News from other Michigan public universities and U-M peer institutions across the nation.
STATE UNIVERSITIES
Michigan Tech students put on show for NBA
Basketball fans in New Orleans for the 2014 NBA All-Star Game Feb. 16 also had the chance to learn about the science of basketball, thanks to a planned appearance by the Michigan Technological University Mind Trekkers. Mind Trekkers is a hands-on science education show featuring volunteer students and staff from Michigan Tech. They perform interactive, high-energy science and engineering activities at science festivals and expos nationwide. Fans could participate in hands-on activities that illustrate the science of basketball at the NBA All-Star Jam Session Feb. 13-16.
Saginaw Valley State welcomes new president
The Saginaw Valley State University Board of Control appointed Donald Bachand as the school’s next president. Bachand becomes the fourth president of SVSU, replacing Eric Gilbertson, who is retiring after more than 24 years of service. Bachand has served as SVSU’s vice president for academic affairs since 2006 and added the responsibilities of provost in 2010. Prior to that he served nearly 10 years as dean of the College of Arts and Behavioral Sciences.
Grants to WMU pushed past $2.8 million in late 2013
Grants to Western Michigan University climbed past $2.8 million in November and December, driving the year-to-date total of externally funded awards to more than $16 million, WMU trustees learned at their Jan. 22 meeting. By the end of December, grants received since the July 1 start of the fiscal year stood at $16.3 million. Public service grants made up most of the most recent two-month total, topping $1.7 million, followed by grants for instruction at $553,939.
PEER INSTITUTIONS
UCLA to study hand movement restoration
University of California Los Angeles scientists have been awarded $6 million to study new ways to restore hand movement after paralysis. The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering has awarded two UCLA researchers a $6 million, five-year grant to explore new therapies for the approximately 273,000 Americans living with spinal-cord injuries. Some 12,000 Americans suffer such injuries each year. The research will focus on restoring hand function to patients paralyzed from the neck down.
Purdue foundation joins $12M project to support life sciences
Purdue Research Foundation and Cook Medical officials recently announced plans to establish a $12 million evergreen investment fund to support Purdue-based life sciences companies. The fund will help a new and larger generation of Purdue innovators move their technologies to the public, said Mitch Daniels, president of Purdue University. The Foundry Investment Fund, a not-for-profit fund, will seek to join with other investors to fund companies that are based on Purdue technology or expertise in the areas of human and animal health and plant sciences.
