What's Inside

Early-childhood intervention offers long-term benefits
(August 15, 2007) School-based, early-childhood intervention programs can improve the general health and well-being of minority children through young adulthood, according to a recent report by two University professors.

Going the distance
(August 10, 2007) Duluth Pharmacy grads choose the good life in rural Minnesota--and ease a critical pharmacist shortage.

U responds to I-35W bridge collapse
(Aug. 6, 2007) The University of Minnesota response to the collapse of the I-35W bridge over the Mississippi River in Minneapolis Aug. 1 involved countless employees and students living in the surrounding neighborhoods.

For U professor, bridge collapse hits close to home
(August 7, 2007) Ross Macmillan, an associate professor in the U's Department of Sociology, was one of the first on the scene and one of the first to help when the I-35W bridge collapsed August 1.

The next generation of U students
(August 10, 2007; updated August 16 ) The U's College of Liberal Arts is reaching out to Minnesota communities that are traditionally underrepresented in college classrooms, engaging students as young as five years old, with student-driven documentaries and new summer research programs.

Expanding horizons
(Aug. 7, 2007) New regents professor Richard Leppert is one of the most important intellectuals now working in the humanities at the overlapping boundaries of fields including musicology and art history.

University medical, dental students help victims after bridge collapse
(From eNews, August 16, 2007) After the 35W bridge collapse, University medical and dental students rushed to offer their help--administering first aid, flagging down trucks to use as makeshift ambulances, and comforting the victims of the disaster.

Relocating support
(Brief, Aug. 8, 2007) The Relocation Assistance Program assists families of faculty and staff relocating to U campuses.

The next generation on the star track
(August 3, 2007) Eleven Minnesota college students, including nine from the U, spend a summer interning with NASA

Hot enough to fry an egg?
(From eNews, August 2, 2007) When the mercury rises, keeping yourself cool is one thing you have to worry about. The other is keeping your groceries safe. But a University Extension expert has tips on reducing your risk of food-borne illnesses.

New release
(From eNews, August 2, 2007; updated (with video link) August 7) Rachel Raimist, a University of Minnesota Ph.D. candidate, spent eight months filming incarcerated men who meet weekly to read, write, and respond to poetry. Her documentary would challenge society's view of prison as a place where time stops.

Faces of Beijing in Quarter Gallery
(July 31, 2007) This summer, Chinese film directors, photographers, scenic artists, and instructors are exhibiting their work at the Regis Center for Art thanks to a growing creative exchange between the U's Department of Art and the Beijing Film Academy.

Early exposure
(July 31, 2007) A new program is offering high school students of color and current first-generation college students the opportunity to conduct research alongside University of Minnesota graduate students and faculty.

Not a dead end
(July 27, 2007) The new Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Maze Garden, lined with junipers, azaleas, lattice, bamboo, and fabric walls, promises nooks and crannies and pockets of personality. A visit through September 30 could also include the Art To A-Maze, a juried collection of 15 larger-than-life sculptures.

A bug-eat-bug world
(July 24, 2007) University of Minnesota researchers are field testing good insects--in this case, stingless wasp--as a safe, environmentally friendly method of controlling soybean aphids.

Dying on the streets
(July 24, 2007) In a study by the Center for Bioethics, researchers John Song, Edward R. Ratner, and Dianne M. Bartels combined their experience in ethics, clinical work, and end of life issues to answer questions such as, "What do homeless people think about the end of life?" and "What barriers to a dignified death do they face?"

Cool country, warm ties
(July 11, 2007) The universities of Iceland and Minnesota celebrated 25 years of collaboration when a U of M delegation visited the island nation in May, conferring an honorary degree on the prime minister, a U alumnus.

The path to merit pay
(Brief, July 25, 2007) A highly consultative process has benefited University Libraries as they created their system for performance management and merit pay. Their efforts reflect the U's aim to reward high performance.

Unearthing Antarctica
(July 20, 2007) In addition to penguins, UMD economic geologist Dean Peterson came face-to-face with ancient layers of mineral deposits--up to 10,000 feet high--in Antarctica.

