Volume 8 - Issue 1 - Home Page

Featured MSU Engaged Scholars

United Planet Faith and Science Initiative Logo

Scientific and Religious Leaders Collaborate to Address Disciplinary and Ideological Gaps in Ecological Sustainability

Even before Al Gore sent up his hue and cry with An Inconvenient Truth, climate change and the effect of human activity on the environment have been the subject of much media attention. In crafting a cable news–worthy narrative, scientists and religious leaders are often cast in opposing roles, each denying the others' legitimacy. The actual story is much more nuanced, and the lived experience of many scientists and religious leaders illustrates that religious belief and scientific conviction are not mutually exclusive.

The United Planet Faith and Science Initiative (UPFSI) was created in 2013 to bring representatives from these communities together to work toward a common goal. Launched as a joint project between the Interfaith Center for Sustainable Development and the Interfaith Declaration on Climate Change, the purpose of the UPFSI is to unite "prominent religious figures and leading scientists to speak out together and mobilize action for ecological sustainability." To that end, the organization's membership includes leaders from the world's major faiths—Judaism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism—and noted scientists who study, among other things, the environment, climate, and human behavior ... read more


Spartan Performance Provides Integrative Approach to Sports Science for Youth Athletes

Spartan Performance Provides Integrative Approach to Sports Science for Youth Athletes

MSU's Spartan Performance provides an evidence-based, interdisciplinary approach to research and outreach focused on optimal performance and well-being of the student-athlete. Dr. Joe Eisenmann and his staff at Spartan Performance frequently work with coaches and athletes throughout the mid-Michigan area, as well as nationally and internationally, applying research on the science of sports, physical activity, and nutrition to the needs of the community.

Last winter, Eisenmann began collaborating with Tom Hunt, athletic director of East Lansing High School, to bring an integrated training approach to the school's entire athletic program. An integrated approach, as provided by the Spartan Performance system, allows Hunt to ensure that his young athletes are receiving year-round comprehensive training, not only keeping them in optimal condition and health, but also reducing the risk of injury ... read more

MSU Priorities

Community and Economic Development in the 21st Century

Detroit Food Law Clinic Connects Emerging Entrepreneurs at Eastern Market with Legal and Academic Resources

Detroit Food Law Clinic Connects Emerging Entrepreneurs at Eastern Market with Legal and Academic Resources

The MSU College of Law prepares graduates to take on society's challenges. As part of that education, the Detroit Food Law Clinic course offers second and third year students the experience of addressing the urban agricultural problems of low-income citizens and nonprofits.

Administered as part of the Legal Clinic, it offers direct assistance to clients regarding urban agricultural law issues, along with research, education, policy development, and public programming.

The Kresge Foundation's Detroit Program recently granted the Detroit Food Law Clinic a $150,000 two-year grant to foster a collaborative partnership with Eastern Market so that emerging entrepreneurs can access legal advisers and gain information about MSU's academic and community engagement pursuits ... read more


Looking for Community Partners

Collaboration and partnership with communities are at the core of engaged scholarship. In all of its work, University Outreach and Engagement emphasizes university-community partnerships that are collaborative, participatory, empowering, systemic, transformative, and anchored in scholarship. If you are a faculty or academic staff member wanting to establish a community partnership, University Outreach and Engagement may be able to help you. Our staff and researchers have connections across the state in areas such as education, mental health, human services, business, and government. For more information, contact Burton Bargerstock, Executive Director of the Office for Public Engagement and Scholarship, at (517) 353-8977 or bb@msu.edu.


Feedback

We would like to hear from you. Contact us with comments, suggestions, announcements, or "engaged scholar" project information for future e-newsletters. Send to: engaged.scholar@msu.edu.

Resources

MSU Graduate Certification in Community Engagement
This program prepares graduate students for careers that integrate scholarship with community engagement. It offers students a transcript notation indicating that they have completed the program.

Community Engagement Toolkits
Designed by the Center for Community Engaged Learning to guide and support MSU faculty, students, staff, and community partners.

Transformations in Higher Education: The Scholarship of Engagement Series
Available from Michigan State University Press

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