November 20, 2024
Inside This Issue
- New Driven to Discover campaign kicks off.
- Awards and Recognition: The U of M Twin Cities has been recognized as a global leader in the latest Shanghai Rankings; and more.
Top News
New Driven to Discover campaign kicks off
The University of Minnesota has launched its 2024-25 Driven to Discover systemwide marketing campaign, “Healthier. Here, There, and Everywhere.” The campaign demonstrates how the University of Minnesota System is building a healthier state and planet by improving human health, as well as the health of our animals, our agriculture, our society, and our economy. Through TV and radio ads, websites, and social media messages, the campaign highlights stories from all five campuses. You’ll find each of the first five stories featured within this issue of Brief.
Awards and Recognition
The U of M Twin Cities has been recognized as a global leader in the Shanghai Ranking’s 2024 Global Ranking of Academic Subjects; Monica Luciana has received a more than $3.2 million NIH R01 grant to measure neurobehavioral function and drug exposure; Mapping Prejudice has received a $786,000 grant from the Mellon Foundation; Andrew Oxenham and Magdalena Wojtczak have been awarded a more than $760,000 grant to collect measures in a civilian population to differentiate blast exposure from traditional noise-induced hearing loss in service members; the Research and Innovation Office has awarded approximately $50,000 to each of two projects through its Artist-in-Residence program; Aaron Engelhart has received a National Science Foundation CAREER Award in support of his work on nucleic acids; Stephanie Hanson has received a Fulbright US Scholar Program award; the Office for Supplier Diversity has recognized Sharon Banks, Lissa Martinez Huebner, and three University departments; Laurie Van Egeren has been reelected president of the Engagement Scholarship Consortium board; Chris Gade has been named the U of M’s vice president for communications.
U-Wide News
Mental health training: Student mental health on your campus
Employees across the University now have access to the most recent student mental health data for their campus, collected in spring 2024. Learn about the needs of students on your campus and build skills to support student wellbeing in the classroom, for student employees, and in any student-facing position. Enroll in the 20-minute online, on-demand professional development training “Student Mental Health On Your Campus.”
Remove unused course sites and web content
The University must comply with digital accessibility regulations (WCAG 2.1, Level AA) by April 2026. Faculty, staff, and instructors are encouraged to start by removing unused Canvas course content, outdated web pages, and irrelevant digital materials. Taking this step now reduces the effort needed for accessibility updates later. Contact the Office for Digital Accessibility for any questions or a consultation for further guidance.
Continuing subscription access to Brief for retirees/alums
As a reminder, on Dec. 7 U of M Google Workspace and email accounts will permanently close for those who graduated or retired from the University of Minnesota before Nov. 18, 2024. See the Leaving the University self-help guide for details, tools, and support. University Relations encourages alumni/retirees to resubscribe to Brief with a personal email address. Highlights of Brief are also available at brief.umn.edu.
Reinvigorating pollinators with perennial flax
Recent decades have seen a decline in pollinator populations and health. One major cause of this decline is the lack of suitable food resources, namely flowers. To maintain productivity and increase the profitability of agriculture in the state, researchers are exploring perennial flax as a cash crop capable of meeting pollinator needs while providing sustainable sources of oilseed and fiber.
Climate change and migratory birds
In Minnesota, increasing winter and spring temperatures could promote birds staying through the winter and breeding earlier. Based on historical records, current populations of migratory birds are shown to arrive earlier in the spring and breed sooner than they did in the past, but these trends are not equal across species. The University of Minnesota is developing tools to help forecast climate change and suggest strategies for adaptation.
Talking rural health care with the U of M
To mark National Rural Health Day (Nov. 21), School of Public Health associate professor Carrie Henning-Smith, who specializes in health and health care in rural communities, discusses the unique challenges and opportunities related to addressing rural health and well-being. See more editions of "Talking with U of M."
Research Brief: Insecticide contamination in Minnesota’s ground and surface water
New research from the University of Minnesota examined levels of neonicotinoid insecticides in surface and groundwater across Minnesota. The findings reveal the extent of contamination across the state and help inform water treatment plans for these important sources that provide drinking water for a large number of Minnesotans. See additional recent Research Briefs.
Nov. 21 - Give to the Max Day
Nov. 21 is the University of Minnesota’s Give to the Max Day. Join colleagues and the U-wide community in showing your U of M pride by using #UMNGive on social media, and support your favorite University causes at givingday.umn.edu. Your support will go even further because of special one-day matches, and a gift or social media shout-out could win your U of M cause up to $50,000 in bonus donations.
Nov. 30 - Support U of M Bookstores on Small Business Saturday
U of M Bookstores is a small business, with all profit returned to the University—to student, faculty, and staff support initiatives. On Small Business Saturday, consider giving back by shopping locally. U of M Bookstores will offer a 25 percent discount on apparel, gifts, books, and supplies, plus free shipping. The sale is online-only. Your support helps U of M Bookstores continue its mission and strengthens the U of M community.
Crookston
The miracle of mare milk
At the University of Minnesota Crookston, Assistant Professor Morgan Pyles is leading groundbreaking research that dives into the nutritional wonders of milk made by mares (female horses). The work has profound implications for foal health and the optimal growth and development of horses throughout their lives.
U of M Crookston signs joint degree program MOU, explores partnership
U of M Crookston recently signed two memorandums of understanding, one with Global Leadership University of Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, and another with Mongolian University of Life Sciences. The first MOU relates to a joint degree program in international business, while the second explores possible partnerships between both universities in the areas of agriculture and animal science. Chancellor Mary Holz-Clause and Sok Leng Tan, director of global programs, met with the universities and the U.S. Embassy while in Mongolia.
