Brief summer schedule: Brief will publish on June 9 and 23; July 14 and 28; and Aug. 11 and 25. Weekly publication will resume Sept. 8.
- Board of Regents May meeting highlights.
- Features: New research optimizes body’s own immune system to fight cancer; Top of Mind podcast; A testament to resilience and perseverance.
- Awards and Recognition: A new $50 million endowed scholarship fund has been established at the Carlson School; and more.
Board of Regents May meeting highlights
At the May Board of Regents meeting, University of Minnesota leaders discussed pandemic-related deficits of $172.5 million in the current fiscal year, as well as recommendations to address the budget shortfall. Additionally, Regents reviewed President Joan Gabel’s recommended FY22 capital improvement budget, discussed campus-level strategic planning with leadership from the Crookston campus, approved promotion, tenure, and annual continuous appointment recommendations for faculty and academic staff systemwide, and more. See the news release for more details.
New research optimizes body’s own immune system to fight cancer
A groundbreaking study led by engineering and medical researchers shows how engineered immune cells used in new cancer therapies can overcome physical barriers to allow a patient’s own immune system to fight tumors. The research could improve cancer therapies in the future for millions of people worldwide.
Top of Mind podcast: Beyond the pandemic, and a look at the PAWS program
The latest episode of Top of Mind: Promoting Mental Health at the University of Minnesota takes a look at how the University of Minnesota will try to bolster the mental health of students moving forward, and also offers a look at the popular PAWS program—Pet Away Worry & Stress.
A testament to resilience and perseverance
Christina Norris graduates this spring with a bachelor’s in Family Social Science and already has set her sights on a double master’s degree. But her path has been anything but conventional. The first-generation college student never stopped striving for a college degree despite health and family setbacks and a host of other detours.
Awards and Recognition
A new $50 million endowed scholarship fund has been established at the University of Minnesota’s Carlson School of Management; a $4.3 million NASA grant will support a new Interdisciplinary Consortium for Astrobiology Research program; Rachel Hardeman has been honored with a Bush Fellowship; Ryan Caverly has received a Department of Defense DEPSCoR award; the Department of Integrative Biology and Physiology has been awarded a $150,000 “Inclusive Excellence” grant from the American Heart Association; Soumya Sen has been named one of Poets & Quants 2021 “Best 40-Under-40 Professors”; Brenda Child is the 2021 recipient of the President’s Community-Engaged Scholar Award; the Natural Resources Research Institute is the recipient of the 2021 P&A Senate Outstanding Unit Award; U in the News features highlights of U faculty and staff cited in the media. Awards and Recognition
Reminder: Complete ‘preventing sexual misconduct’ training
The deadline for all University faculty and staff to complete the “Preventing Sexual Misconduct, Discrimination, and Retaliation” training module is May 27. President Gabel has made this a top priority as part of the University’s continuing work to create a safe, welcoming, and positive campus climate, and it is a requirement for all faculty, staff, and student workers. Find a link and instructions for the education module on the My Training page in Training Hub.
Protect yourself and the University
When you protect yourself by taking care not to click links or open attachments in email, you also protect the University. Many of the big cyber attacks, like recent ransomware attacks in the news, begin with a spam email carrying a malicious attachment or link. See an example of a dangerous email. If in doubt about an email, forward it to [email protected] for a second opinion.
UMN Headlines: May 2021
The second installment of a new video series shares highlights of recent accomplishments by the University of Minnesota community. The series, "UMN Headlines," features news from around the University of Minnesota System. Watch the second installment here.
Talking teenage mental health with the U of M
Every year, statewide data show that depression and suicidality are increasing among Minnesota’s youth. In a recently published study, U of M Medical School researchers found that, for public school students overall in Minnesota and for the majority of specific racial and ethnic subgroups, teenagers who get more sleep and have strong parent relationships have reduced rates of depressive symptoms, suicide ideation, and suicide attempts. See other recent "Talking with the U of M" features.
Tracking public restrooms on Minnesota bike trails
An interdisciplinary team from the University of Minnesota collaborated to identify the location of public restrooms and portable toilets along every bicycle path and route throughout Minnesota. The project—MN Bike and GO—is using crowdsourcing and mobile devices to identify the locations on an interactive web-based map.
May 20 - Program in Human Sexuality anniversary benefit
The Medical School's Program in Human Sexuality will host a virtual gala celebrating 50 years of advancing sexual and gender health. The gala will be hosted by CBS News correspondent Jamie Yuccas and include entertainment by Billy Porter, with appearances by celebrities including former Surgeon General Joycelyn Elders. 7 p.m.
