1. Alchemie advances interactive learning technologies through support of Michigan Economic Development Corporation

    Mark Rivett posted November 18, 2021

    Read Full Story on Michigan Economic Development Corporation Website

    Alchemie co-founder and CEO Julia Winter spent 20 years teaching college-level chemistry courses at Detroit Country Day School. After implementing a successful summer school program, the award-winning educator began looking for a way to expand her face-to-face pedagogy to a more scalable digital format.

    Julia and her co-founders, COO Carl Rundell and CTO Joe Engalan, started Alchemie with a mission to create innovative and intuitive digital learning technologies for students, and to make those tools accessible and affordable for students everywhere.

    Alchemie’s technologies use a game-based approach to present tough science and engineering concepts in an innovative and engaging way, fusing commercial game design with content expertise to create intuitive and personalized learning experiences for students while providing real-time, data-driven insights to instructors.

    From the earliest days of the company, Alchemie leveraged the tools offered by Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) to develop and commercialize its technologies and connect with the resources needed for startup success.

    “When you’re coming up with an idea from scratch and you’ve never done this before it can be difficult to know where to start,” said Julia. “It was incredibly helpful to have MEDC’s resources available along the way to help us move Alchemie forward, and MEDC’s support has made a huge difference for us.”

    Alchemie also utilized the Small Company Innovation Program (SCIP). Funded through the MEDC’s Michigan Corporate Relations Network (MCRN) and overseen by the University of Michigan’s Economic Growth Institute, SCIP helped Alchemie perform critical research around the efficacy of the company’s digital learning technologies. The quality and significance of the findings helped secure two peer-reviewed papers in top education journals.

    Read Full Story on Michigan Economic Development Corporation Website


  2. Governor Whitmer Makes Appointments to Boards and Commissions

    Mark Rivett posted November 11, 2021

    Read Press Release Here

    Michigan Early Stage Venture Investment Corporation Board of Directors

    Dawn Batts, Ph.D., of Bloomfield, is a capital strategist for TechTown Detroit. She holds a Ph.D. in Business and Cultural Anthropology from Wayne State University, Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan, and Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Michigan State University. Dr. Batts is appointed to represent a member of the general public with the requisite knowledge and experience in finance and business investment. She will serve for a term commencing November 10, 2021 and expiring June 13, 2024. Dr. Batts succeeds Jeb Burns whose term expired June 13, 2021.

    Environmental Rules Review Committee

    Melissa Stults, Ph.D., a Democrat of Ann Arbor, is the sustainability and innovations manager for the City of Ann Arbor. She holds a Ph.D. in Urban Resilience from the University of Michigan, Master of Arts in Climate and Society from Columbia University, and Bachelor of Science degree in Marine Biology and Environmental Sciences from the University of New England. Dr. Stults is reappointed to represent local governments for a term commencing November 10, 2021 and expiring October 4, 2025.

    Environmental Permit Review Commission

    Tony R. Anthony, of Novi, is the principal and co-founder of AKT Peerless Environmental Services. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences from the University of Michigan and a Master of Science in Civil Engineering from Wayne State University. Mr. Anthony is reappointed for a term commencing November 10, 2021 and expiring August 28, 2025.

    Heather Dawson, Ph.D., of Holly, is an associate professor of biology at the University of Michigan-Flint and an adjunct associate professor for the Michigan State University Department of Fisheries and Wildlife. She holds a Ph.D. in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Ecology from Michigan State University, Master of Science in Ecosystems Biology from Eastern Michigan University, and Bachelor of Science in Biology from the University of Michigan. Dr. Dawson is appointed for a term commencing November 10, 2021 and expiring August 28, 2025. She succeeds Theodore Bornhorst whose term expired August 28, 2021.

    Carol J. Miller, Ph.D., of Ann Arbor, is a professor of civil and environmental engineering Wayne State University and the director of WSU Healthy Urban Waters. She holds a Ph.D., Master of Science, and Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from the University of Michigan. Dr. Miller is appointed for a term commencing November 10, 2021 and expiring August 28, 2025. She succeeds Jeffery King whose term expired August 28, 2021.

    Library of Michigan Board of Trustees

    Terrence J. McDonald, Ph.D., of Ann Arbor, is the director of the Bentley Historical Library at the University of Michigan and a professor with the Department of History. He holds a Ph.D. in History from Stanford University and Bachelor of Arts in History from Marquette University. Dr. McDonald is appointed to represent a librarian from a special library for a term commencing November 10, 2021 and expiring October 1, 2024. He succeeds Elaine Didier whose term expired October 1, 2021.

    Michigan Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee

    Bradley J. Uren, M.D., of Pinckney, is an associate professor of emergency medicine and an attending physician for the University of Michigan Health System. He earned is Doctor of Medicine from the University of Michigan and Bachelor of Science degree from Michigan Technological University. Dr. Uren is reappointed to represent physicians for a term commencing November 10, 2021 and expiring October 1, 2023. The Governor has designated Dr. Uren to continue serving as Chair of the Committee.

    Read Press Release Here


  3. U-M launches SEAS Sustainability Clinic in Detroit to combat the effects of climate change, including residential flooding

    Mark Rivett posted November 10, 2021

    Read Full Story at SEAS

    Read more on The Detroit Free Press

    Building upon its mission to have a real-world impact for people, communities and businesses, the University of Michigan (U-M) School for Environment and Sustainability (SEAS) today announced the launch of the SEAS Sustainability Clinic. Its goal: improve the ability of the City of Detroit and nonprofits serving the City to address the impacts of climate change on the natural and built environment, human health, and the city’s finances—while working to enhance sustainability policy and action.

    The SEAS Sustainability Clinic is made possible through support from The Kresge Foundation, which has committed $1 million in funding over the next three years.

    Jonathan T. Overpeck, Ph.D.

    Jonathan T. Overpeck, Ph.D.

    “We are thrilled to partner with the Kresge Foundation, which has a real understanding of the need for capacity and for institutions, such as ours, to help serve as problem solvers and bridge builders. As we begin this new chapter of resident engagement, I know that we will benefit from the Kresge legacy of community-driven collaboration,” said Jonathan Overpeck, the Samuel A. Graham Dean and William B. Stapp Collegiate Professor of Environmental Education at SEAS.

    The SEAS Sustainability Clinic is part of an overarching statewide SEAS initiative. Slated to launch in 2022, the statewide Michigan Sustainability Clinic will work across Michigan with the goal to support the vision that the Great Lakes State lead the nation in the implementation of 21st Century resilientinfrastructures that address climate impact, racial inequity, unemployment, and economic fallout from the global pandemic.

    Read Full Story at SEAS

    Read more on The Detroit Free Press