- U of M joins nationwide launch of Taskforce on Higher Education and Opportunity.
- Features: A break in the clouds; Greener farms of the future.
- Awards and Recognition: Mpls.St.Paul Magazine has recognized more than 190 faculty physicians on its 2021 “Top Doctors: Rising Stars” list; and more.
U of M joins nationwide launch of Taskforce on Higher Education and Opportunity
The University of Minnesota has joined nearly 40 institutions nationwide to launch the Taskforce on Higher Education and Opportunity, which will explore the challenges caused by the pandemic, income inequality, the changing nature of work, and levels of unemployment among recent college graduates. The taskforce will provide greater opportunity to students and communities while reimagining higher education's contribution to society and sharing insights with the broader education community.
A break in the clouds
There will come a day when the COVID-19 pandemic is a thing of the past. But the impact of COVID-19 won’t soon be forgotten. Hundreds of thousands of lives have been lost and countless more forever changed. And yet, despite a year of unimaginable challenges, the pandemic’s long shadow can’t cover some of the bright spots it’s revealed about people and their potential. After weathering the COVID-19 storm for more than a year, U of M and M Health Fairview experts reflect on the pandemic’s silver linings.
Greener farms of the future
Fields of tall grasses waving gracefully in the wind represent one of the iconic images of the American agricultural tradition. But the reality is that today, much of American agriculture consists of industrial-scale, chemical-intensive, single-row crop farming. U of M researchers are partnering with farmers to find new ways to cultivate the soil and raise animals—and help mitigate climate change.
Awards and Recognition
Mpls.St.Paul Magazine has recognized more than 190 faculty physicians on its 2021 “Top Doctors: Rising Stars” list; Ana Núñez will receive the Exceptional Mentor Award from the American Medical Women’s Association; U in the News features highlights of U faculty and staff cited in the media. Awards and Recognition
University PEAK Initiative seeks bold ideas
The University is launching a new initiative titled "Positioned for Excellence, Alignment and Knowledge" (PEAK). The effort will assess how the U of M supports teaching, research, and service across a wide range of functions, and then identify opportunities to increase efficiency or gain capacity. The initiative is currently seeking ideas that will support the long-term financial health and sustainability of the University. Submit comments at the project website.
New IAS short-term fellowship opportunities
The Institute for Advanced Study (IAS) is piloting a new program: short-term themed fellowships. Fellowships are paid ($2,000) and open to faculty, staff, graduate students, and community members. The themes for the cohorts are “Water, Equity, and Justice” and “The Land-Grant/Land-Grab University.” Applications are due Apr. 2.
Sustainable Development Goal Research Grants Program
The U of M Sustainable Development Goals Initiative has announced the SDG Research Grants Program, which awards grants of up to $20,000 to faculty and research staff to support SDG-aligned projects. Applications are due by Apr. 26, 4 p.m.
Call for racial justice
As of March 19, 296 current and former faculty and staff have contributed $43,148 to the University of Minnesota Scholarship in honor of George Floyd, including Akosua O. “I am still grappling with the depth of racial disparity in the country,” says Akosua. “I am honored to be a member of the University community, and I would love to see young people of color succeed here.” The scholarship supports underrepresented students, including the Black or African American leaders of tomorrow.
Medical School launches clinical trial studying metformin treatment for COVID-19
A new multi-site clinical trial led by the University of Minnesota Medical School is studying the effectiveness of metformin, a generic medication for type 2 diabetes, in the treatment of COVID-19. It will be the first randomized clinical trial for COVID-19 in the world to include pregnant women.
Lab-created heart valves can grow with the recipient
In a groundbreaking study, University of Minnesota researchers used a hybrid of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine to create heart valves that can grow with the recipient. The discovery could prevent the need for repeated valve replacement surgeries in thousands of children born each year with congenital heart defects.
New study implicates disease-driving B cells in fatty liver disease development
New research from the University of Minnesota Medical School suggests that disease-driving B cells, a white blood cell, play a role in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)—the most common chronic liver condition in the U.S. Their findings could lead to targeted therapies for NAFLD, which currently affects a quarter of the nation and has no FDA-approved treatments.
Measuring structural racism in Minnesota communities
Associate Professor Rachel Hardeman has started a project to develop and test the Multidimensional Measure of Structural Racism, which determines the amount of structural racism people are exposed to in communities.
Four key priorities for achieving rural health equity
With a new presidential administration in the White House, it’s a good time for policymakers to consider improved ways to invest in rural health to foster health equity. University of Minnesota School of Public Health Professor Katy Backes Kozhimannil and Associate Professor Carrie Henning-Smith have identified four key issues they think federal officials need to address in order to significantly improve the health of rural residents.
Study outlines recommendations for conserving state’s threatened groundwater supply
Nearly 75 percent of Minnesotans rely on groundwater, but many could find it in increasingly short supply in the coming decades—an issue some already face now. In new research, scientists examined four aquifers across Minnesota to determine if aquifer storage and recovery—which aims to treat, inject, and temporarily store clean water in aquifers—may provide a solution to meet future demands of residents, industry, and agriculture.
