Stellar evolution and the synthesis of the elements are governed by key nuclear reactions, among which the fusion of 12C with an alpha particle to form 16O, denoted as the 12C(α,γ)16O reaction, is "of paramount importance". The ratio of carbon to oxygen produced during stellar helium burning, which is determined by the 12C(α,γ)16O reaction, allow us for example to predict the fate of massive stars, whether they end up as neutron stars or black holes. Despite five decades of study, this reaction's cross section remains poorly constrained at the astrophysically relevant energies. This thesis presents the development and implementation of a new method to measure the cross-section of the 12C(α,γ)16O reaction by measuring the time-reverse process – the 16O(γ,α)12C reaction – using a Time Projection Chamber (TPC) operated in intense γ-ray beams. The first-generation optical readout TPC (O–TPC) was constructed at UConn and used at the High Intensity γ source (HIγS) facility at Duke University. Building on these results, a next-generation electronic readout TPC (eTPC) was constructed and commissioned at the University of Warsaw, incorporating a fully digital electronic readout system for high-rate data acquisition. The eTPC was exposed to quasi-monoenergetic γ-rays from 8.51–13.9 MeV, corresponding to Ecm=1.4-4.8 MeV of the 12C(α,γ)16O reaction. A comprehensive analysis framework was developed to identify the 16O(γ,α)12C events and reconstruct their kinematics. This permitted angular distributions of the photo-dissociation events to be examined. The analyzed angular distributions yield results which are consistent with a fundamental prediction of quantum mechanics, a feat not seen in earlier data sets. The results demonstrate that this method can achieve accurate event reconstruction, clean event separation, accurate energy calibration, and angular resolution sufficient for astrophysical studies. This work establishes the validity of our new method for precision measurement of the 12C(α,γ)16O reaction through its time reverse process. This paves the way toward future measurements at lower energies with reduced uncertainty and improved extrapolation to stellar conditions.

This dissertation focused on the design and development for fluorescent sensor array for the foodborne pathogenic bacterial and biofilm identification with machine learning techniques. it also includes the investigation of interfacial biofilm monitoring and quantification for better pathogenic biofilm control and food safety.

Write your memoirs to share in class. These can be short unrelated pieces or part of a larger work. New members are welcome.Facilitator: Cathy Belanger

This is a full day of Caring Community Pop-Up: Post Election Connection events - 12p-1p: Know Your Rights workshop with Junta hosted by the Rainbow Center Out to Lunch Lecture Series (Rainbow Center, Storrs, Student Union rm 403)1p-3p: Drop-In any time to continue to Pick Up the Thread - The Well-Being Collective and the Humanities Institute, with the support of the UConn Library, Native American Cultural Programs, Student Activities, and Student Health and Wellness, present a moment of pause, inclusivity, and reflection one year after the 2024 election for all members of the UConn community. Come to relax, reflect, and share in collective art-making and meaningful dialogue. There will be faculty and staff experts available for pointed conversations, and materials for a collective fiber arts project—representing the thread that weaves us all together. We invite everyone to explore ways to create and maintain community in politically charged times. (Native American Cultural Programs Space, Storrs, Student Union rm 103)

Join us for this interactive session to discuss how best to support doctoral students while they explore career options. This session will highlight specific tools students can use whether they are exploring faculty roles, non-faculty roles, or both. Participants will learn how to guide PhDs through the development of a career plan and through career-related conversations. The discussion will be applicable across disciplines and will equip faculty with strategies used nationwide to help graduate students thrive.See more about all Timely Topics offered by The Graduate School. (https://grad.uconn.edu/timely-topics/) Please register (https://uconn.kualibuild.com/app/636957bead4b66cb6fe9611e/run) to receive a Webex link for this event.

Stop by South Campus to connect with Student Health and Wellness's Sexperts & chat about sex and relationships! Sexpert Peer Health Educator Peer Support Drop-In Hours are a free service offered on the UConn Storrs campus. Peer Support Drop-In Hours are a great option for students who have questions about sex and sexual health, are looking for a non-judgmental, laid-back environment to discuss a sex related concern or issue, or are interested in improving their sexual health and personal well-being. The Sexperts are trained to provide education, support, and connection to resources on and off-campus on a wide variety of topics pertaining to sex, sexual health, and relationships.  Fall 2025 Drop In Hours: September 15th – December 5thMonday: 12pm-4pm Tuesday: 9am-6:30pm Wednesday: 11:15am-6pm Thursday: 11am-5:30pm Friday: 10:30am-5:30pm Sexperts (and supervising staff) are designated confidential employees under UConn's Title IX Reporting Obligations. Peer support sessions are for educational and support purposes only. Peer support visits are not on-call or emergency services, and are not for individualized medical advice, nor are they counseling or therapy. If you can't make the times listed, or would prefer to schedule an appointment with a staff sex educator, please reach out to Program Manager for Sexual Health and Peer Education Initiatives, Cassy Setzler, at cassy@uconn.edu (mailto:cassy@uconn.edu) For more information, visit: studenthealth.uconn.edu/sexperts (https://studenthealth.uconn.edu/sexperts) or email cassy@uconn.edu (mailto:cassy@uconn.edu)

