It’s possible that I shall make an ass of myself. But in that case one can always get out of it with a little dialectic. I have, of course, so worded my proposition as to be right either way (K.Marx, Letter to F.Engels on the Indian Mutiny)
Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Why a canceled meeting feels so liberating
When obligations at work unexpectedly disappear, our perception of that free time – and how we spend it – changes, a Rutgers researcher finds
Unless your employer is Lumon Industries where the Severance workday never ends, a canceled meeting can feel like a gift of limitless time.
A Rutgers University study published in the Journal of the Association for Consumer Research explains why: Unexpectedly gaining time alters our perception of how that time passes, which in turn affects how we spend it.
“An hour gained feels longer than 60 minutes, and that deviation from expectation creates a unique sense of opportunity,” said Gabriela Tonietto, an associate professor of marketing at the Rutgers Business School and lead author of the study.
In business, time management is a critical ingredient of productivity, and for Tonietto, that fact has become a rich area of study. Her past work has examined the hidden costs of over-scheduling, “time famine” – a perpetual sense of insufficient time – and the benefits of having nothing to do.
For this study, Tonietto and colleagues at Ohio State University, the University of Toronto and Peking University asked whether gained time (what they call “windfall time”) feels subjectively longer and whether that changes how people use unexpected free time.
They created and conducted seven surveys measuring psychological and behavioral responses to gaining time. Respondents were recruited on the researchers’ campuses and through online platforms such as Prolific. More than 2,300 people participated.
In the first four surveys, respondents compared gained time with other equal-length periods of free time. Statistical analysis showed that gained intervals feel subjectively expanded: A gained hour feels longer than an hour that was always free.
“Gained intervals of time are uniquely judged against the implicit reference point of having no free time, leading to a contrast effect for subjective magnitude,” the researchers wrote. “As a result, equivalent intervals of time feel perceptually longer when gained versus expected to be free.”
The researchers then examined how people spend windfall time. In the remaining three surveys, participants reported intended and actual behavior when they had expanded time. Across these studies, people typically chose longer activities than they otherwise would.
For example, an office worker with an unexpected free hour might opt for a 45-minute task over a 30-minute task, in part because time feels more abundant. Similarly, an employee with a surprise gap in their schedule might opt to walk to the coffee shop rather than grab a hurried cup in the breakroom.
“Participants who gained time chose longer activities, whether the activity was productive or time-wasting,” the researchers wrote.
The bottom line: The sense of abundance made more feel possible.
The findings help explain how people think about and spend their day, insights that may guide organizations to design schedules that enable flexibility without unintentionally encouraging procrastination or drift during newly opened moments, Tonietto said.
Still, don’t expect bosses to start canceling meetings at random. Tonietto said doing so could backfire and hurt worker output.
“The more unexpected the gain is, the more likely you are to be unproductive,” she said. “Canceling something at the very last minute can guide people toward leisure.”
In other words, the next time a meeting is canceled, “take the gift and make the most of it” – however you define it, Tonietto said.
Zongjie Wang (left) is the director of the new Grid Modernization Initiative at CSU’s Energy Institute and a faculty member in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.
New research led by Colorado State University highlights a critical need for system-level thinking and innovation in shaping the electric power grid of the future.
Professor Zongjie Wang recently published a paper in Scientific Reports,part of the Nature portfolio, that outlines a novel framework. The proposed method helps different how parts of the grid – transmission and distribution operations – work together to make holistic decisions, without requiring system centralization.
The research is particularly relevant as power industry leaders and consumers grapple with the impacts of weather-related outages, rising energy costs, and increasing demand driven by population growth.
Those factors include the integration of smart technologies and new energy sources, such as wind and solar, which add layers of complexity. Building the grid of the future also opens the door to new challenges, such as cybersecurity threats and vulnerabilities to natural disasters like wildfires and hurricanes.
For decades, the nation’s power grid has operated in silos, meaning utility companies manage electric distribution systems while local and regional operators handle transmission systems – with little coordination between them.
“As distributed energy resources grow, the traditional separation between transmission and distribution operations becomes increasingly inefficient,” said Wang. “Industry leaders often lack system-level visibility into how distribution-level resources impact transmission operations.”
Wang’s paper details a solution to bridge the gap between distribution and transmission operations.
“As more people adopt solar panels, electric vehicles, and other distributed energy resources, we’re pulling together many pieces to simplify these systems and ensure they work together seamlessly,” said Wang.
Leveraging Wang’s background in theoretical optimization, the new framework draws on the power of reduced distribution network models to combine data from transmission and distribution systems. The method provides more accurate and operationally feasible dispatch information to electricity providers.
