Brief

U of M and North Carolina A&T kick off research partnership

The University of Minnesota has a new research partnership with North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University—a leading research institution among the nation’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities. As the program’s first phase, the U of M’s Research and Innovation Office will accept proposals from researchers this fall for an interdisciplinary seed grant program to initiate collaboration with North Carolina A&T peers.

Autism: Recognizing signs, connecting resources

A monthly series helping early childhood and other professionals sharpen their skills in identifying signs of autism and other developmental delays is drawing more than 500 participants per session, an indicator of the need for information and resources to help families who may lack access to critical services. The series is a partnership among the U of M’s Institute on Community Integration, the Minnesota Department of Health, and a nonprofit.

Rural women rising

Despite comprising over 50 percent of the population, rural women are disproportionately absent from leadership roles across sectors. The nonprofit 100 Rural Women partnered with the U of M Extension Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships and graduate students to pilot virtual gatherings in rural northeast Minnesota. The initiative has quickly gained momentum, expanding to communities across the state by convening 100 meetings under the project title “100 in 100.”
 

Student champions accessibility with Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge

Each season, Tamarac National Wildlife Refuge in rural Becker County welcomes around 900 students. But after feedback from teachers, the refuge learned that some students with physical or cognitive disabilities were opting out of visiting the refuge with their classmates. In partnership with U of M Extension, School of Public Health student Myra McKee has worked with the refuge to help make Tamarac more accessible so everyone can have the opportunity to connect with nature.
 

Dear Minnesota: Wellness in waves

“Thanks to the U of M, I am healthier and happier,” says Ashley, a staff member making the most of U of M wellness resources. “Work. With Flexibility.” and employee benefits support Ashley’s mental and physical health, rejuvenating her for the days ahead. Read Ashley’s story, explore the Dear Minnesota series, and share your own story.

Talking nutrition for healthy aging with the U of M

As we age, nutrition is an essential factor in making sure we stay healthy. Earl E. Bakken Center for Spirituality & Healing faculty Jenny Breen is a professional chef and advocate for sustainable food systems and food justice. She shares tips for prioritizing nutrition and making sustainable food choices. See more editions of "Talking with U of M."

Research Brief: Sharp rise in firearm-related deaths among rural Black youth

Firearm-related injuries have been the leading cause of death in children and adolescents in the U.S. since 2020, surpassing motor vehicle crashes. New research from the University of Minnesota shows the sharpest increase in firearm-related mortality over the past decade is not in urban areas but among Black rural youth. See additional recent Research Briefs.

May 2 - On the Front Lines: University of Minnesota Libraries

In this Osher Lifelong Learning Institute lecture, Lisa German, McKnight Presidential Professor and dean of Libraries, will discuss how librarians are often on the front lines in ensuring the freedom to read, teaching critical-thinking skills, showing how to recognize bias in search results, and more. German also will talk about the challenges and opportunities that libraries face in 2024.

May 16 - Global Accessibility Awareness Day

Faculty and staff across the University are invited to engage in conversation, thinking, and learning about access and inclusion for people with disabilities during Global Accessibility Awareness Day (GAAD). Visit the GAAD website to learn more and register for this online event.