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Impact

As the world’s population rises and the effects of climate change threaten crop yields, food insecurity is an urgent matter. With the support of University Trustee Melih Keyman and Zeynep Keyman, Northwestern researchers are pursuing a novel approach to farming with the potential to make a substantial impact on the global food crisis.

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Sarah Sobol, wearing safety glasses, a light blue lab coat with a Northwestern research logo and orange gloves, is conducting synthetic biology research in a lab.
The Lucks Laboratory developed a home test that can detect common contaminants in water. The technology, called ROSALIND, harnesses the “molecular taste buds” found in bacteria and programs them to glow when they detect a contaminant.

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In a lab environment, Julius Lucks, wearing a dark suit and a purple striped tie, stands beside a Northwestern researcher wearing a light blue lab coat. Their mouths are open as though in conversation, and they are gesturing while looking at a laptop screen.
Northwestern has been awarded $50 million over five years from the National Science Foundation (NSF) and the Simons Foundation to establish the National Institute for Theory and Mathematics in Biology (NITMB) — the first institute of its kind in the U.S.

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A close-up infrared image of a fruit fly’s brain, displayed in neon reds, greens and yellows.
Anyone who makes a gift of any size for three or more consecutive years is recognized as a member of NU Loyal, the University’s largest giving society, with more than 42,000 active donors. Gifts from members of NU Loyal have impacted more than 1,500 areas across the University.

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NU Loyal members David Leuchter and Dulce Vasquez pose together in the stands at a Northwestern football game at Wrigley Field, smiling for the camera. Leuchter is wearing a Northwestern jacket and scarf, and Vasquez is wearing a hat with a Northwestern N. A large crowd is visible in the background as well as several football players on the field.
With his star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and storied career as a writer, actor, director and producer, Garry Marshall ’56 made an indelible mark on American film and TV. His legacy lives on at Northwestern with the donation of the Garry Marshall Papers to University Archives.

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Portrait of Gary Marshall from Northwestern’s 1956 Syllabus yearbook.
Since its launch in 2014, Kellogg’s Youn Impact Scholars program has recognized, supported and convened 100 talented creators from Northwestern and beyond, helping them tap into an exceptional global network of leaders, all working toward effecting change in social and environmental areas that matter most.

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Portrait of Nicole Cuervo
Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management has received a landmark gift from the Zell Family Foundation that will be combined with past gifts from Sam Zell to endow the Zell Fellows Program. As part of the program, MBA candidates aiming to run small businesses upon graduation benefit from mentorship by Kellogg faculty and outside experts, regional and international treks to meet with global industry leaders and resources to advance their businesses.

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David Schonthal Zell Foundation
A transformative grant from the Howard and Paula Trienens Fund will advance global sustainability and energy solutions at one of Northwestern’s flagship research institutes. The grant from the Trienenses’ donor-advised fund was recommended by University Trustee Nan Trienens Kaehler ’79 MS and Thomas R.

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Michael R. Wasielewski stands with two students in front of a large array of solar panels.
As concern grows about climate change and its impact on the planet, scientists at Northwestern’s Paula M. Trienens Institute for Sustainability and Energy are asking and answering urgent questions.

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A wet city street at night.
A generous gift from Harry J. Seigle ’71 JD will strengthen Northwestern Pritzker School of Law’s immigration law clinic, which represents children, young adults and parents in immigration court proceedings.

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Uzoamaka Emeka Nzelibe smiles softly for a headshot.