Celebrating Match Day
The University of Minnesota Medical School celebrated Match Day virtually this year on March 19. As part of Match Day, the Medical School profiled three students who overcame challenges to pursue their dream of attending medical school. Read about Asma Adam, Michael “Gus” McCarthy, and Shelbie Shelder.
UMN Headlines in 60 seconds
A new video series shares highlights of recent accomplishments by the University of Minnesota community. The series, "UMN Headlines in 60 seconds," will feature news from around the University of Minnesota System. The first installment is available here.
COVID vaccine information
While vaccine allocation to the University varies week to week, the State of Minnesota has multiple programs aimed at connecting Minnesotans with the vaccine. The state’s Vaccine Connector will help people find out when, where, and how to get a COVID-19 vaccine. You may also connect with your primary care provider and local pharmacies about clinics and vaccine availability. Current vaccine eligibility requirements are provided by the Minnesota Department of Health.
March 25 - University and Faculty Senates meet
The University and Faculty Senates will meet on March 25, 2:30-5 p.m. Senators will discuss a proposal calling for demilitarization of campus police forces. The meeting will be livestreamed on YouTube. See the docket materials for more details.
U of M featured virtual events
March 25 - A World Safe for Autocracy? The Domestic Politics of China's Foreign Policy
March 25 - University Symphony Orchestra and University Wind Ensemble Virtual Performance
Through August - “Why Canoes?” exhibit in Northrop Gallery
March 28 - Virtual Knitting Circle with Dr. Mala Srikanth
Through March 31 - Virtual exhibit: Flora and Fauna: Life at the Arboretum
Apr. 1 - Preparing Global Ready Students in Our Classrooms
Apr. 2 - First Fridays Online: Disrupting the Narrative: Documenting and Advancing Institutional Change Through the Archives
Apr. 7 - Pankake Poetry featuring Deborah Keenan
Steffes set to pursue dream career
Crookston student Marlee Steffes is taking the next step in her journey as she pursues her dream of being an optometrist. Steffes will attend the University of Indiana School of Optometry beginning in August of 2021.
Humhej picks Crookston to obtain second degree and wrap up softball career
Katie Humhej joined Crookston’s softball team last fall to wrap up a second degree and complete her NCAA eligibility after three seasons at Long Island University Post. Humhej also plays for the Czech Republic women's national softball team. She will graduate in May, completing her degree in health sciences.
Human influence on climate change
Associate Professor Byron Steinman, Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and a researcher with UMD’s Large Lakes Observatory, is part of a study published in Science that indicates that “Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation,” a 50- to 70-year warming cycle, was driven by volcanic eruptions prior to industrialization and by human activity once industrialization began, rather than natural random variability. This challenges previously accepted theories about the Earth’s climate.
Indigenous dementia care grant
The National Institute on Aging awarded a $7.5 million grant to the Memory Keepers Medical Discovery Team (MK-MDT) for its project, Indigenous Cultural Understandings of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Dementias - Research and Engagement (I-CARE). The project will address dementia disparities by examining how culture and community impact the dementia illness experience. Kristen Jacklin, a medical anthropologist and associate director of the MK-MDT, is leading the project.
Art and design
Annual student exhibition jurors Ricky Allman and Julia Zeltser will give a virtual presentation on Apr. 6, 6–7 p.m., as part of the Visual Culture Lecture Series. Allman is professor of painting/drawing at the University of Missouri-Kansas City. Zeltser is a founding partner and creative director at Hyperakt, a design studio in Brooklyn.
Dalager named president of UMMAA board
Jon Dalager ’79 is the new president of the University of Minnesota Morris Alumni Association (UMMAA) board of directors. A Morris native and speech communication and political science alum, Dalager brings to the board experience in law and higher education. He was elected at UMMAA’s annual meeting on March 11.
NXT GEN MED Summer QUEST planning
Planning is underway for NXT GEN MED Summer QUEST, a week-long residential program launching in the summer of 2021. NXT GEN MED Summer QUEST will provide an opportunity for high school students to explore health careers in a vibrant academic and industry integrated environment. Students can indicate interest by completing the NXT GEN MED Summer QUEST form.
History on the grounds
More than a hundred years ago, two of Minnesota’s finest architects vied for the opportunity to create a whole new vision for the U of M Twin Cities campus. The legacy of their work and rivalry remains evident today. As the U of M embarks on a new master planning process for what its Twin Cities campus will look like far into the future, it’s enlightening to look back at its history.
The University of Minnesota shoe tree
The shoe tree is known for the shoes that have been thrown from the Washington Avenue Bridge, where their laces wrap around the branches and hang from the tree. Located on the West Bank, the number of shoes on the tree continues to grow year by year. Found throughout the United States, shoe trees are primarily located along less-traveled highways or walkways. There are online maps for shoe trees as roadside attractions. Although there are many shoe trees across the country, this is the only one in Minnesota.