- Engineers develop process that enables soft robots to grow like plants.
- Awards and Recognition: The U of M will play a key role in a study of Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias funded by a $50.3M grant; and more.
Engineers develop process that enables soft robots to grow like plants
An interdisciplinary team of University of Minnesota scientists and engineers has developed a first-of-its-kind, plant-inspired extrusion process that enables synthetic material growth. The new approach will allow researchers to build better soft robots that can navigate hard-to-reach places, complicated terrain, and potentially areas within the human body.
Awards and Recognition
The University of Minnesota will play a key role in an upcoming study of Alzheimer’s Disease and related dementias funded by a $50.3M grant; Simon Rosser, Tetyana Shippee, and Nidhi Kohli have received a $2.5M+ NIH grant to support training of the dementia care workforce; U in the News features highlights of University faculty and staff cited in the media.
Survey shows that 76 percent of Minnesotans are concerned about climate change
A new College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences (CFANS) survey conducted by CFANS in collaboration with the University of Minnesota Climate Adaptation Partnership takes a closer look at Minnesotans’ perspectives on climate change. According to the survey, 76 percent of residents are concerned about climate change. Of Gen Zers surveyed, 85 percent are concerned about climate change.
Smart warning systems may reduce crashes at high-risk rural intersections
Crashes at rural two-way-stop intersections make up 65 percent of Minnesota’s fatal crashes, even though most vehicle crashes happen in urban areas. According to a new study by U of M researchers, smart intersection-warning systems may help prevent the most severe crash types at rural intersections.
Research Brief: A spectral window into plants of the past
Researchers from the University of Minnesota and Université de Montréal in Quebec have developed a fast, nondestructive way of estimating the functional traits of herbarium specimens. Their research offers ecologists a powerful new tool for using biological collections to understand how plant communities change over time, providing insights into how we might best keep ecosystems healthy in the future. Additional recent Research Briefs include “Nitrous oxide emissions from Corn Belt spike when soils freeze and thaw.”
Oct. 25 - Technology Commercialization 101
Join technology commercialization staff and members of the research community to learn how to move your work from the academic setting out into the world. This mini-webinar will provide an overview of the technology commercialization office, including how to effectively work with tech comm staff and what the office does well. Designed for researchers who are new to technology commercialization, but open to anyone at any career stage. 11-11:30 a.m.
National Hispanic & Latinx Heritage Month spotlight: Jacqueline Calderon
Jacqueline Calderon came to U of M Crookston after being recruited to play soccer on a scholarship. She has found it to be an amazing opportunity to continue her athletic and academic aspirations.
Oct. 21-23 - UMD Family Weekend
UMD Family Weekend is an opportunity for Bulldog parents and families to connect with students, experience programs unique to UMD, and meet other Bulldog families. There’s a volleyball game, a soccer game, and two men’s hockey games. Visitors are also invited to hike through Bagley Nature Area and explore the campus.
SME Leadership Award
James “Moe” Benda, director of graduate engineering on the Iron Range, was presented the 2022 C. Dale and Kathleen B. Elifrits MEC Leadership Award from the Society for Mining, Metallurgy & Exploration (SME). The award recognizes leadership and public education on the importance of mining to help inspire the next generation of industry leaders. Benda will be honored at the annual SME Conference & Expo.
‘Office Hours’ with Yoshiki Shimizu
In this episode of “Office Hours,” UMD talks with Yoshiki Shimizu, assistant professor of finance, who researches asset pricing in financing. Shimizu grew up with fun characters, such as Olaf from Disney’s “Frozen” and Yoshi from Super Mario. Now, he and his students use information about companies like Lucasfilm, Pixar, and Nintendo to analyze their performance and the competition. “It makes us study locally and learn globally,” says Shimizu.
Chancellor search
The University of Minnesota System is conducting a search to select the next chancellor of the University of Minnesota Morris. Peh Ng, acting dean and vice chancellor for academic affairs at Morris, and Michael Rodriguez '89, U of M Twin Cities dean of the College of Education and Human Development, will be the co-chairs of the search committee. President Gabel invites nominations for additional members of the search committee by Oct. 7.
Metzger named president-elect of SABER
U of M Rochester associate professor Kelsey Metzger is president-elect of the Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research (SABER). Metzger also serves as director of faculty development in UMR’s Center for Learning Innovation, supporting the primary research focus on student learning and development as well as the faculty’s commitment to evidence-based teaching and learning.
Oct. 14-15 - Parent & Family Weekend
UMR will celebrate Parent & Family Weekend, with highlights including a dueling pianos performance in the historic Chateau Theatre, a trolley tour of Rochester landmarks, and a presentation from Anjali Bhagra, Mayo Clinic’s medical director of equity, inclusion and diversity. Bhagra is a stress and resilience expert as well as a champion of the Mayo Clinic’s RISE for Equity conferences.
Donate to the Community Fund Drive
The Twin Cities Community Fund Drive kicked off on Oct. 1 and will run through the end of the month. Faculty and staff can give to their charity of choice or one or more fund drive federation partners, including Creating Healthier Communities, Greater Twin Cities United Way, Open Your Heart to the Hungry and Homeless, and the United Negro College Fund. You can also give to a University cause through the U of M Foundation.
Help keep campus safe
The University of Minnesota Twin Cities is working to eliminate crime, threats, and violence on campus. Faculty and staff are encouraged to review recent safety messages to the U of M Twin Cities community. More information about safety resources and investments are available on the Safe Campus website.
A steady hand on the wheel
In uniquely turbulent times, Acooa Ellis ’07 leans into the deep curiosity that’s defined her entire career. From her first class at the Humphrey School—a policy analysis course taught by Samuel Myers Jr.—to her leadership role at an evolving Greater Twin Cities United Way, Ellis has always eschewed assumptions.
Fall food favorite screams Ski-U-Mah
Professor Rex Bernardo’s research focuses mainly on field corn used for animal feed, and he manages a corn nursery on the Twin Cities campus in St. Paul as a part of his work. As a fun side project with his son, Bernardo created a new sweet corn with University of Minnesota colors.
Sixteen things to do in October at the Arb
Autumn is truly awesome at the U of M Landscape Arboretum. As the temperatures dip, the vibrant colors of fall emerge seemingly overnight with bursts of yellow, orange, and red across the grounds. Playful pumpkin displays decorate the gardens and grounds, accented with “scarecrows” that go beyond the expected. Explore 16 things to do in October at the Arb.
Oct. 21 - Thinking Spatially Symposium: Indigenous Mapping
Join in the 5th annual Thinking Spatially Symposium, which will confront historical truths and explore the use of maps to better understand the disenfranchisement of Indigenous communities as a result of the University land-grab. Presenters and panelists will explore the topic of Indigenous mapping and cultural connection to place. 9 a.m.-noon.
UMTC featured events
Oct. 6 - Melissa Febos Reading
Oct. 7 - UMN Genomics Center 10th annual GenoFest
Oct. 18-19 - Minnesota Water Resources Conference
Oct. 19 - ‘Minneapolis: The Curious Twin,’ A Reexamination
Oct. 20 - Author talk, Q&A, and book signing with Marlene Zuk
Oct. 25 - Tucker Center Distinguished Lecture: The Changing Landscape of College Sport & the Impact on Women
Oct. 25 - Retail Connect 2022: Digital Culture + Metaverse + Today's Influencer
Oct. 26, Nov. 2, and Nov. 9 - Mini Medical School: Healthy Planet, Healthy Lives
Oct. 27 - China, the U.S., and Global Debt: Why Cooperate?
See the full Events Calendar