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Steam locomotives built the America we know today. And fossil coal powered those economic engines of change. But more change is coming. This summer, NRRI’s torrefied solid biofuel – a roasted, wood-based briquette product – was tested on a full size, 1920’s steam locomotive at the Everett Railroad in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. Ultimately, the goal is to develop a clean biofuel to supplant fossil coal to reduce carbon and heavy metal emissions while minimizing smoke. In order to keep the train fireman happy, it also has to store and shovel like coal and generate enough heat to keep the pressure up. The results were promising. “It burned with plenty of heat to keep up steam with minimal, if no, additional effort compared to shoveling coal,” said Zach Hall, Everett Railroad steam foreman. “It lights quickly and burns hot.” This is NRRI’s first step in demonstrating pretreatment of biomass that can lead to a full portfolio of carbon-based products – from fuels to higher value materials – that sequester carbon. NRRI’s partnership with the Coalition for Sustainable Rail made this unique test possible. NRRI has been working to develop this solid fuel for more than 10 years, testing a variety of biomass sources and binders to perfect the product. In the Everett No. 11 trials, briquettes of 100 percent torrefied biomass fuel and a 50/50 blend of biomass fuel with fossil coal were both tested. “We were generally pleased with the results of each type of fuel,” said Don Fosnacht, NRRI associate director for the Energy Management Group. “We’re still working to minimize embers in the emissions by testing different binders and briquette sizes.” Fossil coal next to NRRI's biomass-based solid fuel ready to be loaded in the train furnace. There are about 200 historic steam trains in the U.S. – about 150 burn coal – hauling a couple million people per year. The folks who are passionate about running the locomotives are concerned about finding a reliable source of high-quality coal that meets their specifications. Smoke pollution is an environmental concern and distasteful to the tourists who ride the trains. “Large amounts of visible smoke are something that we must be very mindful of in the areas we operate,” said Foreman Hall. “The ability to test this alternative fuel is exciting for us as we seek modern ways to help keep historic railroading alive for generations to come.” NRRI is also working with the Coalition for Sustainable Rail to convert old railroad ties into solid biofuel to impact a waste problem for the rail industry. According to the Railway Tie Association, some 4 million crossties are landfilled each year. The initial lab-scale tests yielded promising results. Funds are being sought to scale up the research. The biomass fuels were also recently tested in a coal-fired blacksmith forge with success. These niche markets for a coal replacement represent first step markets for the innovative product. Learn more about NRRI.

UMD’s Coming Out Day Luncheon on Friday, October 11, 2019 from 12 to 1 p.m. is focused on Community: Then & Now. It’s in the Kirby Student Center Ballroom, 1120 Kirby Drive, and features a panel of speakers sharing their thoughts and experiences as part of the GLBTQUAI Community.  The panelists include: Abel Knochel UMD faculty Chris Davila College of St. Scholastica staff and UMD grad Natalie Clark UMD graduate Ari Kilgore College of St. Scholastica student Kathy Heltzer Retired UMD faculty member and panel moderator  “We hope that our focus on community allows our attendees to learn the stories and perspectives of the panelists,” says organizer and Director of Housing and Residence Life Jeremy Leiferman. “Now more than ever, we think it’s important to talk about our experiences as part of communities,” he explains. “Understanding where and how we find community helps build solidarity among members of the GLBTQAI community and helps inform ways in which allies can support us.” Leiferman is a member of UMD’s GLBTQAI Commission, which hosts this luncheon annually in honor of National Coming Out Day on the anniversary of the 1987 March on Washington for Lesbian & Gay Rights. October is also Queer History Month. 

UMD students are rolling up their sleeves and spreading out around Duluth this Sunday for a community clean-up.  Service Sunday kicks off UMD’s 2019 Homecoming celebration on Sunday, October 6, 2019. Twelve organizations are starting at UMD at 1p.m. for a group picture and to grab their supplies– gloves, garbage bags, and vests. From here, group leaders gather their teams and head to designated areas. These include: Group Location Kirby Program Board Park Point Beach Phi Sigma Sigma Around College Street Women in Business and UMD Serve Bagley Nature Area Student Association Chester Park Boxing Club Old Main Park Paranormal Club 5th Street (by Qdoba) AIChE 4th Street MPIRG UMD Fields 3 and 4 SHRM Club Around UMD’s Kathryn A. Martin Library UMD Lacrosse Around UMD Organizer and Student Homecoming Coordinator Cassidy Bonsante expects all groups to be in their areas between 1:30 and 1:45 p.m. This is Bonsante’s second year coordinating UMD’s Homecoming activities with Alumni Relations and Athletics, but the first Service Sunday. She says the event takes Homecoming off campus and into the community. “Having more than 100 Bulldogs help clean Duluth’s public places for Service Sunday is a great step towards bettering the city we live in and love so much.”  

