CETL peer observer training is intended to support good practices when colleagues observe each other for evaluative purposes as part of their Assessment of Teaching Effectiveness (ATE). The expectation is that participants have worked through a training module at their own pace ( a 2-4hr effort, part 1). Registration before 4/28/25 is needed to gain access to the material and have enough time to complete this first step. Part 2 is the in-person synchronous meeting to discuss and calibrating against each other. As a reminder CETL staff only provides observations for developmental purposes (confidential) and does not offer this service (or any reports) for evaluative purpose, including PTR. Participants receive: Access to the online resources and tools Process guidance to support colleagues A letter of training completion for their documentation Register - https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3465 (https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3465)

Dr. Jacob Pettine​, MITTuning the properties of quantum materials through nanostructured symmetries Fine-tuning interactions and quantum phenomena in materials has been a longstanding challenge, with recent advances in stacked and twisted van der Waals crystals as well as light-driven transient phases. Yet intrinsic lattice symmetries still fundamentally constrain the phases that can be accessed in these systems. The ability to further design these symmetries therefore represents an exciting frontier for controlling both the static properties and ultrafast responses of quantum materials. Although directly engineering the atomic lattice remains a significant challenge, we can nevertheless nudge the symmetries of a material through high-precision nanostructuring, despite the apparent disparity in spatial scales. In this talk, I will discuss recent progress in this direction, including tuning electronic structure via two-dimensional superlattice strain on ultra-fine lithographic arrays and the direct patterning of thin crystals to induce symmetry-tailored dynamical strain fields through ultrafast nano-acoustic modes. Special attention will be given to the photocurrent responses that emerge in centrosymmetric materials such as graphene when patterned with symmetry-broken metasurfaces. These hybrid systems enable nearly arbitrary control over nanoscale vectorial current and provide a novel local probe of electronic anisotropy. Upon ultrafast excitation, they also act as efficient sources of tunable terahertz vector radiation, simultaneously probing the collective material dynamics.Pettine, J. et al. Light-driven nanoscale vectorial currents. Nature 626, 984 (2024) Pettine, J. et al. Ultrafast terahertz emission from emerging symmetry-broken materials. Light Sci. Appl. 12, 133 (2023)

For the full class schedule, descriptions, and to register, please visit the UConn Recreation website (https://recreation.uconn.edu/group-fitness-schedule/).

CT Chem Lecture Series: Younan Xia, Georgia Tech Host: Dr. Jing Zhao & Dr. Jie He

More info about SHaW's Group Sessions. (https://studenthealth.uconn.edu/mental-health/group-therapy/)Interpersonal Group for Graduate Students Graduate Students Interpersonal Groups focuses on promoting emotional wellbeing as you balance academics, relationships, family, and personal responsibilities. Groups offer a supportive confidential space to share your concerns, practice skills and get feedback. To join this group therapy session, please call SHaW at 860-486-4700 (tel:+18604864705) This session is held by Carlos- Gonzalez- Martinez, LCSW (https://studenthealth.uconn.edu/person/carlos-gonzalez-martinez/) For many concerns that students face – like overwhelming stress, anxiety, difficult relationships, depression, academic difficulties, and more – group therapy is the best option for support and healing. Facilitated by Student Health and Wellness (SHaW) counselors, our therapy groups encourage peer support, promote emotional wellbeing, and increase a felt sense of connection. Participants often find that they feel less alone in their struggles, and walk away with newfound support and ideas for coping.

The department leadership will highlight work performed by undergraduate and graduate students and winners of this year's awards (https://sociology.uconn.edu/departmental_awards/) will be named. Light refreshments will be served. Please notify us of any dietary restrictions or needed accommodations when you submit your RSVP.   MenuFresh fruit Yucca fries with queso and street corn dip Fried vegetable potstickers Spanakopita Cookies/Brownies Iced Tea with Lemon/Water