N E W S F O R FA C U LT Y A N D S TA F F

D E C . 1 6 , 2 0 1 9 // V o l . 2 I s s u e 8

GOVERNOR NAMES KNAKE NEW TRUSTEEPresident welcomes of law at the University of tenure at the College of Law respectful and more welcom-

Houston Law Center and and also teaching at the Eli ing campus while striving to former professor is the Joanne and Larry Broad College of Business enhance student success and back to campus Doherty Chair in Legal and the Honors College. improve our community.”

Ethics. “I look forward to meeting Knake will serve the remain-I N S I D E M S U S T A F F In addition to her teaching and working with Ms. Knake ing term of Nancy Schlicht-//A D M I N I S T R AT I O N role, she is the director of and welcoming her back into ing, who resigned Oct. 26.

Outcomes and Assessments the MSU community,” said The seat vacated by Schlicht-Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has and a member of the Diver- President Samuel L. Stanley ing, and formerly by George appointed Renee Knake, sity, Inclusion and Equality Jr., M.D. “Her experience in Perles who resigned in 2018 a former law and business Committee. Prior to joining higher education, ethics and due to health reasons, will be professor at MSU, to the uni- the University of Houston in diversity issues will be great versity’s board of trustees. 2016, Knake spent more than assets in supporting our Knake serves as a professor 10 years at MSU, receiving efforts to build a safer, more > > K N A K E see pg. 4

Former MSU law and busi-ness professor Renee Knake has been appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer to the MSU Board of Trustees.

P H O T O //C O U R T E S Y O F T H E M I C H I G A N G O V E R N O R ’ S O F F I C E

AS WINTER LOOMS, NO BREAK FOR MSU’S FARM MANAGERS

At left, Lacey Quail (right), farm manager for the Sheep Teaching and Research Center, and Olivia Walker, student employee on the farm, use flock management software to deter-mine the pedigree information of a lamb by quickly scanning its electronic ID. At a glance, they can see its pedigree, date of birth, litter size and birth weight in-formation. Below, pregnant cows are moved at the MSU Beef Teaching and Research Center.

P H O T O S //D E R R I C K L . T U R N E R

Workers oversee 6 farms housing 6,000 animals

M A D D I E C U R L E Y// W O R K I N G A T M S U the animals’ water from freezing is one

of the biggest challenges, Quail said. Editor’s note: In Working at MSU, an

“Sheep don’t notice the weather occasional InsideMSU series, readers change all that much,” she added. will learn more about what it means “They may flock up more when it’s to be a Spartan and hear from MSU cold, but as long as their wool is dry, faculty and staff across campus who

love what they do. Sheep Teaching and Research Center, it’s easy for them to keep warm.” the end of October to mid-December There’s also a risk of January lambs is a quiet time spent preparing the MSU is home to nearly 6,000 animals getting hypothermia, but it’s rare. farm for winter temperatures. housed across six farms — spanning Despite cold temperatures, new lambs

630 acres, with an additional 600 acres “Working on the farm goes beyond are hardy and have a high chance of dedicated to growing feed — all located just caring for the animals,” Quail survival if they nurse right away.within three miles of central campus. said. “We also have to maintain the The biggest reward for Quail is watch-

property and facilities to keep the an-While many university employees enjoy ing student employees grow and learn. imals healthy and safe. This can mean time off during the holidays, campus “It’s really bittersweet when you realize replacing an old gate or fence, pouring farm workers are still on the clock. Farm the students you’ve trained no longer concrete or maintaining water lines.”managers and their staff are on-site need your help,” Quail said. “They’re

seven days a week to ensure animals Although the farm’s 250 mature sheep getting a real hands-on learning are fed, watered and cared for. (and lambs depending on the time of

year) are kept indoors for the winter, For Lacey Quail, farm manager for the only half of the barn is heated. Keeping >> FARMS see pg. 2

STANLEY SETS INITIATIVES ON PLANNING, DIVERSITYTwo committees ON THE WEB

to shape vision in For more information

inclusive manner about the recently an-nounced presidential initia-tives, including members

I N S I D E M S U S T A F Fof the strategic planning //A D M I N I S T R A T I O Nand diversity committees,

