- Board of Regents September meeting highlights.
- Feature: Let’s just eat the bugs.
- Awards and Recognition: The U of M has been awarded nearly $22M to lead two Energy Frontier Research Centers; and more.
Board of Regents September meeting highlights
At its September meeting, the Board of Regents discussed the latest investments and actions from the University and partnering organizations to enhance safety on the Twin Cities campus and in nearby, off-campus neighborhoods. The Board also reviewed President Gabel’s recommended 2024-25 legislative budget request and recommended six-year capital plan, discussed statewide engagement with U of M Extension leadership, discussed results from the 2021 Employee Engagement Survey, and received annual reports from Gopher Athletics and the U of M Foundation. See the news release for more details.
Let’s just eat the bugs
Entomophagy—the practice of eating insects as food—is common in many cultures around the world, with bugs on the menu as a delicacy or a regular part of an everyday diet. In fact, up to 80 percent of the world’s nations, particularly in tropical areas, eat insects. Entomology department head Sujaya Rao has been working to change social perceptions about this eco-friendly diet of the future.
Awards and Recognition
The University of Minnesota has been awarded nearly $22M to lead two Energy Frontier Research Centers; the U of M has been rated highly in the latest U.S. News and World Report rankings; linguistics and American Indian Studies researchers recently received a three-year $450,000 grant to assist in language revitalization for Ojibwe; U in the News features highlights of University faculty and staff cited in the media.
2022-23 Wellbeing Program year begins
The new Wellbeing Program year launched on Sept. 1. Participants need to earn 5,000 points (or 7,500 points for employee and spouse) by Aug. 31, 2023, to receive a discount on 2024 medical insurance rates. Learn more on the Office of Human Resources website.
Data practices for University employees
A new University training hub video gives an overview of the Minnesota Data Practices Act, our state’s public records law. Watch the video to learn about the responsibilities the institution and individual University employees have to maintain data and produce that data when requested, and best practices for managing data. Email Laurie Beyer-Kropuenske with questions or if you would like to schedule more training by the Data Access and Privacy Office.
Conversations on centering international students: Supporting multilingual & intercultural learning
Register now for one or more sessions in a series of workshops about supporting multilingual and international students in the classroom. Participants will leave each interactive session with ideas to apply immediately, with the goal of creating more equitable learning environments for all students.
Apply to attend the UN climate talks in Egypt
U of M faculty, staff, or graduate students with research or projects related to climate policy and its context can apply to be part of the U of M observer delegation to the 27th Conference of the Parties (COP27) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Apply by Sept. 21 for the opportunity to travel to COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, from Nov. 6-13 (week 1) or Nov. 14-18 (week 2).
Meet Shashank Priya, new VP for research
On Sept. 30, Shashank Priya will assume the role of vice president for research at the University of Minnesota, bringing a wealth of experience as a scholar, researcher, and administrator as well as enthusiasm for U of M research and discovery.
UMN Headlines: September 2022
The September installment of the “UMN Headlines” video series features highlights from around the University of Minnesota System, including research discoveries and awards, a visit to the Minnesota State Fair, the Shanghai Rankings, highlights of the most diverse Twin Cities freshman class in history, and more. See past episodes here.
Unique light-sensing 3D-printed device could help people with lupus
A team of engineers and doctors at the University of Minnesota have designed a unique 3D-printed light-sensing medical device that could help millions of people worldwide with lupus and other light-sensitive diseases by providing access to more personalized treatments and information to determine what causes their symptoms.
New application could lead to better treatments for diseases like cancer and COVID-19
A team led by University of Minnesota biomedical engineers has developed an application that can simulate complex molecular interactions, which will allow researchers to design better treatments for diseases like cancer and COVID-19.
Could remote drivers be the future of ride-hailing?
A new technology combining nearly autonomous vehicles with remote “tele-operators” has the potential to overcome both the technological and societal hurdles posed by driverless vehicles. In a recent study, U of M researchers show that it offers clear advantages for companies and their customers.
A new approach to helping older persons manage their medications
Taking medications for various medical conditions can be confusing and a bit overwhelming. Fortunately, collaborations among patient support groups, person and family engagement organizations, and health care professionals are providing a new approach to helping individuals make sense out of a seemingly complex and uncoordinated medication use system.
