OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
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COVID-19 website: To facilitate the ongoing sharing of information about the virus, Oregon State University has added a link on the OSU homepage to a page that provides detailed and up-to-date COVID-19 information; links to OSU, local, state and federal resources; and updates on the latest federal travel restrictions.
TRACE OSU testing: OSU is providing random COVID-19 TRACE OSU testing by invitation for students, faculty and staff Monday-Thursday weekly on the Corvallis campus and Monday-Thursday every other week on the OSU-Cascades campuses and at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport. Free parking will be provided to those working remotely to come to the Corvallis campus for testing. Testing will continue throughout fall term. Here is a link to enroll. For additional information: https://trace.oregonstate.edu/osu
NEW! Timely Teaching Tips: Need help with teaching technology? Get 1-on-1 support from an Academic Technology expert to support your use of Canvas, Kaltura, Zoom, Top Hat, Turnitin, Gradescope, classroom technology and more.
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. Content appearing includes timely news and feature stories from broadcast, print and online sources. Occasionally, opinion pieces and first-person columns appearing in mainstream media outlets that are written by faculty members and pertain to their academic or professional expertise may be included based on their unique, informative value, timeliness and space constraints. It is not the policy of OSU Today to include Letters to the Editor.
The ice sheets of Greenland and Antarctica are conspicuous features on Earth today (and potential contributors to tens of meters of sea level rise). But other large ice sheets also existed in the not-too-distant past, said Maureen Walczak, a paleoceanographer at Oregon State University in Corvallis. “There were other ice sheets that are now extinct.”
Scientists at Oregon State University have shown that viral infection is involved in coral bleaching -- the breakdown of the symbiotic relationship between corals and the algae they rely on for energy. (see also Oceanographic)
Decoy cells trick SARS-CoV-2, reduce cytokines in vitro (The Scientist)
In a July preprint, pharmacologist Gaurav Sahay of Oregon State University described a method that delivers engineered mRNA that codes for ACE2 to the liver of mice using lipid nanoparticles, causing ACE2 decoys to be translated and secreted into the blood. He found that the method successfully led to an increase of ACE2 decoys in vivo and they inhibited a modified, nonpathogenic version of SARS-CoV-2 in vitro.
A medical technology firm that grew out of Oregon State University research has reeled in more than $275 million in its initial public stock offering.
And former government officials say a Biden administration will also need to strengthen current policies to protect researchers from political interference. Rick Spinrad of Oregon State University, Corvallis, a former chief scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, says, “What we have seen [under Trump] is abuse and violation of scientific integrity policies — with no consequences.”
Artist and professor of art at Oregon State University, Julie Green was inspired to create the work in 1999, when reading about a last meal request in the morning paper, "Why do we have this tradition of final meals, I wondered, after seeing a request for six tacos, six glazed donuts, and a cherry Coke. Twenty years later, I still wonder."
Chapple is a professor at the Oregon State University Hatfield Marine Science Center who has been working with sharks around the world for nearly 20 years. Using cutting-edge technology, rigorous science and engaging media platforms, Chapple has been working to use science to change how people think about sharks.
“What slugs want is a place that’s warm and moist,” said Claudia Groth, an Oregon State University Extension Service master gardener. “That’s why spring and fall is when they’re most active. They’ll be coming out soon to lay eggs.”
Today's workspace: "I have two bird feeders near my home office window," says Kimberly Callahan, Botany & Plant Pathology, "so my day includes watching visitors and playing bird paparazzi. I've seen about 21 different species around my complex. Being at the office all day, I never got to see who was stopping by." Now it's time to show us what you're doing to help cope with daily life and work in 2020. Are you baking with your kids? Dancing with your dogs? Hiking on the weekends? Hiding under a blanket with a book? Take a photo and send it to osutoday@oregonstate.edu. Follow OSU Today on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/osutoday1/ and catch up on any photos you might have missed so far.
NEW! Oregon Great Shake Out Drill Today: Today is Oregon’s Great Shake Out earthquake drill. At 10:15 a.m. today, stop what you are doing and practice your earthquake response. Drop, cover and hold on for 60 seconds and then the drill is over. If you participate in the drill, also complete this urvey: https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_7aKeKkY3idYQv89.
Investment webinars: The Maps Credit Union CFS investment team is conducting a Weekly Webinar Series on a variety of investment topics that include current market updates. This is one way to educate yourself without leaving the comfort and safety of your own home. Thursday, Oct 15, noon, Long Term Care Solutions. These are not OSU events but are tailored to OSU clients and during normal circumstances are held on campus. There is no charge.
