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October 30, 2024

Inside This Issue
  • New center will leverage data in disease emergencies.
  • Awards and Recognition: U of M Medical School researchers receive $11.6 million for inflammatory disease research; and more.
Top News

New center will leverage data in disease emergencies

points of what look like light on a blue background, representing data

A new School of Public Health research center is part of the largest investment ever made by the U.S. government to scale up infectious disease outbreak modeling and forecasting. The Midwest Analytics and Disease Modeling Center will strengthen the public health workforce by supporting training in disease modeling and analytics, as well as by the creation of tools to allow decision makers to weigh potential outcomes and respond to emerging infectious diseases.

 

 

Awards and Recognition

Branden Moriarity and Beau Webber have received $11.6 million for inflammatory disease research; Melissa Kenney has been elected president of the Decision Analysis Society; U in the News features highlights of University faculty and staff cited in the media.

Awards and Recognition

U-Wide News

Nov. 1-Dec. 2 - Benefits Open Enrollment

Benefits Open Enrollment is available in MyU from Nov. 1 through Dec. 2. During this time, employees can change medical or dental plans, enroll in an FSA, increase or decrease disability coverage, make changes to additional life insurance, or add or remove eligible dependents. View the Open Enrollment website to learn exactly what action can be taken or register for the Open Enrollment employee webinar on Nov. 1.

Order spring semester course materials

Order spring semester course materials in advance so the University can prepare Course Works with the materials students need before classes start. Use the new Course Works Request Form for all your course material needs. This form can be used systemwide for University Bookstores, Campus Stores, and Libraries requests. Those who normally work with a department coordinator to submit orders should continue to do so. If you previously requested materials using a different method, you may continue to submit however works for you. Email [email protected] with questions.

Open Access resources for faculty and researchers

During the international celebration of Open Access Week, U of M Libraries shared new information about how to make your work open for everyone to read while saving as much of your money as you can for your research. Learn more about open access at the U of M, including details on open access repositories to permissions and copyrights and more.

Pushing pause on PFAS

a tall man in waders stands in a river up to his knees

PFAS (per- and poly-fluoralkyl) chemicals are “forever”—and, increasingly, they are everywhere. School of Public Health researchers are exploring links between PFAS and human health and working on reducing exposures. Learn more about this work and what you can do to reduce your exposure.

 


 

Black educators matter

a young man, Marqkye Pitts, in graduation cap and gown

All the way from kindergarten through his first year at the University of Minnesota, Marqkye Pitts has never had an educator with the same ethnic background as him. Today, Pitts is an elementary education student at the College of Education and Human Development, where he is part of a new partnership to get more Black male teachers in Minnesota classrooms, particularly in elementary school grades.

 

 

Beekeeping past, present, and future

Katie lee gathers participants around a hive

It has been 115 years since Extension’s founding in 1909, when a state law was passed to “maintain a division of agriculture Extension and home education in the department of agriculture of the University of Minnesota.” Beekeeping, along with pollinator health, is just one of the topics that continue to expand and change.

 

 

Talking lifelong mobility with the U of M

As we age, mobility and strength are critical for independence and quality of life. However, many older adults struggle to get regular exercise—the National Council on Aging reports that only 23 percent of adults ages 65 and older meet physical activity goals. Sharon Kimble, director of geriatric residency in the U of M Medical School, discusses overcoming barriers to physical activity for older adults. See more editions of "Talking with U of M."

Bridging Differences events

The University is a forum for exploring the most pressing issues of our time. Bridging Differences events offer opportunities for purposeful, respectful dialogue, where diverse ideas are exchanged to strengthen our community. Engage in these vital conversations and help foster understanding and insight.

Nov. 19 - Technology Commercialization 101

Learn how to move your research from the academic setting out into the world. This mini-webinar will provide an overview of the Tech Comm office and how it helps researchers to commercialize their innovations. This event was designed with researchers who are new to technology commercialization in mind, but it is open to anyone at any stage of their career.

Crookston

U of M Crookston tennis alum named top 30 for NCAA Woman of the Year

 Madeleine Schneider in a maroon shirt outdoors

U of M Crookston tennis alum Madeleine Schneider has been selected as one of the top 30 honorees for the 2024 NCAA Woman of the Year award. Schneider is the first U of M Crookston student-athlete in program history to earn the honor and is the sole U of M student-athlete on the NCAA’s 2024 honoree list.

 

 

Six recognized at awards and hall of fame ceremony

Five UMC alums stand for a photo outside near a gazebo

Six individuals were recognized during homecoming 2024 as this year’s alumni award winners and athletic hall of fame inductees. Brent Melsa and Jasmine Melsa were recognized with the Outstanding Alumni Award; Rikki Roscoe received the Abbey [Promise] Award; and Jason Yutrzenka, Joan (Ebnet) Bellesbach, and Randy Greendahl were inducted into the athletic hall of fame.

 

 

Comedians with ties to U of M Crookston perform for students and the community

a woman and two med on a stage in front of a microphone

Comedians with ties to the U of M Crookston recently performed at Evergreen Grill in a private show for students. Headliner Ali (Rude) Hormann and feature act Steve Windels, both Crookston High School alumni whose fathers worked at U of M Crookston, were joined by special guest Bo Brorby, who runs the historic Grand Theatre in Crookston and serves as a Golden Eagle hockey videographer.

Duluth

Finding purpose in the Keys

young man outdoors with sunglasses

For the past two summers, UMD junior environmental and outdoor education student Simon Moreno was an intern at the Brinton Environmental Center, a coed scouting program off the coast of Florida on Summerland Key. Moreno’s experiences confirm that he made the right decision—working in the outdoors is where he belongs.

