November 13, 2024
Inside This Issue
- AI in healthcare: New research shows promise and limitations.
Top News
AI in healthcare: New research shows promise and limitations
A collaborative team of researchers studied how well doctors used GPT-4—an artificial intelligence large language model system—for diagnosing patients. The research team found that the availability of GPT-4 to physicians as a diagnostic aid did not significantly improve clinical reasoning compared to conventional resources, though GPT-4 alone demonstrated significantly better scores in diagnostic performance. The results underline the complexity of integrating AI into clinical practice.
U-Wide News
Farmer-driven solution from Australia gets the Minnesota test
Ryan Mackenthun operates a 2,200-acre corn and soybean farm with his brother-in-law, Nathan Zellman. After being approached by U of M Extension educator Taylor Herbert and Debalin Sarangi, Extension weed scientist, they’re participating in a 15-state trial to test a new method of destroying weeds called harvest-time weed seed control. “Being in the next generation of farmers, if you’re not looking for new ways of doing things, you shouldn’t expect different results,” says Mackenthun. “Working with the University of Minnesota is an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”
Shelter and rescue animals receive life-changing treatment
Deb Haak won’t ever forget Raisin, a Mammoth donkey that was just 36 hours old when she was brought to the U of M’s Veterinary Medical Center (VMC) with an infection, kidney issues, and severely contracted tendons. “She was a very rare breed created by George Washington and is known to be intelligent and have a sweet disposition,” says Haak, patient/client advocate for the VMC. The VMC’s donor-supported Shelter and Rescue Animal Fund is giving Raisin and other animals needing specialized care a chance.
Rider’s license
How do you keep kids on ATVs safe? U of M Extension educators and 4-H volunteers are providing safety training in the classroom and in the field. ATV safety training is now a part of 65 events and programs offered by 4-H, which is run through Extension.
Marvelous, cold-hardy mums
The University of Minnesota cold-hardy research program is responsible for more than 90 Chrysanthemum introductions over the past 100 years. Not only is this breeding program the oldest public breeding sector of Chrysanthemum in the world, but it is also the only public sector Chrysanthemum breeding program in the United States. Read more about the fascinating history of cold-hardy mums in Minnesota.
Nov. 15 - Inaugural AI Use Case Faculty Café
Join in the inaugural AI Use Case Faculty Café (RSVP) for presentations by faculty from the U of M’s Emerging Technology Faculty Fellowship Program. The event will include short presentations, engaging discussions, networking opportunities, and more. 9-10 a.m., 2-122 Molecular and Cellular Biology Building, Twin Cities, and live online via Zoom.
Nov. 18-22 - International Education Week
International Education Week is an annual celebration to highlight the University's support of international teaching, research, and engagement. Colleges, campuses, and units have planned a variety of events and activities. See the schedule of events and help celebrate international students.
Crookston
DEED grant allows partnership with regional businesses on summer internships
The U of M Crookston, Veden Center for Rural Development, and regional businesses partnered over the summer to host internships for students based on a grant received from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED). More than 3,000 paid internship hours were recorded. U of M Crookston’s Career Services and faculty members served as advisors and mentors for the students, while tracking work outcomes and acting as liaisons between the University and the employers.
Students present at Wildlife Society conference
Four members of the U of M Crookston Student Chapter of The Wildlife Society and their advisor John Loegering recently attended the annual conference of The Wildlife Society in Baltimore, MD. Students Ryan Kalal, Zoey Magner, Hunter Kasprowicz, and Eric Gunderson took part in technical presentations, workshops, and networking events, and represented the campus in the National Wildlife Quiz Bowl, in which Loegering served as a moderator.
Nov. 16 - Public course on technical large animal emergency rescue
U of M Crookston will host a public course on technical large animal emergency rescue. The session will include a classroom presentation and discussion with Rebecca Gimenez Husted, an internationally recognized speaker and editor of the only textbook in the industry, plus a trailer tip demonstration and Q&A. Cost for the public is $45 and continuing education units are available. A separate session for U of M Crookston students will be held the same day.
Duluth
UMD announces new vice chancellor for finance and operations
Matt Massman has been named the vice chancellor for finance and operations at UMD. A finance and operations leader with more than 30 years experience in state government and higher education, Massman served as Minnesota’s state commissioner of administration, deputy chief of staff, and deputy commissioner of revenue for Governor Mark Dayton, and has since led public policy advocacy for the Minnesota Inter-County Association. Massman’s appointment takes effect Dec. 2.
UMD grad creates first women’s sports bar in the Midwest
UMD alumna Jillian Hiscock (MEd ’09) spent her career in higher education and nonprofits before opening A Bar of Their Own in South Minneapolis. It’s the Midwest's first sports bar that exclusively shows women's sports—and that includes Bulldogs sports. The bar will host a watch party for the Nov. 15 women’s hockey game in Duluth against the Gophers.
