Dr. Amy Schrank (Biology of Fishes instructor) listens in at Saturday's faculty meeting.

On a February weekend in Ann Arbor, the thoughts of the UMBS faithful were on sunny Douglas Lake.

This past Friday and Saturday, staff, faculty, researchers, and graduate students from around the country gathered for the 7th annual UMBS Winter Research Meeting. The meeting brings constituents together to collaborate and plan before the hustle of field season.

In addition to updates from Director Knute Nadelhoffer and Associate Director Karie Slavik, attendees enjoyed a preliminary report from UMBS Program Evaluation Coordinator Stephanie Shaulskiy on the impressive impacts of the Transforming Learning Program (TLP). Based on pre- and post-surveys and focus groups, Shaulskiy provided metrics for the increased diversity and overwhelmingly positive experiences reported by TLP students, as well as by students from traditional UMBS courses.
 

Nadelhoffer Lab Manager John Den Uyl shows off his poster.

Shaulskiy’s report flowed nicely into LSA Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Culture Officer Latisha Cunningham’s unconscious bias training. Cunningham shared examples of common slip-ups and provided action steps toward creating a more inclusive residential community.

Other highlights of the meeting include “lightning talks” from Station-based researchers, break-out working groups, a data management session, and a Saturday faculty meeting.

A special thank you to all in attendance. See you in three months on the shores of Douglas Lake!