UM-Flint connects community with data through Map Flint
What started as an effort to track kids in the community has turned into a massive system of information glued together by the mapping skills of UM-Flint staff and students. Map Flint started in 2015 when various organizations in the area teamed up with UM-Flint’s University Outreach and Geographic Information Systems Center to start compiling data that would offer a growing and comprehensive view of what’s happening in the city. Through creating agreements with local organizations, UM-Flint is able to compile data and make it accessible through interactive maps. “The issue isn’t that the data is not out there, the data is there. It’s how can you find the data and make it user friendly,” said Sara McDonnell, a project coordinator in University Outreach. For more information, go to mapflint.umflint.edu.
Nominations sought to honor disability champions
Nominations are now being accepted for the 28th annual James T. Neubacher Award. The award is presented to a faculty or staff member, student, or alumna or alumnus for significant achievements in promoting acceptance and awareness of people with disabilities, advocating for the civil rights of people with disabilities or removing barriers to full participation in programs and services for people with disabilities. The award includes a stipend provided by the Office of the President. The deadline for nomination submissions is June 9. For more information, contact Anna Ercoli Schnitzer at 734-936-1402 or schnitzr@umich.edu. Nominations form are available online at tinyurl.com/kc27wpt.
New campaign aims to strengthen research safety at U-M
As part of an ongoing initiative to strengthen the university’s culture of laboratory and research safety, the U-M Office of Research and the Department of Environment, Health & Safety have launched a new campaign to boost awareness and effectiveness of safety practices. Officials recently announced “Research Smart,” a new phase of the Laboratory and Research Safety Initiative aimed at ensuring the safety and quality of U-M research. The new approach includes a network of local safety coordinators and safety committees appointed by 15 schools, colleges, institutes and other major units to work alongside faculty, staff and trainees to address their particular needs, and to act as liaisons to Environment, Health & Safety.
UM-Dearborn to launch new criminal justice graduate program
The UM-Dearborn’s new Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice program will start in the fall. The graduate program aims to strengthen the professional qualifications of those employed in the fields of criminal justice; to help develop research, program planning and evaluation skills in criminology and criminal justice; to enhance knowledge about working in the organization and administration roles of public criminal justice systems; and to prepare for doctoral study in criminology and criminal justice.
Graham Institute research grants target sustainability challenges
The Graham Sustainability Institute has awarded nearly $500,000 to support four sustainability-related research projects in the U.S. and abroad. The four projects will investigate sustainable diets in Kenya and Vietnam, climate adaptation strategies of indigenous tribes in the Great Lakes region, climate-related health disparities among marginalized communities, and climate adaptation strategies for vulnerable communities along the northern coast of Ecuador. Each cross-disciplinary team includes University of Michigan researchers and external partners, including experts from other universities and colleges, tribal agencies and non-governmental organizations. The Graham Institute also awarded three eight-month Catalyst Grants of $10,000 to support collaborative activities such as conferences, project planning, white papers and workshops.
— Compiled by Safiya Merchant, The University Record
