- Survivor elms key to revitalizing Minnesota’s elm population.
- National Thanksgiving Turkey comes home following presidential pardon.
- Feature: Fruitful change.
- Awards and Recognition: A U of M research collaboration has received $3.5 million to study the transmission of viruses during commingling events; and more.
Survivor elms key to revitalizing Minnesota’s elm population
In the late 1970s, there were 1.3 million American elms with diameters greater than 21 inches in Minnesota. Today, due to Dutch elm disease, 95 percent are gone, leaving behind fewer than 60,000 big elms. These survivor elms are the basis of an ongoing project managed by College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences researchers to understand why these trees survived and how they can inform future forestry efforts.
National Thanksgiving Turkey comes home following presidential pardon
The College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences will be the new forever home to the official National Thanksgiving Turkey, Liberty, and its alternate, Bell, who were pardoned by President Joe Biden at the White House. This is the U of M’s first time serving as home of the National Thanksgiving Turkey. Liberty and Bell will serve as educational ambassadors in Minnesota, the top turkey-producing state in the U.S.
Fruitful change
By the time Archita Jain was a third-year dental student, she already had years of experience working at a community center with adults and children with disabilities. Many of the families she met shared their frustrations with the oral health care system. "I went to dental school because I wanted to be that provider who could be an advocate for them,” says Jain. Read more about Jain, a Minnesota Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (MNLEND) fellow.
Awards and Recognition
A U of M research collaboration led by Noelle Noyeshas has received $3.5 million to study the transmission of viruses during commingling events; Ardeshir Ebtehaj will lead a $2.9 million NASA-funded project to better understand the decline in Earth’s cyrosphere; U of M researchers have received $1.4 million to evaluate child care subsidies in Minnesota; Alexandra Armstrong has received a $662,000 NIH Early Career award to study Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease; U in the News features highlights of University faculty and staff cited in the media.
Applications invited for director of the Center for Educational Innovation
Nominations and applications are invited from University faculty and academic professionals for the position of director of the Center for Educational Innovation (CEI). Consider either nominating a colleague or applying for this important position. Priority will be given to applications submitted by Dec. 15, though applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Learn more and apply.
Driven to Discover research facility request for applications
The Driven to Discover Research Facility at the Minnesota State Fair is now inviting U of M researchers to take advantage of the unique opportunity to quickly and efficiently recruit study participants in minimal-risk, human-subjects research at the Great Minnesota Get-Together. Apply online by Jan. 16.
New Cannabis Research Center launches
The School of Public Health announced the launch of a new Cannabis Research Center that will assess the impact of adult-use cannabis legalization and help inform future cannabis policies and practices across Minnesota. Professor Traci Toomey will serve as the center’s inaugural director.
First-of-its-kind splatter study examines infection control during oral surgery
A first-of-its-kind study from the School of Dentistry examined the patterns of splatter contamination created by rotary instruments and irrigation during oral surgery. Study findings provide key suggestions for improving safety measures for both providers and patients.
Study addresses disparities in food and nutrition access among older rural adults
Older people who live in rural areas are more likely to experience disparities in food security and proper nutrition and have higher rates of cardiovascular disease than their urban counterparts. School of Public Health researcher Patrick Brady will use a National Institutes of Health training grant to research and prepare an intervention to improve access to local emergency food shelves for aging rural residents.
From the desert sand to Minnesota’s Dairyland
Can camels be raised as dairy in Minnesota? An innovative collaboration between University of Minnesota Extension and Somali community members in Stearns County is exploring the possibilities.
Native-run solar thermal company ignites careers
A solar thermal business located in the White Earth tribal community in Northwestern Minnesota hopes its sustainable product can help build a better future. The organization was recently awarded project funding from the University of Minnesota Extension Regional Sustainable Development Partnerships and Clean Energy Resource Teams.
Research Brief: Global forests could soak up one-third of annual fossil fuel emissions
New research shows that global forest lands could store enough carbon to soak up one-third of annual fossil fuel emissions for decades to come. The results highlight the critical importance of forest conservation, restoration, and sustainable management in moving toward international climate targets. See additional recent Research Briefs.
Talking eye donation with U of M
Across the U.S., more than 100,000 people are in need of eye, organ, or tissue donations. Joshua Hou with the University of Minnesota Medical School and M Health Fairview talks about the process of eye donation and the role of eye banks in restoring vision and providing the gift of sight. See more editions of "Talking with U of M."
Dec. 5 - U.S. Census Bureau town hall
Deirdre Dalpiaz Bishop, chief of the Geography Division at the U.S. Census Bureau, will discuss how the census is working to advance its Geographic Support Program. Bishop will also share developments related to the United Nations Integrated Geospatial Information Framework. 11 a.m., in person and online.
Dec. 2 - ‘Santa Land’
The Crookston Student Association will host its "Santa Land" winter wonderland event for the community at U of M Crookston’s new space downtown, The Nest on Broadway, located in the historic Fournet Building. The event will include games and activities, fireplace photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, and plenty of treats for all ages. 1-4 p.m.
Crookston Athletics student-athlete signings
University of Minnesota Crookston Athletics has announced numerous signings of student-athletes for each of its sports for next year, with individuals coming from Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, South Dakota, Illinois, Washington, Kentucky, California, Idaho, Manitoba, and Beijing. Check out new signings and more at the Crookston Athletics Instagram page.
