- February Board of Regents meeting highlights.
- Features: Minnesota Law Review elects first Black editor-in-chief; Faster than the speed of sound; Where it starts.
- Awards and Recognition: Four Carlson School faculty have been awarded Lawrence Fellowships; and more.
February Board of Regents meeting highlights
During its February meeting, the Board of Regents approved the University’s first-ever systemwide strategic plan—MPact 2025—a set of metrics it will use to measure University progress. Additionally, the Board approved a partnership with Google, which makes possible an innovative and groundbreaking health sciences degree program offered at the Rochester campus. Regents also discussed student diversity and academic outcomes, received an annual report on employee compensation, approved a set of guiding principles for master planning for all five campuses, and more. See the news release for more details.
Minnesota Law Review elects first Black editor-in-chief
Second-year law student Brandie Burris was recently elected editor-in-chief of Minnesota Law Review, the flagship journal of the University of Minnesota Law School. She is the first Black student to hold that position in the publication’s 104-year history. Burris hopes her tenure is followed by many more leaders from diverse backgrounds.
Faster than the speed of sound
In recent years, the United States aerospace and defense industry has become increasingly invested in vehicles traveling at hypersonic speed, or more or more than 3,800 miles per hour. But what happens when an object travels that fast? Twin Cities College of Science and Engineering professors Tom Schwartzentruber and Graham Candler are working with multiple universities across the country to find out.
Where it starts
The last two installments of the “Where it Starts” collection include “Guide for the bumpy journey,” featuring Professor Rhonda Franklin, who guides engineering students on the paths to success, and Assistant Professor Megan Finch in “Encountering Baldwin.”
Awards and Recognition
Four Carlson School faculty have been awarded Lawrence Fellowships; U in the News features highlights of U faculty and staff cited in the media. Awards and Recognition
Helping employees with COVID-19 hardships
Over the past 11 months, COVID-19 has created many financial challenges beyond the control of employees. Faculty and staff across the system who have experienced a short-term financial hardship due to COVID-19 can apply for a one-time grant from the Employee Emergency Assistance Fund. All applications are handled confidentially.
Scientists uncover four new facts about early SARS-CoV-2 infections
University of Minnesota Medical School researchers studied SARS-CoV-2 infections at individual cellular levels and made four major discoveries about the virus, including one that validates the effectiveness of remdesivir—an FDA-approved antiviral drug—as a form of treatment for severe COVID-19 disease.
Still making change: Retirees continue to enhance the legacy of the U of M
Will Craig, University of Minnesota Retirees Association representative to the P&A Consultative Committee, writes about post-retirement and how retirees are still making an impact for the U of M. While students are the heart of any university, the U of M’s faculty and staff are its soul, writes Craig, providing life-changing support to the University that extends well into the future.
Tracking Tar Spot: Protecting Minnesota's Corn
A new invasive species—corn tar spot—may be Minnesota corn farmers’ newest challenge. Where does it come from? How fast will it spread? What helps it develop? These are questions that plant pathologist Dean Malvick is looking to answer in a new project funded by the Minnesota Invasive Terrestrial Plants and Pests Center.
Research Brief: Researchers uncover hidden hunting tactics of wolves in Minnesota's Northwoods
In the first systematic analysis of their ambushing behavior, U of M researchers have found that wolves' hunting strategies are highly flexible, depending on their prey. Additional recent Research Briefs include “New study discovers possible early detection method for elusive ovarian cancer.”
March 24 - Health Professional School Expo
Faculty and staff are asked to encourage students who are preparing for health professional programs to attend the Health Professional School Expo on March 24. Students will have the chance to network with admissions representatives from health degree programs around the country.
U of M featured virtual events
Feb. 17 - Location, Location, Location: The role of place in Health Disparities
Feb. 18 - Human Rights in Practice: International Student Perspectives
Feb. 19 - Human in the Data Spring 2021 Symposium
Feb. 23 - Black Identity in the Workplace Panel
Feb. 25 - Active Learning Narrows Achievement Gaps
March 3 - John Berryman’s Selected Letters: A Transatlantic Celebration
March 3 - Dene Ch’anié (‘the path we walk’): Indigenous Perspectives on Planetary Health
Johnson weighs in on job market trends
Rutherford Johnson, Crookston Business Department lecturer, recently contributed to an article regarding international business trends for new graduates at Zippia.com. Zippia is a site whose data-based approach to connecting job seekers and companies has been featured in USA Today, Forbes, Fortune, the New York Times, and more.