President Samuel L. visit president.msu.edu.Stanley Jr., M.D., recently announced the formation Stanley said. “The best of two planning processes, work in an academic en-one focused on creating vironment stems from the a shared vision for the ingenuity and creativity of university and the other faculty, staff and students. ensuring the university Colleges, departments, simultaneously embraces centers, institutes and units diversity, equity and inclu- across campus always will sion as a founda- be the driving tion on campus. forces behind our The Strategic success. Still, it is Planning Steer- essential to create ing Committee, a shared vision including faculty, for the future with staff and students, a common set will serve in an of principles and advisory capacity values to guide

Stanleyto the president. our work.” Vennie Gore, vice Simultaneously, president for auxiliary Stanley launched a sepa-enterprises, and Joseph rate but closely connected Salem Jr., dean of MSU comprehensive planning Libraries, are serving as process around diversity, co-chairs of the panel. equity and inclusion. The committee is charged “A culture embracing these with developing a process values is essential for all for gathering input from we want to accomplish campus and external stake- together,” Stanley said. holders, including alumni “This process will work and community leaders, in collaboration with the about the university’s strategic planning process vision, values and strategic while elevating the impor-direction. tance of diversity, equity “This process is less about and inclusion as a founda-establishing an exhaustive tion for all we do.”set of tactics and more about setting a guiding direction for the future,” >> INITIATIVES see pg . 2

N E W SB R I E F S

FEDERAL REVIEWS PROGRESS UPDATE

The webpage tracking MSU’s progress on requirements outlined in federal reviews will be updated Dec. 18.

go.msu.edu/gZP

HOLIDAY DISCOUNTS AND SAVINGS

All benefit-eligible employees have access to many discounts and savings through MSU Benefits Plus.

go.msu.edu/mZP

> > I N T H I S I S S U E

AVP NAMED FOR CIVIL RIGHTS OFFICE | 2

FACULTY PLAY PART IN GIVING DAY | 3

CHECK OUT CAMPUS EVENTS | 3

EMPLOYEES OPEN HOMES FOR HOLIDAY | 4

D E C . 1 6 , 2 0 1 9 // P A G E 2 I N S I D E M S U

N E W S B R I E F S

STUDENT EARNS MARSHALL SCHOLARSHIPEmily Steffke, an Honors College senior major-ing in neuroscience in the College of Natural Science and English in the College of Arts and Letters, has been named a Marshall Scholar. Steffke is from Beal City. She is an undergradu-ate researcher at MSU’s Institute for Quantitative Health Science and Engineering. Steffke is also the co-founder and president of Reach Outside, a service

Steffkeorganization through which MSU students help underprivileged children in the Lansing area experience a variety of outdoor sports. Steffke’s research focuses on genetic mechanisms of cancer immunosurveillance escape. The Marshall Commission provides support for up to 50 of the most outstanding undergraduates in the country to study at any university in the United Kingdom.

TWO MSU RESEARCH ADMINS RECOGNIZED FOR PROFESSIONAL CONTRIBUTIONSMSU’s research administration offices of Sponsored Programs Admin-istration, Office of Sponsored Programs and Contract and Grant Administration encour-age excellence and exemplary service by recognizing profes-sional contributions and quality of service through the Research Administration Spotlight recog- Gormannition. Erin Gorman, director of research operations with health colleges research services for the College of Human Medi-cine, and Barb Miller, research administrator with the research office in the College of Arts and Letters, are the recipients of the MillerFall 2019 Unit Research Admin-istrator Spotlight Awards.

EIGHT NATSCI FACULTY MEMBERS NAMED TO FOURTH COHORT OF STEM FELLOWSValerie Hedges, neuroscience; Casey Henley, neuroscience; Krystyna Kijewska, chemistry; Andrew Krause, mathematics; Ryan Maccombs, mathematics; Jennifer Taylor, neuroscience; and Chrysoula Vasileiou, chemistry, were named to the fourth cohort of the successful STEM Teach-ing and Learning Fellowship this fall, supported by the National Science Foundation, the MSU Provost’s Office and the College of Natural Science to support faculty working to improve undergraduate STEM education.

MSU ENTREPRENEURSHIP UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM RISES IN NATIONAL RANKINGMSU was named a top undergraduate entre-preneurship program by Princeton Review and Entrepreneur magazine, rising from number 21 to number 16 in the latest ranking. This marks the second year MSU has been recognized as an entrepreneurial hub and a leading institution for innovation. MSU’s minor in entrepreneurship and innovation launched in 2016 and is considered one of the fastest-growing minors in the univer-sity’s history, with nearly 600 students currently enrolled. The program welcomes undergraduates from all of MSU’s disciplines, with nearly 4,550 students enrolled in entrepreneurship classes.

