143258 research outputs found
Sort by
Scholarship Reflections: A Guide for Academic Career Development
Get PDFThis reflective guide is designed as a practical metacognitive tool to support academics at all career stages in documenting, evaluating, and advancing their scholarly work. It serves multiple interconnected purposes:
Metacognitive Development: Cultivates thinking about thinking—the hallmark of reflective practice—by prompting scholars to examine not just what they accomplish, but how they approach, evaluate, and learn from their scholarly work.
Career Navigation: Provides structure for ongoing professional self-assessment, helping scholars identify strengths, recognize gaps, set meaningful goals, and make intentional choices about their academic trajectory.
Documentation and Evidence: Creates a systematic record of scholarly accomplishments, decisions, and evolution that can inform promotion and tenure dossiers, grant applications, and professional portfolios.
Legacy Building: Encourages scholars to consider the long-term impact and coherence of their work, fostering intentional cultivation of a meaningful professional legacy aligned with personal values and field contributions.
Renewal and Adaptation: Supports periodic reassessment and course correction, enabling scholars to respond to changing circumstances, emerging opportunities, and evolving interests while maintaining scholarly integrity.This reflective toolkit provides a structured framework for academic career development grounded in Charles Glassick's six standards of scholarly excellence. Originally published in "Scholarship Reconsidered" and later adapted for diverse academic contexts, these standards offer a metacognitive approach to evaluating and advancing one's scholarly work across all forms of academic inquiry—including discovery, integration, application, and teaching scholarship. The toolkit transforms Glassick's evaluative standards into actionable reflection prompts organized around six domains: Clear Goals, Adequate Preparation, Appropriate Methods, Significant Results, Effective Presentation, and Reflective Critique. Each domain features targeted questions designed to foster deep self-assessment and intentional professional development.
This guide serves as both a formative tool for ongoing career reflection and a summative instrument for documenting scholarly accomplishments. It supports academics in articulating their contributions, identifying development needs, preparing for promotion and tenure reviews, and cultivating a coherent narrative of scholarly impact. By engaging with these reflections regularly, scholars develop metacognitive awareness of their work's trajectory, strengthen their capacity for self-directed professional growth, and create an evidence-based foundation for career advancement. The toolkit is particularly valuable for early-career faculty navigating academic pathways, mid-career scholars seeking to renew their focus, and senior faculty curating their professional legacy.Pesut, Daniel. (2025). Scholarship Reflections: A Guide for Academic Career Development. Retrieved from the University Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/277134
Violence in the classroom: negotiating historical narratives in Rwanda and Sierra Leone
No full textUniversity of Minnesota Ph.D. dissertation.August 2025. Major: Sociology. Advisors: Joachim Savelsberg, Alejandro Baer. 1 computer file (PDF); xix, 342 pages.In countries with recent histories of mass violence, parents and teachers face challenges when educating newer generations. They must navigate not only state narratives but also their own memories of such violence. To examine how parents and teachers educate youth about recent episodes of large-scale political violence, I draw from fifteen months of fieldwork in Rwanda and Sierra Leone. I conducted participant observation of classrooms, textual analysis of educational materials, and over 190 interviews with parents, teachers, and educational experts. Both countries experienced mass violence in the 1990s, allowing me to control for historic time while exploring the effect of varying regime contexts in the production of collective memory at both micro- and macro-levels. Specifically, I examine how macro-level narratives produced through transitional justice mechanisms (TJMs) and mediated by the state simultaneously shape and are modified by educator and parental narratives at the micro-level. In both countries under investigation, TJMs have colored historical narratives of mass violence. More specifically, I find that TJMs, such as criminal courts, truth commissions, and reconciliation policies, affect how Ministries of Education describe the violence in national curricula and textbooks. These educational materials seek to legitimize the state, often obscuring the current regime’s role in violence. A core method is the thematic sequencing (as opposed to chronological sequencing) of Rwandan and Sierra Leonean curricula. Consequently, war crimes are decoupled from the genocide in Rwanda, and the war in Sierra Leone is portrayed as a rupture in an otherwise peaceful history. Teachers borrow from these narratives, particularly when framing the violence and identifying victims and perpetrators. Yet, state directives and macro-level