A material success
(July 20, 2007) Frank Bates has gone from truck driver to the top rank of the world's chemical engineers--and now, as a new Regents Professor, the U faculty.

Eating fish: being healthy and safe
(From eNews July 19, 2007) High in heart-healthy omega 3 fatty acids, fish is a low-fat source of protein and nutrients. However, it's a balancing act: to be both healthy and safe, you should eat fish, but avoid unlimited consumption, and follow government recommendations.

Sherlock and Watson on the Showboat
(July 18, 2007) What's better than eating ice cream on a hot sunny day? Elementary, dear reader: watching a fiendishly clever whodunit on the Mississippi River in the air-conditioned Minnesota Centennial Showboat. "Sherlock's Last Case," performed by U theater students, runs through August 25. (Discounts now available on select performances.)

Salamanders of Appalachia
(July 17, 2007) For Kenneth Kozak, the Appalachian forests are salamander heaven. The University of Minnesota herpetologist is trying to find out what it is about this environment that enables the more than 15 salamander species to flourish there.

From bridges to bones
(July 17, 2007) Civil engineering professor Roberto Ballarini uses his knowledge of structures to find out how bones work, but especially how they don't. He hopes his work will lead to better ways to predict and treat fractures.

The St. Paul campus shows off its research on July 19
(July 13, 2007) The St. Paul campus will open its doors to its neighors on July 19 to show what research and discoveries come out of it labs and fields.

Neither standard nor poor
(July 13, 2007) An unprecedented infusion of 10 new faculty members will transform and rejuvenate the University of Minnesota's economics department. The department ranks as one of the top five worldwide in macroeconomics.

Brighter biking ahead near U
(July 10, 2007) The number of bike trails and designated lanes will soon increase dramatically near the Twin Cities campus, making two-wheeled commuting that much more pleasant.

Getting at the root of human behavior
(July 10, 2007) Matthew McGue has devoted his career to exploring how genes and the environment work together to explain our differences. McGue, a behavioral geneticist, was one of five University faculty recently named regents professors.

Consciousness and consciences
( ) Graduate students Thomas Johnson and Emanuelle Wessels are using critical media studies to fight media illiteracy

Mulch through hot, dry spells
(From eNews, July 5, 2007) One of the best things you can do for your plants through dry summer spells is apply mulch, advises U Extension educator Nancy Rose. Soil moisture can evaporate rapidly on hot, sunny days, but an inch or two of mulch can significantly reduce the water loss.

HBO actor returns to UMD
(July 3, 2007) UMD alum Joel McKinnon Miller, now a regular on HBO's new hit show "Big Love," will be teaching a workshop on acting for television at his alma mater.

The rat thing to do
(July 9, 2007) Rats take center stage at the Bell Museum's Rat Fest, the opening event in the museum's "Animals Behaving Badly" summer series.

Tapping a new pool of doctors
(July 3, 2007) For rural dwellers and minorities, finding a regular doctor can be tough. So two U medical students decided to tap a new pool of doctors for the pipeline.

Growing greener
(June 29, 2007) Want the walleye to disappear someday? Neither do we. The U's Sustainability Initiative is out to help the state preserve and conserve its natural resources.

Gardens of Eastcliff
(June 29, 2007) At the height of summer beauty, gardens of the historic University president's home were the site of the annual Friends of Eastcliff garden party, complete with gardening tips from horticulturist Deb Brown.

Putting a face on dementia
(June 26, 2007) At a weekly gathering hosted by a University of Minnesota professor, caregivers are learning from those with Alzheimer's disease--and vice versa.

The Coca-Cola kids
(June 24, 2007) The National Student Advertising Competition is the "World Series" of advertising and a team from the School of Journalism took home the title.

U celebrates sixth cohort of emerging leaders
(Brief, June 27, 2007) Five projects by 26 participants in the sixth President's Emerging Leaders (PEL) cohort were presented in a celebratory poster session.