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EDITOR // Jason Cody ASSOCIATE EDITOR // Maddie Curley

InsideMSU is published biweekly on Mondays throughout the calendar year.

Event and news submissions should be emailed to insidemsu@msu.edu at least 10 days prior to desired publication date. For more information, call (517) 432-0924.

See more news at msu.edu/insidemsu.

NEW ASSOCIATE VP NAMED FOR OFFICE FOR CIVIL RIGHTS

>>FARMS f rom pg. 1

experience that they’d never get in the classroom — it’s a great feeling to be a part of that.”

Quail is a fourth-generation sheep producer from South Dakota. She received her bachelor’s degree in animal science at South Dakota State and her master’s de-gree from Texas A&M. She joined MSU in 2018 and is returning to South Dakota in 2020 to pursue her Ph.D.

The MSU Sheep Teaching and Research Center, at 3885 Hagadorn Road in Okemos, is open from 8 a.m. Tristan Foster (right), farm manager for the Beef Teaching and Research Center, and Adam Weber, student employee to 4 p.m. Tours are available on the farm, collect blood samples from pregnant cows to determine if they have Johne’s disease. This test is typically upon request. Learn more at conducted on all pregnant cows annually, just before calving. P H O T O // D E R R I C K L . T U R N E R

go.msu.edu/V3P. and costly at times. quality of life,” Foster said. challenged and learn new Balancing teaching, research “We roll bales of hay on the things. Having these facilities “When you have many small and daily operations are ground so they don’t have so close to campus is a won-groups of cattle on different the biggest challenges for to lay down in the snow, but derful resource for teaching, regimens, it increases the Tristan Foster, who manag- cattle are tough. They don’t research and outreach with amount of time it takes to es the Beef Teaching and mind the cold much.” the public.”feed and care for those ani-Research Center. mals,” he explained. “While However, pregnant females A Wisconsin native, Fos-“We have so many different a commercial farm may have are moved indoors to a barn ter received his bachelor’s classes come through the 12 watering drinkers to moni- with outdoor access when degree in food industry farm that some days I’m tor, we could have 100.” the animal gets close to management from MSU teaching for eight hours her due date. New mothers before pursuing a beef man-On pasture year-round, MSU straight,” Foster said. “We and calves are kept indoors agement technology certi-beef cattle begin to grow have a great crew who I can and closely monitored for a fication while also working a thick winter coat when trust to take care of up to 24-hour period post-calving, on the beef farm for classtemperatures start to drop. 900 animals and keep things especially when subzero credit. In 2014, he became Foster keeps a close watch running.” temperatures hit. the beef farm manager and on weather predictions

received his master’s degree The beef farm consists of and will make the call to Teaching is the most reward-in animal science in 2016. three operations: a feedlot move animals to a different ing part of Foster’s job.

facility, a cow/calf facil- pasture — one with a natural The Beef Teaching and “The student body is vastly ity and the Veterinarian shelter — if a bad winter Research Center, at 5307 different today than it was Research Farm. All three storm is predicted to hit Bennett Road, is open from 50 years ago,” he added. are used to run different re- campus. 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tours are “We have a lot of students search projects with multiple available upon request. “We want animals to spend come through that don’t large animal species, making Learn more at as little time indoors as pos- have any prior livestock management more difficult go.msu.edu/5KP.sible, as its better for their experience but want to be

C H R I S C H A P M A N and developing successful Amendments of 1972, as well State’s campus, I felt a //T ITLE IX & C IVIL R IGHTS programs. She will be a as university regulations. sense of pride,” Jachimiak

key asset as we continue said. “I hope to carry that She also served as the chair President Samuel L. Stanley to expand our relationship pride into the commitment I of the Wake Forest Baptist Jr., M.D., appointed Tanya violence, sexual misconduct have for leading a team that Medical Center Clery and Jachimiak as the new asso- and discrimination is responsible for ensuring a Title IX Steering ciate vice president of the prevention and Committee; chair safe and equitable campus Office for Civil Rights and response efforts.” of the Wake Forest for all.”Title IX Education and Com-