narratives are not determinative. Institutional knowledge and personal memories of mass violence converge, shaping formal education about the recent episodes of mass violence. Thus, teachers may reinforce state narratives found in state-produced education materials and nuance or challenge these narratives. Still, parents exercise more agency than teachers, and consequently, they are more likely to subvert, modify, or expand upon state narratives. My comparison between authoritarian Rwanda and a more liberal Sierra Leone reveals the impact of political contexts on these processes of knowledge transmission. This study contributes to education and collective memory literatures, especially as they engage with post-violence chapters of history. I demonstrate that education is not simply a place of memory dissemination, but rather, it is a place where collective memory is constructed interactionally. In short, this study demonstrates interactions between structural memory (imposed from above) and communicative memory (at the level of social interaction) in the intergenerational transmission of knowledge about recent histories of mass violence. It shows how structural memory sets parameters within which communicative memory evolves. The consequences for future peaceful coexistence may be substantial.LaBranche, Jillian. (2025). Violence in the classroom: negotiating historical narratives in Rwanda and Sierra Leone. Retrieved from the University Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/278217
Development of technologies to enable clinical 7T body MRI
No full textUniversity of Minnesota Ph.D. dissertation. September 2025. Major: Biomedical Engineering. Advisor: Gregory Metzger. 1 computer file (PDF); x, 118 pages.Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has become an indispensable tool in both clinical and foundational research settings. As time has progressed the bounds of the main magnetic field have continued to be expanded, both lower and higher, with the current highest field strength used for body imaging sitting at 10.5 Tesla (T). However, FDA approval for clinical MRI is currently limited to 7T with only head and knee imaging being approved. This is because 7T body imaging has multiple challenges that must be addressed before clinical approval can be given. The first and foremost challenging aspect of 7T body imaging is electromagnetic (EM) field inhomogeneity. At 7T, the Larmor frequency of protons is around 297MHz which translates to an in-vivo wavelength of ≈ 11cm. Since the dimension of the human torso is multiple times larger than this, EM interference patterns are prevalent and require careful management. The first issue related to these interference patterns is spatially varying B1+ which results in variable excitation profiles; leading to images with variable contrast and signal dropout. The second challenge resulting from the short in-vivo wavelength is constructive E-field interference which can lead to high local specific absorption rate (SAR10g). The third challenge that comes with 7T imaging is the absence of remote transmit arrays. At lower fields, the transmit coils are placed behind the bore cover of the MRI machine and typically use a birdcage geometry. However, at 7T these birdcage coils have been found to be suboptimal. Instead, 7T MRI systems typically utilize local transceiver elements that both generate the transmit B1+ field to create the MR signal and measure the MR signal from the sample. In response to these challenges, this thesis aims to develop technologies that enable clinical 7T body imaging. One of the technologies developed for this thesis was a 32-channel shielded loop-dipole body array which was validated for in-vivo use in multiple anatomies. A second technology developed for this thesis is a new radio frequency (RF) shimming method which enables large field of view (FOV) turbo-spin echo (TSE) imaging with lower scan times. In addition, an analysis of local coil placement, which introduced new coil performance metrics, was conducted to inform the design of next generation body imaging arrays for 7T MRI. Lastly, a database consisting of whole-body, fat-water reconstructed human body models was acquired and processed into segmented models which lays the groundwork for subpopulation and patient specific SAR monitoring for applications at 7T and above.Haluptzok, Tobey. (2025). Development of technologies to enable clinical 7T body MRI. Retrieved from the University Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/278782
Minutes: P&A Consultative Committee (PACC): November 20, 2025
No full textIn these minutes: Continued Discussion on Proposed Changes to the Constitution, Bylaws, and Rules; Civil Service Senate Updates; Review Issues for Consideration; Consult on New Antisemitism and Islamophobia Modules; Remarks for the December Board of Regents Meeting; Honors and Award Nominations Working Group Update; Research Involving Human Participants Policy Review; Chair’s UpdatesUniversity of Minnesota: P&A Consultative Committee. (2025). Minutes: P&A Consultative Committee (PACC): November 20, 2025. Retrieved from the University Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/278927
Supporting transition cow health: tailoring hyperketonemia treatment and periparturient supplementation
