At The U Email

February 17, 2026

Stories, announcements and events for the University of Utah community

LEAD STORY

The battle for breath: Controlling Great Salt Lake dust

Engineered dust control measures would have costs and tradeoffs, constrained by water availability, says a study led by atmospheric sciences professor Kevin Perry.

READ THE STORY

FEATURED

Featured Stories

Highlights from across campus, selected for this issue.

U ramps up emphasis on durable skills with new fellows, framework

Durable skills are foundational, uniquely human abilities such as communication, collaboration and problem-solving.

What are U students up to on Capitol Hill?

Working behind the scenes in the fast-paced environment of the session provides interns more than a crash course in government—it’s an opportunity to influence the future.

U welcomes Christena Huntsman Durham as new trustee

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox has appointed—and the Utah Senate has approved—Christena Huntsman Durham to the University of Utah’s Board of Trustees.

Arthur Brooks named U’s 2026 Commencement speaker

Brooks will draw from his extensive writings about the search for happiness and meaning to inspire the Class of 2026.

Can smartwatches guard against hypertension?

New study led by U of U Health predicts real-world impact of using wearable tech to detect undiagnosed high blood pressure.

Cleaner ship fuel changed clouds, but not their climate balance

After maritime shipping emissions were sharply reduced following a mandated switch in fuels, U scientists sprang into action to see how the change would affect cloud formation over North Atlantic.

When Earth’s magnetic field took its time flipping

Sediment cores from North Atlantic reveal pole reversal dragged on for 70,000 years—far longer than previously known.

Rising together: Student leadership development

Since 2019, the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine has partnered with AAMC to build and grow the RISE leadership conference.

Turning passion into purpose with recreational therapy

Activities are designed to meet each patient’s unique health care goals.

Working to keep U.S. biathletes in peak condition

A native of Montana, Brett Toresdahl joined U of U Health in 2023.

Humans of the U: Teri Harman

"When I look at the larger story of water in Utah, I see how important the role of communication is in restoration."

TO KNOW

Announcements

UKids Sunnyside opening March 2026

The facility includes thoughtfully designed classrooms, new furnishings and two outdoor playgrounds—one dedicated to infants and one for children ages 3 and older.

Big 12 honors Film & Media Arts Assistant Professor Hubbel Palmer

With this award, Palmer is a shining example of excellence in the Big 12, and particularly at the University of Utah.

ON CAMPUS

Featured Events

Dates to keep on your radar.

Feb

CommuniTea

Event details →

Feb

Inter-Tribal Pow Wow Workshop - Honoring Our Steps

Event details →

Feb

ASUU Presidential Debate

Event details →

SEE ALL EVENTS

If you'd like to submit an article or event for consideration in the @theU Newsletter, please send an email to ThisWeek@utah.edu.

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