Although they are located approximately 70 miles apart, MSU's East Lansing and Grand Rapids campuses are still quite connected. Researchers in Grand Rapids are able to use the research infrastructure on the main campus and also engage in collaboration with colleagues. MSU has taken advantage of current technology and most seminars and meetings are broadcasted through Zoom (a video communication tool). Graduate students doing research in Grand Rapids can also take advantage of this remote learning option for some of their classes, reducing the commuting that needs to be done during snowy Michigan winters.
Both campuses are also part of three weekly seminar series that allow graduate students, faculty, and guest presenters to share their exciting on-going research: the Reproductive and Developmental Sciences Training Program (RDSP), an NIH-funded program to foster the training of future researchers in the areas of mammalian reproduction and women's health and disease, the OBGYN departmental seminars, and the Cancer Research Network (CRN) which highlights advances in the field of cancer research.
The Medical Mile
The Grand Rapids Research Center is situated at the corner of Monroe Ave NW and Michigan Street within the area that is known as the Medical Mile. The name Medical Mile refers to a large hospital and research complex that started on Michigan Street in Grand Rapids, originating at Spectrum Health Hospital's Butterworth campus and now includes the Van Andel Research Institute (VARI) and many other research and education institutions--Ferris State University, Grand Valley State University, and Grand Rapids Community College. Michigan State's two Grand Rapids based buildings-the Secchia Center (home of the College of Human Medicine) and the Grand Rapids Research Center-are also included in the Medical Mile.
Life in Grand Rapids The second largest city in Michigan, and the largest city in West Michigan, Grand Rapids has a population of over 188,000. A thriving metropolitan area, Grand Rapids has a little something for everyone. For those who want to soak up some culture, Grand Rapids offers many options--the Grand Rapids Art Museum, the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives, the Frederick Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park, the Grand Rapids Symphony, and the Urban Institute for Contemporary Arts, as well as several yearly arts festivals. For those looking for their sports fix, Grand Rapids is home to the West Michigan Whitecaps (Class A Minor League Baseball), the Grand Rapids Griffins (American Hockey League (AHL) professional hockey), the Grand Rapids Drive (a NBA G League professional basketball team), the Grand Rapids Rampage (an arena football team), as well as the Grand Rapids Football Club (an American soccer club who play in the National Premiere Soccer League). Additionally, Beer City USA (as voted in national polls), has a walkable downtown that is home to numerous restaurants, bars, and shops.