- Board of Regents meets Apr. 20.
- U of M researchers discover tiny galaxy with big star power.
- Awards and Recognition: The U of M has received a $10 million grant to lead a multi-state energy and environmental improvement effort; and more.
Board of Regents meets Apr. 20
The Board of Regents will meet on Apr. 20 to consider and act on the next steps in a process to select an interim president, to provide guidance on presidential transition planning, and to suspend the officer election notice period and elect a new vice chair. The meeting will be available via livestream. Share your input with Regents on these topics through an online comment form or by emailing [email protected].
U of M researchers discover tiny galaxy with big star power
Using first-of-a-kind observations from the James Webb Space Telescope, a University of Minnesota-led team looked more than 13 billion years into the past to discover a unique, minuscule galaxy that generated new stars at an extremely high rate for its size. The galaxy is one of the smallest ever discovered at this distance—around 500 million years after the Big Bang—and could help astronomers learn more about galaxies that were present shortly after the Universe came into existence.
Awards and Recognition
The U of M has received a $10 million grant to lead a multi-state effort to help rural, tribal, and underserved communities access federal funding for energy and environmental improvement efforts; five U of M faculty were recently inducted into the National Academies of Practice; Fang Li has been named a 2023 Health Care Hero by the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal for his research on COVID-19; U in the News features highlights of University faculty and staff cited in the media.
Register your international travel
Planning to travel to another country for academic or University-related purposes? All faculty, staff, and students (including graduate assistants, residents, and fellows) are required to register their travel before they depart. The International Travel Registry is part of the University's efforts to ensure that all travelers are prepared and educated about safe and healthy travel abroad.
Apply for the Tech Comm Early Innovation Fund
Apply for the Technology Commercialization Early Innovation Fund, a competitive grant program to fund short-term projects that advance early-stage innovations. The program provides from $3,000 to $10,000 per project to advance the technology readiness of an innovation through a variety of means. This opportunity is open to all U of M researchers and employees, including faculty, postdocs, graduate students, and staff. Submissions due May 22. An online information session about the program will be held Apr. 25.
Support a sustainable future this Earth Day
Addressing our greatest environmental challenges will ensure a brighter future for our communities, our state, and our world. Philanthropy supports a wide range of U of M programs and initiatives that are tackling today’s most pressing problems. In honor of Earth Day (Apr. 22), make a gift to one of four highlighted University funds—or another cause of your choice—to help drive a more sustainable future.
Research Brief: New studies push back evidence for open habitats in Africa by more than 10 million years
Two new studies led by researchers at the University of Minnesota outline paleoecological reconstructions of early ape fossil sites in eastern Africa dated to the early Miocene Epoch—between 23 and 16 million years ago. The findings show that early apes lived in a wide variety of habitats, including open habitats like scrublands and wooded grasslands that existed 10 million years earlier than previously known. See additional recent Research Briefs.
Talking pollinator gardens with U of M
Minnesotans are eager to get back to their gardens and are busy picking out this year’s plants and seeds. As you make your garden selections this spring, consider plants that will help support the state’s declining pollinator populations. Dan Shaw, an adjunct assistant professor in the College of Design, answers questions about how you can create your own residential pollinator garden. See more editions of "Talking with U of M."
Through Apr. 21 - Minnesota Transform Showcase
The Minnesota Transform Showcase features a series of events demonstrating how community partnerships can help build a future where racial justice is sustained and embedded in the University. The showcase is a Mellon Foundation–funded initiative engaging anti-colonial and racial justice work at the University, in the Twin Cities, and across Minnesota.
May 1 - Taxes for Startups
This interactive online event (register) will focus on tax rules and strategies for startup companies. Representatives from Clifton Larson Allen will give a general overview of state and federal tax rules with a focus on startups and research and development. Learn the basics and what has changed, and gain insights on potential tax strategies.
May 11 and 12 - Teaching for Student Well-being Program
Register for the spring Teaching for Student Well-being Program and join a systemwide group of faculty, instructors, postdocs, and graduate students to consider and discuss how course design and teaching practices affect student well-being and learning.
U of M Crookston baseball sweeps St. Cloud State
The University of Minnesota Crookston baseball team picked up its first-ever NSIC sweep against St. Cloud State University. The Golden Eagles improved to 22-14 (12-6 NSIC) with the sweep and are now in third place in the NSIC.
Women’s softball wins wild game over Mavericks after being down 10 runs
U of M Crookston women’s softball hosted Minnesota State for an NSIC doubleheader over the weekend. In game one, Crookston fell behind 10-0 and was on the verge of getting run-ruled, but scored eight runs in both the fifth and sixth innings, good for 16 unanswered runs, to shock the Mavericks 16-13.
Early Innovation Awards
Four U of M Duluth faculty have received awards from the U of M Early Innovation Fund, a grant program to fund projects that advance early-stage innovations. The recipients are Jomara Sandbulte, computer science, for “FreeMind,” a wearable tool to aid mental wellness; Craig Hill, computer science, for a low-cost smart sensing system for improved water monitoring; Luke Busta, chemistry and biochemistry, for bioengineered yeast strains to produce unique flavors in brewed beverages; and Peng Fang, electrical engineering, for a hybrid reconfigurable switching capacitor for wide input/output voltage power converters.
