February 8, 2023

Inside This Issue
  • Board of Regents meets Feb. 9-10.
  • Awards and Recognition: Barbara Kleist is a recipient of a 2023 Policy Award from the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities; and more.
Top News

Board of Regents meets Feb. 9-10

At its February meeting, the U of M Board of Regents will hear details about transfer student enrollment patterns from Vice Provost and Dean of Undergraduate Education Robert McMaster. The Board will also discuss systemwide public safety planning, act on the University’s annual performance and accountability report, discuss the University’s MPact Health Care Innovation vision, act on President Joan Gabel’s recommended 2023 State Capital Request, and more. See the news release for details

Awards and Recognition

Barbara Kleist of the Institute on Community Integration is a recipient of a 2023 Policy Award from the American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities; Rajean Moone has been named a 2022 “Influencer in Aging” by the publication Next Avenue; U in the News features highlights of University faculty and staff cited in the media.

Awards and Recognition

U-Wide News

Wearable tech could improve work-zone safety, but are highway workers on board?

a highway worker in hardhat checks his wristwatch

Despite ongoing safety efforts, highway maintenance and operations workers have dangerous jobs. Wearable technology embedded in work gear offers the promise of preventing injuries and deaths. The big question: Would highway workers accept this technology? Nichole Morris, director of the U of M’s HumanFIRST Laboratory, is part of a research project looking at the issue.

 

How voting and elections impact conspiracy beliefs

While there's no shortage of research as to why conspiracy theories develop, there's been little study on what might cause them to fade. Professor Kathleen Vohs explores the issue in new research, “Do Voting and Election Outcomes Predict Changes in Conspiracy Beliefs? Evidence from Two High-Profile U.S. Elections.” Vohs and colleagues found that conspiracy beliefs diminished mainly when people’s preferred candidate won, especially so among people who voted. 

Background on intentions for Cloquet Forestry Center

At the request of Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa leaders, the University has been engaged in regular and ongoing dialogue about the Cloquet Forestry Center, which is wholly located within the Fond du Lac Reservation. These conversations have led to an initial plan to move forward with the Fond du Lac, the University, and the State of Minnesota to return to the Band the approximately 3,400 acres that house the Cloquet Forestry Center. 

Feb. 13, 14 - Civil Service Employment Rules public hearings

The Civil Service Consultative Committee and Employment Rules Subcommittee have proposed revisions to the Civil Service Employment Rules, including adding Juneteenth as a paid University holiday. Two public hearings will be held via Zoom to hear constituent feedback on the proposal. Review the proposed amendments and learn more.

Small-group discussions for people who identify as Black, African, or African American

Facilitated by Lyra’s mental health experts, this February lineup through University Benefits will address various professional and personal mental health concerns on timely, thought-provoking topics for people who identify as Black, African, or African American. Learn more about these offerings and register with Lyra using code #UMN287.

Feb. 27-March 3 - America Saves Week

University benefits counselors and Fidelity representatives will be hosting events to help you optimize your retirement savings plan using your University benefits during America Saves Week. Learn more and register for a webinar

Conduct research at the Minnesota State Fair: D2D sign-up extended to Feb. 28

Graphic of outline of Minnesota under a magnifying glass reading Research on a stick

It’s not too late to reserve space at the D2D Research Facility this summer. D2D is for faculty, staff, and students systemwide to recruit from among 2 million fairgoers for on-site human-subjects research. A brief application is due Feb. 28. For more information, email Annie Hotop.
 

 

Apr. 20-21 - Minnesota Neuromodulation Symposium registration now open

The Minnesota Neuromodulation Symposium, organized by the Institute for Engineering in Medicine (IEM) and MnDRIVE Brain Conditions, will host this conference as part of IEM Innovation Week (Apr. 17-21). The symposium will consist of plenary presentations by leaders in academia, industry, and government, as well as poster presentations.

Crookston

Crookston Rotary Club awards student scholarships

The Crookston Rotary Club recently awarded scholarships to U of M Crookston students Braden Letourneau, Annjelica Moreno-Englebrecht, Samantha Olek, and John LaCoursiere. The students were recognized on Jan. 27. These awards are presented each month during the school year to students who have demonstrated outstanding achievements in academics and service. 

