Put
Your Energy into IREE
I’m
sure that by now you all know the University’s Initiative for
Renewable Energy (IREE) was funded by the 2003 Minnesota Legislature
with $20 million over five years from utility company fees.
So far, we have created an administrative structure with representatives
from CBS, IT, COAFES, and the Humphrey Institute. We have identified
four research clusters and have assembled faculty teams to explore key
themes. And finally, we have announced the availability of research
funds.
Now it’s your turn. This is a great opportunity for CBS researchers
to be part of the solution to the global energy problem and to help
Minnesota reap environmental and economic benefits in this area. If
you haven’t already done so, I encourage you to think about how
you might become involved.
Research must focus on development of energy and materials using renewable
resources and environmentally friendly processes, such as biocatalysis,
biorefining,and fermentation.
There are three different types of grants available:
Cluster
support funds of up to $20,000 per cluster to jumpstart research
within and across clusters, including meetings, speakers, and expenses
related to proposals.
Seed
grants of up to $25,000 per project for new collaborative
research projects.
Matching
funds for special opportunities
For
details about criteria and procedure, contact Dick Hemmingsen, interim
director, at hemmings@tc.umn.edu
I also encourage you to contact cluster leaders about research opportunities.
They are:
Hydrogen
– Lanny Schmidt, schmi001@tc.umn.edu or Michael Flickinger,
flick001@tc.umn.edu
Bioenergy and Bioproducts – Larry Wackett,
wacke003@tc.umn.edu
Policy, Economics, and Ecosystems – Dave Tilman,
tilman@tc.umn.edu
Conservation and Energy Efficient Systems –
Greg Cuomo, cuomojg@tc.umn.edu
This
is a great opportunity for you to think about creative ways to apply
your expertise to solve one of the world’s most pressing problems.
I hope you will decide to take advantage of it. We need your energy.
Top
UM gets $10.8 million
NSF grant to lead legume genome project
The University of Minnesota will get a $10.8 million, three-year grant
from the National Science Foundation to lead a multi-center effort to
sequence the genome of Medicago truncatula, a model legume. Principal
Investigator is Nevin Young, plant biology and plant pathology, who
will direct sequencing and coordinate bioinformatics with Ernie Retzel,
director of the UM Center for Computational Genomics and Bioinformatics.
Sequencing will be carried out at the University of Oklahoma and The
Institute for Genomics Research (TIGR) using robotic facilities. The
new award adds to more than $5 million in Medicago, genomics research
already underway at Minnesota, including functional genomics research
in the Department of Plant Biology, where the focus is on root biology
and symbiotic interactions. Sequencing of the Medicago genome could
revolutionize plant genomics by elucidating genes responsible for nitrogen
fixation, plant-microbe symbiosis, synthesis of health-promoting compounds,
and other processes. The work will also speed development of new technology
for legume research, including DNA chips and DNA microarrays, which
enable researchers to predict protein functions. The UM-led group will
sequence six of Medicago’s eight chromosomes, while a European
research group will sequence the remaining two.
Young is also a co-PI on a second new NSF-funded project entitled "Comparative
analysis of legume genome evolution." This study will focus on
resistance gene evolution and genome rearrangements associated with
changes in ploidy in soybean and its relatives, among other topics.
The principal investigator is Roger Innes at Indiana University. More
information on both new NSF awards is available at this NSF site: http://www.nsf.gov/bio/pubs/awards/genome03.htm
.
Faculty
get NSF grant to sequence bacterium that degrades toxin
Mike Sadowsky, soil, water, and climate, and Larry Wackett, microbial
biochemistry, have been awarded $699,245 from the National Science Foundation
for a two-year study to sequence the genome of Arthrobacter aurescens,
a soil bacterium that degrades atrazine and other herbicides. Sequencing
will be done in collaboration with The Institute for Genomics Research
(TIGR). Arthrobacter strains, which are widespread in soil around the
globe, contribute to recycling organic matter, breaking down environmental
pollutants, and transforming heavy metals. The researchers hope to gain
new tools, such as genes, enzymes, and other proteins, for cleaning
up the environment. The project includes collaboration with the Minnesota
Science Museum to create hands-on exhibits and displays showing how
microbial genomic technologies can enhance the environment.