Her team’s approach harnesses AI-powered modeling to account for uncertainties and complexities to enhance situational awareness and streamline coordination. The holistic framework facilitates the integration of new energy sources while mitigating threats to grid reliability and resilience.
“This work offers a path forward for a big problem many of us are trying to solve,” said Wang. “By improving coordination and reducing inefficiencies, it has the potential to lower system costs, which ultimately flow through to consumers.”
Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering at CSU
Experience academic and research excellence at the Walter Scott, Jr. College of Engineering, boasting $100 million in research funding and more than one-third of CSU’s patents. Its state-of-the-art facilities, including the Powerhouse Energy Campus, provide collaborative spaces for students, faculty and industry partnerships. The College excels in climate and sustainability research in all programs, with top Atmospheric Science and Systems Engineering graduate-only departments. Undergraduate programs offer hands-on learning and mentorship from pioneering faculty, empowering students to drive innovation in their fields.
Credit: Binghamton University, State University of New York
The National Science Foundation Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York, which aims to transform upstate into America's battery tech capital, will receive $45 million over three years for the second phase of the program.
The initiative, led by Binghamton University and its core partners — Cornell University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Syracuse University, Griffiss Institute, Launch-NY, and NY-BEST — is one of nine inaugural Engines launched under NSF’s Regional Innovation Engines program.
Since its launch in 2024, the Energy Storage Engine has received $15M from the NSF. The initiative may receive up to $160 million over 10 years.
“The NSF Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York has already demonstrated its capacity to advance next-gen battery and energy storage systems that will be critical for our nation’s energy needs in the years to come,” said Erwin Gianchandani, NSF assistant director for Technology, Innovation and Partnerships. “We have already seen NSF's initial investment attract matching private-sector investment and create job training opportunities — and we look forward to it ultimately building a durable U.S. competitive advantage in energy storage innovation.”
In this second phase, the Energy Storage Engine will prioritize next-gen battery systems and solutions that advance safety, address challenges in building power systems for energy storage applications, drive cost and resource efficiency in manufacturing, and integrate AI into all aspects of energy storage from materials discovery to production efficiency. It will deepen its focus on the needs of regional corporations and the defense sector, as it continues to support startup companies.
Binghamton University President Anne D’Alleva congratulated the Engine team for its successes during the past two years. “This renewal acknowledges the Engine’s remarkable progress and early impact, the collective strength of its extensive partner ecosystem, and the bold vision guiding its future,” she said. “The NSF Energy Storage Engine is already successfully advancing an ambitious plan to establish upstate New York as America’s battery tech capital, building on our region’s strong legacy of innovation and manufacturing excellence. We thank the National Science Foundation for its support and unwavering commitment to this program.”
The Engine’s portfolio includes research and innovation, technology transfer, workforce development, and community engagement initiatives with partners across its 27-country region of service in upstate New York and beyond. In less than two years, the Engine has:
Supported 15 industry-academia teams driving leapfrog innovations in next-gen cell manufacturing and process innovation
Funded more than 15 high-tech battery startups
Aided companies with access to infrastructure, capital, and technology resources
These startups have received more than $20M in follow-on funding in the past year alone. They have also won national recognition, including the Battery Manufacturer of the Year award.
“With two years of sustained momentum and demonstrated success, we are on track to become a national leader in solving the U.S. battery industry’s most critical challenges with exceptional speed, scale, cost-efficiency, and quality, while driving transformational growth across upstate New York’s battery ecosystem,” Engine CEO Meera Sampath said. “Our strategy is strongly aligned with national R&D priorities: advancing critical technologies that strengthen national security, securing American energy dominance, and driving economic growth through regional innovation. Our motto for the next phase is ‘bigger, bolder, and better’ with programs and partnerships that will help us deliver on our vision.”
The Engine has served more than 300 learners from K-12 to adults across upstate New York through its energy storage workforce development network. It will launch an advanced battery safety testing facility, the first of its kind in the Northeast, at Rochester Institute of Technology this summer. Its community outreach programs have reached more than 8,000 constituents.
During phase two, special emphasis will be given to preparing the next generation of engineers and scientists to meet the growing workforce demand in the battery industry, both locally and nationally.
The Engine will receive up to $16 million in matching funds from Empire State Development. In phase one, ESD invested $3 million.
“Upstate New York is home to world-class innovation assets, and the NSF Engine exemplifies how we leverage those resources to lead in important sectors like energy storage,” said Ben Verschueren, executive director of Empire State Development’s Division of Science, Technology and Innovation (NYSTAR) and a member of the Engine’s governance board. “ESD is thrilled to support this next phase of building an already expansive ecosystem that drives long-term economic impact for the region, the state, and the entire nation.”
