This annual event shows off the skills of UConn Dining chefs in an individual recipe competition in the morning and then in a team-based "Chopped" style competition in the afternoon. The event is free and open to the public. More details to come.

The Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center (OAIC) at UConn (P30 AG067988; Kuchel, Fortinsky - MPIs) is one of fifteen such centers throughout the United States funded by the National Institute on Aging at NIH. "Pepper Centers" honor Claude D. Pepper, the late Congressman who advocated for senior health and research to enable older adults to maintain or restore their independence. The overarching goal of the OAIC (Pepper) Program is to enhance function and independence in older adults through research. The UConn Pepper Center is pioneering a theme focused on Precision Gerontology, an approach to aging research and the care of older adults that seeks to render interventions enhancing function and independence more effective through an improved understanding of heterogeneity and more precise targeting (https://health.uconn.edu/pepper-center/). A key component of all Pepper Centers is the Research Education Component (REC), which provides financial support, education, and training to Pepper Scholars who Pepper Center leadership identify as showing particular promise as independent investigators. The REC at the UConn Pepper Center, led by Dr. David Steffens and Dr. George Kuchel, includes senior research leaders at UConn and Jackson Lab who could serve as mentors to Pepper Scholars (https://health.uconn.edu/pepper-center/research-and-education-component-rec/). A mentored research project is a primary focus of being a REC Scholar. We are issuing this solicitation to early stage faculty with an interest in aging-related research. Individuals with experience in this area are encouraged to apply, as are those with research backgrounds in non-aging related fields whose research might be enhanced with a new aging focus. Physician scientists and clinicians in other disciplines are especially encouraged to apply. We anticipate funding two new UConn Pepper Scholars through this competition. Funding for two Pepper Scholar positions would begin July 1, 2025. Pepper Scholar awards are typically awarded for one year, with a second year of funding based on evidence of progress and need. Since this award is taking place in year 5 of the current UConn Pepper Center funding cycle, a year 2 Pepper Scholar Award will also be contingent upon the parent grant's successful competitive renewal. The overall goals of the Pepper Center are focused on improving function and independence among older adults. As such the following criteria for Pepper Scholar Selection were developed to be consistent with these goals: • Trainee potential and commitment to an academic career • Demonstrated commitment to aging research • Alignment of proposed training and work with the broader mission of the NIA OAIC Pepper Center Program and the focus on UConn Pepper Center on Precision Gerontology • Availability and commitment of suitable mentorship • Ability to benefit from OAIC resources As an initial step prior to submitting a full Pepper Scholar application, we are requesting that potential candidates submit a Letter of Intent (LOI), due by 5 PM on January 17, 2025. The LOI should be one single-spaced page consisting of two paragraphs. The first paragraph should highlight aspects of the candidate's educational, training, and research background that are most relevant to the Pepper Scholar program, followed by a statement of how the candidate will benefit from the Pepper Scholars program. The second paragraph should include a brief description of the research project that will be supported by the Pepper Center REC. In addition to the LOI, candidates should submit either an NIH Biosketch (preferred) or a CV. The LOI and Biosketch/CV should be addressed to Dr. David Steffens, REC Core Leader and Dr. George Kuchel, REC Core Co-Leader, and emailed to Ms. Laura Masi at masi@uchc.edu Selected candidates will then be notified by January 31, 2025 and invited to submit a full application for the Pepper Scholar Program for a March 28, 2025 deadline.

Our latest exhibit in Celeste LeWitt Gallery features "Luminous Pastels" by Jane Penfield and "Reflective Moments" by Paul R. Berger.(Note new date for reception.)

A hybrid course where participants will complete 7 modules that include both virtual and in-person meetings . It is designed to develop and strengthen the business and technical skills that many beginning farmers with 0 - 3 years of experience, but is for anyone that feels like they could benefit from the course. Participate in this learning experience with farmer peers and develop new networks in a safe environment to foster informal interactions, knowledge sharing, and relationship building. It is never too early to acquire some of the fundamental skills and habits in farm business management, such as How to Write a Business Plan, Statements for Financial Management, Grant Opportunities, Marketing/Branding, Tax Filing and more. Online Sessions: January 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd 12:00pm-1:30pm In Person Sessions: January 10th and 24th, 9:00am-3:30pm at the Hartford County Extension Center

Participate with farmer peers in a course designed to develop and strengthen the business and technical skills for beginning farmers with 0 - 3 years of experience.

Urology Grand Rounds

Orientation for new students to the UConn Waterbury campus.