Clean Hub travels to New Orleans
(June 22, 2007; updated July 5) The Clean Hub is a portable, self-sustained structure designed by U students that provides basic sanitation services. In June, the Clean Hub prototype was sent off to its destination--a community park in New Orleans's Lower Ninth Ward, an area ravaged by Hurricane Katrina.

Showing their gratitude
(June 22, 2007) Gail Summers, who codirects the U's International Albinism Center, is using part of a grateful family's monetary gift to study driving performance in people with albinism.

Staff by day, artist by night
(June 20, 2007) You'll find giant paper cuts and a fish tricycle at the current Katherine E. Nash Gallery exhibit. "After Hours" is a multimedia exhibit by seven Department of Art staff through July 13, 2007.

What to do with fresh berries?
(June 21, 2007) Summer is here, and so is berry season! Strawberries, blackberries, raspberries... . University of Minnesota Extension has some tips to help you make yummy jams and jellies from fresh berries.

The whole world in his hands
(June 19, 2007) As issues of climate change become more urgent, the work of Peter Reich takes on added importance. Reich, a professor of forest resources, was one of five University faculty recently named regents professors.

School is in for the summer
(June 19, 2007) School's out for the summer, but for students at the Circle of Life School in White Earth, Minnesota, school is still the place to be. For the past nine years, The White Earth Academy of Math and Science has welcomed students seeking advancement in these two crucial areas.

Long live the peregrine falcons
(June 15, 2007) The U's Raptor Center is a mover and shaker when it comes to safeguarding the once-almost extinct peregrine falcon. On June 14, volunteers from the center banded three chicks at their nesting site in downtown Minneapolis.

Good-looking and affordable
(June 15, 2007) Twofer exhibit at the Goldstein Museum of Design offers historical look at innovative and eye-catching homes in the United States for low and moderate incomes.

A strike against stroke
(June 12, 2007) In the United States, stroke causes more longterm disability than any other condition and is the third leading cause of death. Stroke specialists at the University are out to change those statistics.

Goldstein museum is 30
(June 12, 2007; updated June 20, 2007) At the Goldstein Museum of Design's research center, students can get up close to everything from Roman glass to 21st century designer clothing. This year, the museum turns 30.

No dissing these dissertations
(June 12, 2007) Idyllic images of Vietnam helped sell the idea of an American military presence there, according to a winner of the U's 2007 Best Dissertation award.

A new year begins
(Brief, June 13, 2007) Civil Service Committee 2006-07 chair Peg Wolff reports on progress and transition to the new leadership team.

Brand aids
(June 15, 2007) Successful brands can create an aura about things. But a few years ago, U professor Mary Vavrus noticed a new kind of branding: one that targets people.

Bring the kids
(Brief, June 13, 2007) The conference and visiting child care service lets faculty and staff visiting UMTC and UMTC faculty and staff attending conferences or overnight meetings across the United States or in the U.K. to find child care so the kids can go along.

Teachers who reach
(From M, summer 2007) The Distinguished Teaching Awards honor the best of the best.

Bruininks unveils tuition reform plan
(June 8, 2007; updated for Brief, June 13, 2007) The University of Minnesota is taking concrete steps to soften the burden of tuition for students on all of its campuses. On June 7 President Bob Bruininks discussed with the Board of Regents a multifaceted plan for tuition reform systemwide.

Umbilical cord blood is as good as bone marrow in treating leukemia
(June 8, 2008) The outcomes for childhood leukemia patients were as good with mismatched umbilical cord blood as with the best matched bone marrow. The difficulty of finding a match between donor and recipient has long hindered treatment of many patients, especially those from underrepresented racial groups.

Access your U
(From M, summer 2007) Learn about the benefits of a UMAA membership.

The U comes to you
(From M, summer 2007) This past winter, faculty and UMAA representatives visited towns across the state to stress the importance of the U.