Jachimiak has more University Sexual pliance, effective Feb. 3. Jachimiak earned a bache-than 20 years of Misconduct Pre- lor’s degree in philosophy In this position, she will experience in higher vention, Policy and from the University of provide leadership and education and Resource Team; chair Illinois at Chicago and a oversight of MSU’s Preven- compliance work. of the Bias Incident law degree from DePaul tion, Outreach and Edu- Most recently, she Jachimiak Response Team; co- University College of Law in cation Department, Office was the Title IX and chair of the Presi-

Chicago. of Institutional Equity and Section 504 coordinator dent’s Committee on the Resolution Office. at Wake Forest University Intersection of Freedom of She will be replacing Robert “This is an important in North Carolina. There, Expression, Bias and Code Kent, who has served as

of Conduct; and a member post for MSU, and we are she was responsible for interim associate vice pres-of the President’s Commis-pleased to have someone developing and implement- ident since June 2018. He

with Tanya’s background ing compliance programs sion on Race, Equity and will stay on in an advisory Inclusion and the Council on join us,” Stanley said. “She and responding to claims in role until March 1 and then Inclusion and Diversitybrings valuable experience relation to federal laws, such . will be returning to the Of-

in leading complex teams as Title IX of the Education “When visiting Michigan fice of the General Counsel.

versity, equity and inclusion munity engagement; and engaged MSU community,” > > I N I T I AT I V E S f ro m p g . 1 across campus; identifying the culture our community Stanley said. “As we embark

potential synergies; pin- members experience each on these two key plan-A Diversity, Equity and Inclu- pointing existing gaps; and day. These areas will be eval- ning processes, there will sion Steering Committee will establishing a framework uated broadly with a focus be many opportunities to lead the planning process, for making MSU a national on social identities, including provide input and feedback. co-chaired by Honors Col- leader in this area. age, color, disability status, It is you — faculty, staff and lege Dean Cynthia Jack- ethnicity, gender, gender students — who make MSU The steering committee will son-Elmoore and Migrant identity, national origin, race, what it is today and what it examine, among other areas, Student Services Director religion, sexual orientation, will be in the future. We have the composition and success Luis Garcia. socioeconomic level and been called upon to write of our faculty, staff and

veteran status. the next chapter in Michigan The steering committee has student body; research and State University’s storied his-been charged with inven- scholarship; curriculum and “The success of these initia-

torying efforts around di- tory. Together, we will make educational programs; com- tives requires a vibrant and it a great one.”

D E C . 1 6 , 2 0 1 9 // P A G E 3 I N S I D E M S U

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CURRENT, RETIRED FACULTY GIVING BACKEysters give $7.5K for scholarships for VetMed studentsL O I S F U R R Y//A D VA N C E M E N T

Muhammad Ali once said of champions: “They are made from something they have deep inside them — a desire, a dream, a vision.”

George and Janet Eyster surely are champions.

The Eysters, both retired from the MSU faculty, stepped up to be 2019 Give Green Day Champions to help fund scholarships for stu-dents in the College of Veterinary Medicine. The couple has contrib-uted $7,500 and challenged the alumni and friends of the college to match (and hopefully surpass) that amount to help the next generation of veterinarians.

Give Green Day is an annual 24-hour campaign to engage Spar-tans and friends of MSU in giving back to support students at MSU.

MSU’s current and retired faculty and staff have played a significant role in the success of Give Green Janet Eyster agrees: “Each of us MSU Museum.Day over the past three years, found careers in this area, and we “There’s so many reasons to championing efforts in the areas never looked back. This has been support the MSU Museum,” she of MSU that mean the most to our home, and Michigan State is said. “Programs like Science on a them and, also, giving nearly 18 central to that.”

Sphere make science more acces-percent of the total dollars raised. Dawn Baker, MSU’s IT chief of sible for everyone, bringing global In 2018 alone, 943 faculty and staff, is another Give Green Day data, information, learning and staff members gave $148,116.Champion, stepping up for the patterns right to your fingertips.”

