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Today in the News Media is a synopsis of some of the most prominent coverage of OSU people and programs. Inclusion of any item constitutes neither an endorsement nor a critique, but rather is intended only to make the OSU community aware of significant items in the media. For more about this section, see: https://today.oregonstate.edu/email/submission-guidelines.
New trees can be planted, but it takes decades for trees to develop the “photosynthetic machinery” needed to sequester carbon at high rates, said Mark Harmon, a forest ecologist at Oregon State University.
Oregon State University’s new maps of 30-year U.S. climate “normals” show the area east of the Rockies is getting wetter, the Southwest is getting drier, and temperatures are inching upward – with daily lows rising faster than daily highs.
Next week, the authority and Oregon State University also will start testing for omicron in wastewater through an existing testing program that tests sewage from more than 40 Oregon communities, officials said.
New Oregon State University research shows that warm-water habitats can be critically important for the survival of cold-water fish such as trout and salmon.
Kelly Hicks, a medical oncology resident at Oregon State University Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine, tells Inverse that fish — particularly goldfish or beta fish — are “very low-maintenance and good starter pets” for people who have never cared for animals, including children.
The substances can be found in the blood of people and animals all over the world. They are found in water, air, fish, and soil in places around the country, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. What are these substances exactly and how concerning are they? Jennifer Field is a professor at Oregon State University and Robyn Tanguay is a distinguished professor at the school. The researchers join us with details.
To better understand how to help Pacific Northwest forests regenerate after wildfires, the researchers — Andrew Wilson and Kevin Bladon from Oregon State University and Anne Nolin from the University of Nevada, Reno — analyzed vegetation before and after two dozen severe wildfires over a 10-year span. During roughly this same time frame, from 2000 to 2012, more than 80% of wildfires in the western U.S. burned in areas with seasonal snowfall, making the study even more relevant.
But Jim Rice, Marine Mammal Stranding Network manager for Oregon State University, told the News-Times this actually wasn’t the first time this month that a sea lion had ended up somewhere odd in Lincoln County.
“Most Christmas trees are planted on fields that are not irrigated,” Chal Landgren, a Christmas tree specialist at Oregon State University’s extension service, said. “The trees have to survive the summer with just whatever soil moisture is available.”
Western larch: Kent Coe, formerly a faculty research assistant in the College of Forestry, says, “Western larch (Larix occidentalis) is a conifer that drops its needles in the fall, after turning a bright yellow. This stand of trees is along Hurricane Creek in the Eagle Cap Wilderness Area of northeast Oregon, about 20 kilometers south of Enterprise.” Don't forget to follow us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/osutoday1/.
NEW! Timely Teaching Tips: Looking for techniques to enhance teaching materials for an upcoming course? The Faculty Media Center (FMC) invites you to learn how instructional media can help save class time while creating engaging learning experiences. Schedule a consultation or visit the FMC in Kidder 100 (9 a.m.-5 p.m., Monday-Friday).
The Oregon Employees’ Charitable Fund Drive runs now through Dec. 31. It’s possible you already give to some of the over 650 charities listed; however, by giving as part of the CFD, you help show our neighbors-in-need that we state employees care about them. Please make your tax-deductible donation now: https://www.ipledgeonline.org/_cfduniversities/. The site has been populated with your name and OSU ID so login is easy. You can even replicate last year’s donation.
BioResource Research seminar: Wilfrido Raymundo, BS BioResource Research, Biotechnology Option, will present, “MatTek™ EpiIntestinal™ a 3D Small Intestine Epithelial Cell Culture Model For Screening in Dietary Chemoprevention Studies Treated with Benzo[a]pyrene,” Dec. 2, 10 a.m., via Zoom: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/93702619494?pwd=UWxaTVNUSVRYTnQvQXVNeVQrTUNMUT09.
University Budget Conversation: The Office of Budget and Resource Planning will hold a University Budget Conversation via Zoom Dec. 2, noon to 1 p.m. This week’s topic is "All About Facilities and Administrative (Indirect) Costs.” The initial 15 minutes is spent on presentation of the topic, followed by discussion and Q&A. To register, click here. More information is on the website or contact Sherm Bloomer.
TRIAD: The next TRIAD program is Dec. 2 at noon: Luhui Whitebear, assistant director, Native American Longhouse Eena Haws, “The #MMIW Movement (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women) and addressing this crisis.” Zoom link: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/97188719034?pwd=MGE2YjNYUC9qQjVIWGxnZUVKMi9qQT09.
