- Board of Regents meets Feb. 10-11.
- Features: ‘We deserve a place in this sphere’; Designs for life; For the love of Minnesota; Charting a new path for Sophie: A unique solution for rare heart defect.
- Awards and Recognition: Samuel Myers Jr. has been named one of the most influential Black economists of the last 30 years by Academic Influence; and more.
Board of Regents meets Feb. 10-11
As part of its February meetings, the Board of Regents will discuss how new research and innovation partnerships with the business community will enhance Minnesota’s economy and the University’s mission. Additionally, Regents will consider the recommendations of the M Safe Implementation Team, discuss alignment with MPact 2025 objectives at the collegiate strategic planning level, continue a series of discussions on diversity, equity, and inclusion work on each of the University’s five campuses, and more. See the news release for more details.
‘We deserve a place in this sphere’
For Extension livestock educator Dana Adams, partnering with farmers across three counties is a career that marries her two professional passions: the animals that produce food and the people managing them. Her dedication to farmers is mirrored across Extension. What distinguishes Adams, though, is being the first African American woman hired as an ag educator at University of Minnesota Extension. Learn more about her work in Stearns, Benton, and Morrison counties.
Designs for life
In the fall of 2015, Juan Andrés Rujana moved from Caracas, Venezuela, to Duluth to study mechanical engineering. After having doubts about pursuing a future in engineering, he discovered a new product design program at the U of M’s College of Design in St. Paul that sparked his interest. Talking to Rujana today, it’s almost impossible to imagine him doing anything else.
Charting a new path for Sophie: A unique solution for rare heart defect
Sophie Bauernfeind was born with “an uncommon problem in a world of uncommon problems,” according to M Health Fairview pediatric cardiologist Matthew Ambrose. The issue? A rare congenital heart defect called neonatal Ebstein anomaly. An innovative two-step procedure at M Health Fairview got the newborn out of critical condition, then fully repaired her congenital heart defect.
Awards and Recognition
Samuel Myers Jr. has been named one of the most influential Black economists of the last 30 years by Academic Influence; Robert Stine has been named dean of the College of Continuing and Professional Studies; Timothy Beebe has been named interim dean of the School of Public Health; U in the News features highlights of U faculty and staff cited in the media.
Online leadership development program for individual contributors
Discover your leadership potential and build your skills through the online Leading on All Levels leadership program. Whether you informally manage projects or are looking to advance your career at the University, this course will help individual contributors systemwide learn about their strengths and how to use them to progress in their leadership journey. Leading on All Levels consists of seven live virtual-learning sessions and begins on March 23. Learn more and apply.
2022 Research Infrastructure Investment Program
Letters of intent (LOI) are now being accepted for the 2022 Research Infrastructure Investment Program, administered by OVPR. To ensure the viability of existing, critical facilities and research support services, available funding will be directed toward new or existing facilities, service centers, or other shared resources across the University System. Wherever possible, new equipment requests should place equipment in an existing shared research facility. Matching funds are required. LOI due March 7; proposals due Apr. 8. All applicants who submit an LOI are invited to submit a full proposal unless otherwise notified.
D2D sign-up extended to Feb. 28: Conduct research at the Minnesota State Fair
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 two million fairgoers for on-site human subjects research. Funding is available for eligible Masonic Cancer Center investigators for the 2022 fair. A short application is due Feb. 28. For more information, email Annie Hotop.
Applications open for the Arts, Humanities and Design Chair award
The Arts, Humanities and Design Chair is one of three Imagine Fund awards funded by a McKnight donation and offered through the Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost. The purpose is to provide competitive financial support for research and scholarship in the arts, humanities, and design at the University of Minnesota. Each year, one two-year award is granted. Apply by March 22.
Online Teaching & Design Program
This 9-week facilitated cohort runs from Feb. 14 until Apr. 18. Collaborate with peers and colleagues in designing (or redesigning) your online course (or components) to support a range of online teaching goals and strategies, from sharing online resources with students to maximizing learner engagement. Register for the Online Teaching & Design Program.
Instructors: Gain insights on learning data
Three focus groups were held with students systemwide to inform future decisions, tools, and practices that involve data for teaching and learning. The Learning Analytics: Insights and Advice from Students report outlines students' expectations about learning data, including how they think their instructors should use it. Register for “Got instructional questions? Get answers with learning data!” Feb. 15, 1 p.m.
Model shows how earth and economy are inextricably linked
Economists at the University of Minnesota are helping to develop a brand-new model to better understand how the earth and economy interact. It’s part of an effort to incorporate the value of nature into the decision-making and policy creation of governments, financial institutions, and other organizations.
Research shows promising results of phase 1 drug trial for HIV patients
A phase 1 clinical trial conducted by University of Minnesota researchers has demonstrated the safety and efficacy of a novel immunotherapy drug in the treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The trial involves a novel investigative drug that has been studied in blood cancers and with other tumors. This is the first time the drug has been tested with HIV patients, moving beyond the preclinical phase of study.
Row and Berberi publish special issue of L'Esprit Créateur
The journal L'Esprit Créateur recently published a special issue on “Disability’s Worldmaking: Pasts and Futures,” curated by Jennifer Row (Twin Cities, French and Italian) and Tammy Berberi (Morris, French). The effort is part of their Imagine Chair in Arts, Design and Humanities to outline visionary and unexpected ways that disability can allow for creativity and dreaming. Featuring articles by Berberi, Row, and many more, the issue showcases the promise of critical disability studies at the University of Minnesota.
