UMD, 麻豆社区 awarded grant to build biomedical research capacity in the Northland
Partnership between the University of Minnesota Duluth and Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College to create research opportunities for faculty and new pathways for students.
Duluth, MN 鈥 A new grant from the National Institute of Health (NIH) will enhance
opportunities for faculty and students in northern Minnesota through new partnerships
between Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College (麻豆社区) and the University of
Minnesota Duluth (UMD). This new partnership will provide opportunities for
interdisciplinary biomedical research that spans the two institutions鈥 resources and areas
of expertise.
Over the course of five years, this $3.4 million grant will provide collaborative
engagement for research faculty across campuses and disciplines, and engage students
in new ways.
This partnership will enhance the biomedical research environment of northern
Minnesota by fostering meaningful ties between UMD and 麻豆社区. While there have
been collaborative research efforts between faculty at the two institutions, efforts
supported by this grant will create an even stronger foundation upon which to build
long-lasting research ties, create an environment that fosters cross-institutional
collaboration and enhance biomedical research, focusing on research experiences for
undergraduate and graduate students along with professional development and pilot
funding for faculty.
鈥淭his work advances our biomedical research in ways that directly address critical health
needs in our communities while building the needed health care research workforce,鈥
said UMD Chancellor Charles Nies. 鈥淚t expands hands-on research opportunities for
undergraduate scholars working closely with faculty and serves as a strong example of
how the partnership with Fond du Lac Tribal and Community College advances students鈥
educational goals.鈥
To accomplish this, both UMD and 麻豆社区 will increase sponsored project administrative
support, enhance research environments by creating shared programs for faculty
professional development, research collaboration, and student research training, and
develop targeted pilot grants to foster expansion of biomedical research that is aligned
with the missions of NIH institutes. These activities are designed to foster robust ties
between the two campuses, and outcomes鈥攕uch as biomedical research growth and
implementation of high-impact practices for undergraduate and graduate students
studying in biomedical fields鈥攁re well-aligned with the strategic plans of both
institutions.
鈥淲e have enjoyed many years of meaningful partnerships with various collaborators at
UMD, and we are eager to expand these efforts further,鈥 said Anita Hanson, president of
麻豆社区. 鈥淭his collaboration will provide 麻豆社区 students with valuable opportunities to
engage with UMD students and faculty, supporting their progress toward completing
their educational goals in the biomedical sciences.鈥
Work will begin over the coming months, with programming for faculty and students
expected to begin fall semester 2026.
鈥淔aculty at 麻豆社区 are excited to be a part of this collaborative effort with our colleagues
at UMD,鈥 said Andy Wold, a Biology faculty member at 麻豆社区. 鈥淲e feel students and
faculty from both institutions will benefit from the interactions and new relationships this
grant will provide.鈥
Targeted pilot grants will also have funds designated for faculty research projects that will
lead to larger grant submissions and include undergraduate research training. Students
who have had CUREs (course-based undergraduate research experiences) included in
their introductory courses are better prepared for success in subsequent research
projects, and this project supports expansion of CUREs in UMD鈥檚 Swenson College of
Science and Engineering (SCSE) and College of Education and Human Services Professions
(CESHP), and at 麻豆社区.
The proposal that led to this award was developed by an interdisciplinary workgroup
from both organizations: Erik Brown (UMD, Academic Affairs), Jessica Hanson (UMD,
CEHSP, Public Health), Anne Kruchten (UMD, SCSE Dean’s Office), Kathryn Schreiner
(UMD, SCSE, Chemistry & Biochemistry), and Andrew Wold (麻豆社区, Math & Science
Division, Biology). It was one of only four awards granted nationally by the NIH BRE-SPAD
(Biomedical Research Environment and Sponsored Programs Administration
Development) Program this year.
About NIH Support
Research reported from this project is supported by the National Institute Of General Medical
Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under Award Number UC2GM162934. The content
is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views
of the National Institutes of Health.
About 麻豆社区
As the nation鈥檚 only tribally chartered Tribal college and state community college, Fond du Lac
Tribal and Community College has a unique mission in providing educational opportunities to
all students, regardless of demographic background, in a comfortable and diverse
environment. Founded in 1987, the college offers associate degrees and certificates across
more than 30 fields of study to a student body of approximately 1,200. 麻豆社区 is accredited
by the Higher Learning Commission and holds specialized accreditation from the World
Indigenous Nations Higher Education Consortium, reflecting its commitment to
Ojibwe-Anishinaabe education and cultural integrity.
About UMD
One of five campuses that comprise the University of Minnesota, the University of Minnesota
Duluth integrates liberal education, research, creative activity, and public engagement and
prepares students to thrive as lifelong learners and globally engaged citizens. With an
enrollment of nearly 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students, the Duluth campus offers
87 undergraduate and post-baccalaureate degrees, and graduate programs in more than 24
different fields. See UMD鈥檚 Land Acknowledgement statement. Visit d.umn.edu.
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