 

 

Nov. 2 - SASO’s Desi Night

a graphic reading Desi Night with times 5:30-8:30 and QR codes for more info

The South Asian Student Organization (SASO) is hosting a night of cultural splendor, music, and delicious food at Desi Night. Whether you’re South Asian or simply curious, the experience celebrates the rich and diverse culture of South Asia. Early bird tickets are $7 for students, $10 for faculty. $15 at the door. 5:30-8:30 p.m., Kirby Rafters.

Morris

U of M Morris launches partnership with Baitursynuly University

U of M Morris and Baitursynuly University (BU) of Kazakhstan recently signed a memorandum of understanding that will bring BU students to Morris for classes beginning in 2026 as part of a dual degree program. Chancellor Janet Schrunk Ericksen and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs and Dean Jordan Cofer recently traveled to Kazakhstan to participate in a national conference on higher education.

U of M Morris in top 3 at computing competition

3 male students stand at front of classroom

A U of M Morris team of computer science students placed in the top 3 of the Digi-Key Collegiate Computing Competition. Since 2003, Morris has had 17 teams place in the top three, tied with NDSU for the most top-three placements since the competition began in 2000.

 

 

 

Nov. 1 - Exploding pumpkins

a pumpkin in a bunch of pieces as though it had been exploded

The Chemistry Club will host its annual exploding pumpkins event. Bring your pumpkin or jack o' lantern, or just come to watch the demonstrations. The event will take place behind the science building on the campus lawn.

Rochester

Updates from U of M Bookstore - Rochester

The front of a U of M bookstore

The U of M Bookstore in Rochester has relocated to the skyway level of UMR’s Student Life Center. As part of this major move, the store has rebranded from the M Gear Store to U of M Bookstores. A two-day grand opening is scheduled for Nov. 12 and 13, 10 a.m.-6 p.m., with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 3:30 p.m. on Nov. 13. Local treats will be served along with an opportunity to explore the selection of books, UMR merchandise, and a grand opening sale with discounts of 20 to 80 percent.

 

 

Alumni feature: Sydney Ziemer

young blonde woman with glasses

Sydney Ziemer ’23 chose UMR for its location in Med City and small class sizes. She broadened her educational experience in mental health through a study abroad opportunity in Montpellier, France, focusing on youth development and child psychology. She credits faculty member Molly Ubbesen for nurturing her skills and is now a children’s mental health practitioner at Zumbro Valley Health Center, and she’s starting a master’s program in clinical counseling.

Twin Cities

Undergrad SERU survey results

The Student Experience in the Research University (SERU) survey results are available for all Twin Cities faculty, staff, and undergraduate students to view (sign-in required). SERU is a multi-institutional survey focusing on undergraduate students’ experiences at top-tier research-intensive universities. You can view results for questions by program, college, or University, as well as by student characteristics.

Brain food

a plate with salmon and avocado and a knife and fork on either side

An innovative partnership among the School of Public Health, Centro Tyrone Guzman, and Children’s Minnesota is one example of how the school has advanced both the study of nutrition and the effectiveness of nutrition interventions. The work fills an urgent need across the state.

 


 

Professor works to make work better

Theresa Glomb a woman with brown hair and blue shirt outside

“Work hard. Have fun. Choose kind. Be present.” This four-part motto seems simple. But it’s actually distilling a quarter-century of study by Carlson School Professor Theresa Glomb on worker well-being and the meaning of work in people’s everyday lives. What she’s found is that, sometimes, there are small changes people can put into practice to improve their work lives. Learn more about Glomb’s work and see her four tips for a better workday.

 

 

Aquatic acrobat

Tony Brough as a young man in the 90s on parallel bars at a gymnastics event

Tony Brough ’93 competed in parallel bars throughout much of his time as a U of M student in the early ’90s. Today, the former U of M gymnast coordinates a holistic aquatic invasive species program in Hennepin County because he loves Minnesota lake life and wants to protect it.

 


 

Nov. 4-8 - First-Gen Celebration Week

Did you know that 25 percent of UMTC undergraduates are first-gen college students? Join in a campus celebration of first-gen students, faculty, and staff during First-Gen College Student Celebration Week. The week will have over 15 events including community gatherings, panel discussions, and a first-gen photo on Nov. 8. Show your support by displaying first-gen signage and learning more about first-gen students.

Nov. 12 - Women Innovators Conference

The Women Innovators Conference (register) is an annual professional development opportunity especially geared toward the needs of women entrepreneurs and research scientists, though all are welcome. Attend to learn how to translate your research into a reality that changes lives. 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., McNamara Alumni Center.

Featured events

a graphic of an American flag and U of M flag with Thank you, veterans text

Nov. 1 - First Fridays: Matters of the Heart

Nov. 6 - Henderson Lecture - Cancer Prevention: Leveraging Diet and the Gut Microbiome

Nov. 7 - 2024 CTS Transportation Research Conference

Nov. 7 - Another Way: The Journey for a Just Peace in Israel and Palestine

Nov. 8 - Returning To Source: A Music Meditation for Rest, Reflection, and Connecting with Our Inner Wisdom

Nov. 11 - Veterans Appreciation Event

Nov. 12 - Justice in Public Health: Role of Public Health Academicians in Response to Humanitarian Crises  

Nov. 13 - Relocating to Mars: How will we transform extraterrestrial environments?

Nov. 14 - Journey to Joy: Rise, Relevance, Representation in Children’s Picture Books

Nov. 14 - Climate Literacy Teach-In

See the full Events Calendar >