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Minnesota ISG-IGERT sponsors 3 symposia

The IGERT Research Committee announced 3 awardees in April, 2009. All symposia are co-organized by IGERT students and faculty. Topics are 1) Protecting native wild rice populations in Minnesota, 2) The use of entomophagous insects as biocontrol agents and 3) Environmental ethics in invasion biology. See other news items for symposia details. Click here for application information for December, 2009 call (pdf)

Professor Ragsdale receives first Carol Mortensen Award at Minnesota Invasive Species Conference October, 2008.

Entomology Professor David W. Ragsdale was awarded at a recent conference on invasive species sponsored by the Minnesota Invasive Species Council. The annual award is given to a person or entity which has made significant contributions to the prevention, management, and increased awareness of invasive species in the state of Minnesota. Click here for more about the Mortensen Award

Student presents poster at the 2009 IGERT Principal Investigators Meeting in Washington, DC May 17-19.

IGERT Trainee Genya Dana presented findings from her doctoral research in a poster entitled, Stakeholder involvement in environmental risk analysis: Assessing impacts of genetically modified maize on South African biodiversity. View poster (pdf)

U of MN IGERT-students present research findings on Oak wilt.

IGERT Trainees Present at the 1st Annual Minnesota Invasive Species Conference Eight IGERT trainees presented research results at the 1st Annual Minnesota Invasive Species Conference in Duluth, MN, 26-29 October, 2008. Seven trainees reported on the results of their research on Oak Wilt conducted for their Problem Solving Practicum (ISG 8020) in Spring 2008 at a Mini-Symposium on Oak Wilt on 28 October, 2008.
Click here to view a description of their research findings (pdf)

ISG 8031 Cooperative Learning Practicum (1 cr.)

Spring 2009, April 14- May 14, T-Th 5:00-6:30 pm.
In this course, cooperative learning techniques will be introduced, including scenario planning and decision cases. Students will develop and test cooperative learning exercises for environmental risk assessment based on research experience in ISG 8021. Linking research to teaching in active learning will be emphasized.

IGERT faculty interviewed by Science Magazine on genetically modified organisms (GMOs)

Professor Anne Kapuscinski was interviewed by Science magazine September 18, 2008 about new FDA guidelines for genetically engineered animals. Read article

ISG-IGERT Fall Kickoff Event Friday, September 26, 2008

Dr. Subray Hegde, biotechnologist with USDA-APHIS, spoke at the University of Minnesota on the ecology of transgene flow and risk analysis: a regulatory perspective. Dr. Hegde's talk was followed by a panel of University GMO experts:

Dr. Ruth Shaw, Dr. Jennifer Kuzma and Dr. David Andow

IGERT director Ray Newman publishes editorial in St. Paul paper

Read editorial on invasive species published February 29, 2009 in the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

ISG 5010 Risk Analysis for Introduced Species and Genotypes

Fall 2008, T-TH 5:00-7:00 pm in 140B PGF
In this course students learn the analytic-deliberative model of Environmental Risk Assessment (ERA), contrasting it to scientific-technical models. Students will engage in a series of cooperative learning cases to explore the fundamental components of ERA, experience common approaches to risk characterization, evaluate risk management decision processes, and use risk communication and multi-stakeholder deliberation techniques. Students will learn to use models as part of risk analysis and hone skills relevant to research in risk analysis.

ISG 8001: Discussions in Introduced Species and Genotypes

Fall 2008, W 10:30 am-NOON in 100 Skok Hall Schedule
All faculty and students are invited and encouraged to attend. This discussions class covers selected topics of interest throughout the semester, including discussion of specific readings, student presentations and occasionally outside guests.

U of MN IGERT-student presents poster in Washington, D.C.

University of Minnesota IGERT-trainee, Adam Zeilinger, presented a poster developed by 6 IGERT students on Oak wilt to the National Science Foundation in May 2008. The research was conducted as part of the Problem-Solving Practicum in which IGERT students worked with government agencies to better understand management success of oak wilt in Minnesota. Click here to view the poster.

ISG-IGERT faculty interviewed about invasive species

Minnesota Monthly June, 2008

Solutions Magazine Spring/Summer 2008

Minnesota Futures and IGERT Symposium March, 2008

The purpose of the Symposium was to discuss the impact of exotic species with stakeholders, enhance the public dialogue in Minnesota on risks to economy and environment, and initiate international collaborations with Minnesota faculty to solve these issues. The general public was encouraged to attend the Public Day on March 3rd. On March 4-5 there were Research Discussions, aimed at researchers on the topics of invasive species. Click here for more detail about the symposium.

Mini-Symposium 16 November, 2007

Our first symposium was Friday 16 November, 2007. Morning events included a discussion of program goals, Risk Analysis, and presentations by our invited guests, Moses Kairo (FAMU, Center for Biological Control), Jeff Feder (Notre Dame Globes IGERT), and Sharon Strauss (UC Davis, Biological Invasions IGERT). The afternoon focused on research related to Predicting Invasive Potential of Exotic Species, with talks by IGERT faculty, breakout sessions and commentary by faculty and invited guests. A schedule of events can be reviewed by clicking here.

Award Abstract

IGERT: Risk Analysis for Introduced Species and Genotypes

MN Daily Article - September 18, 2007

Risk analysis now for animals too: Trainees in the program will pair with experts in the field to study species interaction firsthand.

Undergraduate Research

Each summer we recruit a select group of undergraduates to conduct summer research with our faculty and students on topics related to invasive species and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). Prepare to apply for summer 2009; learn more about the program and potential projects by clicking here.