- New research shows humans impact wolf packs in national parks.
- Feature: Life as we don’t know it; Clean water with Kernza.
- Awards and Recognition: Aamina Ahmad's debut novel won the Best First Novel prize by the Writers Guild of Great Britain; and more.
New research shows humans impact wolf packs in national parks
A new study done in collaboration with the National Park Service used a novel approach to explore the effects of human-caused mortality on wolf packs that primarily live in national parks. The research shows how humans are a substantial source of mortality for wolves in national parks—and more importantly, that human-caused mortality triggers instability in those wolf packs.
Life as we don’t know it
If you were an astronaut nursing a monster headache en route to Mars, and the painkillers had run out 20 million miles back, you’d want a supply of synthetic cells handy to crank out some fresh pills. That’s the kind of future College of Biological Sciences researcher Kate Adamala is out to build. She belongs to a growing group of researchers working on a programmable and controllable synthetic cell system.
Clean water with Kernza
Kernza is gaining traction as an alternative crop which aids in the quality of soil health, but a Minnesota community is using the perennial grain to protect its water supply. Research from the U of M contributed to the city of Edgerton’s test planting of this perennial grain to reduce nitrates in its well.
Awards and Recognition
Aamina Ahmad's debut novel The Return of Faraz Ali won the Best First Novel prize by the Writers Guild of Great Britain; U in the News features highlights of University faculty and staff cited in the media.
Funding opportunity: IonE Impact Goals RFP
The Institute on the Environment (IonE) invites faculty, staff, and their community partners to respond to its Impact Goals RFP, open through March 14. IonE intends to award a minimum of four medium-size projects ($25,000–$50,000 each) and four large projects ($100,000–$200,000 each) to teams with projects that focus on carbon neutrality, land use, clean drinking water, sustainable food systems, or other sustainability outcomes.
Too much or too little
In parts of the world, a lack of water is driving farmers out of business and threatening the food supply. In Minnesota, farmers will face erratic precipitation in coming years that forces them to grow crops differently. U of M research is helping them plan for an unpredictable future.
Beware: Mysterious fungus pathogens are among us
Soybean and corn crops occupy the most acreage and have the highest economic value in Minnesota, but these staple crops are vulnerable to several prevalent diseases that could affect crop production, posing a risk to farmers. It’s crucial to stay ahead of these new diseases, and research led by plant pathology professor Dean Malvick works to do just that.
Dealing with and preventing ice dams
Ice dams are ridges of ice that form at the edge of a roof and prevent melting snow from draining off the roof. The water that backs up behind the dam can leak into a home and cause damage. U of M Extension has tips for prevention and treatment of ice dam damage.
Research Brief: Ransomware attacks on America’s health care systems more than double
A new report from the School of Public Health shows that the annual number of ransomware attacks on health care provider organizations more than doubled from 2016 to 2021, exposing the personal health information of nearly 42 million individuals. See additional recent Research Briefs.
Jan. 31 - National Day of Racial Healing: Art as Healing
Join the U of M National Day of Racial Healing: Art as Healing (register), a virtual event featuring a panel of artists reflecting on art as a tool for racial healing in observance of the W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s annual National Day of Racial Healing. Panelists include Geno Okok, Thomasina Petrus, Saymoukda Duangphouxay Vongsay, Talvin Wilks, and Cindy Garcia. Vice President Mercedes Ramírez Fernández will provide an introduction. 10 a.m.
Feb. 1 - Why I’m not (too) scared about ChatGPT
ChatGPT and similar tools invite a broader conversation about how new writing technologies may transform how writing is learned in classrooms and used in the wider world. This conversation will explore both the potential and the pitfalls of ChatGPT and what it might mean for learning, teaching, and writing at the U of M. Virtual. 10-11 a.m.
Feb. 6 - Understanding Your Startup's Competition
This interactive, online event (register) will explore how to identify, document, and analyze your competitors. Hear from experts in competitive intelligence about where to find information on your competitors, how to analyze the intelligence and take action based on what you learn, and how to use the information in a business plan. 3-4:30 p.m.
Feb. 8 - Compensation Planning in the Annual Budget Process
Join Julie Tonneson from University Budget and Finance to learn how the University plans for compensation increases, how compensation fits into the overall budget, and the timeline for making budget decisions. Noon-1 p.m.