Research Brief: Hunting alters virus evolution and transmission in pumas
A new study offers rare insight into the pathway of a common virus in pumas and the impact of different wildlife management strategies. Additional recent Research Briefs include “University of Minnesota researchers study waves created by recreational boats” and “New research examines the association between structural racism in labor markets and infant birth weight.”
U of M featured virtual events
Feb. 11-25 - Your Career, Your Life: Making Transitions in Today’s World
Feb. 14 - “Asian American Visibility in PreK-12: Combating Cultural Violence”
Feb. 15 - Teaching Strategies that Support Student Well-Being
Feb. 16 - Probable Meets Possible: Conservation in real time
Feb. 16 - Bakken Center Mindfulness Programs Information Session
Feb. 17-22 - Tucker Center 12th annual Women in Sport Film Festival
Feb. 24 - Turning the Tide: Neuroscience, Spirituality and My Path Toward Emotional Health
Humble lands dream job after prolific academic and athletic experience
U of M Crookston student-athlete Connor Humble, Rosemount, MN, has had a busy four years. The double major/minor is beginning his career at the Minikahda Club in Minneapolis, working in golf operations. “Both [my] degrees and my golf career from Crookston helped me land the position and will help me build relationships in the future,” says Humble.
‘Office Hours’ with Steve Castleberry
In this episode of “Office Hours,” UMD talks with Steve Castleberry, marketing professor, who paces like a border collie, swims like a fish, and soars down the slopes like an eagle … but his favorite animal, by far, is the Bulldog.
Equipment testing at NRRI
The Natural Resources Research Institute (NRRI) is partnering with industrial equipment manufacturers to test equipment in demonstrations for potential customers. “We’re set up with the building space and infrastructure, a solid crew that can put the equipment together, and highly skilled research technicians to run the tests,” says Kevin Kangas. “Our applied, pilot-scale testing helps to de-risk capital investment in major equipment purchases.”
Student wins Sodexo sweepstakes, shares with local food shelf
U of M Morris student Aaliyah Cox was recently named one of 19 winners nationwide in Sodexo’s Pedal Forward, Give Back Sweepstakes. Sodexo provides resident dining for the U of M Morris at the campus Dining Hall, cafe operations in the Turtle Mountain Cafe, and campus catering.
UMR and Mayo Clinic: Kern Center Connects
The University of Minnesota Rochester announces a new seminar series offered in collaboration with Mayo Clinic’s Robert D. and Patricia E. Kern Center for the Science of Health Care Delivery. Students, faculty, staff, and the broader community are invited to attend this showcase of current research on critical health challenges. The first of a three-part series of events begins Feb. 15 with “Opioids and Opioid-Related Research.”
UMR helps lead ‘College in 3’ project
U of M Rochester’s NXT GEN MED is serving as a trailblazer for a Community of Practice of 13 pilot campuses across the country. "College in 3" campus leaders met in early February to share ideas and challenges in their quest to redesign undergraduate degrees for higher quality, shorter time to degree completion, and lower cost to students. Learn more at Inside Higher Ed.
Applications sought: 2022-23 Academic Leadership Program
Applications are sought for up to six faculty members to represent the U of M in the 2022-23 Academic Leadership Program, an initiative of the Big Ten Academic Alliance. The program develops the academic leadership skills of nominated faculty who have demonstrated exceptional ability and academic promise. Interested faculty should submit a letter of interest, curriculum vitae, and a short letter of support from their department chair or dean to Rebecca Ropers at [email protected]. The deadline for applications is Apr. 1.
2022 Summer Youth Program registration
Online registration opens Feb. 14 for summer youth program opportunities for ages 6-16. All youth camp sessions will include swimming and indoor rock climbing in addition to hands-on activities, themed projects, arts and crafts, and recreational games.
Things to do in February at the Arb
The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is vibrant with life and color indoors and outdoors this month. The Spring Flower Show provides inspiration for outdoor living, while arboretum grounds are filled with scenic winter vistas and wildlife. Snowshoeing under the full moon and the February Art Fair also highlight this list of things to do at the Arb in February.
Growing with Colin Zumwalde
Colin Zumwalde is a research professional with the Grape Breeding and Enology Project at the U of M Landscape Arboretum's Horticultural Research Center. His job involves caring for the grape vines, harvesting grapes, and sampling wine. "I'm passionate about our research because I know it's helping grape growers across the state get better quality grape varieties," he says. Read more about Zumwalde and his work.
Valentine’s Day at WAM Shop
Treat your favorite people to something special this Valentine's Day at the WAM Shop. U of M faculty, staff, and students receive a 10 percent discount on their purchases year-round at the WAM Shop, which is open during museum hours. Plan your visit.
Feb. 22 - Northrop Presents: Cameron Carpenter
Cameron Carpenter is a virtuoso composer/performer who is smashing the stereotypes of organ and classical music—he was the first organist ever to be nominated for a Grammy Award for a solo album. For this special concert, Carpenter will perform his transcriptions of Bach’s Goldberg Variations on Northrop’s historic Aeolian-Skinner Opus 892 organ. 7:30 p.m., Carlson Family Stage.