- U of M and DEED launch $34.5M Minnesota Venture Capital Programs.
- New research shows link between nature conservation and human well-being.
- Awards and Recognition: The School of Nursing has received a $1.5 million grant to increase the number of doctorally prepared American Indian/Alaska Native nurses; and more.
U of M and DEED launch $34.5M Minnesota Venture Capital Programs
The University of Minnesota is partnering with the State of Minnesota to inject $34.5 million into Minnesota’s early-stage, venture-backed businesses—a key step toward maintaining Minnesota’s position as one of the best states for growing new businesses. The University-operated programs will focus particularly on investments in life sciences, agriculture/food tech, climate tech, advanced manufacturing, software, and technology.
New research shows link between nature conservation and human well-being
New research from a global team of experts, including Natural Capital Project scientists at the U of M’s Institute on the Environment, demonstrates how nature conservation contributes to human well-being at local and global scales. The researchers’ findings show that conserving 30 percent of Earth’s land and 24 percent of coastal waters would sustain 90 percent of nature's contribution to human well-being.
Awards and Recognition
The School of Nursing has received a $1.5 million grant to increase the number of doctorally prepared American Indian/Alaska Native nurses; a $2.5 million-plus NIH grant will allow School of Public Health researchers to improve the care of sexual and gender minority older adults; the University of Minnesota and Kiel University recently signed a memorandum of understanding to formalize a collaborative relationship; U in the News features highlights of University faculty and staff cited in the media.
Vice provost for public engagement search
The Office of the Executive Vice President and Provost has launched an open search for the University's vice provost for public engagement. Nominations for the position’s search committee are due by Dec. 7. Listening session opportunities will take place Dec. 6 (register), noon-1 p.m.; and Dec. 12 (register), 3-4 p.m. Details and next steps can be found here.
Reserve research space for the 2023 Minnesota State Fair
Be part of the Great Minnesota Get-Together and recruit hundreds of participants within days at the Driven to Discover Research Facility (D2D) at the Minnesota State Fair. D2D provides turnkey research space for any U of M faculty, staff, or student investigator wishing to recruit and collect data from among the fair's two million annual visitors. Funding is available for eligible Masonic Cancer Center and Department of Pediatrics studies. A brief online application is due Jan. 17.
Summer undergraduate research funding available
Louis Stokes North Star STEM Alliance and MnDRIVE Initiative are seeking applications from faculty interested in supporting undergraduate scholars from groups traditionally underrepresented in STEM. Funding is available to support undergraduate research related to four MnDRIVE areas: Brain Conditions, Environment, Global Food, and Robotics.
Communicating about climate
A University of Minnesota Extension community-based climate communicators program is helping participants to build their knowledge and develop the skills and confidence to discuss climate change in their communities.
Ojibwe firefighters restore fire to the Cloquet Forestry Center
A collaboration between the Fond du Lac Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the U of M is embracing the role of Indigenous fire in shaping the Cloquet Forestry Center’s forests.
Talking family caregivers with U of M
There are an estimated 53 million caregivers in the U.S. who, on average, spend nearly 24 hours per week providing assistance. Meanwhile, the number of Minnesotans turning 65 in this decade will be greater than the past four decades combined. The School of Public Health’s Joseph Gaugler answers questions about who family caregivers are, what they do, and common challenges they face. See more editions of "Talking with U of M," a resource where faculty answer questions on current and other topics.
Research Brief: How divorce impacts work
New University of Minnesota research suggests that while many in the midst of divorce struggle at work, others find renewed career motivation. Additional recent Research Briefs include “In Minnesota, fewer white people are vaccinated for COVID-19 than most racial groups—but still less likely to die of COVID-19,” “Minor kidney function decline in young adulthood may be detrimental to kidney and cardiovascular health in later life,” and “Researchers find 2.8% of pregnancies were exposed to opioids.”
Dec. 6-7 - Diversity Data Deep Dive 10
Diversity Data Deep Dive 10 will visit the origins of the Diversity Data Deep Dive and look to the future. Vice President for Equity and Diversity Mercedes Ramírez Fernández, along with other guest speakers, will offer insight into our shared path forward. Sessions will take place via Zoom. Attendance is free and open to all faculty, staff, and students.
Dec. 7 - Webinar: Fostering and Creating Community in Your Workplace
The pandemic has introduced new and challenging ways to work and connect with colleagues (and students). Panelists will share their knowledge and expertise to help you foster engagement and create a sense of community in your workplace. Noon-1 p.m., via Zoom.
Jan. 4-10 - Assessment Deep Dive webinar series
This five-day working webinar series is designed to help instructors create or redesign a comprehensive assessment plan that supports learning for all students in their course(s). Topics include designing inclusive, accessible assessments that promote academic integrity and student success, as well as grading considerations. Learn more and apply by Dec. 19.
U of M Crookston brings back DECA chapter after 30 years
After a 30-year absence, the University of Minnesota Crookston brought back its collegiate Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA) chapter to campus and student members have hit the ground running. Their first chapter meeting was held in October with members and alumni from across the United States joining on Zoom.
Marketing students participate in Charlotte Hornets case competition
A group of University of Minnesota Crookston marketing students accompanied business department faculty to the Sports Marketing Association conference in North Carolina in October. While in North Carolina, students Derrick Cupp, Maddy Scheider, Josiah Bullivant, and Tseten Gurung completed a marketing plan for the Charlotte Hornets on incorporating the metaverse into future marketing for the NBA team.
