June 29, 2022

Inside This Issue

Brief summer schedule: July 20; Aug. 3, 17. Weekly publication resumes Sept. 7.

  • U of M leads new citizen science project to identify clouds on Jupiter.
  • Feature: Beneficial bugs.
  • Awards and Recognition: OVPR has announced the recipients of the 2022 Research Infrastructure Investment Program awards; and more.
Top News

U of M leads new citizen science project to identify clouds on Jupiter

Clouds on jupiter

A new citizen science project, led by researchers at the University of Minnesota with support from NASA, allows volunteers to play an important role in helping scientists learn more about the atmosphere on Jupiter. Using just a web browser, citizen scientists can help astrophysicists categorize tens of thousands of stunning images taken from the Juno spacecraft.

 

Beneficial bugs

Marissa Schuh tends to a plant

When Marissa Schuh appeared in the news last year on the topic of not-so-terrible things about wasps, she became known as “the wasp apologist.” And she was okay with that. “There are at least two sides to every story, and while a certain type of wasp can ruin one person’s day, there are many types and they all have a role to play,” she says. Schuh, a U of M Extension integrated pest management educator, brings an appreciation for insects to her work with gardeners and farmers. She’s also put together information on beneficial insects.

Awards and Recognition

The Office of the Vice President for Research has announced the recipients of the 2022 Research Infrastructure Investment Program awards; Harry T. Orr is a recipient of the 2022 Kavli Prize in Neuroscience; Douglas Kearney has won the 2022 Griffin International Poetry Prize; Bonnie Keeler has been named to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Board of Scientific Counselors; U in the News features highlights of University faculty and staff cited in the media.

Awards and Recognition

U-Wide News

New One Stop website launches July 18

A redesigned One Stop website for each campus will launch on July 18. The redesign improves the user experience and has an updated look and feel, mobile-friendly design, and intuitive navigation. A few minutes of downtime is anticipated, with the new sites live by 8 a.m. 

Americans pick their proteins

U.S. consumers have varying opinions on which types of proteins they prefer to eat today and what they expect to eat in the future. According to a new survey from the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences, 80 percent of U.S. adult consumers today prefer animal-based protein. Plant protein is gaining popularity, however, with 31 percent of consumers saying they will eat more over the next five years.

U of M releases ‘MN-Rothsay’ wheat

The University of Minnesota has released a new hard red spring wheat variety called “MN-Rothsay.” MN-Rothsay features a good combination of yield, protein, disease resistance, and exceptional straw strength. Jochum Wiersma, U of M Extension small grains specialist, stresses, “The value growers place on straw strength cannot be overstated, making MN-Rothsay the logical choice to replace Linkert in the U of M's lineup.”

Foraging at home: Can I eat the weeds in my backyard?

Whether for survival or fun, foraging can be a great way to supplement your diet with plants that are not only delicious but can also be healthy. Adding weeds to your diet can be as easy as weeding your yard. Although the yard is a great place to start foraging, there are many other edible plants and fungi in Minnesota that can be found nearby. U of M Extension has information on how to forage responsibly.  

There in a flash: A weird star produced the fastest nova on record

Illustration of an intermediate polar system

Astronomers are buzzing after observing the fastest nova ever recorded. The unusual event drew scientists’ attention to an even more unusual star. As they study it, they may find answers to not only the nova’s many baffling traits, but to larger questions about the chemistry of our solar system, the death of stars, and the evolution of the Universe. The research team includes Charles Woodward from the University of Minnesota.

 

Research Brief: Researchers discover solutions to gender bias in autism diagnoses

New research from the University of Minnesota demonstrated that an equal number of girls and boys can be identified as having concerns for autism spectrum disorder when screened earlier, correcting large gender differences in current diagnoses. 

Innovation to Impact seminar and happy hour series

The Institute for Engineering in Medicine will host "Innovation to Impact,” a seminar and happy hour series for faculty, students, research scientists, and med tech professionals. During the first hour, speakers will share insights on med tech commercialization. The second hour will be an in-person happy hour, with food and beverages provided. Events are planned for June 29 and July 13, 20, and 27, 4-6 p.m., online and in person at the Health Sciences Education Center.