Womxn of Color Students Discussion Group: Join AYA and CAPS in building community with other WoC in a virtual discussion space. Starts Thursday, Oct. 15 from 1-2 p.m. Join via Zoom https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/96284112013?pwd=cGdyRlVlYUhNblZodWh0VTBydkFLdz09 (Passcode: 576851) Questions: Contact shaznin.daruwalla@oregonstate.edu
CAPS Group: Building Anti-Racism Stamina as a White Person: Given the systemic racism that can exist in all levels of our lives – intrapersonally, interpersonally, institutionally and structurally – this group will focus on building mental stamina to examine and deconstruct racism within ourselves as white-identified people, and the institutions that we are a part of. Meets via Zoom Thursdays 3:30-4:45 p.m. starting Oct. 15. Contact michele.ribeiro@oregonstate.edu or noreen.marsland@oregonstate.edu to join.
Piano festival: Corvallis-Oregon State University Piano International’s “Re-imaginings: A Virtual Piano Festival” will feature two video recitals debuting on Thursday, Oct. 15. The festival is online and free of charge, with no tickets required. Rachelle McCabe, OSU professor of piano and Corvallis-OSU Piano International artistic director, and her sister, Robin McCabe, University of Washington professor of piano, will debut the next video recital in the World Pianists series on Oct. 15, performing “Wizard of Oz Fantasy for Four Hands.” Also debuting Oct. 15 is the next video in the Beethoven Project, with Craig Sheppard, University of Washington professor of piano, performing Beethoven’s Sonata in E Major, Op. 109. For more information and to view the recitals, visit corvallispiano.org.
Building Peace Communities through Mindfulness and Advocacy: Join Ann Mbacke of Progress Village Foundation and History Senior Instructor Linda Richards for a mindfulness session to engage the multicultural, multiage, youth-focused group to create a covenant or agreement for service to peace and advocacy for those less fortunate. Thursday, Oct. 15, 4 p.m. Register.
It takes a village: Shared challenges and shared solutions: The COVID-19 pandemic brought to light how Latino communities in Lincoln County lack access to important health resources and information. But underserved communities need increased support beyond crisis moments, too. In the Public Health Insider series, Oralia Mendez, Beatriz Botello and Dusti Linnell will share how OSU Extension Service is working collaboratively to act on community needs long term. Register for the Oct. 15 webcast.
NEW! PERS Expo 2020 Goes Digital: The PERS Expo will be held during National Retirement Security Week starting Oct. 19. The event is geared toward faculty and staff who are PERS Tier 1, Tier 2 or OPSRP members. PERS plans to launch a suite of educational resources to help members understand and plan for retirement. To receive PERS Expo updates, sign up for the “PERS Expo” topic in GovDelivery. Questions? Contact PERS at 888-320-7377 or customer-service.pers@state.or.us.
Board of Trustees: The OSU Board will meet on Friday, Oct. 16, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. The board will consider the revised budget for the fiscal year, an adjustment to fall term 2020 student incidental fees, the president’s goals for the fiscal year, and the board’s work plan for the next calendar year. The board will hear a report on advancing equity, inclusion and social justice within OSU, and a legislative update. Given current COVID-19 guidance, the meeting is open to the public and will be hosted through a remote conferencing service. Options for joining the meeting and instructions for providing comment during the board meeting are located under “Meeting Details” at this webpage. Committees of the board will meet via remote conferencing services on Oct. 14 and 15. The board will also hold a work session on Oct. 15 via remote conferencing services. Agendas and meeting materials will be posted as they are available at http://oregonstate.edu/leadership/trustees/meetings. For accommodations: 541-737-3449 or lauren.skousen@oregonstate.edu at least 48 hours in advance.
Celebrate National Transfer Student Week: Join in celebrating OSU's transfer students during National Transfer Student Week, Oct. 19-23. Starting with a Social Media kickoff on Monday, there will be events throughout the week allowing students to celebrate their journey and a chance to get to know their peers. To see a full list of events and RSVP, visit https://undergraduate.oregonstate.edu/national-transfer-student-week
OSU and Hop History Events: Every week this October, OSU Special Collections & Archives is highlighting history via presentations that offer up glimpses of student cinematic imagination, perspectives on the crop that makes Oregon “Beervana,” and a look at documenting aquaculture on film. These events are presented in honor of Oregon Archives Month and are all being done live through Zoom. For more information, check out this blogpost.
