Research

After GPS clusters light up the map at the Voyageurs Wolf Project housing site in Minnesota, technician Alex Gross, a Northern Michigan Biology graduate student, arrives at the coordinates wondering what evidence the wolves might have left. Some days, it’s a few small remnants of a deer fawn or beaver left after a hunt, or perhaps he is taking a trek out to the mouth of a den where pups are sleeping; but in the middle of a hot Minnesota summer, those coordinates often lead him to a foraged patch of wild blueberries.

A national study led by researchers at Northern Michigan University (NMU) and Slippery Rock University (SRU) finds that visitors to America's national parks and wildlife refuges are more concerned about climate change than the general public, eager to learn more about it during their visit, and largely not getting the chance.

On Monday, August 10, Northern Michigan University's Dr. Lucy Miller joined comedian and journalist Charlie Berens at Ore Dock Brewing Co. to help Upper Peninsula residents better understand data centers and their potential impact on the region.

An interdisciplinary team of Northern faculty and student researchers is developing a new test that shows promise in diagnosing certain brain cancers quickly, affordably and non-invasively. Their work revolves around a novel biosensor called D2HGlo. When mixed with bodily fluids such as urine, plasma and serum, the tool lights up like a fluorescent beacon when it detects the presence of an abnormal molecule that plays a key role in tumor development. This “liquid biopsy” method could improve outcomes and reduce the physical and emotional toll on brain cancer patients.

Northern Michigan University will host its 30th annual Celebration of Student Scholarship from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, April 16, in Jamrich Hall. The event highlights scholarly and creative work by undergraduate and graduate students across all disciplines. Presentations include posters, oral presentations, artistic performances and visual art displays. This follows another celebration of student scholarly activity: the inaugural Winter Research Day held earlier this semester.  

Each spring, blue-spotted salamanders emerge from their underground burrows at Presque Isle Park in Marquette and venture across the road to lay their eggs. Northern Michigan University students have been involved in conservation, data collection and public education efforts for this annual event, but this year, the general public is invited to play a more active role in salamander migration research. Northern Michigan University Biology Department Head Jill Leonard encourages community members to participate in the Marquette Citizen Science Project.

Dr. Jongeun You, assistant professor in Northern Michigan University's Department of Political Science and Public Administration and a member of NMU's Artificial Intelligence (AI) Workgroup, has published a case study examining how Michigan uses AI to compete in the national race for talent. The study focuses on the AI-powered Michigan Career Portal and a statewide workforce plan with a unified brand and messaging strategy to attract talent.

Northern Michigan University master's candidate Noah Andexler is one of 20 graduate students nationwide selected to receive the Ecological Society of America's (ESA) 2026 Katherine S. McCarter Graduate Student Policy Award for their demonstrated commitment to science advocacy. This prestigious program is designed to bridge the gap between rigorous ecological research and impactful environmental policy.