No full textUniversity of Minnesota M.S. thesis. July 2025. Major: Animal Sciences. Advisor: Luciano Caixeta. 1 computer file (PDF); vii, 105 pages.The transition period in dairy cows is characterized by complex metabolic and inflammatory adaptations. Inadequate adaptation during this period increases the risk of disease and impairs productive performance. This thesis evaluated two independent strategies aimed at improving transition cow health. In Chapter 2, a randomized controlled trial assessed the effects of pre- and post-partum oral mineral supplementation on milk yield and blood metabolite profiles in 1,275 cows. Although minor improvements in metabolic indicators were observed, no benefit to milk production was detected, suggesting limited utility in well-managed herds. Chapter 3 investigated whether baseline metabolic status affected the likelihood of hyperketonemia resolution following propylene glycol treatment in diagnosed cows. Even though cows with lower non-esterified fatty acid concentrations were less likely to remain hyperketonemic, no significant interactions were observed between treatment response and baseline metabolic indicators. These studies contribute to the understanding of transition cow management by identifying opportunities for more efficient and tailored intervention strategies.Rocha Dorella, Marina. (2025). Supporting transition cow health: tailoring hyperketonemia treatment and periparturient supplementation. Retrieved from the University Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/278000
Supporting Data for β-Methyl-δ-valerolactone as a Monomer for UV-Curable and Chemically Recyclable Elastomers
No full textThe files below include raw characterization data used in all analyses. Subfolders and files are organized using the nomenclature established in the manuscript, which is also described in the “README.txt” file. All raw nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy data files can be accessed using MNova or Bruker software. SEM files can be viewed in Photos or an equivalent software. All other files can be opened using Microsoft Excel.
This material is based on research sponsored by the Air Force under agreement number FA8650-21-2-5028. The U.S. Government is authorized to reproduce and distribute reprints for Governmental purposes notwithstanding any copyright notation thereon. The views and conclusions contained herein are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as necessarily representing the official policies or endorsements, either expressed or implied, of the Air Force or the U.S. Government. This publication was made possible with the support of The Bioindustrial Manufacturing and Design Ecosystem (BioMADE); the content expressed herein is that of the authors and does not necessarily reflect the views of BioMADE. Marc A. Hillmyer and Frank S. Bates are co-founders of Valerian Materials which is commercializing ßMVL under the tradename Nuvone.Though the growth of three-dimensional printing (3D printing) by vat photopolymerization has expanded opportunities for polymer manufacturing, most commercial resins are petrochemically-derived and form thermosets that are challenging to recycle. We report the solvent-free synthesis of poly(β-methyl-δ-valerolactone) (PβMVL)-based photocrosslinkable resins from the ring-opening polymerization of the renewable monomer β-methyl-δ-valerolactone (βMVL) with a low ceiling temperature (Tc) in the neat state. We explore the temperature-dependence of the characteristic equilibrium monomer concentration and control the quantities of residual βMVL for sequestration with diamines to give diamidodiols or use as a non-reactive diluent to reduce resin viscosity. We demonstrate the advantage of diamidodiol crosslinkers in the presence of PβMVL to form a bimodal network strengthened with additional hydrogen bonding moieties, resulting in materials with tensile strengths of 8 ± 2 MPa and elongations at break of 105 ± 8 %, which are comparable to commercial vat photopolymerization resins. High resolution 3D-printed materials were produced and shown to be chemically recycled back to βMVL in high yield and purity.U.S. Air Force (agreement number FA8650-21-2-5028), National Science Foundation (2237827)Block, Alison; Kirshner, Adelle; Kitos Vasconcelos, Ana Paula; Nelson, Alshakim; Bates, Frank S; Hillmyer, Marc A. (2026). Supporting Data for β-Methyl-δ-valerolactone as a Monomer for UV-Curable and Chemically Recyclable Elastomers. Retrieved from the Data Repository for the University of Minnesota (DRUM),
A Food systems approach to preparing future nutrition professionals