Construction on UEL incubator to begin in February, 2004
University Enterprise Laboratories (UEL) has raised $6.5 million of
$8.5 million needed to begin renovation of the building purchased by
the City of St. Paul to serve as an incubator for start-up biotech companies.
Contributors are Xcel, the City of St. Paul, 3M, Medtronic, and the
University. The $8.5 million is needed as a down payment to secure additional
loans for the $18 million project. Architects are planning the renovation,
which is scheduled to start in February. Construction will be completed
in late summer. UEL is a nonprofit entity separate from the University.
Dean Elde serves as chairman of the board.
Students and donors recognized at annual dinner
More than 200 people attended CBS’ Recognition and Appreciation
Dinner, which was held again this year at the McNamara Alumni Center.
The purpose of the annual event is to recognize students who received
scholarships and fellowships for this year, to thank donors who provided
the funds, and to provide an opportunity for them to meet each other.
Scholarships funds may be annual, which means all money collected is
paid out, or endowed, which means that interest on a permanent fund
is awarded. Most permanent funds honor faculty, alumni, and friends
of CBS. Alumna Carol Pletcher also received the University’s Outstanding
Alumni Achievement award at the dinner. Pletcher, who has a Ph.D. in
biochemistry, is now a vice president at Cargill, Inc.
Imaging Center now has Large-Format Printer
The Imaging Center has acquired a large format printer to print posters
for faculty, staff, and students at reasonable rates. To make arrangements
to have a poster printed, contact the Imaging Center staff in 23-25
Snyder Hall, call 612-624-3454, or e-mail Mark Sanders, msanders@cbs.umn.edu.
Electronic files should be submitted two days in advance. Most posters
can be printed within a few hours, but the additional lead time gives
staff the opportunity to identify and correct any problems. Several
types of paper are available. Prices vary depending on size of poster,
ink coverage, and type of paper used.
Minnesota Counts on U, Community Campaign 2003
This year’s Community Campaign Drive offers CBS faculty and staff
the opportunity to contribute to a variety of worthy causes through
regular payroll deduction or with a one-time gift. There are several
funds to choose from. Each addresses a different cause, including health,
the environment, social justice, homeless and hungry, the arts, and
minority education. To learn more about the funds and make a contribution
to the Community Campaign online, go to http://www1.umn.edu/cfd/. Submitting
a pledge makes you eligible for weekly and grand prize drawings.
Watch the Golden Gophers take on the Indiana Hoosiers
The Golden Gophers will take on the Indiana Hoosiers on November 1 at
the Metrodome. You can buy reserved tickets from CBS and save the processing
fee. The college will host a tailgating party before the game. It's
a great opportunity to connect with alumni, faculty, staff, students,
and retirees from CBS. For $15 you get one upper end zone game ticket,
a dome dog, and a soda at the game as well as food and beverages before
the game. If you already have your game tickets, join us for tailgating
for only $5. Tickets are already reserved for you, your family, and
your friends. Just visit www.cbs.umn.edu/homecoming to register or call
Emily at 612-624-4770.
Go Gophers!
Fall Career
Day 2003
CBS Career Services partnered with the College of Agricultural, Food
and Environmental Sciences (COAFES) to co-host Career Day 2003, a fall
career and internship fair. Students met with employers about career
options and internships in areas including genetics, animal health,
and food production. CBS and COAFES will partner with the College of
Natural Resources to host the Environmental Career and Internship Fair
on February 4, 2004, and will host CBS' annual Career and Internship
Fair on February 27, 2004. The Career Center and Alumni Relations are
also hosting “Exploring Careers in the Life Sciences” throughout
the year. The evening program features alumni panelists who discuss
their careers for an audience of students. For more information, contact
Maggie Kubak, Coordinator, CBS Career Services, 612-624-9270.CBS
Faculty
textbook adoptions
Get your Spring semester
textbook adoptions into the Bookstore soon! See http://www.bookstore.umn.edu/faculty/
for deadlines and electronic adoptions.
Promotional
materials available
The Dean’s Office has a variety of CBS promotional materials available
for events, faculty and student recruitment, etc. Materials include
the CBS Facts brochure, bookmark, and preprinted shells to use for flyers.
Contact Peggy Rinard,
CBS
Fall Forum
The Department of Plant Biology will host the CBS Fall Forum on November
21 at 3 p.m. in the Cargill Building for Microbial and Plant Genomics.