George and Janet Eyster, retired MSU faculty, contributed $7,500 to help fund scholarships for College of Veterinary Medicine students. P H O T O // C O U R T E S Y O F A D VA N C E M E N T

Nursing prof inspires studentsD E V O N B A R R E T T chosen for an award of more than //A D VA N C E M E N T $2,500. Kendall Austin, a nursing

senior, is the 2019-2020 recipient.Carol Vermeesch, undergraduate program coordinator and profes- From childhood, Austin knew two sor in the College of Nursing, has things for sure: she wanted to been a guiding force for more become a nurse, and she wanted than two decades’ worth of future to attend MSU. nurses as they fulfill the require- “I plan to take everything I have ments of their degrees. learned and make a difference in And she has watched many of the world,” she said. “I have plans them valiantly balance classes and to pursue travel nursing and cross clinicals with part-time jobs. international borders to help pro-

vide healthcare in areas that may It is a struggle both Vermeesch

not be as advanced as we are.”and her husband, Joe, know all too well — each was responsible for As Austin finishes out her college paying their own way in college. career, the Vermeesch Regnier

Scholarship allows her to focus Now, students in the College of on her studies rather than her Nursing have support too — from finances. But it has also given her Carol and Joe Vermeesch.something else: inspiration.

In 2014, the couple made a “I am so honored to receive this $50,000 gift to create the Ver-scholarship and so thankful for meesch Regnier Endowed Schol-the Vermeesches’ generosity,” arship to honor Carol’s parents, she said. “It has inspired me to Earl and Angeline Regnier, and give back to other future Spartan Joe’s parents, Joseph and Esther nurses as soon as I am able.”Vermeesch. Each year, a student is

Nursing professor Carol Vermeesch and her husband, Joe, are seen with student Kendall Austin (middle), who received the Vermeesch schol-arship this year.

P H O T O // C O U R T E S Y O F A D VA N C E M E N T

WINNERS NAMED IN GLOBAL PHOTO CONTESTT A M M Y P I T T S to encourage international go.msu.edu/ZZP.// C A M P U S L I F E engagement by highlighting The judging panel included

the unique perspectives of Ryan Frederick, videog-A garden in Japan, ele- global Spartans. rapher in the College of phants in Myanmar and a sunset in South Africa are Twelve winning images were Arts and Letters; Elizabeth among the winning entries selected across three cate- Houbeck, project assistant in the 2019 Global Focus gories: Students, Faculty and for the Global Youth Ad-international photography Staff, and Alumni. A panel vancement Network; Tariq competition. of Spartan judges chose Muhamed, student assistant

first, second and third place in the Japan Center for Now in its 20th year, Global based on creativity, compo- Michigan Universities; and Focus recognizes amateur sition and relevance to MSU’s Jennifer Brewer, program Spartan photographers who international engagement. manager for the Tanzania have captured outstanding People’s Choice winners Partnership Program.photos outside the United were selected through public States. The contest is hosted The photos will be displayed

online voting. by MSU International Stud- in a gallery in the MSU Inter-ies and Programs and aims For a list of winners, visit national Center lobby.

A2fir

t left, “Vamos con Todo,” taken in Mexico by Daniel Trego, won second place in the,” tE L

Faculty and Staff category of the aken in Japan by Mark Wilson, won T R E G O A N D M A R K W I L S O N

019 Global Focus international photography competition. At right, ”Infinite Lightst place in the Faculty and Staff category. P H O T O S // C O U R T E S Y O F D A N I

C A M P U SE V E N T S

Included here is a selection of events happening during the next few weeks. More campus events can be found online at: events.msu.edu

E V E N T S

DEC. 16-29 // WONDERLAND OF LIGHTS: JAN. 10 // NEW PARENT SERIES: Week one of JAN. 19 // JAZZ CONCERT: A commemora-Thousands of lights create extraordinary this four-week series will cover newborn traits tive concert celebrating the birth of Martin animal exhibits and holiday displays at the and behaviors. Other sessions will cover crying, Luther King Jr. features jazz orchestras and 25th annual Wonderland of Lights at Potter comforting, diapering, bathing, newborn health, special guests. Two performances will be held Park Zoo, open 5-8 p.m. Thursdays through infant safety and CPR. Classes are free and at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. in the MSU Auditorium, Sundays. Admission is $7 for adults, $5 for open to MSU faculty, staff and student parents. Fairchild Theatre. Free tickets are available children ages 3-12 and free for children under Sessions will be held Fridays in January from via phone or from the College of Music main 3. Learn more at go.msu.edu/9SP. noon to 1 p.m. in Linton Hall, Room 113. Learn office. Learn more at go.msu.edu/5ZP.