NEW! Social Justice Education Initiative workshops are happening now, including new Tier Two workshops: The SJEI is a foundational professional development program for all faculty, staff and graduate students. Join your colleagues to begin, or expand, your equity and inclusion journey. See the schedule and register for Zoom workshops here. Interested in this work for your unit? Contact SJEI director Jane Waite for further information: jane.waite@oregonstate.edu
Introduction to the University Ombuds Office: Join us to learn about the informal and neutral conflict management role of the University Ombuds Office, whose services are available to the entire OSU community. This session will include a fun communication activity — the only thing you need to "bring" to participate is a blank piece of paper. Part of the Fall 2020 FYI Friday series, Oct. 16, 9-9:30 a.m. via Zoom. Registration required.
Center for Teaching and Learning’s “Sparkshop” Transparency in Teaching and Learning: Begin with SMARTER Learning Objectives: Have your students ever asked the "why" question? Why are we learning this? Learn how to discuss the question before class to make teaching and learning more transparent. Facilitated by Funmi Amobi, Ed.D., CTL’s instructional consultant, college Llaison. See the CTL website for more information. Oct. 16, noon to 12:45 p.m. Zoom: https://beav.es/opL Password: 640201
Farm 2 Fork Fridays: Virtual seminar is a monthly series that brings you stories about how our food systems work and the efforts behind the scenes to make them more sustainable. Next up: Oregon Hop Terroir, Friday, Oct. 16, noon to 12:30 p.m. with Tom Shellhammer and sixth-generation hop growers, John and Liz Coleman. https://foodsci.oregonstate.edu/foodsci/fst-farm-2-fork-virtual-seminar-series
Power-Dense Electric Aircraft Propulsion: LaunchPoint Electric Propulsion Solutions, Inc. models, designs and manufactures high-power-density motors and drives. Brad Paden, co-founder and chief scientist for LaunchPoint, will give an overview of LaunchPoint's tools for modeling advanced aircraft propulsion and their work on multidisciplinary optimization. Oct. 16, 2-3 p.m., via Zoom (email bollerm@oregonstate.edu for link).
Applied Economics Seminar Friday, Oct. 16 from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Professor Kelsey Jack, Bren School of Environmental Science and Management, University of California, Santa Barbara will present "Harvesting the Rain: The Adoption of Environmental Technologies in the Sahel" via Zoom. Details, including dial-in information, here.
Engineering Alumni panel webcast: Meet Beavers working in various fields of engineering at the 5 Under 5 Alumni Panel Friday, Oct. 16, with hourly sessions starting from 1 to 4 p.m., presented by the OSU Alumni Association. Catch up with recent graduates and get guidance on internships, mentoring and job opportunities at this interactive free event. Meet the panelists speaking about sustainability, health, security and the joy of living, then register for a session at osualum.com/5under5.
Postdoctoral scholars and health benefits: Postdoctoral scholars are invited to an information session regarding their health benefits on Oct. 19 at 10 a.m. Join OSU’s Graduate Health Plan Benefits Consultants as they discuss the PacificSource Health plan in detail including changes in the plan cost this year for Postdoctoral scholars. This meeting will have a presentation and Q&A format. Zoom information: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/96638688386?pwd=TkJBWTEwZXNWRmhNSHhNbmtIWENodz09 Password: 308767. Phone dial-in information: 1-971-247-1195 U.S. (Portland). Meeting ID: 966 3868 8386
Stretch Goals: Taking Your Performance to the Next Level: To take your performance to another level, you have to be willing to imagine greater possibilities and work outside of your comfort zone. This means setting both short- and long-term goals that you don't necessarily know you can reach. A key to success is to develop a support structure that keeps you working towards the desired goal. This concept will be explored by illustrating both work and non-work examples. Achieving goals that stretch your current ability ultimately increases your effectiveness, takes your performance to the next level, and makes the extraordinary possible. Oct. 19, 11-11:45 a.m. via Zoom. Registration required.
Department of Horticulture Seminar Series: Join Fall 2020 Seminar Series Mondays at noon via Zoom. Oct. 19, at noon. Malcolm Shabazz Hoover, Black Futures Farm and OSU Master Gardeners will present, “Black Futures Farm.” The event is free and open to the public. Register for the Zoom meeting in advance: https://beav.es/oQL. Once you register, a password will be emailed to you in advance of the meeting.
