November 2, 2022

Inside This Issue
  • Researchers seek early indicators of cognitive impairment by analyzing social media data.
  • High-res maps of entire polar regions provide new clues for climate researchers.
  • Awards and Recognition: Researchers have been awarded $21M to lead research revealing the effects of vagus nerve stimulation in humans.
Top News

Researchers seek early indicators of cognitive impairment by analyzing social media data

Elderly woman working on laptop

A person’s online interactions leave behind a “digital footprint” that often contains vast amounts of information about their feelings, behavior, and overall well-being. A new study by School of Public Health researchers will analyze these digital footprints to examine how their linguistic, syntactic, or behavioral markers could provide early evidence of cognitive impairment and dementia.

 

High-res maps of entire polar regions provide new clues for climate researchers

detailed polar region terrain map

A University of Minnesota–led team of researchers has released four more years of high-resolution imagery data, which has been added to eight years of previous data, to produce the most detailed polar region terrain maps ever created. The maps use satellite data to show the polar regions in stunning detail and will provide new insights into the effects of climate change over time.

 

Awards and Recognition

U of M researchers have been awarded a $21M NIH grant to lead research revealing the effects of vagus nerve stimulation in humans; U in the News features highlights of University faculty and staff cited in the media.

Awards and Recognition

U-Wide News

Stormwater control strategies help prevent phosphorus pollution of Minnesota’s waterways

A person takes a sample from an algae covered river or lake

Retention ponds are an important tool for stormwater treatment. When they work, they sequester pollutants that would otherwise be washed into Minnesota’s waterways. However, these ponds lose functionality over time if they aren’t maintained properly. Researchers from the St. Anthony Falls Laboratory conducted a study aimed at finding pond maintenance strategies that are both effective and cost-effective for local planning agencies.

 

Radical listening to reduce stroke disparities

Black Americans are twice as likely to experience a stroke and face worse outcomes compared to their white peers. A new Clinical and Translational Science Institute-supported study is working to change that by training “stroke champions” who can educate the rest of their community

Guide to inclusive teaching at a predominantly white institution

A new Inclusive Teaching at a Predominantly White Institution (PWI) guide provides definitions, key ideas, PWI assumptions, core concepts, suggested teaching practices, and references so that instructors can develop their capacity for inclusive teaching in ways that fit their teaching contexts.

Research Brief: Digital nudges encourage more exercise

Text messages, app alerts, and emails—so-called “digital nudges”—are effective at pushing us to do things, even exercise. New University of Minnesota research shows these actions used by corporate wellness programs lead to increased exercise among participants. 

Nov. 7-11 - University Compliance Week

The Office of Institutional Compliance works to promote a University culture that encourages ethical conduct and a commitment to compliance through awareness, recognition, and reinforcement. See compliance.umn.edu for planned activities and more information.

Nov. 9 - Neuroplasticity in aging

Neuroplasticity sounds academic, but it means more to us and our loved ones if we have an injury, and as we age. Neuroscientist and professor Janet Dubinsky will share what's being discovered about how our brains adapt and what it means for living well at any age. This workshop (register) from the U of M Retirees Association is online and open to all. 11 a.m. 

Crookston

Alumni feature: Paul Gregg

Paul Gregg

Paul Gregg ’77 has owned the Irishman’s Shanty in Crookston since 1984 and got his start at the U of M Crookston Technical College as a Trojan. He studied hotel, restaurant, and institutional management with a restaurant management concentration, earning an associate in applied science degree.

Duluth

U of M Duluth Academy of Science and Engineering honors

Tom Ferguson and Heidi Korstad

Two alumni, Thomas Ferguson (engineering) and Heidi Korstad (biology), were recently honored by the Swenson College of Science and Engineering and inducted into the UMD Academy of Science and Engineering. In addition, three other alumni received awards: Nathan De Jager, Inspiring Scientist (biology); Ben Helmer, Inspiring Engineer (civil engineering); and Bhairavi Shankar, Inspiring Scientist (planetary science).

 

‘Office Hours’ with Richard Robbins

Richard Robbins

In this episode of “Office Hours,” UMD talks with Richard Robbins, director of choirs. “The way we believe is what we sing,” says Robbins. He would know, since he studies the history of songs around the world. Robbins says that students are impressed with UMD, especially when they “hear music in the Weber Music Hall for the first time. It’s one of the best acoustic spaces in the U.S.”

Morris

U of M Morris among top 10 in 2022 Sustainable Campus Index

Logo reading starts a program of AASHE

The University of Minnesota Morris has been ranked among the top 10 performers in the 2022 Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education Sustainable Campus Index, a publication that recognizes top-performing colleges and universities in 17 sustainability impact areas and overall by institution type.