A joint effort
(From M, summer 2007) Two hotbeds of creativity come together to inspire tomorrow's innovators

Wired about science
(From M, summer 2007) The Institute of Technology Alumni Society helps introduce children to science through TechFest

Goodall research more accessible
(From M, summer 2007) Private gifts spur digitization of Jane Goodalls' research, and software provides better access to data

On exhibit: a lasting gift
(From M, summer 2007) Three-dimensional painted aluminum constructions are among a vast collection bequeathed to the Weisman by modern artist Charles Biederman

The young and the generous
(From M, summer 2007) Recent grad jump-starts her philanthropy (even if it means going without caffeine)

Helping the next generation
(From M, summer 2007) Two multimillion-dollar gifts help U students embark on entrepreneurial pursuits

Whether man
( From M, summer 2007) One of the world's top market researchers, Lynn Lin often returns to his alma mater to meet with students.

Book reviews summer 2007
(From M, summer 2007) Three books by University faculty and alumni, on sleep problems, a free community school for new immigrants, and chronic job-hopping and ADHD, are reviewed.

Letters to the Editor, summer 2007
(From M, summer 2007) Readers write in about all-campus coverage; College of Design focus; and the new stadium.

An urban agenda for the 21st century
(From M, summer 2007) To help address some of the many social and economic challenges facing the Northside of Minneapolis, the University has teamed up with the community for a collaborative effort known as the University Northside Partnership (UNP).

Eating close to home
(From M, summer 2007) The local foods movement is gaining strength nationwide and it got a head start at the University of Minnesota.

Victory for the consumer
(From M, summer 2007) Thanks to a Law school prof and alum, Minnesota has the best protection in the nation against residential mortgage fraud.

Making a difference
(From M, summer 2007) Across the University's campuses, students are engaged in community service projects great and small--from one-time cleanups and weeklong spring-break service trips to regular tutoring sessions and volunteer efforts in far-off countries.

U joins the Google Book Search Project
(June 6, 2007) The U announced on June 6 that it will join 11 other Midwest universities in the digitized Google Book Search Project.

Study examines link between early sex and mental health
(June 5, 2007) A new study by a U sociology researcher suggests that the risk of suffering mental health consequences from early sex is relatively low, with negative effects primarily found in a subset of teens--girls and boys who have sex earlier than their peers and whose relationships are uncommitted and ultimately fall apart.

Business is booming at the U
(from M summer 2007) New buildings on the Duluth and Twin Cities campus mean more business graduates.

Growing up with disability
(June 5, 2007) Associate professor Ross Macmillan and graduate student Gina Allen consider what adulthood means to people with physical and mental disabilities.

Thinking about thinking
(June 5, 2007) "Are you sure about that?" This simple question captures a mystery in psychology: How does the brain judge its own functioning? U student Sara Kvidera is examining whether the brain uses similar processes to evaluate both perceptual and conceptual decisions.

Sounding good
(May 30, 2007) Dedication to preserving the Ojibwe language has made U student Amber Ruel the state finalist for the national Campus Compact's Frank Newman Leadership Award. She has a chance to win $5,000 and national recognition for her work in Minnesota to prevent the extinction of Ojibwe language.

Live music on the plaza
(May 30, 2007) The U has offered free noon concerts on Northrop plaza since 1954. This summer is no different. "Summer at Northrop" will feature 26 acts performing music from around the world.

Aiming for zero waste
(Brief, May 30, 2007) The ninth annual CSBU Staff Day will celebrate the energy and innovation of Twin Cities campus civil service and bargaining unit staff.

Saying it with rooftops
(May 25, 2007; updated June 6, 2007) A University graduate student has developed a Web site that allows users to send electronic messages to friends. But the message comes across in a unique way--spelled out with the images of the tops of buildings (or other landmarks) shaped like letters.

Planning bright futures
(May 25, 2007) The College of Design's Student and Alumni Board, the first of its kind at the U, matches alums with students to help give real-world perspective.

Pitfalls of percentages
(May 25, 2007) Whether it's department store sales, the ups and downs of the stock market, or annual budget revisions, people deal with percentages every day. A new study offer tips on how to handle the numbers.

Working on leisure
(From eNews July 19, 2007) As millions of Americans transition from the workplace to retirement, vocational psychologist Jo-Ida Hansen helps them connect to meaningful leisure activities.