Crookston announces fall Chancellor's List, Dean’s List, and graduates
Students named to the fall semester 2020 Chancellor's List and the 2020 Dean's List were announced recently by the Office of the Registrar. The office also announced its list of fall 2020 graduates.
Feb. 17 - Black Deaf history event
Deaf Studies Instructor Christopher Johnson will host Matt Maxey, hip hop sign language interpreter and founder of DEAFinitely Dope, 6:30 p.m. via Zoom. Maxey will share his perspectives on Black Deaf history and how it applies to current social dilemmas. Johnson describes Maxey as a “stellar, robust role model for American Sign Language learners, especially the marginalized.”
Feb. 18 - Capital request hearing
President Joan Gabel will present an overview of the University’s 2021 capital request to the House Capital Investment Committee on Feb. 18. The president will be joined by Dean Wendy Reed from UMD’s Swenson College of Science and Engineering and an undergraduate chemistry student from the Twin Cities campus for the presentation. Watch the legislative hearing.
Feb. 23 - Visual Culture Lecture Series: Sophia Brueckner
Sophia Brueckner will give a virtual presentation as part of the Visual Culture Lecture Series. Brueckner teaches sci-fi prototyping at the University of Michigan and previously was a software engineer at Google. She earned her MFA from the Rhode Island School of Design. 6-7 p.m.
U of M Morris awarded $1.3 million for Summit Scholars Program
The U.S. Department of Education has announced that the U of M Morris will receive its second federal Student Support Services (SSS) grant to help more students succeed in and graduate from college. TRIO SSS seeks to remove institutional and cultural barriers, foster a climate that values the social and cultural capital of students, and promote retention to graduation.
Teaching candidates benefit from GEER Grant
Eleven U of M Morris teacher candidates are receiving support after the University of Minnesota was awarded a Governor’s Emergency Educational Relief (GEER) Grant. GEER funding is a federal grant initiative to address emergency needs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has particularly affected the progress of teacher candidates completing practicum experiences and student teaching in PK-12 classrooms.
Announcing NXT GEN MED
The U of M has announced a groundbreaking, innovative partnership with Google to re-envision the education of future health care leaders with support from Mayo Clinic. NXT GEN MED is a high-tech, industry integrated, accelerated delivery of the University of Minnesota Rochester's Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree, beginning summer 2022.
UMR Career Pathways: Public Policy and Global Health
UMR's innovative degree programs and integrated curriculum provide students with a foundational undergraduate education. Discover how Sami Johnson navigated UMR’s many health career pathway opportunities with an individually planned capstone to prepare herself for a Master’s in Public Health as she continues her path to medical school. Learn more about UMR's Pathways.
Tax preparation assistance for employees
U of M employees in the Twin Cities metro area may be eligible for free tax preparation assistance. The Volunteer Tax Assistance Program prepares tax returns free of charge for University of Minnesota students and community members. All clients must have unadjusted gross income less than $54,000. The program is IRS certified. Virtual appointments are available through Apr. 14.
Faculty academic leadership development opportunity
Applications are sought for U of M Twin Cities faculty members to participate in the 2021-22 Academic Leadership Program. This Big Ten Academic Alliance (BTAA) program develops participants’ academic leadership skills through BTAA forums and conversations with U of M leaders. Learn more about the program and apply. Deadline is Apr. 1.
ISSS spring Intercultural Workshop Series
Faculty and staff interested in working effectively with international students and colleagues can now register for the Intercultural Workshop Series, organized by International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS). This semester’s shortened series includes workshops on the challenges international students are facing due to COVID-19, along with one “Culture In-Depth” session on Chinese students.
Saving the environment, along with millions of dollars
Since 1985, the University of Minnesota’s Technical Assistance Program (MnTAP) has saved companies money and resources—and given Twin Cities College of Science and Engineering students valuable experience. In 2020, MnTAP interns helped companies save a total of $4.25 million, 1.9 million pounds of waste, 27 million kilowatts of electricity per hour, and 148 million gallons of water. Learn more about the program.