Precision Health expands data resources offered on Analytics Platform
Precision Health at U-M recently improved and expanded its offerings for campus researchers in genetics, pharmacogenomics, operations, artificial intelligence and a host of other precision health-related fields. With the enhanced Analytics Platform, Precision Health has defined a clear pathway for researchers to access deidentified clinical data — a milestone in its goal of accelerating research and collaboration in a secure environment. The Analytics Platform makes it easier for faculty across departments to collaborate on data-driven analyses for patient risk stratification, disease prevention, treatment and more. A new Sharepoint documentation site guides researchers through the available features, resources and tools. Increased data privacy and security measures are required to support this increased access. All users of Precision Health DataDirect are required to complete robust human subjects research training and appropriate data use agreements. To get started, users should refer to the Analytics Platform User Guide on the documentation site. For more information, visit myumi.ch/51v5E.
Virtual New Faculty Orientation set for Aug. 26
A campuswide New Faculty Orientation that is designed to introduce all new faculty to U-M will take place virtually from 9-11:30 a.m. Aug. 26 through Zoom. Sponsored by the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice President for Academic Affairs and the Center for Research on Learning and Teaching, the orientation will help new faculty members prepare for their first year at the university. The program will begin with remarks by President Mark Schlissel, Provost Susan Collins and Vice President for Research Rebecca Cunningham. It will also include a CRLT Players performance of “Act for Equity,” followed by breakout sessions in which faculty members will have the opportunity to discuss the performance. For more information or to register, visit myumi.ch/wlnoZ.
U-M Library is helping faculty prepare for fall semester
The U-M Library is working to help faculty members prepare for the fall semester, helping faculty members meet needs for course materials and reserves with electronic offerings wherever possible. Physical reserves will be a last resort, given that health and safety rules require that returned items be isolated for 48 hours. The library is offering a consolidated service via its website, with guidance about finding materials along with a request form, and is encouraging faculty to begin planning for their course material needs as soon as possible. In addition, for those interested in incorporating library instruction into their classes, the library offers live sessions via Zoom or BlueJeans, recorded video and in-person class visits where preferred, reasonable and safe. Instructors can request a session via the library’s website. They can also find library modules and tutorials to integrate into their Canvas sites. The library will launch borrowing services via contactless pickup and delivery by the beginning of the fall semester. It is planning for some in-person services by appointment only. For more information, visit the Access During COVID-19 section of the library’s website at myumi.ch/O4xje.
Michigan Center for Interprofessional Education releases annual report
The Michigan Center for Interprofessional Education released its 2019-20 annual report in mid-July. With more than a dozen pages of data, photos and graphics, it documents five years of progress toward transforming the future of collaborative health practice at U-M and beyond. It also shows a recommitment to racial equity and support for health professionals amid the COVID-19 pandemic. “During this academic year, more than 300 faculty from the 10 health science schools located on the three U-M campuses were involved in Michigan Center for IPE activities,” said Frank Ascione, director for the Center for IPE and a U-M professor of pharmacy. “More than 3,000 health science students participated across 35 IPE opportunities — and we welcomed the U-M schools of law, education, business and engineering into the IPE movement.” For more information, visit myumi.ch/AxzD5.
UM-Flint receives $300K to support local economic development
UM-Flint received a $300,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration. The funding is from the EDA CARES Act Recovery Assistance grants that were awarded to EDA University Centers across the nation to boost their capacity to support regional economic development strategies in response to the coronavirus pandemic. UM-Flint’s EDA University Center for Community & Economic Development, which is housed in the Office of Research and Economic Development works with businesses, municipalities, educational institutions and non-profits in Genesee County to support economic growth for the region. According to David Merot who directs the UM-Flint EDA University Center for Community and Economic Development, the new grant funding will jumpstart new in-demand services. Read more about this effort at myumi.ch/K435W.
— Compiled by Ann Zaniewski, The University Record
