January 2025

Ugandan Scholar Researches Jackfruit at NMU

Jan. 15, 2025
Visiting scholar Justine Nakintu seeks to discover ways to extend the shelf life of nutrient-rich jackfruit, which is available year-round in her home country of Uganda, but spoils within five days of being harvested. “In Africa, people are hungry because food is wasted,” she said. “We need to preserve it so it can be eaten later.” Mapping the best locations for cultivating jackfruit, based on soil suitability and climate, is another goal toward making it a value-added commodity. She has engaged 10 NMU students in lab and GIS analysis for this ambitious, international project.
Ugandan visiting scholar Justine Nakintu on campus last semester exploring the fall leaves.

NMU Engineering Tech Builds Nordic Sit-Skis for Adaptive Athletes

Jan. 13, 2025
Nine-year-old Oskar Alan of Marquette had a strong desire to pursue Nordic skiing, but his balance, coordination and strength are compromised by cerebral palsy, preventing him from engaging in the activity from a standing position. Undeterred, and with support from the Superiorland Ski Club (SSC), he tested a borrowed commercial sit-ski last winter and was hooked after his first run. Now more children with disabilities have an opportunity to participate in the sport, thanks to the efforts of Northern Michigan University Engineering Technology faculty. They built four sit-skis for the SSC, saving the nonprofit money and advancing its initiative to promote inclusion and belonging among youth skiers.
Oskar on a borrowed sit-ski at the Noque (Melissa Alan photo); and the four new sit-skis built at NMU for the SSC (Kevin Carr photo).

NMU Presents Immersive 'Alice in Wonderland'

Jan. 13, 2025
Northern Michigan University's CO/LAB Dance Company will present Alice in Wonderland: An Immersive Experience, described as a “mesmerizing whirlwind of color and movement that weaves through the audience like a living, breathing dreamscape.” The performance is unique in that it will take place in an intimate downtown Marquette space that allows the audience to be more actively engaged, interacting with the dancers and scenery elements.
"Alice in Wonderland: An Immersive Experience" graphic

NMU’s Colwitz to Conduct Michigan High School Honors Choir

Jan. 10, 2025
Northern Michigan University Director of Choirs Erin Colwitz has been selected to conduct the SATB (Soprano, Alto, Tenor and Bass) High School Honors Choir at the 20th annual Michigan Music Conference Jan. 23-25 in Grand Rapids.  She will guide some of the best singers in the state through a rigorous 2.5 days of rehearsal in preparation for their performance at the closing concert of the event, which is hosted by the Michigan School Vocal Music Association (MSVMA).
NMU Director of Choirs Erin Colwitz

Cumberlidge Part of Largest Global Study of Freshwater Species' Extinction Risk

Jan. 10, 2025
Northern Michigan University Biology Professor Emeritus Neil Cumberlidge is a coauthor of a global study published in Nature and covered by hundreds of news outlets worldwide that asserts one of every four freshwater animal species is at risk of extinction. Led by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), it is the largest study of its kind and represents 20 years of research by experts in relevant animal groups.
Some of Cumberlidge's crab specimens that he shipped to London before transitioning from full-time faculty to research associate. The specimens have joined the crustacean research collection at the National History Museum's Darwin Center.
To view news releases published before May, 2018, please visit the NMU News Bureau archive.