1. U-M launches Planet Blue Global Impact websites

    Mark Rivett posted June 2, 2021

    Read Full Story on The Record

    A new series of websites highlight the University of Michigan’s research, engagement and leadership across an array of sustainability topics.

    The sites, collectively known as Planet Blue Global Impact, serve as a comprehensive hub for major sustainability news at U-M.

    They include stories and resources from various schools, colleges and units, covering eight distinct subtopics: Climate & Energy, Conservation & Restoration, Environmental Justice, Environmental Policy & Business, Food Systems, Human Health, Sustainable Infrastructure and Water.

    Each subtopic site provides information about human impacts on the natural and built environment, and demonstrates how U-M researchers and community members are taking action. The websites also feature leading sustainability initiatives and efforts across U-M, providing entry points for users to learn more and get involved.

    Read Full Story on The Record


  2. “Monster” Aneurysm Calls for Unprecedented Emergency Procedure

    Mark Rivett posted May 26, 2021

    Read Full Story on Michigan Health

    A highly complex emergency endovascular procedure was one man’s only hope of survival when others deemed his condition inoperable.

    As a Vietnam prisoner of war for more than five years, William Fortner has been through a lot in his lifetime.

    A pilot for the military, his history is impressive. And, despite the many missions that might have ended his life, he is here to tell his story, thanks to the expertise of Nicholas Osborne, M.D., and the vascular team at the Michigan Medicine Frankel Cardiovascular Center.

    When other surgeons told Fortner he was not a candidate for surgery, a Michigan Medicine team stepped in to perform a complicated emergency endovascular procedure to repair the 77-year-old’s thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm.

    The aneurysm had grown to 10 centimeters, “Well beyond when surgery is considered,” says Osborne. “This was one of the largest thoracoabdominal aneurysms I had seen.” Typically, a thoracoabdominal aneurysm is repaired when it reaches approximately 5.5 to 6 centimeters.

    A thoracoabdominal aneurysm is a weakening in the aorta — the major blood vessel that feeds blood to the body. This type of aneurysm extends from the chest to the abdomen and is considered extremely difficult to treat due to its location. But repairing it is critical as a ruptured aneurysm can be life-threatening.

    Read Full Story on Michigan Health


  3. Public Investment in Higher Education: Research, Strategies, and Policy Implications

    Mark Rivett posted May 20, 2021

    Preview Findings in the Executive Summary

    Read the Full Paper

    View the Infographic

    Read the Press Release

    Read the Medium Post

    States invest in public higher education in two primary ways: through direct funds to institutions (general operating support) and direct funds to students in the form of state financial aid programs (student grant aid). General operating support is the larger of the two funding categories, totaling $80.8 billion in 2019, while state financial aid allocations totaled $12.3 billion. Such investments inspire critical questions. For example: What happens to student outcomes if a state increases (or decreases) public funding for higher education? What portion of state higher education funding should be allocated to general operating support for institutions (that may mitigate tuition rate increases for all students), and what portion should be allocated to financial aid programs that target low-income students? To what extent do each of these finance strategies impact enrollment, graduation rates, credential completion, and other important outcomes?

    With funding from the Joyce Foundation, SHEEO undertook a research project to gain a deeper understanding of the impacts this state investment in higher education has on student outcomes. We examined the historical data and empirical literature on state support for higher education. We found clear evidence that increased financial investments—specifically, increased state general operating and student financial aid—are directly tied to student success in higher education.

    These findings suggest that states will not meet their attainment goals or the workforce demands of the modern economy without sustained investment in the public higher education sector. We recommend a number of finance policy solutions that states and the federal government can adopt to support their efforts to reach attainment goals and close equity gaps in degree attainment and college completion.

    Preview Findings in the Executive Summary

    Read the Full Paper

    View the Infographic

    Read the Press Release

    Read the Medium Post