Morris
Safety, sustainability are focus of a studio upgrade grant
Thanks to an $80,000 grant from the Windgate Foundation, U of M Morris studio arts students are enjoying a safer and more sustainable studio experience. The grant funded the replacement of aging equipment including a printmaking press, gas kiln, and ceramics glaze mixing tables, and upgraded ventilation for the printmaking, ceramics, and woodworking studios.
Nov. 16 - Mini Medieval Renaissance Festival connects students with Morris community
Students in Lisa Bevevino’s community-engaged learning French 1803 class will don medieval costumes to offer a wide variety of activities for the third annual Mini Medieval Renaissance Fest at the Morris Public Library.
Volunteers needed for November Morris Community Meal
November's Morris Community Meal will take place Nov. 18 at Faith Lutheran Church. Volunteers are needed to help prepare, serve, and clean up. Morris Community Meals are free meals served to anyone. Regional businesses and organizations fund the meal, while students, faculty, staff, and community members cook together and share a meal.
Rochester
Alumni feature: Melissa Juarez
Melissa Juarez ’22 chose UMR because of the strong emphasis on healthcare and the supportive campus community. “Being surrounded by peers with similar aspirations fueled my motivation,” says Juarez. “The resources and opportunities UMR provided were instrumental in preparing me for medical school and my journey to becoming a physician.” Juarez is currently in her second year of podiatric medical school.
Nov. 21 - Give to the Max Day: UMR Food Pantry Fund
U of M Rochester is highlighting the UMR Food Pantry Fund during this year’s Give to the Max Day. This fund supports UMR’s on-campus food pantry, which is available to students, faculty, and staff. Increased funding will enhance food, storage, and personnel to further support the campus community.
Twin Cities
Community Fund Drive results
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Community Fund Drive. Together, the U of M Twin Cities community raised $852,653. Whether you made a donation, participated in one of your department’s events, or showed your support in other ways, the University and community nonprofits are grateful for your support.
Call for nominations: 2024 University Services Star Performer Awards
The Star Performer Awards recognize employees who exemplify University Services’ mission to create the places and experiences that inspire people to learn, discover, live, and work at the University of Minnesota. All University Services individuals and teams are eligible for an award, and any member of the University community is invited to submit nominations. The deadline is noon, Dec. 6.
Call for art: Display in Student Unions & Activities galleries
Those interested in displaying artwork in the Student Unions & Activities' (SUA) galleries, including faculty, staff, students and student groups, and departments, are invited to submit original creative work. SUA’s Arts & Culture team is dedicated to bringing diverse, challenging, innovative, and cultural exhibitions to campus. The application deadline is March 7 to be considered for the 2025-26 academic year. Learn more and apply or email [email protected] for more information.
Cultural studies: A window and mirror
Studying other cultures is a way to learn both about the world and yourself, says Ana Forcinito, professor of Latin American Literature and Cultural Studies in the College of Liberal Arts. “Learning from other cultures is a window to see what is outside,” Forcinito says. “But at the same time, I think it’s a mirror where you can look back at yourself and look back at your own culture.”
People in the picture
Plants were a constant for Alejandra Perez-Enriquez growing up in Costa Rica. Now a graduate student, Perez-Enriquez studies how plants interact with the environment. She makes regular trips back to Costa Rica for field research and to work on helping communities shape their own future through participatory ecological restoration.
Life on the other side of fear
Look closely at David Leitch’s left arm and you’ll find the words, “Everything you want is on the other side of fear.” The tattoo is a personal creed, his production company’s motto, and his advice for students as they navigate the world. The Brad Pitt stunt double-turned-director’s latest film The Fall Guy was hailed by NPR as “a tribute to stunt performers and the often unrecognized risks they take.” But before there was Hollywood, there was life at the University.
Featured events
Nov. 15 - Cabaret
Nov. 16 - Spotlight Science: Veterinary Medicine
Nov. 16-17 - 63rd Annual Marching Band Indoor Concert
Nov. 18 - University of Minnesota 2024 Spatial Forum & Borchert Lecture
Nov. 19 - Media Literacy and Democracy
Nov. 20 - Exploring Legal and Societal Barriers for LGBTIQ Asylum Seekers and Migrants
Nov. 20: China Center 45th Anniversary Dinner and Lecture
Nov. 20: World Dialogue on Curriculum Internationalization
Nov. 21 - Opening Night at Winter Lights | Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Nov. 21 - Sun Dogs: Filmmaker and Composer Pairings with Alarm Will Sound
Nov. 22 - Telling Your Place-Based Stories Workshop