No full textUniversity of Minnesota Ph.D. dissertation.August 2025. Major: Nutrition. Advisors: Len Marquart, Marla Reicks. 1 computer file (PDF); xiii, 164 pages.Future nutrition and dietetics professionals will be challenged with addressing the complex, overlapping, and disconnected pathways of the food system and human health. Complexities of the food system coupled with other systematic and societal inequities have contributed to differences in human health outcomes along the urban-suburban-rural continuum. A systems-based approach intended to enhance skill development and career readiness was applied in this dissertation. The approach refers to a holistic instruction model focused on the food system with elements of project-based learning, mentoring, active collaboration, and continuous improvement. Additional elements embedded in the framework of the model include autonomy, content expertise, meaningful experience, and professional skills. The systems-based approach was implemented for nutrition and dietetics undergraduate students using project-based learning during the academic year, followed by quality experiential learning projects with community and industry partners centered on the food system and skill development. Three studies were completed and are reported in this dissertation that supported the implementation of the systems-based approach to improve undergraduate nutrition and dietetics education. Each study was linked to activities and projects being conducted by a community center in Minneapolis to improve community health with the involvement of undergraduate nutrition and dietetics students. The first study was completed to explore the development of transferable skills by students needed for success in interdisciplinary teams for food system transformation intended to improve human health using community-based experiential learning activities. Few studies have identified student responses to quality experiential learning experiences among undergraduate nutrition and dietetics students regarding skill development and potential for career readiness. The second study was completed to better understand sourcing ancient grains for a community kitchen hosted by the center. Incorporation of ancient grains into dietary patterns represents a solution to reduce malnutrition and diet-related diseases, restore cultural connections to food, and improve the food system. However, barriers and opportunities for increasing ancient grains intake have not been identified from the perspective of consumers, producers and processors. The third study was completed to explore how a local rural food environment could impact inclusion of ancient grains in diets of community members. However, consumer perspectives related to the food environment based on an urban-rural continuum have not been explored to support increased ancient grains consumption. Food and health programming informed by food system analysis represents a holistic, system-based model for nutrition and dietetics professionals to support shifts in dietary patterns for improved health outcomes. The objective of the first research study was to explore perceived transferable skill development among nutrition and dietetics undergraduate students following participation in summer experiential learning projects and activities focused on the food system after completion of two project-based learning food service courses in the previous academic year. Twenty upper-level undergraduate nutrition and dietetics students were recruited to participate in experiential learning projects and activities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted after completion of 90-120 hours of experiential learning projects and activities. Interviews were analyzed using thematic analysis about the overall experience, what was learned, contributions to success, and skill development. Findings included expressions of gratitude and appreciation for the experience and the opportunity to apply content knowledge, engagement with the community and food system, and expanded food knowledge and skills. Participants perceived improvements in skills related to communication, confidence, creativity, cultural learning, leadership, teamwork, networking, and relationship building. The objective of the second research study was to analyze the food system related to ancient grains to explore the barriers and opportunities identified by stakeholders in the upper Midwest region of the U.S. regarding inclusion of ancient grains in diets and how such findings can serve as an input to community health programming. Twenty-eight ancient grain food system stakeholders with consumer, government, production, and processing perspectives were identified through convenience and snowball sampling and interviewed using a video platform (Zoom or Microsoft Teams) that supported participation via telephone or computer. Thematic analysis with hierarchical coding was used to explore barriers and opportunities related to the ancient grain food system. Findings included barriers related to consumer food choice factors such as likability and cost, accessibility, inconsistent supply, specialized equipment requirements for production and processing, and lack of physical and financial infrastructure for production. Opportunities included changes in consumer behavior following education and exposure, financial support from the government to increase production, shared milling resources, the ability to produce ancient grains in the United States, and creation of small value chains that might lead to greater market access. The objective of the third research study was to describe the food environment of New Ulm, Minnesota with respect to the consumer sector of the food system with the intention of informing community food and health programming where locally produced grains or other crops may be added to the food system. The rural city of New Ulm previously participated in a community-wide