Audience: faculty; anyone involved in undergrad program assessment activities Level: Intermediate Learning objectives By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Differentiate between course, program, and common curriculum learning objectives. 2. Explain the importance of alignment between course learning objectives and program and/or common curriculum learning objectives. 3. List best practices for course to program or common curriculum alignment. Description: Join the Office of Academic Program Assessment for this informational session about the annual undergraduate program assessment process. This session will discuss the different years of the cycle and the deliverables for each, along with providing suggestions on how to utilize findings from Year 1 reports to design Year 2 activities. Register - https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3583 (https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3583)

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

Join us for an online information session to learn about the DCF Child Welfare Workforce Training Program. A cohort of up to five MSW students will receive a $4,000 scholarship along with specialized classroom and practicum training to prepare for employment at a Connecticut DCF office after completing their MSW degree. This session is open to returning IGFP MSW students interested in advancing their careers in child welfare. Attendees will learn about program eligibility, application requirements, and the benefits of participation. To receive access to the session meeting link please email milagros.marrero-johnson@uconn.edu (mailto:milagros.marrero-johnson@uconn.edu).

This session is part of the Health Equity Lunch & Learn Series. This talk will focus on the impact of immigration- and enforcement-related policies and laws, including under the past and current Trump administrations, on the health and well-being of communities with a particular focus on Latinx residents in Connecticut. While the talk will center on findings from research on the 2016 US presidential election and implications for Latinx mental health, we will also explore the impact of the current climate and related actions, including anti-immigrant policies/laws and associated heightened immigration enforcement practices, on health and well-being of communities. We will discuss challenges with advancing health equity in restrictive and punitive sociopolitical climates and explore opportunities for promoting health equity in such climates.

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

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

Audience: faculty; anyone involved in program or Common Curriculum assessment activities Level: Introductory Learning objectives: By the end of this session, participants will be able to: 1. Differentiate between course, program, and common curriculum learning objectives. 2. Explain the importance of alignment between course learning objectives and program and/or common curriculum learning objectives. 3. List best practices for course to program or common curriculum alignment. Description: This session will help participants align course objectives to program or common curriculum learning objectives. Participants will learn how to ensure their course learning objectives are meaningfully connected to both broader curricular goals and course assignments. Register - https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3582 (https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3582)

Dr. George Lohay Head Scientist at the Grumeti Fund (https://grumetifund.org)  Abstract Wildlife conservation in Tanzania continues to face major challenges, particularly from poaching and habitat loss. To strengthen protection and management efforts, the Grumeti Fund, in Serengeti Tanzania, has utilized the EarthRanger (ER) system since 2017, integrating it with wildlife tracking technologies such as GPS collars and AI-powered cameras from Wildlife Protection Solutions. This integration enables real-time tracking of patrols, incident reporting, and wildlife monitoring, significantly improving rapid response capabilities and ranger safety. The use of ER in conjunction with elephant collaring and geo-fencing has also enhanced human–elephant conflict mitigation by providing instant alerts and enabling coordinated field responses. Overall, ER offers a centralized, data-driven platform that enhances situational awareness, decision-making, and operational efficiency across teams. This talk will also highlight how advances in genomic technologies can complement these tools by addressing landscape-level species connectivity using non-invasive methods, linking technology-driven monitoring with modern conservation genetics applications.   Biography: Dr. George Lohay is a Tanzanian biologist and conservation geneticist with over 15 years of experience in wildlife research and management. He currently serves as Head Scientist at the Grumeti Fund, leading applied conservation research and capacity-building initiatives through the RISE (Research and Innovation for the Serengeti Ecosystem) program. His work integrates science, technology, and mentorship to support Tanzanian graduate students and early-career conservationists. Dr. Lohay earned his Ph.D. in Biology from Penn State University in 2019, where he investigated the genetic connectivity of African savanna elephants, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship focused on the giraffe genome project. His current research emphasizes conservation genetics, landscape connectivity, and human dimensions of wildlife conservation, including socioeconomics of bushmeat hunting, and vulture ecology. He is deeply committed to restoring Tanzania's wildlife corridors and fostering the next generation of conservation leaders.

VALOR is hosting a JAG Speaker Panel on Thursday, November 13th at 12:30 p.m. in the Stuart F. Smith Reading Room, where JAGs from multiple branches will be present to talk about their career paths, opportunities, and answer any questions about opportunities in the military as well as civilian positions for young lawyers. Tangiers will be served throughout the event, so come by, grab a bite, and find out more on this potential career path! This could be especially helpful for those who are still searching for a summer internship or post grad position!

Come in to hear some tips for conducting academic research, including how to search HeinOnline and other databases, with time for individual questions about research.This session is hosted by Anne Rajotte.

A competition of foosball at the commuter lounge where snacks and pizza will be provided hosted by CASE. Students can join in or just watch.