February 22, 2023

Inside This Issue

Notice: Brief will not publish on March 8.

University research helps Minnesota become first state to screen newborns for cCMV.
Awards and Recognition: Ambika Bhagi-Damodaran has received a 2023 Cottrell Scholar Award; and more.

University research helps Minnesota become first state to screen all newborns for CMV

In early February, Minnesota became the first state to screen all newborns for congenital cytomegalovirus (cCMV). Research by Mark Schleiss and his team at the U of M Medical School was a catalyst in bringing the screening to hospitals across the state.

Awards and Recognition

Ambika Bhagi-Damodaran is one of 25 early-career researchers across the U.S. and Canada to receive a 2023 Cottrell Scholar Award; Chris Kim will lead an NSF- and DARPA-funded $8 million effort to study quantum-inspired computing; the School of Nursing ranks 14th in NIH funding among schools of nursing and 9th among public universities, according to the Blue Ridge Institute for Medical Research; the Institute for Advanced Study has announced the 2023-24 IAS Residential Faculty Fellows; Kimberly Kirkpatrick has been named associate vice president for research infrastructure and interdisciplinary institutes and centers, a new position for the University; the Office of the Vice President for Research has released its 2019-21 Patent Roll Call recognizing 386 U.S. patents by U of M researchers; U in the News features highlights of University faculty and staff cited in the media.

Awards and Recognition

U-Wide News

Feedback requested: Building Namings and Renamings policy

The All-University Honors Committee is seeking feedback from the University community as part of the review of building names which meet the 75-year sunset provision of the Board of Regents Policy: Namings and Renamings. The building names up for review in 2022-23 are Folwell Hall (Twin Cities), Kiehle Hall (Crookston), Sanford Hall (Twin Cities), and Spooner Hall (Morris). The comment period is open through March 6.

Free open access publishing opportunity for U of M authors

Eligible U of M authors will save money on open access publishing thanks to a new agreement between the Big Ten Academic Alliance and Wiley journals. The agreement will waive article processing charges for primary research and review articles for responsible corresponding authors from the U of M Duluth, Morris, Twin Cities, and Rochester campuses.

Now accepting nominations for U of M equity and diversity awards

Nominations are now open for the systemwide Josie R. Johnson Human Rights and Social Justice Award and the Outstanding Unit Award for Equity and Diversity. The Josie R. Johnson Award honors U of M faculty, staff, and students who exemplify Johnson’s commitment to creating respectful and inclusive living, learning, and working environments. The Outstanding Unit Award honors exemplary campuses, colleges, departments, or units demonstrating leadership in equity and diversity work. Nominations are due March 31.

Applications open: Undergraduate Scholarly Excellence in Equity & Diversity Award

The Office for Equity and Diversity is now accepting applications for the systemwide Scholarly Excellence in Equity & Diversity (SEED) Award. This award honors underrepresented undergraduate students doing outstanding work to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion at the University of Minnesota and in the community. Awards range from $3,000 to $5,000. Applications are due March 31.

Feb. 22 - Learning Sciences Research: Well-supported & Actionable Strategies

This webinar connects concrete teaching strategies to four big ideas that have a solid foundation of research support. These include the use of frequent low-stakes assessments and designing and implementing activities to increase student engagement. 11 a.m.-noon via Zoom.

March 1 - Annual Research Ethics Conference

During the annual Research Ethics Conference, national leaders will discuss how to promote and ensure trustworthiness in scientific and other research. The conference features speakers from the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the Georgetown Racial Justice Institute, the Center for Open Science, and more. Free and open to the public. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. via Zoom. Register and learn more on the Consortium on Law and Values website.

March 17 - Walleye Tank life science pitch competition

Join in the spring edition of Walleye Tank, a startup pitch competition and tradition highlighting Minnesota life science innovators. The event features pitches from entrepreneurs in four categories overseen by a judging panel of experienced entrepreneurs and investors. Available live via YouTube and in person at the Carlson School of Management.

Crookston

March 2 - Faculty to host research expertise showcase

U of M Crookston will host its second faculty research expertise showcase. Faculty from all departments will present posters in their respective fields of expertise and share more information about their published abstracts. Noon-2 p.m., Sargeant Student Center.

