Master Calendar

Host: Jill DesiminiLocation: YNG 132Webex:s.uconn.edu/psla_seminars (http://s.uconn.edu/psla_seminars)   Before a Plant Arrives on Site: Politics, Migrations, and Possibilities of the Plant Nursery Trade   It's a familiar scene: A tree arrives to the construction site, swaddled in burlap, wrapped with twine, and strapped down to the bed of an eighteen-wheeler after a thousand-mile journey to site. The landscape designer who carefully selected every aspect of it— its genus and species, its caliper, maybe even down to the proprietary cultivar—works with the landscape crew to carefully place the tree— rootball and all—into place, just so. But what geographic relationships, market forces, federal policies, horticultural ideologies, and labor preceded this plant's arrival on site? How are plants in the nursery industry tended, marketed, and transported, and in what ways do those processes delineate who gets to be comfortable and at whose expense? Thinking through a Philadelphia street tree and its expansive terrains of carbon and temperature, this talk traces the uneven heat geographies and politics of exposure inherent to the industrial US nursery trade. Case studies for growing otherwise are analyzed along the axes of labor, carbonized freight geographies, and ecosystem genetics. Leah Kahler is a landscape designer and researcher whose work probes the socioecological legacies of the plantation landscape, focused on urban-rural connections through sites of labor, extraction, and production. Their work attends to the often-invisible dynamics of power, resource, and politics that shape the material processes of the built environment and produce meaning across space. Leah's current project, conducted with support from the Ian L. McHarg Center for Urbanism and Ecology, investigates the socio-ecological geographies of the global plant nursery trade through ethnographic fieldwork and archival methods. Leah earned a Masters of Landscape Architecture from the University of Virginia, where their research as a Benjamin C. Howland Fellow explored the possibilities of an abolition ecology through speculative fictions at the site currently known as the Louisiana State Penitentiary. While at UVA, Leah co-edited the 15 th volume of LUNCH design journal, themed THICK. They were a 2021 Landscape Architecture Foundation Olmsted Scholar finalist, and she received the LAF Honor Scholarship in Memory of Joe Lalli, FASLA. Kahler practiced with Reed Hilderbrand's Cambridge studio, where they played a key role in the design and construction of a 24-acre public park on the Tennessee River in Knoxville. Kahler has taught at the Boston Architectural College and more recently at University of Pennsylvania as the 2024-2025 McHarg Fellow where they received the G. Holmes Perkins Distinguished Teaching Award. They hold a Bachelor of Arts in Anthropology and the Growth and Structure of Cities from Bryn Mawr College.

Trevor HunterHird Lab (https://hirdlab.mcb.uconn.edu/) Microbiomes within the Lumen and Mucosal Layer of Bird Intestines

Students who may benefit from attending a Let's Talk: Mental Health Office Hours session include:Students who want help connecting to resources but are unsure where to begin Students who are looking for advice on a non-clinical issue Students who are unsure about therapy and are curious about what it is like to talk to a therapist Students who may have concerns about the mental health of a friend and seek advice on how to support their friend If a student is not an imminent risk, and is refusing your support in contacting our office, you may also consider contacting the UConn Student CARE Team (https://studentcareteam.uconn.edu/). This session is held by Graciela Quinones-Rodriguez, LCSW (https://studenthealth.uconn.edu/person/graciela-quinones-rodriguez/)

Join us for "Applying to Graduate School" and learn from the people who make decisions about admitting students into graduate programs. Our panelists will explain what they look for in applicants, and what mistakes you should avoid. There will be ample time for questions. Featuring Rachel Szostak (School of Law), Melanie Newport (History), and Alexander Menrisky (English).

Families with Addiction This group is for students who are or have been deeply affected by having parent(s) or sibling(s) struggling with addictions. May also consider situations where the family member's primary issue is a severe psychiatric disorder, but that substance use is also present. To join this group therapy session, please call SHaW at 860-486-4700 (tel:+18604864705) This session is held by Sarah Hallwood, LCSW, LICSW (https://studenthealth.uconn.edu/person/sarah-hallwood/) 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.

