Ono highlights impact of state support on student success, affordability, economic growth

Santa Ono, 15th president of the University of Michigan

In testimony before the Michigan House Appropriations Subcommittee on Higher Education and Community Colleges in Lansing on April 30, President Santa J. Ono reinforced the vital role state funding plays in furthering the success of students, driving economic development, and maintaining affordable access to a world-class higher education experience for students across the state.

  1. Díaz in Cuba as a child. He is dressed in white with a light blue tie and has his harm on the shoulder of a younger child dressed in overalls with no shirt underneath. They look to be in school.

    From Cuba to chemical engineering: ‘I’m supposed to be here’

    Ph.D. student José Carlos Díaz first merged his knack for engineering and science by repairing microscopes for use in his sixth-grade class. He was 11 years old. He’s now an ion-diffusion researcher at one of the top chemical engineering programs in the U.S.

  2. Albert Shih, who leads the N95 project at U-M, visits the N95 and mask production factory floor of the industry lead DemeTECH. Image courtesy: Albert Shih.

    U-M researchers helping to develop a machine for on-demand N95 mask manufacturing

    Launched with $3 million from the American Rescue Plan Act, the project aims to develop better respirators with new manufacturing processes that can be ramped up on demand, protecting both health care workers and the public.

  3. A stack of books reading Feedback, advice, assistance, support, and guidance ... with a question mark.

    New guidelines on child obesity advise less watch and wait, more early intervention

    More than 14.4 million U.S. children and teens are at risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and behavioral health issues, if untreated, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics.

  4. Replica of the complex molecule, stemoamide, built in mere three steps in Tim Cernak’s Lab. Image credit: Austin Thomason, Michigan Photography

    U-M discovery dramatically reduces time it takes to build molecules

    With a big assist from artificial intelligence and a heavy dose of human touch, U-M researchers have discovered how to speed up the time-consuming chemical process of building molecules that will be tomorrow’s medicines, agrichemicals, or materials.

  5. Artist rendering of a Cyclone Global Navigation Satellite System (CYGNSS) microsatellite. Image credit: NASA

    Tracking ocean microplastics from space

    Harmful microplastics — tiny flecks that can ride ocean currents for thousands of miles — are extremely difficult to track and clean up. But, it turns out these same microplastics tag along with soapy or oily residue, which satellites are great at spotting.

  6. Night Time Police Violent Crime Intervention. Police Vehicles with Flashing Lights. (stock photo)

    Gun control measures associated with reduced police use of force

    As police departments and activists look for strategies to reduce excessive use of force by police, new U-M research shows limited data, lack of transparency, and irregular implementation of reforms make it difficult to determine which approaches are effective.

Creativity and connection across prison walls

One of the world’s largest and longest-running exhibitions of incarcerated artists is back with new programming designed to foster connection and deepen public understanding of incarceration in Michigan. The 29th annual Exhibition of Artists in Michigan Prisons, curated by U-M’s Prison Creative Arts Project, showcases 772 artworks by 538 artists incarcerated in 26 state prisons. The Duderstadt Center Gallery on U-M’s North Campus is presenting the artwork through April 1.

  • Most Wanted by Samantha Bachynski

    The exhibition features diverse styles and media, including paintings, portraits, tattoo imagery, landscapes, sculpture, fiber arts and found materials. Each fall, volunteers, including students, select the pieces and visit every prison in Michigan to interact directly with the artists. (See original image)

    Colorful night sky shows through tree branches. 2025 PCAP exhibition.

  • Tangerine Dreams by Matisse Bravo

    For over 35 years, PCAP has worked to bridge the gap between incarcerated individuals and the broader community through artistic collaboration, mutual learning and growth. The program has expanded to include undergraduate courses, weekly art workshops in Michigan prisons, an annual literary review and year-round events to foster dialogue and connection. (See original image)

    A plate of tangerines and tangerine slices on a green table with yellow wall. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Peacefulness by Susan Brown

    According to Emily Chase, PCAP’s exhibition and curatorial coordinator, themes of community and mentorship emerged strongly in this year’s collection. (See original image)

    Colorful landscape with stripes and a mountains. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Paths #2 by Kendall Leonard

    The exhibition allows incarcerated artists to have their voices heard beyond prison walls. “Their voices are so often silenced, and this is one of the few areas where they can feel heard,” says Mattie Levy, PCAP community engagement coordinator. (See original image)

    Colorful abstract painting from the 2025 PCAP exhibition.

  • Mountain Honey by Terry Stinebeck

    “We witnessed experienced artists mentoring newcomers and saw how the artistic efforts of one individual can motivate and inspire others,” says PCAP’s Emily Chase. (See original image)

    A serene landscape with a yellow sky and mountains. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • House of Kards by Michael Browning

    Visitors to the Duderstadt exhibition can experience an audio tour that features select stories from some of the artists. (See original image)

    Abstract painting of a face card from a deck of cards. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Happiness Within by Groot

    This year, the exhibition introduced a new event, “Art and Music: A Collaborative Concert,” in which students performed original musical compositions inspired by select artworks. (See original image)

    Abstract image of youth with a surreal balloon. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Garden Escapades by Tim Brownell

    The concert that complemented the exhibition was a way to empower and unite with people impacted by the justice system through a shared love of creativity, says Ty Bloomfield, one of the event’s organizers. (See original image)

    A farm scene with crops growing in rows and red barn. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • DMX by David Hudson-Bey

    The 2025 exhibition was presented with support from the Michigan Arts and Culture Council and the U-M Residential College. (See original image)

    Abstract of DMX painting with blues and greens. PCAP exhibition 2025.

  • Did I do that? by Daniel Teriberi

    For nearly three decades, the exhibition has provided a platform for incarcerated artists to share their work with the public, shedding light on personal narratives and the power of artistic expression. (See original image)

    Colorful abstract painting in 2025 PCAP exhibition.