Schreiner named leadership fellow
UMD’s Kathryn Schreiner was named a fellow of the IAspire Leadership Academy. The program helps STEM faculty from underrepresented backgrounds ascend to leadership roles. It’s led by the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities and the University of Georgia. Schreiner is a faculty member in UMD’s Large Lakes Observatory and the Chemistry & Biochemistry Department, as well as the department’s director of graduate studies.
Dec. 3 - Mommy, Me, & SWE
UMD students in the Society of Women Engineers will present “Mommy, Me, & SWE.” The event will give young girls (grades 1-3) and their moms or guardians an introduction to STEM. Girls will create their own lip gloss, build their own mechanical hand grabber, and grow their own terrarium. 10 a.m.-noon, Swenson Civil Engineering Building.
Dec. 5 - Guest artist David Cooper
Guest artist David Cooper, an associate professor of trumpet and jazz studies at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville, will present a trumpet performance. Cooper currently leads the jazz quartets QUAD and Drift. He plays with the Madison Symphony Orchestra and is a Conn-Selmer Artist. 7:30-9:30 p.m., Weber Music Hall.
The Morris connection
Sixty miles southeast of the U of M Morris campus sits South 71 Veterinary Clinic & Supplies, where nearly half the staff members are UMM alumni. Clinic owner Gregg Laurence, ’83 BA, ’87 DVM, went through the pre-veterinary program at Morris, which he felt prepared him well to pursue his doctorate at the U of M College of Veterinary Medicine (CVM). Laurence’s son, Nathan, ’21, also went through the pre-veterinary program at UMM and is now a CVM student.
Nov. 30 - Wind Ensemble - Tis The Season - The Snowman
Join in this family friendly holiday concert featuring Howard Blake's 1982 award-winning animated film The Snowman, accompanied by wind ensemble and soprano. It is preceded by John Mackey's music to Sheltering Sky (also with animated film). 7 p.m., Humanities Fine Arts Recital Hall.
Dec. 2 - LaDuke to give keynote at sustainability forum
Native American environmental leader, author, politician, and economist Winona LaDuke will give the keynote address during the U of M Morris sustainability forum. Other speakers include Michelle Montgomery, Teresa Peters, and Erika Bailey Johnson. 4:30-7:30 p.m., Science Auditorium.
Dec. 2 - Jazz and contemporary music showcase
Big Bands and small groups will perform in this fall semester culmination concert. 7 p.m., Edson Auditorium.
State of the Campus
The Rochester community celebrated UMR’s annual State of the Campus event on Nov. 15 featuring “maroon and bold” endeavors of faculty, staff, alumni, students, donors, and partners. Chancellor Lori Carrell facilitated a panel of 1) bold people, including UMR women in STEM careers; 2) bold prototype NXT GEN MED; 3) the bold priority of racial healing conversations; 4) bold philanthropy; and 5) bold partnerships with Mayo Clinic and Google.
Give to the Max Day focuses on undergraduate research
For this year’s Give to the Max Day, UMR had a special focus: supporting undergraduate student research. The UMR Raptor Student Research Fund assists students with opportunities to present and share their scholarly work at regional and national research conferences. The fund covers registration fees, transportation, lodging, and associated costs.
Third edition of The Kettle alumni magazine released
UMR recently released the third edition of its alumni magazine, The Kettle. The magazine connects UMR graduates, showcasing their achievements and highlighting their growing impact. A term derived following field observations of hawks, “kettle” means a group of soaring raptors.
Submit textbook and course materials adoptions to University Bookstores
University Bookstores is now accepting course materials adoptions for spring 2023. Timely submissions can positively impact affordability, scholarships, acquisitions, and billing. University Bookstores shares instructor book lists with University Libraries to ensure that multiple-user ebooks are used for courses when possible. For more information or with any questions, email [email protected].
Students gain meaningful career experience through pilot program
The College of Liberal Arts (CLA) is creating new career opportunities for its diverse student population through a pilot project. The CLA Get Ready Program places students at one-week industry-based projects early in their college career, which helps them gain experience so they can compete for future internships.
Problem solver
Benjamin Cooper, a 2022 University of Minnesota Law School graduate, has always had a deep interest in legal policy and its impact on communities. Cooper’s work with the nonprofit Tubman led him to study law at the University of Minnesota.
A world of experiential opportunity
Holly Husband and Nigel Kang, food science graduate students, interned with global food companies General Mills and PURIS, respectively. Both students have also had the opportunity to work in the U of M’s Plant Protein Innovation Center. Learn more about their experiences.
UMTC featured events
Dec. 1 - ArcGIS StoryMaps: Visual Storytelling with Maps
Dec. 2-4 - Auxiliary Holiday Sale | Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Dec. 3 - Choirs: Sounds of the Season
Dec. 4 - Currents, UDT Fall Concert
Dec. 5 - Maroon & Gold Campus Bands
Dec. 6 - Exploring the Role of Spirituality in Enhancing Resilience and Wellbeing
Dec. 6 - The Emerging Healthcare Delivery Ecosystem: Foundational Trends Reshaping the Way Healthcare is Organized and Delivered in the U.S.
Dec. 7 - Justice in Public Health: Living, Working and Thriving with a Chronic Illness
Dec. 7 - New faculty reading featuring novelists Aamina Ahmad and Megan Giddings and scholar Jessica Horvath Williams