Students who may benefit from attending a Let's Talk: Mental Health Office Hours session include:Students who want help connecting to resources but are unsure where to begin Students who are looking for advice on a non-clinical issue Students who are unsure about therapy and are curious about what it is like to talk to a therapist Students who may have concerns about the mental health of a friend and seek advice on how to support their friend If a student is not an imminent risk, and is refusing your support in contacting our office, you may also consider contacting the UConn Student CARE Team (https://studentcareteam.uconn.edu/). This session is held by Sijia (Michelle) Chen, LPC (https://studenthealth.uconn.edu/person/sarah-hallwood/)

Unbreakable: Rising from within: Women's Trauma Group Unbreakable: Rising from Within is a therapy group for women who have experienced traumatic events or relationships who are ready to take back their lives. Traumatic experiences or relationships often lead us to develop unhealthy coping strategies such as, social isolation/anxiety, quickly jumping into unhealthy relationships, difficulty with trusting and enforcing our boundaries when we need them most or increased alcohol, cannabis, or other drug use. Unbreakable: Rising from Within provides a supportive and confidential environment for students to begin the healing process by learning about common reactions to trauma and ways to recognize and overcome these potentially debilitating triggers. We will work to remind ourselves of the importance of boundaries, increase self-confidence and learn and practice healthier coping strategies to promote overall health and wellbeing.To join this group therapy session, please call SHaW at 860-486-4700 (tel:+18604864705) This session is held by Cassaundra Popek, LMFT (https://studenthealth.uconn.edu/person/cassaundra-popek-lmft/) 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.

Understanding the Cooling Properties of Forested Wetlands and their Role as Climate Moderators   Heat has been a major issue in the United States being the deadliest weather-related event in the past 30-years. There have been several heat mitigation strategies cities have implemented such as street trees and stormwater infrastructure, but despite these implementations they have not dealt with the main symptoms of heat islands. Land cover change from natural land to dense concentrations of pavement, building and other surfaces that absorb heat contribute to the phenomenon. In contrast, wetlands are cooling islands that can regulate their local microclimate. We aimed to (1) investigate the phenomenon with a systematic review to view current research, (2) conduct our measurement campaign to understand wetland buffer-width and wetland characteristics that influence cooling, and (3) view local climate policy in Connecticut towns and how wetlands fit into their framework. Findings have found that wetlands act as a climate moderator keeping cool in summer and warm in winter. Hydrology plays a huge influence on wetland cooling. Connecticut towns could benefit greatly if they were to implement wetlands into their towns to mitigate heat and improve air quality.

https://logic.uconn.edu/ (https://logic.uconn.edu/)

Neurodivergent Support Group Do you identify as neurodivergent? Or do you think you are neurodiverse? Come and meet others who also identify this way. Build new connections in a supportive space, while learning from one another how to deal with college life and all that comes with it. Celebrate your uniqueness and connect to new friends and bring your neurofabulousness with you! This session is held by Amy Parent, LCSW (https://studenthealth.uconn.edu/person/amy-parent/)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 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.

Agency: The Case for an Eliminative Pluralism Concepts of agency are invoked in explanations, models, theories, and predictions in many different sciences, from evolutionary biology to computer science and economics. In order to understand and assess the work in these sciences, therefore, it is crucial to understand these appeals to "agency." To make progress in this, this paper makes the case for three interrelated conclusions. First, the best way to understand the question about the nature of agency is as an account that lays out defensible scientific uses of the concept of agency—not a purely metaphysical-philosophical account, or a purely interpretationist account. Second, the paper seeks to show that there is not one right answer about what an agent is—that is, we should be eliminativists about the general concept of agency. Third, though, it also shows that this should not be conflated with the view that anything goes as far as agency is concerned: in specific scientific contexts, such as economics and biology, there are more and less defensible views of agency in that context. That is, we should be scientific pluralists about agency.

Atom-light interactions are at the heart of atomic and quantum physics, enabling new applications ranging from precision measurements and quantum sensors to quantum information processing. Many of these applications rely on, or benefit from, quantum entanglement between particles, the "spooky action at a distance" loathed by Einstein. I will discuss two such applications, spin squeezing for improved atomic clocks, and quantum computing with neutral atoms.  Prof. Vladan Vuletić, Lester Wolfe Professor of Physics at MIT, is a leading figure in atomic, molecular, and optical physics, with pioneering contributions to quantum science and technology. Born in Peć, Serbia (then Yugoslavia), and educated in Germany. In 1992, he earned his Physics Diploma with highest honors from the Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, and in 1997, a Ph.D. in Physics (summa cum laude). He then conducted postdoctoral research with Nobel Laureate Steven Chu at Stanford University as a Lynen Fellow of the Humboldt Foundation. After faculty appointments at Stanford and MIT, he rose to the rank of Full Professor at MIT in 2011. Vuletic is Director of the MIT-Harvard Center for Ultracold Atoms and Chair of the Division of Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Science of the American Physical Society.Prof. Vuletić's research spans ultracold atoms, laser cooling and trapping, tests of physics beyond the Standard Model, quantum metrology, many-body entanglement, and quantum simulation and computing. He has published over 150 refereed articles and is internationally recognized for his breakthroughs in harnessing quantum entanglement for precision measurements and for advancing neutral atom quantum processors. He is a cofounder of QuEra Computing, a leading quantum computing company developing scalable neutral-atom-based quantum platforms.His honors include a Sloan Research Fellowship, Fellowship of the American Physical Society and of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the Marko Jarić Prize of Serbia, Membership in the Serbian Academy of Sciences and Arts, and, most recently, the 2025 Arthur L. Schawlow Prize in Laser Science.Prof. Vuletić continues to push the frontiers of quantum science, exploring novel ways to control and entangle quantum systems for both fundamental discovery and next-generation quantum technologies.