more and register at go.msu.edu/2ZP.DEC. 18 // COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES JAN. 27 // HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOZART: Enjoy FOR SUPERVISORS: Learn how to commu- JAN. 14, 22, FEB. 4 // KNOW MORE @ MSU West Circle’s 10th annual celebration of Mo-nicate effectively as a leader and build trust CAMPUS SURVEY RESULTS LUNCH Q&A: In zart with music and birthday cookies at 7:30 among your team. This HR session will be held response to the Know More @ MSU Campus p.m. at the MSU Auditorium, Fairchild Theatre. from 9:30 a.m. to noon in Nisbet Building, Survey results released in November, discus- Reserved seating tickets are $17 for adults, $15 Suite 10. Cost to attend is $175. Learn more at sion sessions will be held for members of the for seniors and $7 for students and those un-go.msu.edu/h3P. MSU community to ask questions and provide der age 18. Learn more at go.msu.edu/yZPP.

suggestions. The Jan. 14 session will be held DEC. 20 // REFLECT AND CONNECT: Join the JAN. 30 // INTERNATIONAL INFO PANEL: from noon to 1 p.m. in the MSU Union Ballroom. MSU WorkLife Office for a conversation about Join the MSU WorkLife Office for a small The Jan. 22 and Feb. 4 sessions will be held mixing holidays and difficult conversations. group session to talk about how to succeed as from noon to 1 p.m. in the MSU Union, Lake Participants will learn strategies to turn down an international newcomer at MSU. The free Huron Room. Learn more at go.msu.edu/BZP. the heat. This free session will be held from seminar will be held from 11 a.m. to noon in Review the Know More @ MSU Campus Survey noon to 1:30 p.m. at Olin Health Center, Room Linton Hall, Room 113. Learn more at findings at civilrights.msu.edu/knowmore.247. Learn more at go.msu.edu/hXP. go.msu.edu/rXP.

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D E C . 1 6 , 2 0 1 9 // P A G E 4 I N S I D E M S U

I N M E M O R I A M

ANDREW CHARETTE

Andrew Charette, Culinary Services mainte-nance worker, died Nov. 29. Charette joined the staff in 2017.

DENNIS FULBRIGHT

Dennis Fulbright, Department of Plant, Soil and Microbial Sciences professor, died Nov. 26. Fulbright joined the staff in 1979 andretired in 2015.

HAROLD HART

Harold Hart, College of Natural Science professor, died Nov. 17. Hart joined the staff in 1946 and retired in 1987.

DONALD MCDIARMID

Donald McDiarmid, food store warehouse attendant, died Nov. 29. McDiarmid joined the staff in 1979 and retired in 2014.

AUNE NELSON

Aune Nelson, MSU Extension home econo-mist, died Nov. 14. Nelson joined the staff in 1962 and retired in 1989.

JON PUMPLIN

Jon Pumplin, Department of Physics and Astronomy professor, died Nov. 22. Pumplin joined the staff in 1970 and retired in 2018.

with her,” said Dianne > > K N A K E f rom pg. 1 Byrum, chairperson of

the Board of Trustees. up for statewide election “Renee will be joining the in 2022. board at an important

time, as the university is Knake also is the chair-focused on implementing elect of the professional the necessary policy and responsibility section of the structural changes outlined Association of American in the independent federal Law Schools and a member investigations and its con-of the Australian-Ameri-tinued efforts to create a can Fulbright Commission more welcoming and safe Selection Committee for campus while implement-the Discipline of Law. She ing strategies for diversity, earned her law degree equity and inclusion. from the University of

Chicago and her bachelor’s “Renee brings an inside degree in communication look of MSU from her arts and economics from decade-long time on the North Park College. She faculty as a law professor. lives in East Lansing with In addition, she brings an her two children. outside look through her

scholarly efforts and cur-“I am excited to have rent role at the University Renee as a colleague and of Houston Law Center.”

