- Light at the end of a long, dark night.
- Why you should care about ag R&D.
- Awards and Recognition: Gordon Legge has been named the 2024 recipient of Optica’s Edgar D. Tillyer Award; and more.
Light at the end of a long, dark night
After more than 25 years of searching for help for her depression, Becky Steffens found it in cutting-edge medicine from U of M Medical School psychiatrist Cristina Sophia Albott. New tools offer hope to patients whose depression hasn’t responded to traditional treatments. Learn how brain stimulation may be the future of psychiatry.
Why you should care about ag R&D
When the average person hears the words “research and development,” a farm field might not be the first image that pops into their head. But if you ask Philip Pardey, it should be. Pardey is a global expert in the bio-economics of technical change in agriculture, sustainable agricultural productivity growth, and the economic impacts of R&D. For National Agriculture Week, Pardey shares his thoughts on why investing research and development dollars in the agricultural sector is so critically important right now. Read more National Ag Week stories at "Growing a Climate for Tomorrow."
Awards and Recognition
Gordon Legge has been named the 2024 recipient of Optica’s Edgar D. Tillyer Award; Abigail Rombalski has received the Early Career Award from the Association of American Educational Research; Laura Bishop has received the Women in Sustainability Leadership Award; U in the News features highlights of University faculty and staff cited in the media.
Apply for an open textbook grant by Apr. 5
Through the Partnership for Affordable Learning Materials, University Libraries at the Twin Cities and Duluth campuses is offering grants of $5,000 for individuals and $10,000 for departments to create new open textbooks with Libraries support. Review the proposal elements and selection criteria.
Dear Minnesota: Growing the future
Angela knows that the health of Minnesota’s 1,900+ plant species tells deeper stories of the health of the state’s natural habitats. Her work at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum helps research, rescue, and preserve endangered plant species to restore lost habitats and understand plant resiliency. “We steward biodiversity together for our future,” she says. Read Angela’s story, explore the Dear Minnesota series, and share your own story.
States explore fee alternatives to fund roadway infrastructure
The fuel tax is the backbone of the U.S. roadway funding system, but its ability to generate revenue is under pressure—more vehicles are using less fuel or none at all. In response, many states are turning to alternative revenue mechanisms to help bridge the funding gap. U of M researchers studied two options: special registration fees for hybrids and EVs and a mileage-based user fee. Learn more about the research.
Research Brief: Extremely slow evolution in ‘living fossils’ could inform human health
The remarkably slow evolution of gars, freshwater fish species found in Minnesota lakes and rivers as well as North and Central America, could provide new insights for modern human health. See additional recent Research Briefs.
Talking classroom creativity with the U of M
From artistic expression to problem-solving, creativity is an essential skill for young learners. It is also one that can be overlooked in traditional education. Professor Brad Hokanson answers questions about prioritizing creativity in schools and at home to help student achievement. See more editions of "Talking with U of M."
Apr. 17, 24, and May 1 - Mini Medical School - Mind Matters: the Brain and Mental Health
Discover the latest breakthroughs in brain science and delve into the fascinating world of the brain, mental health, and aging through three enlightening sessions led by esteemed experts. Mini Medical School events are virtual, free, and open to the public.
Apr. 18 - Global Health Day
The Center for Global Health and Social Responsibility is bringing back its annual Global Health Day, an event that celebrates the global health work of U of M students and faculty. The event will include a student poster showcase (poster abstracts are due March 22) and a panel on equity in global health. 5-7 p.m., 2-110 Health Sciences Education Center, Twin Cites.
Exchange student enjoying ‘Minnesota Nice’ culture
Kashaf recently came to the U of M Crookston as an international exchange student from Pakistan. Originally from Rawalpindi, a city in the Punjab province, she is a part of an exchange program called the Global UGRAD Pakistan Program, funded by the U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Among 31,000 applicants to the program, Kashaf was one of just 108 who were selected.
Enchanted by horticulture
It's his passion for gardening that kept U of M Crookston horticulture alum Chuck Levine ’80 hopeful his “little acre” in Roseville, MN, would soon thaw from a long winter’s nap. Levine’s lifelong dedication to horticulture shines through his one-acre garden in southeast Minnesota with thousands of plants and hundreds of varieties. For Levine, the icing on the cake came when his garden was named a 2022 winner in the Star Tribune Beautiful Gardens contest.