Duluth

Feb. 7-12 - Twelfth Night at UMD

Text reading Twelfth night over purple background

Shakespeare’s comedy of mistaken identities begins with a shipwreck and ends in a triple wedding. This 1960s-set reimagining of the play is directed by assistant professor of theatre history Jenna Soleo-Shanks. An ASL interpreter will be present during the Feb. 12 performance. Learn more and see performance details.

 

 

Feb. 9 - Tutoring without Borders: Helping to Educate Kids in Time of War

Logo cartoon of child reading a book

The UMD Alworth Institute will host Michael Waxman, professor at the University of Wisconsin Superior and co-founder of Tutoring without Borders. Waxman will discuss the history of an online platform to connect educators to kids in Ukraine and his most recent work with gifted Ukrainian pupils. 

Morris

Feb. 8 - MOOS alumni engagement panel

Graphic with four windows each with a person and text reading Meet alumni in sustainability careers

The Morris Office of Sustainability (MOOS) will present its first Alumni Engagement Panel of 2023. Three Morris alumni who have pursued careers in sustainability in the public sector will participate: Christopher Droske, Marcus Grubbs, and Syd Bauer. 

 

 

Women’s golf posts highest team GPA in the UMAC

In addition to being the Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) champions and earning a spot in the NCAA Division III Championships later this year, the women's golf team earned a cumulative 3.37 GPA for the fall 2022 semester.

Rochester

Faculty profile: Cassidy Terrell

Cassidy Terrell

Ten years ago, UMR biochemistry associate professor Cassidy Terrell was completing her PhD at the University of Texas at Austin. While she had started the degree planning to pursue an industry career in drug discovery research, she gradually realized that her heart was leading her down another path. Read Terrell's story centered around her passion for STEM

 

Health Care Scholars Day highlights

Health care scholars day group photo

Students recently participated in Health Care Scholars Day, a scholarship event opportunity for newly admitted students who were chosen through a highly competitive process to compete for a variety of scholarships at UMR. Students participated in interviews and a collaborative activity, and prepared a story to compete for scholarships, including the UMR/Mayo Clinic Invest In Success and Health CORE scholarships. The event included keynotes from UMR graduate Mason Schlief '19 and NAACP president and health professional Walé Elegbede. 

Twin Cities

Sharing his love of science

Chino surrounded by a bunch of Kidsteam kids

Chino Nwakama ’23, neuroscience, College of Biological Sciences (CBS), is creating opportunities for historically marginalized and low-income students to connect with science. Nwakama started KidSTEAM, an after-school program through the University YMCA that partners with CBS to make science, technology, engineering, art, and math (STEAM) fun and accessible. This story is part of the “Where it Starts” series, featuring stories from our U of M Black community.


Cutting down cancer

Liz Pluhar operating on a patient

Batman, Otto, Alfie, and Huck have all shared the same title of canine cancer patient. They and other dogs enrolled in groundbreaking clinical trials at the College of Veterinary Medicine also share another title: medical pioneers. For 15 years, dogs participating in the Canine Brain Tumor Clinical Trials Program have helped researchers deepen their understanding of glioblastoma and develop a targeted combination of immunotherapy and surgery that has improved the survival rates of patients. Learn more about the program and its history

Construction management senior training to be an explosive ordnance disposal officer

Owen Benson

Over the last three years, Owen Benson has been working toward a bachelor’s degree in construction management. At the same time, he has been preparing to become an officer in one of the most elite—and dangerous—military units: explosive ordnance disposal. Benson says the flexible schedule afforded by the construction management program is what has allowed him to train and get accepted into the officer training program. He also finds some parallels between the leadership required in the two professions.
 

Find book love at the University Libraries

As Valentine's Day approaches, U of M Libraries will once again be providing some fun activities to help you connect with a book you might love. Check out “Blind Date With a Book” and the book matchmaking service.

UMTC featured events

Graphic reading Sweetheart Sale 20% off with dates

Feb. 8 - Obstacles at Every Turn: Overcoming Barriers to Native American Voting

Feb. 8-10 - WAM Shop Sweetheart Sale 

Feb. 9 - Discussions That Engage All Students 

Feb. 9 - Mao and Markets: The Communist Roots of Chinese Enterprise 

Feb. 10 - How to Talk about Native Nations 

Feb. 14 - Canvas Coffee Time 

Feb. 15 - Conversation: Chotsani Elaine Dean and Yuichiro Onishi 

Feb. 22 - Sherlock Holmes in 221 Objects: Opening Reception 

Feb. 23 - Short Films, Big Visions: A Series on Transportation and Community 

See the full Events Calendar