 

Nov. 2 - ‘Asking the Big Questions’

Graphic of water tower reading Morris as well as a wind tower

Asking the Big Questions” has assembled a super-powered panel of experts from the City of Morris and U of M Morris to talk about local green initiatives. A Q&A will follow the panel presentation. 7-8 p.m., McGinnis Room, Briggs Library.

 

 

Through Nov. 19 - ‘Biophilia’ exhibit

Two artworks from the Biophilia exhibit hang on a wall

The Edward J. & Helen Jane Morrison Gallery is exhibiting “Biophilia,” a collection of artists exploring how humans interact with nature, or, "the urge to affiliate with other forms of life."

Rochester

Exhibition of young artists in Creativity Camp

varied colorful artwork

U of M Rochester assistant professor Yuko Taniguchi, along with Peng Wu (St. Cloud State University) and Jamee Yung (Weisman Art Museum), curated “The World Inside You: Exhibition of Young Artists in Creativity Camp 2022,” currently exhibited at the U of M Twin Cities Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center. The exhibit is inspired by the University of Minnesota’s Creativity Camp and invites audience members to experience the discoveries made at camp. The exhibition will run through May 2023.

 

Discover UMR visit days

U of M Rochester recently welcomed high school students and their families to campus for Discover UMR campus visit days. Prospective students connected with staff and faculty to explore future health career opportunities and learn more about UMR’s unique curriculum. Visiting students received a campus tour and a sneak peek at UMR’s new housing project scheduled to open in fall 2023. 

Student scholars honored at 2022 Scholarship Brunch

Student scholarship recipients, benefactors, and UMR leadership gathered to celebrate student scholars on Oct. 23. Attendees heard from three UMR student scholars who shared their stories and academic journeys. Over 30 scholarships were awarded to more than 80 student recipients.

Twin Cities

Knowledge Computing Lab turns location data into time-saving tools

Class members look at a TV screen display

College of Science and Engineering associate professor Yao-Yi Chiang's team of computer science PhD students are using both open-source map data and cartography from the past to improve land use, predict air quality, and understand other concerns. The technology has the potential to reduce human labor and speed up map analyses.

 

Man at arms

Mike Lubke sparring

When Mike Lubke was in middle school in St. Paul, he dreamed of becoming a professional wrestler like the men he followed on TV. Then he learned that professional wrestling wasn’t purely athletic and that the matches were scripted. That realization could have been disappointing. Instead, it set Lubke (BA ’09) on a path to becoming a fight choreographer, performer, and stage-combat instructor.

 

Double trouble

French bulldog puppy

Two French bulldogs named Pearl and Rajah started life separately but crossed paths at about eight weeks old when it was found that they had the same heart defect. Rajah and Pearl underwent lifesaving heart surgery at the U of M Veterinary Medical Center.

 

 

Nov. 4-11 - First-generation student celebration

Join in a week of celebrating the success and contributions of first-generation students, faculty, and staff during First-Generation College Student Celebration Week. The week kicks off with a group photo and includes events throughout the week. Read stories from first-gen students, faculty, and staff and submit your story, download First-Gen Proud signs or Zoom backgrounds, and learn more at firstgen.umn.edu

Nov. 15 - Climate Action Planning Workshop

The Office of Sustainability and the Twin Cities Sustainability Committee will host the Climate Action Planning Workshop, which will include a short presentation followed by small-group breakouts. Register to participate and provide your input on how the University should eliminate emissions and adapt to a changing climate. 4-5:30 p.m., 451 Moos Tower. 

UMTC featured events

Marching band french horn players

Nov. 2 - Why are we trapped in conflict, and how do we get out?

Nov. 3 - A Global Business’ Growth Journey During China’s Rise: Strategic Considerations Amid U.S.-China Tensions 

Nov. 4 - Eloisa Amezcua & Tracy K. Smith Reading 

Nov. 4 - Counter-Terrorism, Peacebuilding, and the UN

Nov. 5 - 61st Annual Marching Band Indoor Concert 

Nov. 8 - Forum on Early-Stage Startup Funding 

Nov. 9 - Panel Conversation: At the Edges of Light and Dark 

Nov. 11 - Seventh Annual 3-Minute Thesis Competition

Nov. 14 - Quie and Peterson Global Health Lecture: Planetary Health: Global Health's Next Frontier?  

Nov. 15 - Understanding U of M Policy: Accommodations for Lactation 

Nov. 16 - Global Perspectives on Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Webinar 

Nov. 17 - Learning Lab Series: Positive Deviance with Dr. Alex Foster   

See the full Events Calendar