Karla Jarecke: Ph. D. defense. Karla Jarecke will present her dissertation, “Spatial Patterns of Soil Moisture and the Relative Importance of Atmospheric Water Demand Versus Soil Moisture Availability in Limiting Late-summer Growth of Douglas-fir Under a Changing Climate,” Dec. 2, 2 p.m., in Richardson 107 and via Zoom. Contact FES.Workbox@oregonstate.edu to receive the Zoom link
HMSC Research Seminar: KC Bierlich, a postdoctoral scholar with the Marine Mammal Institute’s Geospatial Ecology of Marine Megafauna (GEMM) Lab at Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center will be giving a seminar titled “Incorporating uncertainty associated with drone-based measurements to better monitor the health of whales,” Dec. 2, 3:30 p.m., via Zoom link. Click here for more information.
Women of Color discussion: The AYA Women of Color Initiative at the Hattie Redmond Women and Gender is teaming up with Shaznin Daruwalla and Chanale Propst from Counseling & Psychological Services to host this discussion group for women of color on campus to be able to talk about academics and personal life. Discussions happen at the HRWGC on Dec. 2, from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
Department of Botany & Plant Pathology Fall Seminar Series: “Plant Biology on the International Space Station” presented by Simon Gilroy of University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dec. 2, 4 p.m. via Zoom. For complete schedule visit the BPP Seminar website.
Economy and Climate Change: How can our investments make a difference? The Corvallis-Albany League of Women Voters' Climate Change Committee is hosting a program on "Socially Responsible Investing," featuring three speakers. A question-and-answer period will follow. Panelists include author Robert Devine, Professor Jennifer Alix-Garcia and sustainable investing advisor Kristen Taylor. Dec. 2, 6 p.m. Registration: https://lwv.corvallis.or.us/events/.
Songwriters in the Round Showcase: Join OSU Songwriters in the Round for an evening of original music created by OSU students, faculty and community members. Dec. 2, 7:30 p.m. Calapooia Brewing, 140 NE Hill St., Albany. Venue requires proof of COVID-19 vaccination for entry to this event.
Music à la Carte: University Chorale. Oregon State University's choral conducting lab choir, University Chorale, presents a fall 2021 concert live from the Memorial Union Lounge. Features works prepared with the choir by eight student conductors. Friday, Dec. 3 at noon. Free. OSU students, faculty, and staff may attend in person. Those off campus are asked to view the livestream at: https://youtu.be/J80zu2xsA0Q.
University Budget Committee: The Committee will meet this Friday, Dec. 3 from 2-3:30 p.m. via Zoom. The UBC is OSU’s advisory body to the Provost for recommendations on tuition rates, budget priorities, and budget policies. The committee will discuss projections and planning relevant to developing budget and tuition recommendations for 2022-23. If you are interested in joining as an observer, register for the webinar here.
Afternoon Concert: OSU Chamber Winds, directed by Erik Leung. Open to OSU students, faculty and staff. Friday, Dec. 3 at 3 p.m. in the Memorial Union Lounge. Free. Those off campus may view the livestream at: https://youtu.be/dboQjRxjoMI
Incidental Fee Deliberations; Final Votes. The Student Fee Committee (SFC) is currently deliberating over the budget proposals received from the eight fee-funded units. Drop by MU 49 Horizon Room to learn more and provide your valuable feedback about what programs and services you want funded next year during the final meeting Dec. 3, 3-6 p.m. (Zoom). Submit questions & feedback through this form.
Launch Academy Final Round Competition: Join us Dec. 3, from 3-5 p.m. virtually (register online) or in-person (Austin Hall 100) to watch OSU’s top teams pitch for prizes. Finalist teams include: Baysal Productions, led by Alihan Baysal; Knewt Auto Vision, led by Cassidy Hughes; Day by DAE, led by Dari Edwards; WxH, led by Austin Lally; Howling Hounds Coffee Roasters, led by Reid Burford; and HazAdapt, led by Virginia Katz.
Memorial gathering in honor of T. Darrah Thomas: Family, friends and colleagues of Distinguished Professor Emeritus of Chemistry T. Darrah Thomas will gather in LPSC 402 on Dec. 7 from 2-4 p.m. There will be a Zoom session open for those not able to attend in person. RSVP if you are able to join on campus, or get Zoom access details here: Luanne.Johnson@oregonstate.edu.