Three U of M Crookston students earn Masonic Lodge scholarship
Crookston Masonic Lodge recently awarded three University of Minnesota Crookston students with scholarships. Christopher Robert Carlson, Alex Kozitka, and Jack Garmen each received $1,000 from the scholarship.
Sept. 20 - AILRC Fall Feast
Michael Laughing Fox Charette’s flute performance will be the highlight of the American Indian Learning Resource Center (AILRC) Fall Feast. Charette is from the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa. The gathering will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Kirby Ballroom, and features a light luncheon.
Sept. 29 - ‘Irreconcilable Differences: Russia’s War Against Ukraine and the Question of Sovereignty’
In this International Lecture Series event, sovereignty claims will be explored by Markian Dobczansky, associate director of the European Union Center at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign and an associate of the Harvard Ukrainian Research Institute. 6:30 p.m., 175 Life Sciences.
‘Office Hours’ with Craig Hill
In this episode of "Office Hours," UMD talks with Craig Hill, professor of mechanical and industrial engineering, who has traveled on water from the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness to the Arctic Ocean. Hill has an epic dream: that the power of Great Lakes waves could be harnessed for usable energy.
Making Morris a clean water destination
U of M Morris is hosting Michael Abbing, visiting scholar and master’s student in water science at the Muenster University of Applied Science, as part of a community partnership looking to share lessons learned from the Morris Water Treatment Plant.
Sept. 15 - U of M Morris annual healing ceremony
With the guidance of the campus American Indian Advisory Committee and Dakota and Anishinaabe elders, U of M Morris will host its annual healing ceremony as part of efforts towards truth telling, understanding, and healing regarding the history of the campus. 12:30-2 p.m., Student Center, Oyate Hall.
Sept. 22 - Galaxy clusters: A public lecture by Patrick Kelly
Patrick Kelly, assistant professor, Minnesota Institute for Astrophysics, will give a public talk about galaxy clusters at 7:30 p.m., Science Auditorium. A meet-and-greet will take place from 3 to 4:30 p.m.
Beyond the Nest: ‘It's as Simple as Love’
In this episode of Beyond the Nest, sisters and UMR alumnae Amarachi Orakwue '20 and Chidiogo Orakwue '22 share advice and wisdom for current undergraduate students and chat about preparing for and entering into medical school. Presently, Amarachi is in her second year of medical school at the University of Minnesota, while Chidiogo is preparing to apply to medical school. Beyond the Nest is distributed via Apple, Google, Spotify, and Podbean.
Patient care
UMR's innovative degree programs and integrated curriculum provide students with a foundational undergraduate education. Discover how Haley Meyer navigated her time at UMR to prepare herself for the Occupational Therapy Doctorate program at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. Learn more about UMR’s Patient Care Pathway.
Her dream career: instilling a love of nature
As wildlife coordinator at Minnesota’s Osprey Wilds Environmental Learning Center, alumnus Savannah Maiers handles all kinds of critters and sees to their health and quality of life. But some of her favorite moments come when she’s teaching about unloved animals like snakes and gets to watch fear give way to fascination.
Faculty and staff free days at RecWell
Faculty and staff can use RecWell facilities for free on the third Thursday of every month. Access includes open climbing, group fitness classes, and a free daily locker. The next free day is Sept. 15.
Sept. 21 - Learning Abroad Fair 2022
Faculty and staff are asked to encourage students to attend the Learning Abroad Fair. Faculty and staff can learn about opportunities available to students and other initiatives organized by the Global Programs and Strategy Alliance. Students will explore international opportunities available through the University. 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., West Bank Plaza.
Sept. 22 - U Market Supplier Showcase
More than 50 U Market suppliers will be available to discuss faculty and staff purchasing needs at the U Market Supplier Showcase. 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Coffman Union.
UMTC featured events
Sept. 15 - The Healing Power of Gardens
Sept. 16 - BIPOC Student Classroom Experiences: Disengaged? Or Tired?
Sept. 17 - Spotlight Science: Back to Birds!
Sept. 17-Oct. 31 - Scarecrows in the Garden at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum
Sept. 21 - Exhibit opening for ‘The Eyes See What the Heart Feels’