As you consider the Doctorate (PhD) program in Business Administration at UConn, it is extremely important that you make an informed choice, and attending a virtual infosession is a valuable way to gather the missing pieces. The PhD Virtual Infosessions are an ideal opportunity to learn first-hand about our highly regarded program and hear from admissions representatives.Register today! (https://connect.grad.uconn.edu/register/phd-infosession-250114)

Community discussion about What If We Get It Right? Visions of Climate Futures by Ayana Elizabeth Johnson. Sponsored by CT Sea Grant, UConn Avery Point and the Groton and Bridgeport libraries. Books available at Groton and Bridgeport libraries, or can be purchased at the Avery Point bookstore, local bookstores and online. 

Founders of the BEACON (Beneficial and Ethical AI at UConn) student organization and graduate assistants in computer science and physics will be available for informal discussion of your generative AI questions. If you have activities or tools you'd like to brainstorm about, come reflect on both practical and ethical considerations. Please register to receive the WebEx link. Office Hours will also be available in February and March (dates TBD). Note: BEACON is funded by Open Philanthropy as part of its University Organizer Fellowship. Register - https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3339 (https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3339)

UConn Center on Aging & UConn Pepper Center Grand Rounds Title: "What if Perseverance is Dangerous for Brain Health? Effect of Active Coping and Grit on Subjective Cognitive Decline in Black American Males." Speaker: Candidus (Candi) Nwakasi, Ph.D., MSPH Dr. Candidus (Candi) Nwakasi is an Assistant Professor of Gerontology in Human Development and Family Sciences. He has an undergraduate degree in applied biochemistry and graduate degrees in public health and social gerontology. His previous work experience before joining academia spanned medical, pharmaceutical, and non-profit sectors. He is a co-founder of Black in Gerontology and Geriatrics (BIGG), an organization that works to amplify Black people's voices and efforts in the aging field. He is on PACE-RI's board, and the editorial boards of the Journal of Aging Studies, and the Journal of Aging and Social Policy. His research program focuses on cancer survivorship, cognitive decline, caregiving, and sociocultural factors influencing healthcare access.

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

Image generation technologies such as DALL-E and Midjourney are transforming how educators and students engage with visual content. This workshop is meant to encourage knowledge exchange and active participation from all attendees as we explore AI-generated imagery's practical applications, creative possibilities, and ethical considerations within learning environments. The session will include a brief presentation on what's new about AI image-generation tools from a creative/artistic perspective, followed by an open discussion and Q&A. Register - https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3340 (https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3340)

Winter Break Career Fair at UConn Hartford 2025 What are you doing during winter break?  Get a jump on the job search at the Winter Break Career Fair at UConn Hartford. If you are looking for a summer internship, part-time or full-time job in Greater Hartford, this is the place to be to find it! This event is for all college students - all majors, all degrees, at ANY college or university - interested in working in or around Hartford. Talk with 30+ area employers looking for interns and full-time career-oriented students.  And bring a friend!  To register for the fair: https://uconn.joinhandshake.com/edu/career_fairs/53290 (https://uconn.joinhandshake.com/edu/career_fairs/53290) 

In this demo series, you will discover and practice effective teaching strategies to improve students' active learning. You will enjoy different teaching strategies in a creative way with other participants. Each section will take 20 minutes, you can choose the one you are interested in and attend the section. Section 1: Activities for Medium Size Groups: Circle of Voices, Round Robin, Elevator Pitches During this section, you will practice Timed Round Robin: Every participant is given the same amount of time (e.g., 30 seconds) and takes turns to share responses on an open-ended question. Other similar activities for medium size groups are introduced by the lecturer. Section 2: Think-Pair-Share During this section, for a question, participants will have a few minutes to think it over (e.g., 2 minutes) and then turn to a peer for discussion. After a brief discussion (e.g., 5 minutes), you will be asked to share your peer's opinion in front of the class. Section 3: Jigsaw During this section, everyone will be assigned into an "expert group" to discuss a piece of an assignment. After reaching consensus (5 minutes), participants will be rearranged to "jigsaw group" so there's one person from each "expert group" at each "jigsaw group" to explain his or her group's discussion and conclusion (5 minutes) to form a finished project. Section 4: Roles in the Small Group During this section, everyone will be assigned into a group of 3 or 4 with roles - facilitator, notestaker, presenter, or moderator - to discuss a topic (3-5 minutes). After the group presentations, the instructor will debrief with the group performance. Register - https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3318 (https://fins.uconn.edu/secure_inst/workshops/workshop_view.php?ser=3318)

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/).