The March 2016 P&A Senate Newsletter is now available for download.
In this issue:
- Message from the P&A Senate Chair - Susanne Vandergon
- Announcements
- Professional Development and Recognition
- Benefits and Compensation Subcommittee
- Communications
- P&A Outstanding Unit Award
- P&A Recognition
- John Tate Award Recipients
- University of Minnesota Outstanding Community Partner Award
- P&A Employee Spotlight - Matt Rosendahl
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What is your role at the University of Minnesota? What do you do in a typical day/week?
I am in charge of software development for the Virtual Reality Design Lab in the College of Design. We develop immersive visualization technologies for architecture and other design professions. My typical day consists of programming, evaluating new technologies, and demonstrating the lab to students, faculty and industry partners.
How does your work impact the University community?
While virtual reality research has been ongoing for decades, recent developments - most notably the Oculus Rift - have brought VR to the attention of a much wider audience. Our lab, along with other VR and visualization labs, keep the University at the forefront of visualization research. We also work across disciplines to help academics at the University integrate virtual reality into their work.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
The ever-changing nature of it. Digital technologies, particularly virtual reality, evolve at an incredible rate. My job is never the same for very long; there's always something new to learn.
What would people never guess you do in your job?
I move a lot of furniture. Our lab is in the courtyard of Rapson Hall, a heavily used space. When it's time for a demo, there is inevitably a large collection of tables and chairs to be put away.
What do you like best about working at UMN?
The disciplinary variety. I've worked with historians, journalists, computer scientists, archeologists, artists and many others. It's the perfect place to work for the curious.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I'm never sure about this question, but I will be inventing with new technologies that don't yet exist.
What is one thing you couldn't live without?
My computer. All other possessions are secondary. :)
People would be surprised if they knew?
Because I'm a computer programmer, usually that I have a bachelors in Anthropology and a Masters in Architecture.)
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I've been doing a lot of volunteering lately. That's been really rewarding. I create art from time to time as well.
What was your best vacation?
China in 2000 was an eye opening experience. I would like to go back and see the changes.
The February 2016 P&A Senate Newsletter is now available to download.
In this issue:
- Message from the P&A Senate Chair - Susanne Vandergon
- Announcements
- March 2016 Brown Bag on the Morris Campus
- P&A Outstanding Unit Award
- P&A Recognition
- University Professional and Continuing Education Association (UPCEA) Award
- ACUI Susan Maul Distinguished Service Award
- Twin City Business list of 100 People to Know in 2016
- P&A Employee Spotlight - Aaron Westre
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What is your role at the University of Minnesota? What do you do in a typical day/week?
I am an economic analyst for Extension. My week is split between running numbers, writing reports, and presenting the results to communities. I am a member of the Center for Community Vitality. We collaborate with Minnesota communities on economic development, civic engagement, leadership development, and tourism.
How does your work impact the University community?
I help Minnesota communities use economic data to make critical, yet informed, decisions. In so doing, I am bringing the resources of our University out into communities. I am also helping the public understand the value and the strength of the University of Minnesota.
What do you enjoy most about your role?
I can study the economic impact of just about any industry or activity. In the process, I am constantly learning. Each project gives me the opportunity to explore new things - agbioscience one week, tourism another, and bike trails the next! I am curious by nature, so I love this about my job.
What would people never guess you do in your job?
I spend a considerable amount of my time engaged in community discussions and making community presentations. When I started my job, a colleague informed my office mates that I would probably spend all my time locked in my office conducting analyses and writing reports. Turns out, I spend more time out and about in communities than I do in my office.
People would be surprised if they knew:
I am fairly competitive. If you want me to do my best, just invent a friendly competition, I'll be there.
What do you like best about working at UMN?
My team! I am fortunate to work with a team of people who are passionate about helping Minnesota communities. They are also wicked smart and fun to work with.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In five years, I hope to have continued to increase my profile in Minnesota. Extension has a lot to offer to our communities, but sometimes we are the "best kept secret". I hope to help change that perception.
What is one thing you couldn't live without?
My treadmill. Trust me, you do not want to be around me if I haven't been able to run for a few days.
What do you like to do in your spare time?
I am a mom of 3 elementary and middle-school aged kids, so spare time does not exist. I am a runner - so when I have time, I am out enjoying sunshine and nature while pushing myself to run just a little faster (see my comment about being competitive above).
What was your best vacation?
I always enjoy time spent with my family. We spend a week every summer at a lake in Northern Minnesota. Last year, we visited a few state parks and went underground in the Tower Soudan mine. It was fun to see the mine through the eyes of my kids.
The Fall 2015 University Senate Semester Update is now available to download.
Here's a preview of what you'll find inside:
- A Message from the Chair of the Senate/Faculty Consultative Committee
- Governance Working for U - Updates from the Faculty, Student, P&A, and Civil Service Consultative Committees
- A View from the Inside - Human Subjects Research Protection: Whose Business Is It?
- November 5 University and Faculty Senate Meeting Notes
- Legislative Liaison's Update
- President's Report
- Provost's Report
- Senate Committees Collaborate on Issues
- Job Family Study
- Regents Scholarship
- Parental Leave
- Individual Conflicts of Interest
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The December 2015 P&A Senate Newsletter is now available to download.
In this issue:
- Message from the P&A Senate Chair - Susanne Vandergon
- December 4 Meeting Notes
- Announcements
- Join a Senate Committee
- P&A Awards
- New Journal Seeking Articles
- Brown Bag Lunch and Learn Sessions
- P&A Recognition
- Carla Carlson named AAAS Fellow
- Andrew Furco named to the Academy of Community Engagement Scholarship and the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities' 2016 Board of Directors
- 2015 Award for Global Engagement
- P&A Spotlight - Brigid Tuck