Developing High Performance Teams: Why do some teams consistently produce outstanding results and other teams perform moderately at best? We will examine distinguishing characteristics of high performing teams and provide tools and principles you can use to develop high level teams. Recommended for managers and leaders. Oct. 19, 1-3 p.m. via Zoom. Registration required.
Community Dialogue: What's the point in voting?: Community Dialogues are a series which seeks to cultivate connection and deep learning through the exploration of critical and continuous issues. Learn more and register to get Zoom details. Space is limited. Oct. 21, 4-5:30 p.m. held on Zoom. Presented by Community Engagement & Leadership, the Office of Institutional Diversity, and University Housing & Dining Services. For more information or accommodations for disabilities, contact 541-737-3041 or cel@oregonstate.edu.
Do you have a business idea but need some help? The OSU Advantage Accelerator is offering Iterate, a free virtual class for researchers, entrepreneurs and prospective entrepreneurs who have a business idea or technology that could become a sellable product or service but aren't sure what to do next. Come learn how to create a value proposition, find and understand your market, and more. Iterate consists of four workshops that build on each other: Oct 22, Oct 29, Nov 5 and Nov 12, all from 3 to 4:30 p.m. Learn more and register:https://advantage.oregonstate.edu/advantage-accelerator/programs/iterate
Public Health Insider | The human impact of the COVID-19 pandemic: A global pandemic has changed everyday life on a major scale. But how can our most vulnerable communities overcome the changes? And what unseen public health challenges still lay ahead? In the Public Health Insider series, OSU experts share answers about the health of our communities amid COVID-19 and moving forward. Register to join the conversations this fall beginning this week. Submit your questions for presenters during registration.
Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) Awareness Course. Expand your earthquake preparedness skills by taking OSU Extension program’s new free online course. In the interactive sessions, residents and guests of Oregon and other western states can become aware of the Cascadia Subduction Zone Event and learn how to prepare for it. To enroll, click on https://beav.es/Cascadia. You will be directed to a page to set up free access. If you already have an eXtension.org account, log in. If not, choose “Create an Account.” Do not join as a GUEST. Additional CSZ information and preparedness resources can be found at https://extension.oregonstate.edu/cascadia-earthquake-preparedness.
NEW! OSU Foundation’s OSU Loyal Philanthropic Partner Award: To celebrate and honor OSU faculty and staff who support and promote philanthropy across OSU, the OSU Foundation is launching the OSU Loyal Philanthropic Partner Award. The OSU Loyal Committee will evaluate nominees for final award selection and recognition at the OSU Loyal Celebration in late fall. Do you know someone who deserves this award? Nominate them today. The nomination deadline is Wednesday, Oct. 28. Learn more by visiting the OSU Loyal page or contact Hannah Snively at the OSU Foundation.
NEW! Mid-Month Emergency Preparedness Topic: Family Care - Disaster can strike quickly and without warning. Families can cope with disaster by creating a disaster plan. Knowing what to do is not only your responsibility but is the best protection for your family. This month’s poster can be downloaded at: https://emergency.oregonstate.edu/emergency-preparedness/preparedness-topics/family-care
Travel Security: Taking a trip out of the country? Remember, whether it’s for official OSU business or personal reasons, all OSU faculty, staff, and graduate students who plan to access OSU data (like e-mail) must register their trip with the Office of Global Affairs. If your destination of travel is considered “high-risk,” a member of the Office of Information Security will reach out to discuss how to keep your data secure. Make sure you register your trip as early as possible to get the information you need to stay safe! Consultations are also available for domestic travel. Contact OIS to set-up a domestic travel consultation.
Fiscal policy feedback sought: In accordance with the fiscal policy program, the Fiscal Policy Committee is soliciting feedback on new policy drafts for Parking Permits & Fines and for Surplus Property. For more information and instructions on how to provide your valued feedback, visit Policy Under Review on the Fiscal Policy Program website.
URSA Engage Faculty Summaries Due Oct. 19: For those interested in mentoring undergraduates in research, consider submitting a faculty summary for the URSA Engage Program by Oct. 19 at 11:59 p.m. The mentor summary submission form can be accessed at this link (see Step 1). Students selected for the program will participate in research from the middle of winter term until the end of spring term.
Financial Aid Phishing: Do you know how to spot a phishing e-mail? University students’ login credentials have been targeted across the country by cyber-criminals. These actors strategically plan their attacks to coincide with financial aid disbursement periods and use stolen credentials to change students’ direct deposit information, preventing this aid from ever reaching the student! Here are a few things you can do to stay vigilant against these attacks: Always verify the sender’s e-mail address and never trust e-mails from someone you don’t recognize. Never click on a link directly in an e-mail! Instead, copy and paste the link to your browser to find its real destination. See the Financial Aid Office’s tips on avoiding scams. If you’re ever unsure of an e-mail’s authenticity, forward it (as an attachment) to the Office of Information Security at phishing@oregonstate.edu or contact the IS Service Desk at 541-737-8787.
