CBS students going the extra mile

Students at the U of M are constantly challanging themselves to create a better future for others.

CBS student Mike Torchia covered 400 miles in seven days this summer in an effort to raise funds to endow college scholarships for Peruvian orphans. He explains why he felt compelled to “do more” after spending winter break volunteering in the orphanage in this video:



You can also become involved in student organizations like Biology Without Borders, a group that volunteers in areas like Tanzania, Kenya, and Boliva. Click here to check out more student organization opportunities!

U2 coming to TCF Bank Stadium this summer

The U of M campus is home all kinds of shows and events throughout the year, providing entertainment and enrichment opportunities for students and the community. The University regularly hosts famous authors, politicians, business leaders, and scholars, as well as world-renowned musicians, dancers, and artists, and more. Many events are free or offer discounts to U of M students. This summer, U2 will play at TCF Bank Stadium--the first concert to be held in the stadium since its official opening this past August.

If you want to see U2 perform in TCF Bank Stadium on July 27 as part of its "360" tour, tickets start at $30 and go on sale November 21, 2009. It's sure to be an amazing event! Learn more here.

Want to get a taste of what's happening around campus? Check out the "On Campus" section of the University's Web site.

CBS in the news: Converting bacterial to biofuel

At the U of M, many different opportunities arise every day to get involved and make an impact in your community!

The Department of Energy gave a $2.2 million dollar grant to for a research proposal using bacteria to produce biofuel. Lead investigator Larry Wackett, University Distinguished McKnight Professor in CBS, is working with faculty from CBS and the Institute of Technology to develope a co-culture of bacteria that converts carbon dioxide into gasoline and diesel.

The University's bacterial-to-biofuel project was one of three featured in Monday's New York Times.

Click here to read more about the project on the CBS Web site.

Want to live on campus? Apply now!

Over 80 percent of U of M first-year students live on campus. Why? The reasons are endless...living on campus helps you to make new friends, get involved in the U of M community, and provides a supportive (and fun) environment to help you adjust to college life. Plus, it's convenient! You'll be close to your classes, libraries, the student union, the rec center, and much more.

If you are a senior this year and have applied for admission the University of Minnesota, you can apply for housing online now. (You do not have to wait for an admissions decision to apply.) Housing assignments are based on the date you submit your housing application, so the sooner you apply, the better!

Want to get an inside look at our residence halls? Click here for online video tours and more information.

I would also recommend checking out this helpful FAQ about the housing application process.

CBS in the news: Researchers develop new test for melamine

What does it mean to be a student at a top public research university? As a U of M student, you will part of a community making life-changing discoveries that protect and enhance the health of people around the world.

CBS graduate students made headlines when an an enzyme they discovered was used to develop a test that simplifies the detection of melamine contamination in food. Melamine is an industrial chemical that killed six Chinese children and hospitalized 150,000 last year after it was added to milk to increase its apparent protein content. Testing kits to detect melamine used to cost $550. Using the enzyme discovered at the University, a cheaper, portable test was developed. The new test takes just minutes and costs only $13!

Click here to see a KARE-11 news video about this fascinating discovery, or learn more about University's BioTechnology Institute where the enzyme was developed.

Interested in learning more about how you can get involved in research on campus? Check out the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program.

What do you want to research? Leave me a comment and tell me about it!

What can you do with a CBS major?

One growing field is in genetic counseling!

Genetic counselors work with individuals who have an increased risk for a genetic condition or those at risk for having a child with a birth defect or genetic condition. They provide information and supportive counseling, coordinate testing, and connect families with community resources such as support groups and funding agencies.

Click here to learn more about Graduate Studies in Genetic Counseling at the U of M.