An All Recovery meeting is 'non-denominational' meaning all pathways of recovery are embraced here. A universal recovery topic is chosen and then the group discusses it. It is not affiliated with any "Anonymous" program although you are likely to hear comments associated with 12 step fellowships. Meetings are facilitated by a student member of the URC with support from a Recovery Coach and are held both in-person and online for students from other UConn campuses. 

Soccer played on the law school soccer field.

The Lifestyle Medicine Interest Group invites you to our Build-A-Bowl event, where participants will assemble their own nutritious grain bowls using a variety of fresh, wholesome ingredients. This interactive experience highlights the importance of healthy eating as a cornerstone of lifestyle medicine and provides practical tips for building balanced meals. Open to all UConn students, this event is a great opportunity to enjoy good food, learn about the role of nutrition in disease prevention and wellness, and connect with peers who share an interest in healthy living.

Maggie Murray, soprano and Olivia Krout, soprano present an evening of music for their Junior Recital. This program features a diverse selection of repertoire, spanning classical, art songs, and contemporary works. Both singers will perform solo pieces, showcasing their individual artistry, as well as duets highlighting their musical collaboration.

Saturday, Aug. 23rd Monsters University Thursday, Aug 28th Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl Friday, Aug. 29th Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man's Chest Saturday, Aug. 30th Pirates of hte Caribbean: At World's End Thursday, Sept. 4th Shrek Friday, Sept 5th Shrek 2 Saturday, Sept. 6th Shrek the Third Thursday, Sept. 11th Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning Friday, Sept. 12th F1 Saturday, Sept. 13th Superman Thursday, Sept . 18th Batman 1989 Friday, Sept. 19th The Dark Knight Saturday, Sept. 20th The Batman Thursday, Sept. 25th Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom Friday, Sept. 26th Indiana Jones and the Raiders of the Lost Ark Saturday, Sept. 27th Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade Thursday, Oct. 2nd A Quiet Place: Day One Friday, Oct. 3rd A Quiet Place Saturday, Oct 4th A Quiet Place: Part 2 Thursday, Oct. 9th waitlist Friday, Oct. 10th Psycho Saturday, Oct. 11th Scream Thursday, Oct. 16th Halloweentown Friday, Oct 17th Hocus Pocus Saturday, Oct. 18th Monsters Inc Thursday, Oct. 23rd Hereditary Friday, Oct. 24th It Saturday, Oct . 25th Weapons Thursday, Oct. 30th Sinners (outdoor movie) Friday, Oct. 31st Halloween 2018 Saturday, Nov. 1st A Nightmare on ELm Street 1984 Thursday, Nov. 6th The Conjuring Friday, Nov. 7th The Conjuring: Last Rites

Every year we post a call for applications for the Lt. Paul L. Drotch Memorial Scholarship in the Biological Sciences. This competition is open to UConn undergraduates in Biological Sciences, EEB, MCB, PNB, and/or Structural Biology & Biophysics with demonstrated financial need and outstanding scholarship.   Eligible students must havehave financial need >$1,000 as determined by your 2025/26 FAFSA EFC (Expected Family Contribution) by the Financial Aid Office. be an undergraduate student majoring in Biological Sciences, EEB, MCB, PNB, and/or Structural Biology & Biophysics. at least sophomore, junior, or senior standing and a strong academic record at UConn. have completed at least one semester of coursework at UConn prior to September 2025.  Application forms available at:https://eeb.uconn.edu/drotch-scholarship/ (https://eeb.uconn.edu/drotch-scholarship/)