Cultural entrepreneurship and public health
Students and faculty in the U of M Duluth Cultural Entrepreneurship program have been recognized for their partnership with First Ladies of the Hillside, a group that works to provide ready-made meal kits to those experiencing food insecurity. This month, the First Ladies of the Hillside were awarded a St. Louis County Public Health Achievement Award.
Through Apr. 22 - Singin’ in the Rain
UMD Theatre’s production of the popular musical Singin’ in the Rain is directed and choreographed by Matthew Wagner, musical theatre assistant professor. Set in Hollywood’s early days, the story follows a seasoned leading man and his musical sidekick as they befriend an aspiring young actress on the verge of her big break. See remaining showtimes.
Apr. 25 - Honors for research, scholarship, and service
Faculty and staff will be honored at a ceremony to celebrate their exemplary accomplishments, dedication to the University, and years of service. The awards recognize exceptional scholarly accomplishments and achievements, contributions to the University's research mission, and commitment to the community. 3-4 p.m., Kirby Ballroom.
U of M Morris student chosen for NCAA advisory committee
University of Minnesota Morris freshman Muthu Meenakshisundaram, a member of the men's soccer and men's tennis teams, has been chosen by the NCAA to represent the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference and the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference on the National Student-Athlete Advisory Committee.
Apr. 19 - Undergraduate Research Symposium
Students from all disciplines will showcase the research, scholarly, and creative activities that they have accomplished with invaluable mentorship from their faculty/staff advisors during the Undergraduate Research Symposium. Presentations will include posters, oral presentations, and short or abbreviated theatrical, dance, or musical performances. Presentations are accompanied by discussions and multimedia.
Apr. 24 - Bread 'N Bowls
Since its inception in 2008, Bread 'N Bowls has established a reputation for its delicious food and beautiful bowls handcrafted by art students at U of M Morris and Morris Area High School. The project has become a valued event in the community, raising awareness about violence and poverty in our community and providing support for local organizations. 5:30-7 p.m., Morris Area Elementary School cafeteria.
UMR student receives systemwide sustainability award
Serena Handrick, a third-year student at UMR, has received the 2023 University of Minnesota Systemwide Sustainability Student Impact Award. The award recognizes her leadership contributions through UMR’s EcoliteracySCHOOL mentorship program. Handrick developed and facilitated a highly engaging series of evidence-based outdoor activities with high school mentees within the EcoliteracySCHOOL program and helped students develop a deeper understanding of local ecosystems.
Student initiative brings naloxone training to campus
UMR students are driving to make a difference in health care. Hannah McMillin, a third-year student, organized a training opportunity for students, faculty, and staff in early April to learn more about the history and current data of the opioid crisis, recognize overdose symptoms, and administer intramuscular and nasal naloxone. The training was provided by the Steve Rummler HOPE Network.
May 1 - U of M Rochester Research and Education Symposium
U of M Rochester’s annual Research and Education Symposium will provide a space for undergraduate students to present their research in a supportive and dynamic environment. Research presented at this symposium is often from courses, internships, or other student research opportunities with both UMR faculty and Mayo Clinic researchers.
Two students named 2023 Truman Scholars
U of M Twin Cities juniors Joleece Pecore and Carter Yost are among the 62 Truman Scholars recently announced by the Harry S. Truman Scholarship Foundation. The Truman Scholarship is a prestigious award for undergraduate students who demonstrate a commitment to leadership and public service. The University of Minnesota is one of only two universities in the country to have multiple students selected as Truman Scholars this year.
Collaborating with high schools on career prep
The School of Public Health (SPH) recently opened its doors to a group of teachers, instructional coaches, and career counselors from St. Paul Public Schools (SPPS). Many schools, including SPPS, are rolling out new initiatives to get students thinking about career options and courses while they are still in high school. The educators spent the better part of a day learning about pathways into public health careers through presentations by SPH students, faculty, and staff.
The doctor and the policy person
People often ask Hannah Lichtsinn why, after years of practicing medicine, she would choose to go back to school for a master's degree. "I want to be in a position where I can lead change in a way that really helps all Minnesotans in the next decades,” she says. “The Humphrey School Master of Public Affairs program will help me do that." Lichtsinn is a physician at Hennepin Healthcare in Minneapolis, specializing in pediatrics and internal medicine.
Defending universal freedoms
The Advocates for Human Rights was founded in 1983 by a group of Minnesota lawyers hoping to capitalize on Minnesota’s track record for caring about social justice. Today, U of M alumni make up almost half the members in the nonprofit, which uses volunteers to investigate and expose human rights violations, represent immigrants and refugees seeking asylum, train and assist groups that protect human rights, and push for legal and policy reforms to protect vulnerable people.
Featured events
Apr. 20 - At the U: The Evolution of Cancer Therapy
Apr. 20 - Homelessness is a Housing Problem: Book Talk with Gregg Colburn
Apr. 24 - Mindful Mondays: Free Drop-In Sessions
Apr. 25 - 2023 Research Computing Exhibition
Apr. 28 - Planning Flexibility for Accessibility in Your Teaching
May 4 - A Reckoning with History: The Mapping Prejudice Project, Kirstin Delegard
May 8-12 - Assessment Deep Dive