June 9 - Employee Assistance Program webinar: Meet with a Sand Creek Counselor
One in four people will struggle with mental health at some point in their lives. The U of M’s Employee Assistance Program provides confidential professional consultation and referral services to address any personal or work concern that may be affecting your wellbeing. You can receive up to eight sessions at no cost. This drop-in/interactive session with Sand Creek (register) will look at resources, coping strategies, and helpful tools. Bring your questions or email in advance to [email protected]. Noon-1 p.m.
U of M featured events
May 20 - Making Dance During the Pandemic, with Carl Flink and Jon Hallberg
May 25 - Coffee and Career Connections
May 25 - U of M School of Music presents In Concert: University Organist Dean Billmeyer
May 26 - No Poverty: End Poverty in All Its Forms Everywhere
May 26 - Bee-Coming the Change Youth Leadership Program
June 2 - Using online groups to enhance student learning, interactivity and community
Isaacs named director of student success and academic advising
U of M Crookston welcomes Director of Student Success and Academic Advising Jacob Isaacs to campus. Isaacs comes to Crookston from Purdue University, where he was most recently assistant director of student life. He has worked as an education researcher, higher education administrator, and consultant throughout his career.
UMD pharmacy students administer COVID-19 vaccines
UMD pharmacy student Larissa Ostfeld and alumna Ally Kingsbury are among those stepping in at a moment’s notice to provide COVID-19 vaccines to people all over Minnesota. “It’s definitely a historic moment. Community pharmacies are really taking the brunt of putting an end to this pandemic, and being able to assist with that has been super amazing,” explains Ostfeld in this video about her and Kingsbury’s experiences.
Faculty retirements
This year, seven UMD faculty members have announced their retirement: John Keener, applied human sciences, College of Education and Human Service Professions; Pat Farrell, geography; Linda Legarde Grover, American Indian studies; Dan Martin, anthropology/sociology/criminology; Elizabeth Nelson, communication (all from the College of Liberal Arts); Jon Pierce, management studies, Labovitz School of Business and Economics; and Bob Kase, music and dean’s office, School of Fine Arts.
Women’s track and field team repeats as outdoor champs
The University of Minnesota Morris women's track & field team claimed the conference championship at the 2021 Upper Midwest Athletic Conference (UMAC) Outdoor Track & Field Championships. Following the championship, the Cougars scored additional conference honors, including Field Athlete of the Meet (Jessica Bliese), Coach of the Year (Josh Kuusisto), and the UMAC Sportsmanship Award.
Nielsen awarded Critical Language Scholarship
Political science major Isaiah Nielsen ’22 was awarded a Critical Language Scholarship to South Korea. Nielsen will study in Gwangju, South Korea, for two months, allowing him both to learn about and to immerse himself in the culture and language of the country.
Educational innovation
UMR’s interdisciplinary Center for Learning Innovation drives educational innovation with a faculty research focus on student learning and development. UMR faculty Cassidy Terrell and alumna Cassandra Kersten’s manuscript, "It's a Substrate... It's a Protein... No - It's an Enzyme! Teaching using 3D Serine Protease Physical Modeling Activities to Confront Misconceptions," has been accepted for publication in CourseSource.
Everything is adding up for Ayebo
When Professor Abraham Ayebo first saw the job listing for UMR, he knew it was the right fit. Not only was the university looking for a math instructor, it was specifically seeking one who could apply math and statistics work to the field of education. Read more about Ayebo at Med City Beat.
Tour the new YMCA Early Childhood Learning Center
The YMCA Early Childhood Learning Center, located on campus at 326 16th Avenue SE, will host open houses with private tours June 15 and 16; get more information and schedule your tour at 952-582-8286 or visit ymcamn.org/eclc. Priority registration (June 1-July 2) will be given to University of Minnesota faculty, staff, and students.
June 21 - UROC Community Day - The Art of Transformation: We Thrive Together
Join University of Illinois Chancellor Robert J. Jones, U of M President Joan Gabel, and special guests in a celebration of groundbreaking research and vibrant community outreach at the Urban Research Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC) Community Day/Tenth Anniversary Celebration. The event will feature The Art of Transformation: We Thrive Together, a virtual UROC critical conversation featuring five of the UROC's innovative project leaders who've demonstrated exceptional resilience and creativity over the past year. 4 p.m.