Clouds hovered above a group of students as they breathlessly made their way up the 105 stairs of Enger Tower. The color of the blue sky blended with Lake Superior in the distance, as the students stared out from inside of the stone building. Then they turned towards a camera and posed. The view overlooks the places where most students find recreation. The Aerial Lift Bridge in Canal Park shone in the distance as a beacon. This was their new home. Tanya Granville and Lesley Fierros were among the group that day at Enger Tower. Now, they are leaving their mark on UMD’s campus. Through taking on roles of leadership and a drive for setting an example for minority students to come, these two juniors at UMD are impacting the Multicultural Center. Their ability to prioritize the progression of diversity and knowledge about the minority groups is invaluable. Their Stories Tanya, a UMD public health major, came into UMD as a first-generation student. She came with ambitious goals. She wants to go on to grad school, and not only is she on track to do this, she is leaving her mark on her journey. Tanya’s goal is to become a pediatric occupational therapist. Tanya’s niece sees an occupational therapist that Tanya is very thankful for. That is the reason Tanya wants to give back to that community. Tanya broke ground when she made the Dean’s List in spring 2019. Tanya’s family was extremely moved. Tanya says, “I was so excited I called my family and I was crying. They were saying how proud they were. It made all the early mornings and late-night struggles worth it.” As a volunteer for the Office of Diversity and Inclusion and a treasurer for the Latinx Chicanx Student Association, Tanya extends a helping hand to other students. When speaking about why she has such an active role in the Multicultural Center, she says, “I want people to know there is a safe space here. I am your advocate.” Lesley, a UMD  communications major, also has a role in leadership as an event coordinator with the Latinx Chicanx Student Association. In addition, she works within a mentorship program; she “dips her toes” in work for the Black Student Association; and she volunteers to help out the Office of Diversity and Inclusion. As a first-generation student, Lesley hopes to set an example for her younger brothers, “Being first-gen is being a kind of model for my younger brothers who are in high school.” Lesley tells them, “ You can do it, you can go to college and get an education and get a degree.” Unsure of her dream job, Lesley says she just wants to help people and make the world better in any way that she can. Suggestions from Two Driven UMD Students Tanya and Lesley are strong advocates for UMD, but they have suggestions. “I like that a lot of the staff here are really understanding and acknowledge people’s backgrounds to provide a more accepting environment,” says Tanya. “But the classes where professors are really accepting are the few places besides the Multicultural Center where people of color feel comfortable. There needs to be more safe spaces for people of color,” suggests Tanya. Lesley appreciates having the Multicultural Center, advisors, and the Office of Diversity and Inclusion to welcome students to campus. However, she suggests that while freedom of speech is important, it is equally important to hold accountable the speech that is harmful or insensitive to other students. Tanya and Lesley are taking on roles to make an impact on how diversity looks at UMD. They give credit where it is due, and where they see places for improvement, they respond. They write their names down, put up the posters, and raise awareness. Photo Above: Lesley Fierros and Tanya Granville About UMD's Public Health Program About UMD's Communication Department This story was written by Rikkia Walker, a student majoring in journalism. Rikkia works in the University Marketing and Public Relations office at UMD.