CSSD members help create disease awareness following October fundraiser
University of Minnesota Crookston Students for Sustainable Development (CSSD) recently hosted a breast cancer awareness trivia night, with proceeds donated to the Breast Cancer Awareness Society. The group, advised by Sustainability Director Katy Chapman, also gave away a cozy fall basket based on participant entries.
Olson keeps scorer’s book for the final time
For 44 years, Linda Olson has kept the scorer's book for Golden Eagle (Trojan) volleyball. Olson, who works in the registrar's office, plans to retire in the spring and recently worked her final volleyball match as the Golden Eagles wrap up the 2024 season.
Duluth
Gales of November
What if we could tap the raw power of Lake Superior’s waves to create usable energy? At the University of Minnesota Duluth, Assistant Professor Craig Hill and his team in the Swenson College of Science and Engineering are laying the groundwork for new ways to generate local, climate-friendly energy from this dynamic natural source.
Dance Works 2024
Experience a dazzling showcase of live dance with Dance Works 2024. The show features new works by UMD faculty, students, and guest artists, highlighting a diverse range of styles and choreographic voices. Nov. 22, 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 23, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; and Nov. 24, 2 p.m., Marshall Performing Arts Center.
Nov. 23 - African Night
Celebrate African culture at the Black Student Association’s annual African Night, 4:30-8 p.m., Kirby Ballroom. Enjoy traditional food, clothing, and performances that honor Africa's diverse cultures. The theme for this year is "Land of Gold." Tickets are $10 for students and $13 for non-UMD students and faculty.
Morris
Disrupting the cycle of Native health disparities
Health disparities among Western and Indigenous communities can seem intractable, despite health professionals’ efforts and funding from government agencies, foundations, and universities dedicated to addressing them. At the University of Minnesota Morris, Professor of Psychology Heather Peters has partnered with the Native nonprofit Dakota Wicohan on an Indigenous approach to disrupt this cycle and change the perception that Native identity is a risk factor for poor health.
Give to the Max Day features MAX fund
During this year’s Give to the Max Day, U of M Morris is highlighting the Morris Academic eXperience, or MAX fund, a scholarship to support educational opportunities for students who wish to enhance their academic career through internships, studying abroad, community-engaged learning, and undergraduate research.
Nov. 21-22 - Dance Ensemble fall shows
Dance Ensemble's fall shows are a chance to watch students perform student-choreographed dances in one of the biggest events of the semester. Be captivated by the talent and creativity of the U of M Morris Dance Ensemble. This dedicated group of students brings together their passion for dance to create compelling performances and enhance dance availability on campus. See performance times, find tickets, and learn more.
Rochester
Using AI to detect cancer
In medicine, early detection can mean the difference between life and death. University of Minnesota Rochester alumnus Quincy Gu is pioneering an innovative artificial intelligence to analyze potential melanoma cases, one pixel at a time.
UMR represented at the White House
Chancellor Lori Carrell represented UMR recently at the "Classroom to Career" Summit at the White House. The White House event included keynotes from President Joe Biden and First Lady Jill Biden as well as a panel including the secretaries of education, labor, commerce, and transportation. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona shared encouragement for the innovative UMR community to “keep leading.”
Unbound teaching and learning at U of M Rochester
U of M Rochester and members of the Rochester community gathered recently for the annual State of the Campus event: Learning Innovation Unbound. During the event, faculty winners of the Horace T. Morse-University of Minnesota Alumni Association Award were paired with students to share stories of “unbound teaching and learning.” Panelist Magi Blackmon ’23 shared, "UMR doesn’t just promote unbound learning, we [alumni] are all outcomes of the learning that happens here."
Twin Cities
An integrated approach to our food challenges
Addressing food insecurity continues to be one of the greatest challenges for our state, nation, and world. In response to this challenge, the University of Minnesota Twin Cities—through its College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences—is taking a multifaceted and integrated approach to feed a growing population while protecting our environment.
Science fiction to science fact
Many scientists agree that a world in which extraterrestrial life exists is statistically plausible. If the day of “first contact” ever arrives, astrobiologist and graduate student Peter Winslow wants to be ready. “If we ever discover life beyond our planet, it’d be so cool to be on the list of people NASA calls,” says Winslow. As a recent recipient of the NASA Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science and Technology award, Winslow’s chances might be better than most.
View from the 50-yard line
For Ari Martin, there’s nothing quite like taking the field in front of 50,000 spectators at Huntington Bank Stadium on a football Saturday. “It’s the most thrilling experience I’ve had,” says Martin, who is the 67th drum major for the Pride of Minnesota marching band. Learn more about Martin’s experience as a drum major.
Featured events
Nov. 21 - International Education Week: International Poster Session
Nov. 21 - ‘Traveling Without Moving’: A Conversation With Taiyon J. Coleman
Nov. 22-24 - University Dance Theater Fall Concert
Nov. 26 - Campus Bands
Dec. 3 - The Human Rights Movement in the United States Today, lecture by Margaret Huang, Southern Poverty Law Center
Dec. 6 - Walleye Tank, Minnesota's Life Science Pitch Competition
Dec. 7, 8 - VocalEssence: Welcome Christmas
Dec. 10 - Lunch With a Scientist: Cricket Communication and Insecticides
Dec. 13 - Annual Freight and Logistics Symposium: AI-Powered Freight—Revolutionizing Transportation and Logistics
Through Jan. 5 - Winter Lights at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum