds Duje Tadin, who has served as interim dean since August 2024 and previously held the position in the summer of 2023. Uy will will begin serving as interim on September 1 and will remain in that role until a permanent dean is appointed.
Karl Glastad named 2025 Packard Fellow
Karl Glastad, an assistant professor in the Department of Biology, has been named a 2025 Packard Fellow by the David and Lucile Packard Foundation. The fellowship annually honors 20 science and engineering professors across the United States who are pursuing research early in their careers. Each fellowship is accompanied by an individual grant of $875,000, distributed over five years.
Michael Clark awarded 2025 Goergen Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching
The Goergen Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Teaching recognizes the distinctive teaching accomplishments and skills of faculty in the School of Arts & Sciences (SAS), the Hajim School of Engineering & Applied Sciences (Hajim), and the Eastman School of Music (Eastman). The award aims to acknowledge the full scope of work that contributes to excellence in undergraduate education. It can be given for distinguished teaching in large introductory courses or advanced seminars. In addition to being given for superior classroom performance, it can recognize innovation in course design or teaching methods, the creative use of educational technology, the integration of research and teaching, the capacity to elicit superior work from students, or the mentoring of students in independent study projects and senior essays.