Duluth

Medical School, Duluth campus receives $750,000 to support new master’s program, training of Native students

The U of M Medical School, Duluth Campus has received a $750,000 award from the Genentech Innovation Fund to support the creation and operation of the Gateways to Medicine and Research Master of Science degree program. The award will support recruitment efforts focused on Native students from the Upper Midwest and provide scholarships covering full tuition, along with cultural and learning support, for Indigenous students enrolled in the program.

Feb. 23 - Reckonings, Reparations, Restitution

The UMD Baeumler-Kaplan Holocaust Commemoration Committee will host “Racialized Violence and Collective Responsibility: What is Owed?” The panel discussion features Carl Crawford, Duluth human rights officer; Sheer Ganor, history (UMTC); Joanne Itami, biology (UMD); and Tadd Johnson, professor emeritus, American Indian Studies (UMD). The event is co-sponsored by the UMD Center of Restorative Justice and Peacemaking. 6-7:30 p.m., 80 Montague Hall.

Feb. 23 - Shades of Africa: UMD Symphony Orchestra & Guests

Graphic using African color scheme and text reading Shades of Africa

Led by Jean R. Perrault, conductor, this concert will celebrate the rich offerings of composers and performers of African descent. The UMD Symphony Orchestra will be joined by the Artaria String Quartet along with high school students from Superior High School, Denfeld High School, and East High School for this celebration concert. 7:30-9:30 p.m., Weber Music Hall.

Morris

Roberts among 2023 Horace T. Morse Alumni Award recipients

University of Minnesota Morris teaching specialist Windy González Roberts is among the select group of faculty members honored to receive the Horace T. Morse - University of Minnesota Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Contributions to Undergraduate Education.

Cougar women's swimming and diving named CSCAA Scholar All-America Team

The Cougar women's swimming and diving team was recognized by the College Swimming and Diving Coaches Association of America (CSCAA) as a fall Scholar All-America Team last week. The Cougars had a cumulative team GPA of 3.44 during the fall semester.

Rochester

Beyond the Nest: A start-up campus moves from concept to creation

Graphic reading Season 4, Episode 2 of UMR’s Beyond the Nest podcast

Season 4, Episode 2 of UMR’s Beyond the Nest podcast continues to share the history of community advocacy that eventually launched the Rochester campus of the University of Minnesota. The podcast features Governor Tim Pawlenty and other dynamic leaders who turned the dream of a University of Minnesota campus in the state’s third largest city into a reality.

UMR hosts Black History Month poetry night

students gather in a lounge during a poetry reading

Students, faculty, and staff gathered for an evening of spoken poetry, sharing both original and other meaningful works. Themes included grief, racism, beauty, vulnerability, and hope. UMR Black History Month programming continues throughout the month.

Twin Cities

Determination and education prove unstoppable

Abygail Andebrhan graduated in 2022 from the College of Biological Sciences with a degree in genetics, cell biology and development. She currently works in the U of M System Regeneration Lab using stem cell engineering to replace damaged systems. She volunteers with the Sickle Cell Foundation of Minnesota and is applying to medical school. Her story is part of the “Where it Starts” series, featuring stories from our U of M Black community.

Collaboration provides UV protective hats for children with rare cancer syndrome

For many people, appearance or comfort is the most important consideration when choosing a hat to wear. But for people living with Xeroderma Pigmentosum (XP), an inherited disease that causes an individual to be extremely sensitive to ultraviolet radiation, health and safety must take precedence. Laura Niedernhofer (College of Biological Sciences) partnered with Lucy Dunne’s (apparel design) technical design studio to help design a better hat option for people living with XP.

March 1 - Teaching Accessible Writing Practices

In this lunch panel, instructors will share accessible practices, including the use of hierarchical headers, captions, and alt tags that support students on the production of accessible and readable documents. Lunch will be provided to registrants. Noon-1:30 p.m., 101 Walter Library.

March 2 - Public safety forum

The University of Minnesota Twin Cities will hold a safety forum for students, faculty, staff, and community members. University and Minneapolis community leaders will provide updates on their efforts to address safety around campus and take questions from the community. Submit questions by March 1. Parking, live-feed, and other information can be found on Safe Campus. 5-6:30 p.m., Cowles Auditorium, Humphrey School.