Northern California Regional Connections Dec. 7: Get help building your network in these challenging times. The OSU Alumni Association invites alumni, students and friends in Northern California to the next free virtual Regional Connections event, Tuesday, Dec. 7 at 5:30 p.m. Register at ForOregonState.org/Regional-Networks.
Southern California Regional Connections Dec. 8: Need help adjusting to the new normal? The OSU Alumni Association invites alumni, students and friends in Southern California to the next free virtual Regional Connections event, Wednesday, Dec. 8, at 5:30 p.m. Share your experiences, network and connect. Register and find additional resources at ForOregonState.org/Regional-Networks.
Board of Trustees: The OSU Board of Trustees will meet Dec. 10, 8 a.m. to noon. Trustees will consider an update to the proposed presidential search timeline and process; elect board officers and consider the appointment of the board secretary. The board will hear a progress report from the Office of Audit, Risk and Compliance; consider the 2022 work plan for the Executive & Audit Committee; and consider a capital project related to the Reser Stadium videoboard. The board also will hear an update on university public safety efforts and receive reports on all hazards planning, compliance and ethics, and from the Office of General Counsel. The board meeting agenda and materials will be posted as they are available at http://oregonstate.edu/leadership/trustees/meetings. For special accommodations, contact 541-737-3449 or trustees@oregonstate.edu at least 48 hours in advance.
NEW! Compassion in Action: Part of a national movement of students working to create a more just and compassionate world through the power of meditation, community building, and social change. This week's Learning Circle will be Dec. 3, 3 p.m., in the MU MLK Room 212. More info: @osucompassioninaction on Instagram.
NEW! Department of Integrative Biology Ph.D. Defense Seminar: Anne Devan-Song will present “Emergent properties of animal social networks: five stories in five systems,” Dec. 6 at 9 a.m. Zoom: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/99321750252?pwd=RVhiL0tTSUxsNXdtMklaUE5BeElZdz09. Devan-Song is completing her Ph.D. in Integrative Biology under the guidance of Anna Jolles and James Watson.
NEW! Beyond Benefits: "Sleep: An Essential Component of Health and Well-Being." This workshop provides the latest research findings regarding the importance of sleep and offers participants suggestions on how to improve their sleep according to priority and quality measures. Dec. 6, 11:30 a.m. Register here.
NEW! Faculty Staff Fitness: OSU Faculty Staff Fitness is ready to get you moving: We have a bonus session Dec. 6-17 with Flex Passes; winter registration is open for Jan. 3 classes (click here for schedule); and more Online FSF options are available. Contact PAC.FSF@oregonstate.edu to help you find your fitness plan today.
FYI Friday – Food Insecurity on Campus: Food insecurity is a significant issue on college campuses, impacting students’ physical and mental health as well as academic success. Learn about the problem of food insecurity on campus, resources that are currently available and how you can help. Dec. 3, 11 a.m. to noon via Zoom. Registration required.
College of Public Health and Human Sciences Friday Research Seminar: Penny Gordon-Larsen, Carla Smith Chamblee Distinguished Professor of Global Nutrition, Gillings School of Global Public Health at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, presents “The integration of biology, behavior and environment in relation to obesity and its consequences.” Dec. 3, 1-2 p.m. HFC 115 and online. Learn more on the college website
Navigating Workplace Conflict Workshop in Corvallis: Developed by University Ombudsperson and conflict management expert Sue Theiss, this workshop focuses on essential elements of managing interpersonal, small group and organizational conflict. Participants will have a good understanding of how to navigate conflict and the tools to help you create real change through inclusive processes. Dec. 16. Register at https://workspace.oregonstate.edu/certificate/navigating-conflict.
Research Symposium: Celebrating Environmental and Molecular Toxicology Current Research and Outstanding Alumni. Featuring scientific presentations by EMT alumni from various sectors and current faculty, postdoctoral scholars and graduate students. Join us to network and ask questions during the scientific/career panel. The symposium is Jan. 25, 8:15 a.m.-4:30 p.m. in the MU Horizon Room. Register by Dec. 17.
