Today in the News Media


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.
 

Do you need to worry about 'forever chemicals'? (Vox)

A reasonable first step toward understanding your own PFAS risk is looking into the safety of your drinking water over the years and reviewing your employment history. That’s because people with high PFAS levels typically get them either by drinking contaminated water on a frequent basis or through extended on-the-job exposure, said Jamie DeWitt, a PFAS researcher who directs Oregon State University’s Environmental Health Sciences Center.

OSU researchers' project shows Indigenous stewardship's role in forest ecosystem resilience (KTVZ)

Oregon State University researchers have teamed with the Karuk Tribe of Northern California to create a novel computer simulation model that showcases Indigenous fire stewardship’s role in forest ecosystem health. (see also California Sportsman)
 

Black bear spotted by multiple people in Corvallis (KGW)

The bear was first spotted around 3 a.m. It was seen in central and west Corvallis, at the Linn-Benton Community College campus and then near the Oregon State University diary fields as it wandered out of town around 8 a.m., police said.
 

Today's photo


Nap time: Kelly Williams submitted this photo of a slumbering squirrel. We are accepting photo submissions at osutoday@oregonstate.edu.

NEW! Timely Teaching Tips: Looking for successful strategies to implement project-based learning? Read Project-Based Learning (Part 3): Practical Preparation by Ecampus instructional designer Ashlee Foster for resources, strategies and examples. For earlier installments in the project-based learning series, see Architecture for Authenticity (Part 1) and Mindful Design (Part 2).

Today

Health Professions Fair: The Health Professions Fair connects students with admissions representatives from over 90 health professions schools and programs in Oregon and across the country. This free event will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., April 23 in the Dixon Recreation Center first floor gyms. Students from all majors, first year through seniors, are welcome. For more information, visit the event website.

OSU Beaver Moms Connections: Join other self-identified moms for lunch, conversation and connection. Lunch provided. Facilitated by Stefanie Maerki (UHR) and the Family Resource Center. Noon to 1:30 p.m., April 23, MU 221. For accommodations and questions, contact Cari Maes, cari.maes@oregonstate.edu.

OSUsed Store Public Sales: The OSUsed Store carries furniture, computers, household items, office supplies and more, at 644 SW 13th St. Public sales are open to all shoppers 5:30-7:30 p.m.Tuesdays and noon to 3 p.m. Fridays; details here. Staff may shop for their department Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; details here.

Slumberland VR Theatre: Experience “Slumberland,” a beautiful digital dream world at 2 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m. through May 11 in Ray Theater at PRAx. Bombina Bombast, an award-winning performing arts company from Sweden, is a pioneer in the field of "live virtual reality." In this 45-minute, participatory VR experience, audience members wear a virtual reality headset, interacting with one another and with an actor (who is also in the physical theater) wearing a motion-capture suit. "Slumberland" is based on the company's interviews with hundreds of youth about their experiences of sleep in the digital age. An unforgettable, meaningful, and moving experience. Tickets $20; students $5. Tickets here.

Celebrate World Book Day on April 23: Join us in the Valley Library, from 6-8 p.m., April 23 as we add current information to challenged and banned books. No experience is necessary (but please bring your laptop). This event is part of a global campaign: #EveryBookItsReader. To find out more, visit everybookitsreader.org. Email librarian Laurie.Bridges@oregonstate.edu for more information.

World Book Day: Add to Wikipedia's #EveryBookItsReader: Celebrate books. Learn how to add recent censorship news to Wikipedia articles. This event is part of the worldwide #EveryBookItsReader campaign. This event is beginner-friendly. 6-8 p.m., April 23, in the Nishihara Family Classroom, Valley Library main floor. Find out more at: everybookitsreader.org.

Songs and Stories with Roger McGuinn: Enjoy an evening of “Songs and Stories” with Roger McGuinn at 7 p.m., April 23 at 7 p.m. in Detrick Hall at PRAx. One of the founders of the iconic folk-rock band The Byrds, Roger McGuinn is firmly established as an indisputable music industry icon. From his signature 12-string Rickenbacker sound to his instantly recognizable vocals on hits like “Turn, Turn, Turn,” “Eight Miles High,” and “Mr. Tambourine Man,” McGuinn didn’t just make music. He made history. McGuinn will guide the audience at PRAx along a journey of story and song, as mesmerizing and magical as ever. Come experience the gift of an evening with a master, equally intimate and spellbinding. Tickets $35-$45; students $5. Tickets here.

Events

NEW! The Taste of Water: Book Talk & Tasting. Have you ever wondered why your tap water tastes the way it does? Come explore how tastes have been increasingly erased from drinking water over the twentieth century as Christy Spackman discusses her new book, “The Taste of Water.” Spackman will uncover how efforts to erase unwanted tastes and smells have transformed water into a highly industrialized food product largely divorced from its origins. Learn to question your own assumptions about what water does and should naturally taste like, as well as how extensive your own expertise is around water. 2 p.m., April 25 in Waldo Hall, Room 240. Free and open to all.

NEW! 2024 Arbor Day Celebration – Ice Cream & Arboretum Tour: The OSU Campus Arboretum and Facilities Services would like to invite the campus community to attend the 2024 Arbor Day Celebration from 1:30-2:30 p.m., April 26, with a tour of the arboretum to follow. The Beaver Classic food truck will be serving ice cream. The event will be held in the arboretum area located between Dixon Recreation Center and Kaku-Ixt Mana Ina Haws. 