Crookston

Northwest School of Agriculture holds 2022 reunion

Two Northwest ag alums shake hands

Northwest School of Agriculture classmates and friends gathered to reminisce, reconnect, and celebrate during their 2022 reunion held June 24 at the University of Minnesota Crookston. A highlight of the event was the recognition of this year’s Top Aggies: Eloise Wold Sobtzak ’57, Keith Miller ’58, and Gary Pedersen ’64. 

Duluth

Glensheen Concerts on the Pier

People gathered outdoors at Glensheen

A series of nine free Wednesday night concerts, featuring Annie Mack, Rafe Carlson, Superior Siren, and others, begins July 6 at UMD's Glensheen Mansion. Gates open at 5 p.m. and the concerts run from 7 to 8 p.m. Highlights include food trucks, lawn games, and watching the concert from paddle boats. 

 

 

Shipboard Science Workshop

Blue Heron boat heading out to sea

Great Lakes educators are spending June 27 to July 1 learning about microplastics and other threats to Lake Superior aboard Duluth’s Vista Queen and the UMD Large Lakes Observatory's Blue Heron. Staff from Minnesota Sea Grant, UW-Superior, and UMD will present the Great Lakes Sea Grant Superior Shipboard Science Workshop.

Morris

2022 U of M Morris Distinguished Alumni Award recipients

Amy Powers

Amy Powers ’96 and Jennifer Westendorf ’91 are recipients of the 2022 University of Minnesota Morris Distinguished Alumni Award. Both will be recognized for their achievements during homecoming.

 

 

Cougar Athletics Hall of Fame inductees

Morris cougar athletics logo

The Cougar Athletics Hall of Fame has announced its 2022 inductees, who will be honored during homecoming. Inductees include Jill (Druley) Brown, Scott Cooper, the 2003 women's soccer team, and the 2010-11 women's basketball team. 

Rochester

Colleges of Distinction recognition

Logo reading Colleges of Public Distinction

Colleges of Distinction, a unique guide for college-bound students, has recognized the U of M Rochester for exemplary student outcomes emanating from a commitment to engaged, experiential education. Aside from overall undergraduate recognitions, Colleges of Distinction also awards recognition in individual areas, and UMR earned additional recognition in the areas of Career Development and Equity & Inclusion. 

Twin Cities

Sowing seeds of change

Tiffany LaShae conduction soil research on farm in St. Paul

“One of the most radical and revolutionary things you can do is grow your own food and eat from the land,” says Tiffany LaShae, a master’s student in the Graduate Program in Land and Atmospheric Science at the College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences. A vegetable farmer, food justice activist, and soil health educator, LaShae is empowering farmers of color throughout the Midwest and the country
 


 
Science meets caring

Brooklynn Isley outdoors

Brooklynn Isley was accepted into the School of Nursing as a freshman. She says her rotations have confirmed she chose the right path. During her most recent experience in the cardiac unit, she wanted to be with one of her patients who was having a procedure done. The patient, a 90-year-old woman, was frail and needing support. “There was something extraordinary about sitting there holding her hand that will stick with me forever,” says Isley. Learn more about Isley's educational experience

 

Gophers shine again in new APR report

In the NCAA’s newly released Academic Progress Rate (APR) report, Golden Gopher student-athletes once again showed their academic prowess. The Gophers had 14 programs earn a perfect APR score in the most recent reporting year, 2020-21. Seven Gopher programs earned a perfect-1,000 multi-year rate, with data covering four academic years. 

UMTC Featured Events

The musician Big Homie

July 6 - Northrop Amplifying Solidarity series: LA Buckner & BiG HOMiE 

July 8 - The Intersection of Being API and Queer: Understanding Nuances 

Through July 9 - Corn is Everywhere at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum

July 13 -  Northrop Amplifying Solidarity series: Funktion Junction 

July 13 - From Ageism to Age-Friendly: Shifting the Conversation about Aging 

Aug. 12 - Harm in Behavioral Health: A Black Professional’s Call to Ethical Action (Part 1) 

Aug. 16 - Bakken Center Mindfulness Programs Information Session 

Sept. 21-23 - Implementation of Pharmacogenomics into Clinical Care 
 
See the full Events Calendar