Through the eyes of a resident
(June 21, 2007) The U's ophthalmology residency program continues to attract a top-notch group of future ophthalmologists. Each year more than 200 applications come in for just four available spots.

Legislature passes higher ed bill
(May 22, 2007; updated May 31, 2007) On the final day of the 2007 session, the Minnesota State Legislature passed a higher education spending bill that would provide an increase in funding of about $149 million for the University of Minnesota for the 2008-09 biennium.

Leading leaders
(May 30, 2007) What makes good leaders so effective? Joyce Bono, who directs the University of Minnesota Leadership Lab, has answers. She has spent her career decoding the behavioral DNA of leadership.

Fighting words
( ) Ann Hironaka's new research shows that civil wars are nearly three times longer than they were 60 years ago. What's behind this disconcerting trend? And what does it mean for Iraq?

Do they make the grade?
( ) High school exit exams are supposed to make sure students have truly ¿earned¿ their diplomas. But are they an accurate measure? And what happens to those students who fail? Associate Professor Rob Warren makes it his mission to find out.

Team Aphid packs a punch
(May 18, 2007) Once soybean aphids began making their way into Midwest fields, only the rapid response from a team of field-based Extension educators, campus Extension specialists, University researchers, growers, crop consultants, and other partners could help reduce the economic and environmental damage from these accidental tourists.

When two plus two doesn't equal four
(From eNews, May 17, 2007) University of Minnesota researchers find that when it comes to percentages, consumer calculating errors can be costly.

In good company
(May 15, 2007) From great literature to hidden political motivations to the underpinnings of all mathematics and science, three College of Liberal Arts professors' contributions to their fields have earned them election to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

Meet the new regents
(Brief, May 16, 2007) Four new regents took the oath of office in Minneapolis May 10 at the onset of the board's monthly meetings: Maureen Cisneros, Linda Cohen, Venora Hung, and Dean Johnson were sworn in by alumna and Minnesota Supreme Court justice Lorie Gildea.

Creating the best places to learn and work
(Brief, May 16, 2007) The Board of Regents approved a six-year capital plan that puts the U at the forefront nationally in creating exceptional facilities for higher education. Also, a review of the May 10-11 meetings.

Legacy of action continues
( Brief, May 16, 2007) The University of Minnesota Student Unions & Activities hosted the first annual Tony Diggs Excellence Awards on April 19 to recognize the contributions made by outstanding student groups at the University.

Topical geography
(eNews, May 17, 2007) Steven Manson studies the earth's surface in order to help people understand what is happening to our planet, why it is happening, and what we can do to avert potential crises. This understanding is made possible through extensive research, grants, and outreach programs.

The giving trees
( ) Examination of past landscapes can help better manage land, forest, and water resources today. Susy Ziegler and other physical geographers are delving deeper into the dynamics of the Minnesota landscape in order to share knowledge with residents on how they can protect their own environments.

CAPA 2007 transition begins
(Brief, May 16, 2007) New executive committee and P&A senators announced; themes for the coming years will include increasing work loads and documenting contributions of P&A staff.

Growing your own vitamins and minerals
(eNews, May 14, 2007) Vegetables are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals that are good for your body. Here are a few tips on which nutrient-rich vegetables to consider planting in your garden this summer, courtesy of University of Minnesota Extension.

Reducing teen pregnancy
(eNews, May 17, 2007) Renee Sieving and a team of other University researchers are working to reduce teen pregnancy rates with a project called Prime Time. A group of 125 Twin Cities teens will participate in Prime Time programs, which include health promotion, youth leadership, community service, and monthly meetings with case managers.

U Libraries and Penumbra Theatre celebrate a birthday and recent archive acquisition
(May 11, 2007) Last year, the Penumbra Theatre--one of only three professional African-American theaters in the United States--donated its archive to the University of Minnesota Libraries. This year, on May 16, the Libraries is having a bash to celebrate the historical acquisition and Penumbra's 30th anniversary.

Riddle me this
(May 11, 2007 ) U team wins College Bowl National Championship