Get involved with the Opening the Conversation Study. Join our study to help us create a new program for couples facing cancer: You and your partner will be interviewed separately (each by yourself) to share your experiences and opinions about the program we are developing. What you tell us in this interview will not be shared with your partner. We may also invite you to complete a second interview, together with your partner, to share your opinions about the program after we have revised materials. Your feedback is extremely valuable and will directly affect the changes we make to this program. To be eligible, you or your partner will have had a breast or gynecological cancer diagnosis at age 18-39, between six months to five years ago. Both partners must agree to participate to be eligible. We are interested in hearing from couples with a variety of sexual orientations and gender identities so that we can create an inclusive program. Go to health.oregonstate.edu/oc, or email ayahealth@oregonstate.edu for more information. This study is being conducted by the Oregon State University College of Public Health and Human Sciences. The principal investigator is Jessica Gorman.
International Friendship Program: Invitation to all OSU and Oregon community members to participate remotely/virtually in the International Friendship Program. This program pairs you up with OSU international students and scholars to engage in monthly conversations focused on community, culture and support. Register by Oct. 26 at https://bit.ly/2M1t8be. For more information, see https://international.oregonstate.edu/ois/international-friendship-program. Contact OIS.Programs@oregonstate.edu with any questions.
Want to support students through these difficult times? Sign up to be an OSU Connection Navigator. The time will be small, and has the potential for real impact. We are asking that OSU staff members sign up to connect with new-to-OSU students two or three times a term with a quick phone call. Find out more and sign up here.
October is National Retirement Security Month: Did you know retirement planning resources are available to OSU employees and their household members through Beyond Benefits EAP at no-cost? Check out the retirement planning resources Beyond Benefits has to offer you at https://beav.es/beyond-benefits.
The Nature of Isolation: In today's video, RK Fauth shares "A Drive Out in the Country," a creative nonfiction piece in five parts. The Nature of Isolation presented by the Spring Creek Project is a month-long series that features writing, art, and music from contributors throughout the U.S. and around the world. Watch today's video. OSU's Spring Creek Project is housed in the College of Liberal Arts.
NEW! Jefferson Way: For work related to the Buxton Hall roof replacement, there will be a crane at Buxton Hall offloading material from the roof. Both lanes of Southwest Jefferson Way will be closed at the corner of Southwest Weatherford Place. The south sidewalk will also be closed to pedestrian traffic at this location. Weatherford Place between Jefferson Way and Southwest Intramural Lane will also be closed (view map). The closure is scheduled for Friday, Oct. 16, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For questions or comments on this closure, contact Patrick Robinson with University Housing and Dining Services at 541-737-2428.
This email only lists new or recently updated job postings. For a full list of current job postings for OSU Today, go to: http://today.oregonstate.edu/email/jobs To apply for the below positions, visit http://oregonstate.edu/jobs unless otherwise specified.
NEW! Senior Director of Development, Earth Systems Sciences: Reporting to the Vice President for Constituent Programs & Campaign Director, the Senior Director of Development, Earth Systems Sciences at the Oregon State University Foundation is the chief front-line fundraising position responsible for managing a comprehensive major gift program to support the College of Agricultural Sciences, the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences and the College of Forestry. The Senior Director of Development is expected to devote 70% of work time to major gift fundraising activities and 30% of work time to management and administrative responsibilities. To apply: https://app.jobvite.com/j?aj=oqAxdfwu&s=OSU_Todaymore For more information contact Jason Thomas 541-737-8842 or Jason.thomas@osufoundation.org
“The summer had turned, the summer had gone; the autumn had dropped upon Bly and had blown out half our lights. The place, with its gray sky and withered garlands, its bared spaces and scattered dead leaves, was like a theater after the performance—all strewn with crumpled playbills. ~ Henry James
Corvallis: Sunny today, high of 61, low of 46. Mostly sunny tomorrow.
Central Oregon: Frost and then sunny, high of 57, low of 35. Frost and then sunny Friday.
Newport: Sunny today, high of 60, low of 51. Patchy fog, then sunny tomorrow.
Statewide: For OSU employees around the state, find your local forecast here: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr/