UMD students, faculty, and staff are gathering for Stand Together Against Sexual Assault on Thursday, October 3, 2019 from 11:30 a.m. - 12:30. The event happens in the Kirby Student Center lounge area, 1120 Kirby Drive. Organizer Lauretta Perry, a drug and alcohol educator at UMD, says Stand Together Against Sexual Assault is visually quite powerful. “To see students, staff, and faculty gathered for a united purpose makes a statement. It’s also a non-threatening way for people to participate.” The timing is purposeful– it’s being organized as part of Consent Week, but the intent is to hold it prior to UMD’s Homecoming. “Nationally that is a high risk time for over consumption and, potentially, sexual misconduct due to the role alcohol plays in sexual assault,” says Perry. The first Stand Together was held two years ago, but the event was not held last year. The Stand Together event is a collaboration between UMD’s Office of Student Conduct and Conflict Resolution, Housing and Residence Life, Women’s Resource Action Center, Health Services, and Athletics. Watch the 2017 Stand Together Against Sexual Assault at UMD    

  UMD is hosting Take Back the Night event on Wednesday, October 9, 2019. Here are the details: 6 p.m. Pre-Rally Gathering & Resource Fair UMD Kirby Ballroom– 1120 Kirby Drive Learn about resources for support in the Duluth community, ways to get involved, and campus and community engagement around the prevention and intervention of power-based violence. A workshop to create t-shirts for UMD’s Clothesline project campaign and opportunities for attendees to make signs for the march are also provided. 6:30 p.m.  Rally UMD Kirby Ballroom– 1120 Kirby Drive Rally together as a community to raise voices in protest, support, and encouragement of cultural change.  7 p.m.  March Around Campus & Neighboring Community Start at Kirby Ballroom. Walk to Kirby Bus Hub. Head towards the UMD Library Bus Hub. Turn right on St. Marie street towards Domino's Pizza. Turn right to march along Woodland Avenue towards the Bluestone area. Turn left to march in a space between Bluestone and UMD. Turn Left to continue onto University Drive. Turn right to march along College St. and then turn right onto Kirby Dr. To return to Kirby Bus Hub, following signs back up to the Kirby Ballroom for closing remarks and speak out space.  7:30 p.m. (Approximately)  Speak Out  UMD Kirby Ballroom– 1120 Kirby Drive A space for attendees to speak out about their experiences and share their truth. This space encourages victims/survivors of power-based violence, their supporters, and the community to share their hopes, fears, and stories about power-based violence. Take Back the Night is free and open to the public. Campus and community members are encouraged and welcome to attend. All people regardless of identity or background are welcome. Organizers have tried to keep accessibility in mind throughout our planning process. Please contact them with any specific concerns and they will do their best to accommodate. UMD has advocates available for support and resources. Annual Take Back the Night March & Rally The first Take Back the Night rally was held in Germany in 1973, in response to a series of sexual assaults, rapes, and murders. In recognition of the vulnerability that women feel at night, Take Back the Night (TBTN) is a call to empower survivors of violence, strengthen our communities, and increase awareness.  “Take Back the Night is a public forum to unite efforts to provide the space for individuals who have been impacted by power-based violence to heal, to empower those who have been victimized, and to encourage our campuses and greater Duluth community to take a stand in creating a new cultural narrative,” says organizer and Women's Resource and Action Center intern Jade Moorse. “The March and Rally will be located closer to the campus community area but ALL are welcome. We encourage you to join us in this powerful event.” For more information about Take Back the Night International. Twitter/Instagram hashtags: #tbtnduluth, #takebackthenightduluth, #umdtbtn

Above and beyond our weekly drop-in hours, there are a variety of learning opportunities offered in-person, online and self-paced (anytime, anywhere) throughout the month of October. The October Canvas Roundtable sessions are one of our newest opportunities to learn in-person at UMD in the new Academic Technology Center. We hope you will join us to learn about some important Canvas grading features this month or engage in any one of the many opportunities to learn more about the many academic technologies available to educators at UMD. October Canvas Roundtables October Canvas Roundtables will be held in the Academic Technology Center with a focus on grading.  Topics covered will include: Uploading grades from Scantron files to Canvas Selecting a Canvas grading scheme (to ensure final letter grades are assigned to a certain percentage range) Setting up a Canvas weighted or unweighted gradebook Two October sessions will be held in the ATC (Kirby Plaza 166): Thursday, October 3, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Tuesday, October 15, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Online Webinars Register for these October webinars offered by our UMN colleagues and system-wide partners. Online Webinars Title Date Time Build a Homepage with Design Tools October 15, 2019 11:30 - 12:30 pm Online Peer Review: Engaging and Balanced Assessments October 17, 2019 11:00 am - 12:00 pm Canvas Learning Data and Analytics Foundations October 22, 2019 1:00 - 2:30 pm Online Workshop Sign up for the next online Canvas workshop geared towards groups and collaborative work. This workshop explores Canvas Groups, a feature which allows instructors to facilitate group work in a space dedicated to each group within the Canvas environment. Online Workshop Title Dates Facilitate Groups and Collaborative Work October  28 - November 1 Online Self-Paced Canvas Training Canvas online training opportunities are now fully self-paced, online. These sessions are always open to begin at any time and completed at your own pace. Participants still get instructor interaction and feedback on completed activities, Begin with Design and Navigation Decisions (Discover Canvas Series #1) Create and Organize Content and Assessment (Discover Canvas Series #2) Assess Student Progress (Discover Canvas Series #3) Canvas: Integrate Media with Kaltura Design challenge: Understanding learning analytics Online Event Join the Inclusive Design 24 (#id24) online event, which is a free 24-hour online event for the global community. It celebrates inclusive design and shares knowledge and ideas from analogue to digital, from design to development, from planners to practitioners, and everything and everyone in between. Further Information Learning opportunities are updated frequently. If you would like to know of upcoming roundtables, workshops, or webinars, explore our programming and workshops.

