Around NMU

NMU Engineering Tech Builds Nordic Sit-Skis for Adaptive Athletes

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).
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).
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.
Read More

NMU Sustainability Summit Feb. 18

SHINE (NMU Sustainability Hub for Innovation & Environment) graphic
Jan. 24, 2025 —
Northern Michigan University will host a campus Sustainability Summit from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18. The event will kick off in Forest Roberts Theatre with keynote speakers Chef Bryan Flower and Courtney Gallaher from Northern Illinois University discussing their Edible Campus. Other activities are scheduled throughout the day in Jamrich Hall and the Hedgcock Atrium.

Campus Cinema Presents 'We Live in Time'

Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh in a scene from "We Live in Time."
Jan. 17, 2025 —
Northern Michigan University's Campus Cinema student organization will present the film “We Live in Time,” a 2024 rom-com starring Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh, on Saturday, Jan. 18. The movie is being shown in John X. Jamrich Hall on Northern's campus, room 1100. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the movie begins at 7 p.m. The showing is free to NMU students or $1 for the public, and concessions will be available for purchase. 

Ugandan Scholar Researches Jackfruit at NMU

Ugandan visiting scholar Justine Nakintu on campus last semester exploring the fall leaves.
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.

NMU Presents Immersive 'Alice in Wonderland'

"Alice in Wonderland: An Immersive Experience" graphic
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.

NMU’s Colwitz to Conduct Michigan High School Honors Choir

NMU Director of Choirs Erin Colwitz
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).

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

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.
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.