EXTENDED! Call for Applications: Career Champions Program. Applications for the winter 2022 Career Champions program for teaching faculty and instructors are now being accepted. The Career Champions program provides faculty and instructors with tangible ways to incorporate career connection into the classroom, while advancing diversity, equity and inclusion. More information can be found on the Center for Teaching and Learning website. Direct questions to Brenna Gomez or Brandi Fuhrman. Complete the application form by Dec. 3.
Valley Library update: Valley Library’s first floor book stacks are now open for browsing and study for Dead and Finals week. The work happening on the first floor is part of a major collections and storage project. In the last year, staff has physically moved more than one million items, and the project is still going on. A majority of the spaces – including almost all of the study rooms and spaces – are now free to use as of Nov. 30. The first floor is the Valley Library’s Silent Floor. Due to the ongoing work being done in the stack ranges, we will not be able to guarantee silence during normal business hours, but after 6 p.m., this floor will once again be silent.
Apply for FY22 PCOSW scholarship and project funding: The President’s Commission on the Status of Women invites applications for funding to faculty, students and staff who are pursuing professional development, research or other opportunities that support PCOSW’s mission. Apply by Friday, Feb. 4. Visit https://leadership.oregonstate.edu/pcosw/funding-opportunities for detailed guidelines, qualification requirements and application link. Questions? Contact pcosw@oregonstate.edu.
MLK awards: Nominations are due by Dec. 3 for the 2022 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Awards, honoring OSU community members who exemplify qualities of service and selflessness. This year, nominations will be accepted for four awards – the Phyllis S. Lee Award, the Frances Dancy Hooks Award, the Oscar Humberto Montemayor Award and the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Alumni Legacy Award. More information about all four awards is available on the 2022 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Awards website. For questions, contact diversity@oregonstate.edu or 541-737-1063.
Human-robot interaction: The Human-Machine Teaming Laboratory in OSU's Collaborative Robotics and Intelligent Systems Institute is conducting a research experiment to study human-robot interaction for simulated supervisor-based environments. Participants will complete a series of tasks that require controlling and monitoring a simulated remotely-piloted vehicle and will complete anonymous questionnaires. The experiment requires participants to complete one two-hour session. Participants who complete the entire evaluation will receive $30. For requirements and more information: contact Prakash Baskaran at HMTLabOSU+TRWL@gmail.com.
COVID-19 testing: Oregon State University, in collaboration with Willamette Valley Toxicology (WVT), is providing on-site COVID-19 testing. OSU employees and students, regardless of vaccination status, are welcome to test at one of these locations: Corvallis: The LaSells Stewart Center: Monday-Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.; Student Experience Center: Monday-Friday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. On Dec. 9-10, only the SEC location will be open. During Winter Break, only the SEC location will be open, and its hours will be limited to Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. WVT will provide testing over the break for travel purposes. Student Health Services will not be providing testing for travel purposes. (For staff wanting to get a test voluntarily, please make sure to register for a lab dash account prior to arrival: https://labdash.net/.) Bend: Ray Hall 302, Weeks of Nov. 29-Dec. 20: Monday-Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m.; Week of Dec. 27: No testing; Week of Jan. 3: Monday-Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 to 6 p.m.
Fairbanks: As part of the Fairbanks Hall Renovation Project, utility work will be happening. The sidewalk between the Women’s Building and Fairbanks Hall is scheduled to be closed from Nov. 29 through Dec. 27 (view map). An area of the sidewalk/fire lane between Austin Hall and the Asian & Pacific Cultural Center will also be closed.
Reser Stadium lot: For work related to the Completing Reser Stadium project, the west area of the Reser Stadium lot (lot #3281) will be closed from Nov. 22 through Dec. 10. Exterior saw-cutting work is scheduled for an electrical reroute. An extended closure for the west area of the Reser Stadium lot is also scheduled starting Nov. 22 through June 15, 2023. The area will be used for a contractor job site and temporary storage space (view map).
“I heard a bird sing in the dark of December. A magical thing. And sweet to remember. We are nearer to Spring than we were in September.” ~ Oliver Herford
Corvallis: Partly sunny today, high of 54, low of 35. Partly sunny Friday.
Central Oregon: Sunny today, high of 56, low of 37. Mostly sunny Friday.
Newport: Slight chance of rain and then partly sunny today, high of 53, low of 40. Partly sunny tomorrow.
Statewide: For OSU employees around the state, find your local forecast here: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/