MMAD Lab creates ‘How to Fly’ animation
The UMD Motion and Media Across Disciplines Lab (MMAD Lab) crew created a motion capture 3D animation. Theater students Thressa Schultz and Jake Lieder improvised flying antics, which were filmed with three video cameras and 12 Vicon motion capture cameras.
Dec. 1-3 - DanceWorks 2023
This dance showcase features new works by student and faculty choreographers. See young dancers take the spotlight and reveal the results of their discipline and artistry. Styles include modern, jazz, tap, ballet, and contemporary dance. Marshall Performing Arts Center. See showtimes and find tickets.
Area high schools participate in Morris Challenge Rural Youth Institute
U of M Morris hosted more than 140 high school students and teachers for the second Morris Challenge Rural Youth Institute, an interactive experience focused on renewable energy and community sustainability efforts throughout the Morris area. This is the second year that U of M Morris has hosted the event and the first year the university has partnered with the City of Morris and Morris Area Schools.
Cai receives SEED award
U of M Morris student Dongting Cai ’24, Anqing, Anhui, China, has received a 2023 Undergraduate Scholarly Excellence in Equity and Diversity (SEED) Award. Cai is double majoring in computer science and communication, media, and rhetoric, and minoring in data science and statistics. His equity and diversity involvement on campus extends from academic pursuits to community outreach and campus engagement.
Peters receives JEDI Award
Associate professor of psychology Heather Peters has been named a recipient of the University of Minnesota’s 2023 Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (JEDI) Award. The award honors faculty who have done significant research, teaching, or service/leadership to advance justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion at the University, in the person’s field of study, or in the broader community.
Nov. 30-Dec. 2 - Art Club Holiday Sale
Artwork and handmade items made by local artists and artisans, including students, staff, faculty, and community members, will be available for purchase at the annual Art Club Holiday Sale. Edward J. and Helen Jane Morrison Gallery.
Dec. 2 - Choir winter concert
Attend this musical reflection of hope performed by the Concert Choir, Choir Ensemble, and University Choir with Yulene Velasquez, director. 7 p.m., HFA Recital Hall.
Self-regulated learning research
U of M Rochester faculty focus their research on student learning and development, applying results to practice. Assistant professor Amy Collins-Warfield recently explored self-regulated learning (SRL) and first-generation students, incorporating SRL processes into classroom content. Early study findings were published by the Center for First-Generation Student Success.
Capstone presentations
Fall graduates of UMR’s Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences degree continue to present their capstones to peers, faculty, staff, mentors, and their families. At UMR, capstones are an individually planned set of senior-year learning experiences focused on a theme that aligns with each student’s personal and professional goals. Capstone presentations are an opportunity for critical reflection and celebration in the learning journeys of students.
Patient Care Career Pathway
Discover how Nevaeh Nez navigated her time at UMR to prepare her for a master’s degree in exercise and sports science at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. UMR’s innovative degree programs and integrated curriculum provide students with a foundational health sciences education in six distinct health career pathways. Learn more about UMR’s Patient Care Pathway.
Free Shipt delivery service notice
The free one-year membership offer in the Shipt delivery service for U of M Twin Cities faculty, staff, and students (age 18+) will end on Jan. 22. Based on when you subscribed to this service, you will receive information from Shipt about your options going forward. Please watch for those communications from Shipt.
Specialized camera for early Alzheimer’s detection in clinical trials
RetiSpec, a startup based on research by U of M Center for Drug Design researchers Robert Vince, Swati More, and James Beach, is currently conducting clinical trials of a hyperspectral camera that can detect early signs of Alzheimer’s disease. The company hopes these cameras will be approved for everyday use in optometry clinics by 2025.
Interior design students help with Pillsbury Castle Renovation
Located in the heart of Minneapolis’ Whittier neighborhood, the Alfred F. Pillsbury House, or “Pillsbury Castle,” is a testament to architectural history. It’s also the first house in seven years to be named an American Society for Interior Designers (ASID) MN Design House. As part of the process, ASID invited College of Design interior design students to partner with professional designers in preserving and transforming the house.
What’s possible in Minnesota?
In urbanist circles, Minnesota’s reputation stretches as far as North Carolina. That’s where Kelly Rogers, a young housing justice advocate, first felt drawn to the Twin Cities. Relative to other Midwestern metropolitan areas, the Twin Cities are spearheading enticing urbanist ideas and attracting people with the expertise, practical skills, and willpower to make these ideas reality.
Dec. 6 - Be Kind to Your Mind public safety event
The Department of Public Safety (DPS) will host its annual "Be Kind to Your Mind" event. DPS, along with campus and student organizations, will share resources to help the University community be successful during final exams and winter break. Faculty, staff, and students are encouraged to attend. 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Coffman Memorial Union.
Designing and Conducting Focus Group Interviews
These two-day interactive courses are excellent for those looking to test new programs and ideas or looking to evaluate and improve existing programs through focus group studies. Session 1: Jan. 8-9; Session 2: Jan. 10-11; Session 3: March 4-5.
Featured events
Nov. 30 - Talia Schaffer: ‘Ordinary Bodies: Phil Squod and the Social Model of Victorian Care’
Dec. 1 - First Fridays: How to Handle Hate Mail
Dec. 5 - Activating the Archives: Continuing the Conversation on Universities and Power
Dec. 6-9 - WAM Shop Holiday Sale 2023
Dec. 6-15 - 2023 Graphic Design Senior Exhibition: In Our Own Words
Dec. 7 - El Rinche and the History of Land Theft, Lynching, and Resistance