intervention to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease and may benefit from further community-wide food and health programming interventions. Eighteen New Ulm residents with roles in food service, retail food sales, production, programming, and government were identified through convenience and snowball sampling and interviewed using a video platform (Zoom or Microsoft Teams) that supported participation via telephone or computer. Thematic analysis with hierarchical coding was used to explore the food environment. Findings included references to consumer preferences shifting to include non-German cultural foods; examples of locally produced foods currently served at various locations; and food related programming. Primary themes across the sectors of the food system referenced growing interest in adding local foods to the food system and the opportunity to expand production and availability of locally produced food. Studies in this dissertation illustrate how a systems approach will improve nutrition and dietetics education through hands on engagement with the food system and support shifts in dietary patterns through food system analysis. The first study adds to the existing literature related to the benefits of experiential learning to support skill development and enhancement for nutrition and dietetics undergraduate students. The second study provides detailed information about the ancient grains food system, which might inform an intervention focused on ancient grains. The third study adds to existing literature related to expanding the definition of food environments. The results of the last two studies represent an exploratory model of utilizing information gathered from a food system analysis to plan and develop community food and health programming.Perteet-Jackson, Alissa. (2025). A Food systems approach to preparing future nutrition professionals. Retrieved from the University Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/278062
Minutes: Student Senate Consultative Committee: September 4, 2025
No full textIn these minutes: Committee Orientation; SCC Appointments; Student Committee on Committee Appointments; Nominating Subcommittee; System Campus Reports; Chair’s reportUniversity of Minnesota: Student Senate Consultative Committee. (2025). Minutes: Student Senate Consultative Committee: September 4, 2025. Retrieved from the University Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/278929
Thermal and hydrothermal effects of Proterozoic events in the Archean terrain of northeastern Minnesota, USA
No full textUniversity of Minnesota Ph.D. dissertation. September 2025. Major: Earth Sciences. Advisors: Christian Teyssier, George Hudak. 1 computer file (PDF); xvi, 377 pages.This dissertation investigates the thermal and hydrothermal impacts of Proterozoic and younger geologic events on the Archean crust of northeastern Minnesota, USA. The primary objective is to constrain the timing, nature, and extent of the impact of processes that altered the mineralogical, geochemical, and structural characteristics of the craton. Understanding the modification of Archean crust by later geologic events is critical for unraveling cratonic evolution, including the formation of economically significant ore deposits. The study provides insights into the tectonic, thermal and hydrothermal processes that shaped ancient terrains.The research encompasses two projects: the Soudan Project and the Giants Range Batholith (GRB) Project. The Soudan Project employed hematite U-Pb geochronology and (U-Th)/He geochronology to date iron ore formation and explore possible thermal signatures. Characterization included hand sample analyses as well as petrography. Lithogeochemical analyses, including major oxide and trace element data, were evaluated using the isocon method to quantify mass-balance changes during hydrothermal alteration. Iron stable isotope geochemistry unveiled iron mobility and fluid sources. Additionally, the Soudan Geology Trail Project initiative was produced as a collaborative effort to share the unique geology of northeastern Minnesota with the public, students and teachers. The GRB Project utilized petrography of alteration textures and U-Pb dating of zircon and apatite on samples from the GRB-Duluth Complex (DC) contact to assess thermal effects from DC emplacement and other processes.
The Soudan Project identified Paleoproterozoic (1.8–1.6 Ga) hydrothermal events that upgraded Archean BIFs to high-grade hematite ore, as well as a ca. 1.1 Ga thermal overprint linked to the Midcontinent Rift System (MRS). Geochemical data revealed significant silica leaching and iron enrichment, with iron isotope signatures indicating hydrothermal fluid origins and iron sources. The Soudan Geology Trail Project characterized samples that were used to interpret the geologic history of the Lake Vermilion-Soudan Underground Mine State Park, and produced information will be implemented in educational material.
The GRB Project documented thermal resetting near the GRB-DC contact, with zircon U-Pb dates primarily reflecting crystallization ages, though one sample at approximately 150 m showed complete resetting due to DC emplacement. Apatite U-Pb results confirmed resetting up to approximately 1500 m from the contact.