FACULTY, STAFF TAKE TO STAGE TO BECOME AGENTS OF CHANGEK A M R Y N R O M A N O saw theater as a space for “I was very happy with our mum harm in a moment.//DIVERSITY & INCLUSION rehearsing to take action to finished play and the story Forum’s goal to inspire

overcome the problems we it portrayed,” said Angela productive agents of The Office for Inclusion and face,” said Lynnette Lam- Scott, laboratory technolo- change is executed through Intercultural Initiatives and mers, artistic director for gist for the College of Veter- community building, sharingthe Transforming Theatre the MSU Office for inary Medicine, who experiences and rehearsingEnsemble are introducing Inclusion and Inter- attended implicit a new initiative to create intervention scenarios.

cultural Initiatives. bias training in equitable spaces for all who “This is a chance February. “Everyone This new initiative is open live, learn and work at MSU to use your voice, has something to to all members of the MSU called MSU Forum Theatre. be creative and offer, and everyone community. Rehearsals Forum includes theatrical galvanize others has the right to op- begin at 6 p.m. Jan. 20 games and exercises that to become change portunities to reach and end on March 30. The lead participants toward agents at MSU.” their full potential final performance will be writing their own play Lammers and to feel valued.” 6-8 p.m. March 31, and it is

During the perfor-that depicts an unresolved required that participants

mance, audience Forum’s mission is problem inspired by the attend all rehearsals and the

members are given the to help participants to be actors’ own experiences performance.

opportunity to step into better prepared to analyze a with inequity. the play and try a tactic for situation and make choices Applications will be accept-“MSU Forum is based on the responding to the problem about how to intervene for ed through Jan. 10, 2020. work of Augusto Boal, who the actors have portrayed. maximum impact and mini- Visit go.msu.edu/DXP.

‘ H O M E ’ F O R T H E H O L I D AY S

At left, human ecology professor Desiree Baolian Qin hosted a Thanksgiving dinner for international students and employees. From left are Susan Ken-nedy (blue shirt), Yatma Diop, Joel Kreisberg, Atikah Bagawan, Umer Farjad Siddiqui, Maya Buffett-Davis and Zev Buffett-Davis. Below, Jennifer Miller, admis-sions coordinator for the College of Osteopathic Medicine, hosted several students as well. From left are Yuki Inata, Vicky Lin, Miller, Dian Xu, Madison Shi, Cora Guo and Hailin Zhang.

// I N T E R N A T I O N A L O U T R E A C H

More than 30 MSU employees and their families opened their homes on Thanksgiving to provide a holiday dinner to international students and schol-ars. About 100 international guests took part in the second annual Thanksgiving Dinner Program, sponsored by the Office for International Students and Scholars. The program encourages cross-cul-tural exchange between faculty, staff and interna-tional students and scholars and provides guests with an opportunity to experience Thanksgiving dinner in an American home.P H O T O S // C O U R T E S Y O F I N T E R N AT I O N A L S T U D I E S A N D P R O G R A M S

> M S U I N T H E N E W SNEWS FEATURING MSU RESEARCH, EXPERTS AND SUCCESSES

SEVEN WAYS SWEET POTATOES ARE GOOD FOR YOUSure, it may be slathered in marshmallow, laden with brown sugar or both at Thanksgiving, but un-dressed — sans the over-the-top sweeteners — the sweet potato is chock-full of nutrients that earn it a rightful place at the table year-round. “The sweet potato is a nutritional powerhouse,” says Robin Tucker, a registered dietitian and assistant professor of food science and human nutrition at Michigan State University.

U.S. NEWS AND WORLD REPORT go.msu.edu/cXP

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EVOLUTION OF LEARNING IS KEY TO BETTER ARTIFI-CIAL INTELLIGENCESince “2001: A Space Odyssey,” people have won-dered: could machines like HAL 9000 eventually exist that can process information with human-like intelli-gence? Researchers at Michigan State University say that true, human-level intelligence remains a long way off, but their new paper published in The American Naturalist explores how computers could begin to evolve, learning in the same way as natural organisms did — with implications for many fields, including artificial intelligence.

SCIENCE DAILY go.msu.edu/CXP

CONNECTING FRACTURED HABITATS HAS LONG-LASTING ECOLOGICAL BENEFITS, STUDY FINDSLandscape corridors are strips of undeveloped or restored land that link isolated habitats. They are “the most viable path toward real conservation for biodiversity,” said Nick M. Haddad, a Michigan State University ecologist who has been studying these corridors since the 1990s. “We have the best scientific evidence that corridors work as they are intended,” he said.

THE WASHINGTON POST go.msu.edu/JXP

look forward to working