The Engine has built a coalition of more than 60 academic, industry, nonprofit, community, and government partners who have been the driving force behind these accomplishments.
Heather Hage, president and CEO of the Griffiss Institute, chairs the Engine’s Governance Board. “This next phase of extraordinary investment in our community will catalyze new technologies, new ventures, and a highly skilled workforce to stimulate more good jobs for upstate New Yorkers,” she said. “A stronger domestic battery supply chain is essential to American national security and economic competitiveness, and upstate New York is ready to lead.”
M. Stanley Whittingham, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 2019 for his work in developing the lithium-ion battery, serves as the Engine’s chief innovation officer. He said the award is vital to building a secure supply chain in the United States. “Batteries for America by America is our goal,” said Whittingham, a distinguished professor of chemistry at Binghamton University. “The Engine, combined with the other key capabilities we are building in upstate New York, including Battery-NY, a peerless battery pilot manufacturing facility, are moving us toward realizing this goal.”
The NSF Engine complements the robust set of initiatives offered by New Energy New York (NENY), which earned the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) Build Back Better Regional Challenge (BBBRC) award in September 2022 and designation as a federal Tech Hub in October 2023. Binghamton University is the only school to lead initiatives that received all three designations.
About NSF Regional Innovation Engines: The NSF Engines program represents one of the largest investments in place-based research and economic development in the nation’s history, as science and technology leadership serves as the central driver for regional economic competitiveness and job creation. The Engine portfolio includes nine inaugural Engines advancing a wide array of technologies critical for national and economic security.
About Binghamton University: Binghamton University offers students a broad, interdisciplinary education with an international perspective and one of the most vibrant research programs in the nation. The campus, recognized as an R1 institution for very high research activity by the Carnegie Classification of Institutions of Higher Education, recorded $87.3 million in research expenditures in 2024-25, its best year ever.
Additional reaction to news of the Engine’s second phase funding:
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer has been Binghamton’s fiercest advocate in Washington, D.C., and his CHIPS and Science legislation is the foundation upon which all of this work is built.
“Big news for Binghamton’s growing battery belt. $45 million was just unlocked for the Binghamton University-led Energy Storage Engine to help upstate New York continue to expand in battery manufacturing and innovation,” Schumer said. “This is exactly what my CHIPS and Science law was built to do: invest in cutting-edge technology, bring back good-paying jobs, keep us ahead of China, and ensure the batteries that power our future are made right here in upstate New York. I’ve fought to secure tens of millions to grow the battery industry in upstate New York, helping the region to be designated a prestigious federal Tech Hub and be named one of the NSF’s Innovation Engines. Today’s investment keeps that momentum going and will help ensure the next breakthroughs in battery technology are made here in the U.S.A. The Southern Tier is charging ahead, and we’re just getting started.”
U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, member of the Senate Commerce and Science Appropriations Subcommittee: “In collaboration with other leading universities and organizations in New York State, I am thrilled that the Binghamton University-led Energy Storage Engine has been awarded significant federal investment from the National Science Foundation,” she said. “This is an extraordinary feat that showcases the exemplary partnerships we have across New York because of the Engine’s future-focused vision to invest in energy storage technology to ensure a cost-effective and reliable energy system.”
SUNY Chancellor John B. King Jr.: “Research excellence is one of the four pillars that we prioritize throughout the SUNY system, and I am thrilled that the State University of New York at Binghamton has earned this recognition as a leader in battery technology which, together with partner institutions, will benefit the entire region. For New York State to lead the nation in emerging technologies and advancing the energy economy, we need to invest in our research capacity, and I thank Governor Hochul and state leaders for supporting SUNY in this effort. I congratulate President D’Alleva and the entire Binghamton team for earning this recognition and look forward to partnering on more world-class research efforts going forward.”
Governance board member William Acker, executive director of NY-BEST, said his organization is proud to be a core partner of the Engine. “The battery industry is critical for the future of New York State with the potential to generate over 15,000 high-skilled jobs, given the right level of public-private investments,” he said. “The Engine plays a central and pivotal role in driving this transformation with unprecedented support from the National Science Foundation and New York State’s Empire State Development.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight: “The NSF Engine strengthens New York State’s standing as a national leader in energy storage innovation. ESD’s significant investment demonstrates our commitment to growing the state’s battery technology ecosystem — driving innovation, accelerating commercialization, and creating high-quality jobs for New Yorkers.”