Feb. 27-March 3 - Research Ethics Week
Join colleagues across the University for Research Ethics Week, a series of educational opportunities focused on professional development and best practices to promote, maintain, and model high standards of ethics and integrity in research. The associated annual Research Ethics Day Conference will take place March 1, via Zoom. The conference, “What Makes Your Research Trustworthy? Threats and Opportunities,” features top national speakers. Submit a sponsored presentation and view Research Ethics Week events.
Shostell publishes textbook on environmental science
U of M Crookston Math, Science, and Technology Department chair and professor Joseph Shostell recently published the textbook Environmental Science: A Need for Living Sustainably v1.0. The textbook discusses environmental challenges and has seven interconnected themes with subject matter such as preserving biodiversity and the value of renewable energy.
UMD building featured in architectural award
The Swenson Civil Engineering Building was featured as one of the designs by the firm Ross Barney, recipient of the American Institute of Architects’ 2023 Gold Medal. The building’s unique concept, “Engineering on Display,” showcases labs that reach two stories high with full glass walls to provide views from hallways and the outside. Exposed mechanical systems perform an educational function and outside massive “scuppers” drain rainwater into cisterns.
A hot wood product blazes new trails
Maxwell McGruder ’10 is the marketing coordinator for Arbor Wood Co. With research assistance from the Natural Resources Research Institute, the firm has become one of the few companies in the world to manufacture thermally modified wood siding, decking, and dimensional lumber. McGruder’s route to this game-changing startup included more than a few adventures, including working as a photographer in the music industry.
Burks appointed to national transportation study committee
Economics professor Steve Burks has been appointed to serve on the Impacts of Alternative Compensation Methods on Truck Driver Retention and Safety Performance Committee. The committee will study and produce a report with findings and conclusions about the effects of compensation methods and other relevant factors on driver retention and safety performance.
Ossenfort named GM of Arizona Cardinals
University of Minnesota Morris alumnus Monti Ossenfort '00 was recently named the new general manager of the Arizona Cardinals. Ossenfort, a football player from the Cougars from 1996–99, has spent more than two decades working in various roles around the National Football League.
Jan. 28 - Fargo Moorhead Ballet
Enjoy an evening of original choreography, Minnesota history, and magic as the U of M Morris Performing Arts Series welcomes the Fargo Moorhead Ballet to Edson Auditorium. The Fargo Moorhead Ballet is a nationally respected regional professional dance performance company.
UMR Chancellor’s List for fall semester
Each semester, UMR recognizes students who have achieved high academic achievement with a Chancellor's List designation. To be listed, a student must have earned a 3.666 GPA or higher and have completed a minimum of 12 credits graded A-F.
Beyond the Nest: Beginnings
This season of UMR’s alumni podcast Beyond the Nest digs into UMR’s origin story to discover the creative people and activities that led to its first class of Raptor graduates in 2013. This episode reveals how the idea of a University of Minnesota campus in Rochester became a reality.
Shipt delivery service now available
University of Minnesota Twin Cities faculty, staff, and students are eligible for a free one-year Shipt membership by signing up with your zip code and umn.edu email address. Shipt offers same-day delivery of groceries and other household essentials. The University does not operate or take responsibility for Shipt services. Anyone who chooses to take advantage of the opportunity will work directly with Shipt. For more information, see University FAQs.
‘The mayor of Regis’: Artist and longtime student Fred Joel Larson
Most students don’t take classes for 13 years straight, but according to his friends, family, and the faculty who remember him fondly, Fred Joel Larson was not most students. From 2007 through 2019, Larson worked studiously and tirelessly at the Regis Center for Art, creating a wide and wild body of work. Larson passed away from cancer in January of 2020 at the age of 72, and now the Regis Center’s Quarter Gallery is honoring his work and legacy with a new exhibit: “Fred Joel Larson: A Celebration of Life and Art.”
Jan. 27 - The Power of a Woman of Color’s Voice: A Presentation and Discussion by Menah Pratt
The Office for Equity & Diversity presents the “The Power of a Woman of Color’s Voice,” a presentation and discussion by Menah Pratt, founder of Faculty Women of Color in the Academy Conference. Memorial Hall, McNamara Alumni Center, noon-3 p.m. No charge, and lunch will be served.
UMTC featured events
Jan. 26 - Chinese New Year Festival: Music for the Soul, Art for Life
Jan. 28 - Exhibit opening: ‘Biophilia + Wellbeing + Design’
Jan. 31 - Health Equity Seminar Series
Feb. 3 - First Fridays: Playing Ball and Neighborhood Home Festivals