Lecturer is Bill Gray, associate professor, who will speak on "Molecular
genetics of auxin signaling: A degrading story of plant development."
Top
David Tilman, Regents Professor of Ecology, is mentioned
in an article in the September 26 issue of Science related to his role
in reviewing the National Ecological Observatory Network (NEON), which
was proposed by the National Science Foundation. Tilman chaired a National
Research Council committee charged with reviewing the plan. To read
the committee’s report, go to http://www.nap.edu/books/0309090784.html.
Duncan Clarke, GCD, published a paper in Nature Cell
Biology titled “S-phase Checkpoint Controls Mitosis via an APC-independent
Cdc20p function,” [5(10): 928-935 2003]. Catherine Andrews, an
assistant scientist in his lab, and Karen Smith, a graduate student
in the M.D./Ph.D. program, were co-authors. “Can Fizzy Fly Solo?”
a commentary on the study by Peter K. Jackson, was published in the
News and Views section of the same issue of Nature Cell Biology.
Claudia Neuhauser, professor and head of EEB, received
a supplementary $80,000 grant from the National Science Foundation for
support of "Research Experiences for Undergraduates."
Bonnie LeRoy, director of the genetic counseling graduate program in
the Medical School's Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Development,
recently received the Natalie Weisberger Paul award, given annually
to a genetic counselor who demonstrates exceptional lifetime leadership
qualities in the profession of genetic counseling.
Bob McKinnell, professor emeritus of genetics, cell
biology, and development, co-authored "The Golden Anniversary of
Cloning: A Celebratory Essay” in the September issue of Differentiation
(volume 71, Number 7, Sept. 2003). McKinnell is widely known for his
cloning of a frog in 1962. Taryn O. Hall, CBS undegraduate student and
staff member in the Imaging Center, designed the cover image for the
story, which celebrates the 50th anniversary of cloning.
David Largaespada, Perry Hackett, and Scott
McIvor are co-authors of a paper titled “Integration
and long-term expression in lung mediated by the Sleeping
Beauty transposon system” published in Molecular Therapy [8: 501-507
Sept, 2003].
Eli Bridge , EEB graduate student, received the Best Student Paper award
for a presentation on the biomechanics of underwater diving by murres
and puffins at the 27th annual meeting of the Waterbird Society in Cuiabá,
Brazil, that was held 24-27 September, 2003 . Eli is advised by Professor
Bill Schmid.
Elizabeth Wroblewski has accepted the position of associate
to Dean Elde.
During the past three years, Elizabeth served as Deputy Chief of Staff
in the President's Office and as Chief of Staff in the Office of the
Executive Vice President and Provost. Prior to that, she served as Director
of Institutional Planning and Research at the College of St. Catherine
for many years. Elizabeth is a generalist with a variety of experiences,
including new program development, enrollment management, program review,
learning assessment, market research, fund-raising, strategic planning,
and more.She will serve as the Dean’s “right hand”
and work with the CBS community to develop and implement the Dean's
vision for the College of Biological Sciences.
Nicole Letawsky Shultz has been hired as assistant to Robin
Wright, Associate Dean for Faculty and Academic Affairs. Nikki most
recently served as Assistant Dean of Students at Cornell University
in Ithaca, New York where she worked with advising student organizations
and leadership development initiatives. She has also served as a research
analyst for the Government of Alberta's higher education division. Nikki,
who is originally from Edmonton, Alberta, received her Bachelor of Commerce
from the University of Alberta and her Master of Arts in Higher Education
and Student Affairs from Bowling Green State University.
Clarence Gillet, a graduate student in the MCDB&G program,
won an award for work he will present at the American College of Rheumatology
meeting this year.
Best wishes to Jenny Jeske and Aron Geurts,
both CBS alumni, who are getting married October 18. Aron is a MCBDG
grad student, and Jenny is a technician in David Largaespada's lab.Send
items for the next issue of CBS News to Peggy Rinard,
prinard@cbs.umn.edu
Top
CBS Fall
Forum
"Molecular genetics of auxin signaling:
A degrading story of plant development."
Hosted by the Department of Plant Biology
Lecturer:
Bill Gray, associate professor
November 21, 3 p.m.
Cargill Building for Microbial and Plant Genomics
CBS
seminar listings