Proterozoic events, including the Penokean, Yavapai, and Mazatzal orogenies, MRS-related magmatism, and younger events in the Phanerozoic, all significantly altered the Archean crust through thermal and hydrothermal processes. The Soudan Project highlights far-field tectonic and rift-related effects, while the GRB Project underscores localized thermal impacts from DC emplacement. Integrating multiple geochronological and geochemical methods enhances our understanding of hydrothermally driven iron ore genesis and thermal evolution of ancient terrains.Allerton, Zsuzsanna. (2025). Thermal and hydrothermal effects of Proterozoic events in the Archean terrain of northeastern Minnesota, USA. Retrieved from the University Digital Conservancy, https://hdl.handle.net/11299/278760
Polyhydroxyalkanoate block-polymer adhesives derived from long-chain aliphatic β-lactones and lactide
No full textThe data is organized into 7 folders based upon the data type contained. The Raw NMR Data folder is split between the syntheses of monomer, the PTDL homopolymers, and the LTL triblock polymers. The Monomer Synthesis folder contains NMR spectra for the isolated chemical compounds formed during the carbonylation and the optimization experiments which are labelled based upon the ratio of the 2-epoxydodecane to catalyst ratio EDD_Cat .
The Raw SAXS and WAXS Data folder contains both data sets which were collected during a single experiment for each sample. The subfolders are organized by the triblock polymer analyzed along with the empty aluminum pan used as holders for all samples Pan and a control of tackifier ( Tackifier ). The files designated mm019 were collected on the SAXS detector and those designated hs102 were collected on the WAXS detector.Pressure sensitive adhesives (PSAs) are contained in numerous packaging products as labels, tapes, and sealants. Consequently, they are a common contaminant that complicates repulping during paper recycling and industrial composting. Degradable PSAs are an attractive
alternative where complete removal or separation is not practical prior to disposal. In this work, we employed epoxide carbonylation to produce β-tridecalactone to prepare poly(β-tridecalactone) (PTDL) through ring-opening transesterification polymerization (ROTEP). We explored the synthetic challenges in producing high molar mass (>20 kg/mol) PTDL. These include dehydration of the propagating chain end and adventitious initiation from impurities in the monomer. The utility of PTDL PSAs containing a rubbery midblock with semicrystalline
poly(L-lactide) (PLLA) end blocks was probed as a function of composition, molar mass, and processing conditions. The largest PLLA volume fraction (f PLLA = 0.31-0.35) triblock polymers exhibit commercially competitive peel strengths (5.5 ± 0.9 N/cm) and loop tack (8.5 ± 0.9 N/cm) values, with properties similar to office and duct tapes. This work informs how long aliphatic chain containing β-lactones can be effectively harnessed to produce high performance PSAs with the end goal of fully biodegradable adhesives.This work was supported by Bostik, an Arkema company. Research reported in this publication was supported by the Office of the Vice President of Research, College of Science and Engineering, and the Department of Chemistry at the University of Minnesota. We also acknowledge support from the National Science Foundation (CHE-2403983). The SAXS and WAXS analysis was performed at the DuPont-Northwestern-Dow Collaborative Access Team (DND-CAT) located at Sector 5 of the Advanced Photon Source (APS). DND-CAT is supported by Northwestern University, The Dow Chemical Company, and DuPont de Nemours, Inc. This research used resources of the Advanced Photon Source, a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science User Facility operated for the DOE Office of Science by Argonne National Laboratory under Contract No. DE-AC02-06CH11357. Data was collected using an instrument funded by the National Science Foundation under Award Number 0960140.Kelly, Peter V; Block, Alison; Hoehn, Brenden D; Saha, Pathikrit; Ellison, Christopher J; Hillmyer, Marc A. (2026). Polyhydroxyalkanoate block-polymer adhesives derived from long-chain aliphatic β-lactones and lactide. Retrieved from the Data Repository for the University of Minnesota (DRUM), https://hdl.handle.net/11299/278922