The latest University Information Security Policy, approved by the Board of Regents in July, 2019, includes changes that will affect most the workstations used for University-related activities, including teaching and learning, research, and outreach. How Workstations and Devices are Affected The security policy references 16 security standards that address various areas of data security, including the Systems and Device Management Standard regarding workstation security. As it states: University systems and devices must be deployed and maintained to an appropriate level, based on the data stored on or accessed through them. Some systems and devices must meet legal, regulatory, or contractual agreements related to their configuration and management. Some of the relevant security controls within this standard include: Management by an IT Service: Identifies where management by an IT service (such as Active Directory (AD) or JAMF) is required. Configuration: Defines the baseline security controls for configuring a system or device, including removing software that is no longer supported by the vendor (i.e., Windows 7) and using industry-standard strong encryption. How to Comply To assist units in securing workstations to meet these standards, ITSS has developed 3 Steps to Secure Computers. The steps are: Enroll your device in AD (Windows) or JAMF (Mac): Managed devices receive automatic security updates for the operating system and many business applications. They also provide easier access to shared drives and network printing. Update your OS: Currently supported operating system (OS) are Mac OSX 10.13.6 or higher, Windows 8.1 Enterprise and Windows 10 Education. Encrypt the data on your device: Encryption secures the data on your device in the event it is lost, stolen or compromised. For details, consult 3 Steps to Secure Computers.

University of Minnesota System President Joan Gabel is visiting UMD on Tuesday, October 1 - Wednesday, October 2, 2019.  Campus leaders are showcasing UMD through an experiential tour that includes: What When Where Visit the renovated Multicultural Center Tuesday, October 1 2-2:15 p.m. Multicultural Center Kirby Student Center Room 270 The Securian Math Learning Lab Tuesday, October 1 3:10 - 3:25 p.m. The Kathryn A. Martin Library 416 Library Drive Associate Professor Arshia Khan’s dementia research with robots Tuesday, October 1 3:30 - 3:45 p.m. Voss-Kovach Hall Room 17 1305 Ordean Court Communication Science Disorders ALS voice–banking lab Wednesday, October 2 10:45 - 11:15 a.m. Chester Park Room 180 31 College Street In addition, to the tour, a Town Hall is being held on Tuesday, October 1 from 1 - 1:30 p.m. in the Kirby Ballroom. This is an opportunity for President Gabel to share her systemwide strategic plan and answer questions from UMD’s students, faculty, and staff. An alumni meet and greet is being hosted at Glensheen on Tuesday, October 1 from 5 - 6 p.m. The media is welcome to join President Gabel at any of the above events. Please let Lori Melton know what you plan to come to and if you’d like to request additional interview time with Gabel while she’s in Duluth. About President Gabel Joan T.A. Gabel is the 17th president of the University of Minnesota. She leads the University’s mission by honoring its legacy as a place of discovery and opportunity, while emphasizing solutions inspired by Minnesotans that serve our state and change the world. Gabel started at the University of Minnesota on July 1, 2019. She was inaugurated on September 20, 2019. Gabel most recently served as executive vice president and provost at the University of South Carolina.