- The science of Minnesota strawberries.
- A medical student’s book teaches kids to appreciate differences.
- Awards and Recognition: U in the News features highlights of University faculty and staff cited in the media; and more.
The science of Minnesota strawberries
When it comes to fruit research, the University of Minnesota is best known for developing the Honeycrisp apple. However, the Department of Horticultural Science has a rich history of research into other fruits and berries, including apricots, plums, grapes, raspberries, currants, and strawberries. The strawberry research program has been particularly active. Today, after more than 50 years of continuous study, U of M experts have developed strawberry varieties that thrive in the face of Minnesota’s challenging climatic conditions.
A medical student’s book teaches kids to appreciate differences
In a new illustrated children’s book, The Way We Play, a group of young students—all familiar young animals—discover their various talents and shortcomings. The otter swims effortlessly; the chimp, not so much. The jump rope foils the hippo, but it’s a breeze for the kangaroo. Co-authors Hugh Burke, a second-year U of M medical student, and Kylie Donohue, a former teacher, wrote the book to illustrate how everybody has different strengths and weaknesses and the value of teamwork.
Awards and Recognition
U in the News features highlights of University faculty and staff cited in the media.
Applications open Apr. 3 - Innovation Impact Case Award
The Innovation Impact Case Award recognizes research that has led to significant impact outside of academia and that has made a meaningful difference in our communities. The competition, open to U of M faculty and researchers, requires the development of a short, written case study highlighting the impact of research to an external audience. Two $10,000 awards will be given to two individuals or teams. Submissions are due May 5. Learn more about the 2022 awardee projects.
Apply for the CGHSR Global Health Seed Grants
The Center for Global Health and Social Responsibility (CGHSR) is requesting proposals for 2023 Global Health Seed Grants for global health research projects. This year there is an additional special interest call for research projects pertaining to women's health. Grants are open to all U of M faculty for interdisciplinary health research projects. Letters of intent are due Apr. 28; full proposals are due May 19.
Talking healthcare for LGBTQ older adults with U of M
Lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) older adults face unique challenges in today’s healthcare ecosystem. Rajean Moone discusses how older adults, their loved ones, and healthcare providers can work together to ensure LGBTQ older adults are receiving high-quality care. See more editions of "Talking with U of M."
Research Brief: Discriminatory housing policies created an unequal park system in Minneapolis
A new study sheds light on the origins of racial disparities in the Minneapolis park system and their long-lasting consequences for environmental justice in the city. See additional recent Research Briefs.
Apr. 14 - UROC Critical Conversation: Demystifying Our Energy System
Join experts and advocates from the U of M Institute on the Environment's Energy Efficiency Cohort in a lively Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC) Critical Conversation on energy affordability and access. Demystifying Our Energy System (register) will tackle the ins and outs of reading utility bills, applying for energy assistance, and accessing affordable energy saving programs and tools, as well as the importance of addressing climate change and building a clean and equitable energy system. 3 p.m., via Zoom.
Apr. 27 - CONVENE 2023: Data, Technology & Connectedness to Health
The Carlson School's CONVENE conference is an annual thought-leadership conference focused on the intersection of healthcare, technology, and data analytics as major solutions to healthcare issues. The 5th annual event will focus on the interconnectedness of the health sector and examine how data, analytics, and technologies can identify gaps and drive solutions to advance value and health equity. 9 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Carlson School of Management and live online.
May 11-12 - Teaching for Student Well-being Program
Join a systemwide group of faculty, instructors, postdocs, and graduate students to consider and discuss how course design and teaching practices affect student well-being and learning.
Faculty spotlight: Amanda Lucas
Amanda Lucas joined the U of M Crookston’s Department of Communication as a teaching specialist in 2021. She received a PhD in communications from the University of North Dakota in 2020. Learn more about Lucas.
Apr. 5 - Jankofsky Lecture featuring Carissa Harris
Carissa Harris will present “Reproducing Wenches - Histories and Futures of Intersectional Disadvantage,” a lecture about the history of the word “wench” from a Black feminist perspective. Harris focuses on the derogatory term for a woman who was young, single, socio-economically disadvantaged, and sexually available. Part of the discussion will center around the Supreme Court’s decision in Dobbs vs Jackson Women’s Health Organization. 5:15 p.m.-6:30 p.m., Kathryn A. Martin Library Rotunda.
Apr. 15 - Student art show reception and awards
This year’s student art exhibition, “Perspectives,” features 67 works of art created by 46 different students. The pieces are on display through Apr. 22 and include animation, ceramics, digital art, drawing, graphic design, motion graphics, painting, photography, printmaking, and video. The work was juried by graphic designer Travis Haggerty and artist Zeinab Saab. 2-3:30 p.m., Tweed Museum of Art.
March 29 - Jooinn Lee Lecture with Julie Novkov
Julie Novkov is the speaker for the 2023 Jooinn Lee Lecture. Novkov is professor of political science and women’s, gender, and sexuality studies at the State University of New York at Albany. Her address is titled "Back to the Future: The New Rights Jurisprudence of the Roberts Court."
Apr. 1 - 38th CNIA Powwow
The Circle of Nations Indigenous Association will hold its 38th Powwow in the U of M Morris Cougar Sports Center. The grand entry takes place at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m., with a community feast from 5-6 p.m.
Beyond the Nest alumni podcast: Tabula Rasa
The latest episode of Beyond the Nest profiles U of M Rochester’s inaugural chancellor, Stephen Lehmkuhle. As the first chancellor of one of the country’s most innovative public institutions of higher education, Lehmkuhle had one of academia’s rarest of opportunities: starting a new campus from scratch.
Ebony Night celebration
UMR’s Black Student Union hosted students, faculty, staff, and community members for its masquerade-themed annual Ebony Night event on March 18. The event celebrated Black excellence through various performances, speeches, and other entertainment including poetry, dance, and song.
Autistic, not sorry
You’ll probably learn something about dogs when you meet Isabelle Morris, and after letting you know she has all of the AKC breeds memorized alphabetically, she’ll joke that if you couldn’t already tell, her other special interest is autism. Morris is a second-year doctoral student at the University’s Institute of Child Development who is also completing a MNLEND fellowship at the Institute on Community Integration.
April - U of M Day of Service
The Alumni Association's U of M Day of Service is back, bringing together the global community of alumni and friends to serve in their communities. This year, participate anytime during the month of April to serve in your community while spreading the maroon and gold spirit. Choose among various volunteer activities or submit your own independent activity.
May 15-June 2 - Public Health Institute
The 2023 Public Health Institute will be returning in person on the University of Minnesota Twin Cities campus. The institute will feature over 30 course offerings for students and practicing professionals in public health and related fields. Participants can build or expand their professional expertise, learn best practices, broaden career options, network with other professionals, or explore a new area of interest.
UMTC featured events
March 30 - Mikyoung Kim: Play and Restoration in Our Post-Pandemic World
March 30-Apr. 2 - UShakesperience!
Apr. 2 - U of M Night with Timberwolves
Apr. 4 - School of Public Health Research Day
Apr. 10 - Becoming a Black Woman in Switzerland
Apr. 12 - Webinar: Managing Difficult Conversations
Apr. 15 - Fundraise for Change: Global Surgery & Disparities Program