Page 3 - Impact - Spring 2022

Turning learners into leaders
Students arrive at CFANS talented, curious, and eager to make the world a better place. Our goal is to prepare them for success—not only in their first jobs, but in the jobs they’ll have 20 years from their graduation, many of which don’t even exist yet.
Taught by some of the best faculty in the country, CFANS students learn to anticipate and adapt to a changing state and world. They go beyond the classroom through experiential learning, study abroad, and research that lets them solve real-world problems while earning their degrees.
However, many students face cultural and economic barriers to attending the University
of Minnesota. The CFANS Learners to Leaders Scholarship Initiative provides access and support for students who face the most obstacles—those from Greater Minnesota, from diverse backgrounds, and from low-income families.
Today, CFANS supporters have the opportunity to invest $50,000 or more into an endowment
to make college a reality for generations of undergraduate students. Through this initiative, your gift will be matched to have an even greater impact.
You can select to support the Land-Grant Legacy Scholars Program (LGLS, helping students from Greater Minnesota); the Diversity in Food and Natural Resources Scholars program (DFNRS, helping students from diverse backgrounds); or the Bentson Scholarship Challenge (helping students with the greatest financial need).
“CFANS is uniquely positioned to help our graduates address the grand challenges that we face as a society,” said CFANS Dean Brian Buhr. “We’re committed to playing a role in making this institution and all of the colleges and campuses more accessible to students.”
ELEVATING
entomology
Increasing numbers of undergraduate students are catching the bug for courses in the Department
of Entomology, thanks to the Sping and
Ying N. Lin Fund for Teaching and
Outreach in Entomology. The fund paved the way for a new teaching assistant professor position, which was offered to Matt Petersen, PhD, in 2019.
“This position has allowed
us to build a strong foundation of
undergraduate courses that increase
access to entomology classes and get
students interested in our insect science minor,” said department head Sujaya Rao, PhD, noting that the minor has grown exponentially, from three to 28 students in just a few years. “It has helped us to reimagine our entire entomology offering to undergraduates who come from a diverse range of programs throughout the University.”
Petersen’s classes, including “How Insects Shape Society: Pollinators, Pests, and Policy,”
are in high demand, attracting students who may be pursuing vastly different majors but share the desire to explore the world of insects. Petersen has created a number of new courses, both in- person and online, that have allowed him to reach hundreds of eager new students each year.
“For me, entomology was the spark that allowed me to more fully understand the natural world,” said Petersen, who was recently promoted to associate teaching professor. “I enjoy presenting entomology content to students where I can create ‘aha’ moments. In these moments, they see insects in a new context and can develop their own passion for lifelong learning.”
If you’d like to support a brighter future for CFANS students who are our next generation’s leaders in driving a sustainable future, please contact Echo Martin at 612-626-3045 or mart1794@umn.edu.