Krystyn Van Vliet, vice president for innovation and external engagement strategy, Cornell University: “The Energy Storage Engine in Upstate New York was built for battery innovation through translation partnerships. Cornell University appreciates the National Science Foundation’s continued support of these ecosystems, and the Engine leadership team's unwavering energy to connect world-class resources and teams.”
Duncan Brown, vice president for research at Syracuse University: “Syracuse University is proud to be a core partner in advancing battery technology research, building workforce pathways, and strengthening the upstate New York economy. The success of the Engine’s Energy Storage Workforce Development Network in the first phase has contributed to a regional innovation ecosystem that connects innovation to talent development and economic growth across upstate New York. We look forward to working with our Engine partners to build on this success in the years ahead.”
Ryne Raffaelle, vice president for research at Rochester Institute of Technology: “The NSF Energy Storage Engine is a powerful example of what our region can achieve when universities, industry, and community partners work together with purpose. The collaboration across upstate has accelerated innovation, strengthened our shared ecosystem, and positioned New York as a national leader in energy storage solutions. As a core partner since its launch, RIT is proud to continue to contribute our battery expertise and R&D assets to help drive the growth and impact this Engine is already creating.”
Marnie LaVigne, president and CEO of Launch NY: “We’re thrilled to build on the first two years of the Engine’s momentum, bringing the full horsepower of our seed investment funds and support resources to help startups fuel the advanced battery technology cluster in our own backyard.”
Tina Barber, executive director of the Community Foundation for South Central New York: “This renewal is a meaningful investment in the Engine’s mission to accelerate next‑generation battery innovation. With this continued support, we can strengthen the partnerships, talent, and technologies that position us as a leader in advanced energy storage — driving progress across the United States and around the world for years to come.”
New York State Sen. Lea Webb: "Binghamton University has made upstate New York a leader on battery storage technology. Congratulations on this latest National Science Foundation award, a testament to the transformative work of the Energy Storage Engine. I am enormously proud of the work Binghamton has done since the Engine launched in 2024 to build a strong regional partnership, which includes Cornell University here in my district, and collaborators across upstate New York to advance next-gen battery innovation, entrepreneurship, and workforce development.”
New York State Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo: "In the short time since the launch of the Energy Storage Engine, Binghamton University and its core partners have established our area as a designated hub for battery innovation and manufacturing. NSF’s continuation award unlocks additional resources critical to keeping the momentum going. I’d like to thank the NSF and ESD for recognizing the important work being done here to lead our region, state, and nation toward a resilient energy future.”
U.S. Rep. Josh Riley (NY-19): “Upstate New York has always been a place that builds what the world needs, and this investment shows we’re ready to lead again. The NSF Energy Storage Engine is bringing together our universities, workers, and innovators to turn cutting-edge research into good-paying jobs here at home. It is already delivering real results with startups launched and workers trained for the industries of the future. I’m proud to support this effort in Congress, and I’ll keep fighting to make sure Upstate New York is at the center of America’s energy and manufacturing future.”
U.S. Rep. John W. Mannion (NY-22): “This $45 million NSF award, matched by $9 million from New York State, is a major win for NY-22 and upstate New York. As central New York and the Mohawk Valley position for generational economic growth, this investment helps ensure our local workforce is ready. With partners including Syracuse University, Binghamton University, Griffiss Institute, and MACNY, the Energy Storage Engine is expanding workforce development, research, and hands-on learning opportunities for students across our communities.”
U.S. Rep. Nick Langworthy (NY-23): “This second-phase award is a powerful validation of the incredible progress the NSF Energy Storage Engine has made in a short time. Securing this significant funding for the next three years will help deepen the partnerships already driving innovation, workforce development, and startup growth across western New York and the Southern Tier. By continuing to invest in institutions like Alfred University, Corning Community College, and Jamestown Community College, and working alongside industry leaders like Corning Inc., this initiative is advancing next-generation energy storage technologies while creating new, long-term economic opportunities for our region.”
U.S. Rep. Joe Morelle (NY-25): “Congratulations to Binghamton University's Energy Storage Engine on this investment from the National Science Foundation. It’s clear upstate New York has continued to cement its place as a national leader in science and technology, and people across the country have started to take notice. I’m proud to have helped secure funding for this federal program, and I’m grateful to my state partners at ESD for their additional support of innovation in New York State. I look forward to our continued work together.”
U.S. Rep. Tim Kennedy (NY-26): “This funding is the kind of forward-looking investment that positions upstate New York at the center of the energy economy. The NSF Energy Storage Engine is driving innovation, creating jobs, and strengthening our economic future. This next phase of federal funding is a testament to the Engine’s early success and the strength of regional collaboration. I’m proud to support this work and excited to see its continued impact for communities across New York.”
