University of Minnesota College of Biological Sciences

Jennifer Powers, a professor in the Department of Plant and Microbial Biology, wrote a short essay called "Some Birds Are Far Away" during last year's Writing the Wild course at Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories. In it, she recounts a memory from when her two-year-old son developed a fascination with birds, drawing connections to the circle of life.

Join us at Itasca for this year's course in August, where reflection, observation and creativity meet in the field. You’ll learn from professional writers and University professors, Kathryn Nuernberger, an essayist and poet, and Marlene Zuk, a world-renowned evolutionary biologist and author of non-fiction science books. This course is open to the public.

📝 Learn more and register at z.umn.edu/WritingWild
📖 Check out Jennifer Powers' published essay at z.umn.edu/SomeBirds

Celebrate Pride at the on June 20!

LGBTQIA+ scientists and allies across the University of Minnesota will share their work through hands-on activities during this all ages event. Explore topics from around the University of Minnesota as you use science to solve mysteries, examine plants under a microscope, explore vibrant chemical reactions, and more! This public program is open to all.

Learn more: https://www.bellmuseum.umn.edu/event/spotlight-science-scipride-6-20-26/

The recipient of this year's CBS Rising Star in Research and Innovation Award is Luiza Mendonça, an assistant professor of Biochemistry, Molecular Biology and Biophysics. This honor goes to an assistant professor or first-year associate professor who shows excellence in research and innovation. Her work focuses on structural biology, including redefining our understanding of HIV-1 transmission by capturing the first molecular-resolution 3D images of cell-to-cell transmission sites in their native states. She has also secured over $3 million in funding and led the acquisition of advanced cryoimaging technology that has established the University as a premier regional research hub. Congratulations Luiza!

An op-ed from Regents Professor Emerita Marlene Zuk on ways to (carefully) help with bird research.

Opinion | Go ahead, pick up those dead birds (carefully) "Most recently killed birds are in good shape, and we urge you to pick them up for science," the authors write. "Then, note where and when it was found, keep it cold and bring it to your local museum."

Congratulations to Aryn Lipnicki, assistant director for student engagement in CBS Student Services, on receiving the John S. Anderson Leadership Award for Staff this year! This award recognizes staff who lift others up and lead with the kind of integrity that defines the CBS spirit. Aryn manages the Dean’s Scholars leadership development program and leads student engagement programs, including the annual CBS Case Study Competition. In addition to her work within CBS, she has served on the Welcome Week Committee, President’s Emerging Scholars advisory committee, and various strategic planning committees both internal and external to CBS.

Check out this interview with Itasca Biological Station and Laboratories Director and Plant and Microbial Biology Professor Jonathan Schilling on fungi of the forest with KAXE.

Fungi of the forest: How decomposers dance through the woodland web Jonathan Schilling, a mycologist with the U of MN, discusses wood-eating fungi. The dead and dying trees series is produced by Mark Jacobs.

CBS GRAD SPOTLIGHT 🎉

Paige is graduating with a B.S. in Biology as well as a B.A. in Art. She is excited to move to Manhattan, NY to be a clinical research coordinator during her gap years before medical school. Paige is incredibly grateful for her time at CBS and will still be involved with the UMN through various extracurriculars!

Thirteen outstanding CBS faculty members received promotion or tenure this spring! We loved celebrating their incredible accomplishments and dedication to the University last week. Congratulations to all on reaching this major career milestone!

Meet the faculty: • Mikael Elias (BMBB) - Professor • Emily Flynn (BTL) - Assoc. Teaching Professor • Brian Gibbens (BTL) - Teaching Professor • Trinity Hamilton (PMB) - Professor • Will Harcombe (EEB) - Professor • Forest Isbell (EEB) - Professor • Kelly Lane (BTL) - Assoc. Professor • Suzanne McGaugh (EEB) - Professor • Anna Mosser (BTL) - Teaching Professor • Thomas Niehaus (PMB) - Assoc. Professor • Allison Shaw (EEB) - Professor • Daniel Stanton (EEB) - Assoc. Professor • Heather Zierhut (GCD) - Professor

Know an outstanding CBS alum? Time is running out to nominate them for a CBS Alumni Award! Make sure to submit your nominations for our Alumni Achievement, Emerging Leader or Alumni Service Award by the June 1 deadline. Get more info and submit your nominations today at z.umn.edu/2026AlumniAwards.