Ecology under ice
U of M Duluth PhD student Alia Benedict works in Assistant Professor Ted Ozersky’s lab at the Large Lakes Observatory. They’re working to fill a current gap in knowledge about Minnesota’s lakes during the winter, so Benedict and undergraduate biology student Drew Check visited Pike Lake during a sub-zero day in January to sample water and zooplankton and add to the lab’s collection of data. Learn more and watch a video about their experience.
‘Blanket Songs’ exhibition at the Tweed
“Blanket Songs,” by John Hitchcock, creates a dazzling convergence of image, light, sound, and movement. Its visual abundance is matched by the depth of referential content that the artist weaves into each element of the exhibition, which is on display at the Tweed Museum of Art. Along with the artist's prints and drawings, “Blanket Songs” features neon, video, and audio recordings.
U of M Morris Athletics raises funds at polar plunge
Nine Cougar athletes were among 87 people to recently participate in a polar plunge to support the Morris Area High School Unified Club and Special Olympics. The event raised more than $13,000.
March 26 - Founders Scholar Convocation - Denise Odello
Founders Scholar Denise Odello, associate professor of music, will give her presentation on "Musica Mundana, Musica Humana: Locating Music in a Liberal Arts Education." 7 p.m., 109 Imholte Hall.
The Kettle - Solving health care challenges through policy and action
Evan Doyle, MS in public health, is one of the inaugural graduates of UMR’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences Class of 2013. Doyle believes UMR’s vision and his experiences on campus had an impact on his career path in public health. He is now solving grand health challenges on a global level. Read Doyle’s story in UMR's alumni magazine, The Kettle.
Boston Globe reports on challenges to 120-credit requirement for bachelor’s degrees
UMR’s vision, in part, is to contribute to transformation in higher education. The Rochester campus is co-leading a national experiment in which a variety of schools, from BYU-Idaho to U of M Morris to the University of Miami, redesign the undergraduate degree to decrease costs and increase student outcomes. Some of those pilots are challenging the 120-credit requirement, with the support of their accreditors. See a Boston Globe (PDF) editorial for more information.
U of M offers first-of-its-kind, graduate-level certificate in sustainability leadership
An innovative certificate in Sustainable Environmental, Social and Governance Leadership—the University’s first graduate-level program in this specialty—will address a growing need for professionals with the skills to navigate today’s climate, environmental, and social justice challenges. The multidisciplinary program was developed and sponsored by the Carlson School of Management, Humphrey School of Public Affairs, and Institute on the Environment.
Energy drink
Brewing one pint of beer generates seven pints of wastewater, on average. So what can you do with that wastewater? The U of M’s Paige Novak and team are exploring the possibilities of capturing pollutants in wastewater and using bacteria to transform them into energy.
Join the Twin Cities Sustainability Committee
Through the systemwide strategic plan, MPact2025, the University made a commitment to establish goals that build a fully sustainable future. Join the Twin Cities Sustainability Committee, which was created to guide and advise the Office of Sustainability on initiatives like implementation of the Climate Action Plan to eliminate greenhouse gas emissions from campus operations and more. Nominate yourself or others to join the committee by Apr. 1.
Make a difference in your community during Day of Service
Make plans to join a U of M Alumni Association Day of Service event in your area, a virtual service opportunity, or choose an independent service project meaningful to you. Since 2015, the U of M Alumni Association's Day of Service has brought together a global community of alumni and friends to serve in their communities. Events run through the month of April. Choose from more than a dozen Day of Service opportunities, learn about Virtual Day of Service, or register an independent project.
Apr. 30 - National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity workshop
The Office for Equity and Diversity's Institute for Diversity, Equity, and Advocacy (IDEA) and the Office for Faculty and Academic Affairs will host a National Center for Faculty Development & Diversity workshop (register). “Rethinking Mentoring: Building Communities of Inclusion, Support, & Accountability” is free and open to all faculty, graduate students, and postdocs.
Featured events
March 21 - Fundamentals of Retirement Income Planning
March 22 - Calling in New Life: A Turning Toward Spring Music & Meditation Immersion
March 22 - Sustainability Coffee Chat: Sustainable Aviation Fuel
March 27 - Health Coaching: The Relationship Between Our Gut Microbiome and What We Eat
March 28 - Treating Cancer as an Invasive Species
March 29 - Top Things to Do Before You Retire
Apr. 2 - Why Are So Many Americans Uninterested in Politics?
Apr. 3 - Pankake Poetry Reading featuring Gwen Westerman