Notice: Brief will not publish on Dec. 28, Jan. 4, and Jan. 11.
- Board of Regents December meeting highlights.
- Feature: Once a patient, always family.
- Awards and Recognition: Academies for Excellence 2022 inductees.
Board of Regents December meeting highlights
At the December Board of Regents meeting, leaders from the U of M Medical School and CentraCare discussed their intention to strengthen their partnership to improve health for Greater Minnesota residents. Regents also heard details on the U of M’s research enterprise, which for the second year in a row exceeded $1 billion in research expenditures; reviewed President Gabel’s recommended 2023 state capital request; reviewed the University’s annual performance and accountability report; and discussed progress toward MPact 2025 enrollment goals with U of M Duluth leaders. See the news release for more details.
Once a patient, always family
When his routine dental exam revealed an unusual cancer, Tim McDonald turned to Sumit Sood, a radiation oncologist at M Physicians Radiation Therapy Center, for treatment. “If you’re freaking out, that man will not leave until you’re OK,” says McDonald. Learn how a rare cancer diagnosis turned this doctor-patient relationship into family.
Awards and Recognition
The Academies for Excellence recognizes 2022 inductees; U in the News features highlights of University faculty and staff cited in the media.
Administrative policy update
The President's Policy Committee approved the University's new Occupational Health and Safety policy at its December meeting. The policy is intended to ensure that everyone working at the University is informed about the chemical, biological, and physical hazards in their workplace and how to minimize risk of harm, and to promote a culture of safety and accountability that achieves a safe work environment. The policy is available for review and comment.
The politics of public health
Polarized political landscapes often sideline public health policy on issues ranging from sugary drinks to vaccines, and seat belts to reproductive health. In recent years, this entanglement has become a gridlock. So, how do we find our way out? Associate Professor Sarah Gollust specializes in the relationship between public health policy, political identity, and communication.
UMN Headlines: December 2022
The December edition of the “UMN Headlines” video series features highlights from around the University of Minnesota System, including funding awards for research ranging from the study of Alzheimer’s Disease to the development of disease-resistant, sustainably grown grapes; faculty awards and system campus recognitions; and discoveries and programs that continue to improve life for people around the state, nation, and world. See past episodes here.
Watering houseplants
It would be great if houseplants followed a calendar when it came to watering needs, but they don’t and you shouldn’t either. Instead, Extension shares some guidelines about watering your indoor plants.
Research Brief: Center-based child care is not linked to behavioral problems
If you’re a parent who has ever worried that your child’s time in a child care center could be linked to behavioral issues, new research may provide relief. A study from the College of Education and Human Development suggests that spending more hours in center-based child care shows no relation to young children’s development of behavioral problems. See additional recent Research Briefs.
Jan. 11 - Faculty workshop: FeedbackFruits
Increase student engagement in your courses with FeedbackFruits, a new suite of academic technology tools integrated in Canvas. Register for this faculty workshop, which focuses on the pedagogical value and functions of these peer learning tools. Facilitators will demonstrate the set-up of the peer review and group member evaluation tools.
Jan. 15 - MLK Tribute Concert
The annual MLK Tribute Concert, sponsored by the Office for Equity and Diversity and the School of Music, is a multidisciplinary celebration intermixing the words of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with musical performances. Hosted and curated by alumnus G. Phillip Shoultz, III, the program honors the 60th anniversary of MLK's "I Have a Dream" speech. 3 p.m., Ted Mann Concert Hall and live online. Free and open to the public.
Q&A with online student Mikayla McKivergan
Online student Mikayla McKivergan resides in Scituate, RI, with her husband and daughter. She currently works for Moderna Therapeutics, a job that was a driving factor in her returning to school. “It was important to the company that I work towards my bachelor's degree, and they offer a tuition reimbursement program,” says McKivergan. Learn more about why she chose U of M Crookston.
Finicky fishers bypass den boxes
To monitor declining populations of fishers—a mammal in the weasel family—Natural Resources Research Institute researchers hung den boxes for nesting in the Northern Minnesota woods. While fishers have been using the boxes, more data is needed to determine how to increase the fisher population. Learn more and see trail camera photos of fishers and other remarkable visitors to the den boxes.
‘Office Hours’ with Ryan Bergstrom
In this episode of “Office Hours,” UMD talks with Ryan Bergstrom, associate professor of geography. Bergstrom runs a unique program by covering topics such as social justice, environmental degradation, climate change, building smart cities, and more. Bergstrom hopes his students will be “true muddy boots geographers” spending their time outdoors, and continuing their passion for sustainability within their communities.
Board of Regents approves naming of Stewart Hall
The Board of Regents unanimously approved the U of M Morris proposal to rename the Education building as William B. and Ida B. Stewart Hall, in honor of William (Bill) and Ida Stewart. Acting Chancellor Janet Schrunk Ericksen states that it is particularly appropriate that the Education building carry the Stewart name. “Bill and Ida believed in and lived by the values of equity and access in education," says Ericksen.
End-of-semester celebrations
The Rochester Student Association provided free food for UMR students during finals week, with staff and faculty serving so students could refuel while studying. The end of semester also included a celebration of fall graduates of the Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and Bachelor of Science in Health Professions programs.
Finding her career, with heart
Khosiyat (Hosi) Mamatraimova '22 started her career as an echocardiographer at Mayo Clinic in August 2022. Just a handful of years prior, however, she was on the other side of the globe in her home country of Uzbekistan. Read Mamatraimova’s story of discovery and determination as she found her way to a career in echocardiography in the midst of the pandemic. Learn more about Raptor alumni in the fall issue of The Kettle.
Get updated vaccinations
It’s easier than ever to protect against the flu and COVID-19 this winter. Boynton Health is offering COVID vaccinations (both primary series and boosters) and flu shots on a drop-in basis every day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Boynton lobby. Note: The drop-in clinic will be closed Dec. 27-30.
School of Public Health launches new undergraduate public health major
The U of M Board of Regents recently approved an undergraduate major in public health, a new degree program aimed at meeting the state’s critical need for a skilled, diverse public health workforce. The new bachelor of arts degree, scheduled to launch in the fall of 2023, will be housed in the School of Public Health, Minnesota’s only public health school.
A perfect match
Josh Bleichman (BA ’22, economics) was in his Cost Benefit Analysis class when he received life-changing news. He had “matched” successfully and cleared his medical evaluation to become a living kidney donor. The recipient? His mom. It was a moment that had been decades in the making.
Leading change
Rachel Hardeman shows us at every turn that racism has a significant and often deadly impact on health. Her research exposes truths we may never have known, such as Black babies survive at noticeably higher rates when they receive care from Black physicians versus white physicians, and her powerful articles and commentaries push readers to confront their own racial biases.
University of Minnesota stormwater pollution prevention survey
Do you have input regarding the University of Minnesota Twin Cities' Stormwater Pollution Prevention Program? Submit your feedback using this public comment form, open year-round. Learn more about the U of M stormwater program.
UMTC featured events
Jan. 5 - Inclusive Teaching Basics: Centering BIPOC Students
Jan. 9 - Finalizing Your Learner-Centered Syllabus
Jan. 10 - Use learning analytics: Create a strong learning path for your students
Jan. 12 - Leveraging Interactions for Intercultural Learning
Jan. 14 - 2023 Physics Force Winter Shows
Jan. 15 - Winter Wellness Fair | Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Jan. 17 - A Tender Spirit, A Vital Form: Arlene Burke-Morgan & Clarence Morgan