NEW! Military Appreciation Softball Game: Veterans working at Oregon State University will be able to claim a free ticket to each game at 7 p.m., April 26, 27 and 28, Kelly Field, at VetTix.org.

NEW! CoSCIES 2024 Education Research Showcase Extravaganza: Join us from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., May 10 in the MU Journey Room (104) to learn about the scholarship of teaching and learning and education research in OSU’s College of Science. Learn more about the program here. Sign up to present a talk or poster at our call for proposals here. Register to attend here.

School of Communication Career Fair: Students, learn and connect with communication-related employers, including OMSI, KPTV, Bend Studios and more on April 24 from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in MU 109.

Dam Proud to be Your Library!: April 24 is Dam Proud Day, donate to the Valley Library at beav.es/valley-proud or share our story. With the help of our generous donors, we can build the spaces and provide the services that ensure our students and researchers are always supported at the highest level.

Bil Burton’s Retirement Celebrations: After 30 years on the OSU Materials Management team, it is time to wish Bil well on his next adventure – retirement. Celebration for OSU staff will be held 1:30-3:30 p.m. April 24, MU 104. Staff and community celebration will be noon to 3 p.m. April 26, at the OSUsed Store. Cake provided.

Green Screen: Climate Action Movie Night. Join the OSU Sustainability Council and ASOSU for Green Screen: Climate Action Movie Night from 6-8 p.m., April 24 in MU 213. The movie night features "2040," a hopeful documentary about solutions to climate change. There will be snacks, and the event is free. After the movie, play Kahoot to win prizes.

Take Back the Night: Take Back the Night is an internationally recognized event held to protest sexual violence in all its forms and to provide a safe, confidential space for survivors of sexual violence to share their stories. This year's Take Back the Night at OSU will be held from 7-10 p.m., April 25 in the SEC Plaza and will feature a rally with keynote speakers and student performers, a march, and a survivor speakout. There will be an exception made to OSU's responsible employee reporting requirements for this event regarding any disclosures of sexual assault. Confidential CAPS counselors and survivor advocates from CAPE and CARDV will be on site to provide support and connection to resources. 

PRAx Presents Live Wire Radio: Live Wire with Luke Burbank and special guests Hanif Abdurraqib, Naomi Fitter and Jon the Robot, Brittany Davis and Y La Bamba at 7 p.m. April 26 in Detrick Hall at PRAx. Celebrating its 20th year, Live Wire Radio is an independently produced radio show based in Portland. Hosted by Luke Burbank and announced by Elena Passarello, the show artfully blends unpredictable conversation, live music and original comedy featuring all kinds of cultural talent and creative minds, from emerging artists to established acts. Live Wire champions discovery by producing engaging, spirited and genuine live and listening experiences for a local and national audience. Tickets $35-$45; students $5. Tickets here.

Dish of the Diaspora with Okaidja Afroso: Enjoy cooking and community with Portland-based performer Okaidja Afroso as he prepares and shares a traditional Ghanian dish of groundnut stew. Learn more about Indigenous Ga-Dangme fishermen of Ghana and prime your palate for Africa Night on May 11. The event takes place May 3 at the Basic Needs Center. Cook with Okaidja: 3-4:30 p.m.; sign-up required. Limited number of free tickets to the performance available for volunteers. Dish of the Diaspora: 6-7:30 p.m. open to all. Presented in conjunction with the Okaidja Afroso performance at PRAx.

Innovation Demo Day: Join the OSU Advantage Accelerator for our Innovation Demo Day from 5-8 p.m., May 16 at the LaSells Stewart Center. Listen to cutting-edge company pitches, delve into the future of AI with our expert panel and take advantage of networking opportunities over refreshments. Admission is free, but registration is required. Don't miss this chance to connect, learn, and be inspired. Learn more here.

Lectures, Workshops, Webinars

NEW! Micronutrient Webinar: Want to know what vitamins and minerals are of greatest concern for your health, especially as you get older? Join our Dam Proud Day webinar “Aging Well: The Top 10 Micronutrients for Optimum Health” on  11:30 a.m. April 24 for a short presentation followed by a Q&A with experts from the Linus Pauling Institute. Presented live on Zoom, registration required. A video recording will be made available after the event, email lpi@oregonstate.edu for more details.

NEW! 2023-24 Research Advancement Academy Pitch Event: Come join the Office for Research Advancement at 3 p.m., April 25 in Memorial Union Horizon Room as the 2023-24 Research Advancement Academy Fellows present their innovative plans for Transdisciplinary Research advancement. Opening remarks will be provided by Irem Tumer, Vice President of the Division of Research and Innovation, and President Jayathi Murthy. Click here for more details.

NEW! College of Engineering Virtual Faculty Lecture with Bahman Abasi: "From brine to mineral: Extracting minerals and clean water from brines using a thermal cycle and machine learning-based design. Noon to 1 p.m., April 25. Register for the lecture: https://beav.es/cTC. More information: https://beav.es/qyf.

NEW! HMSC Research Seminar: Maggie Sommer, the senior fishery policy lead with NOAA’s West Coast Sustainable Fisheries Division will be giving a seminar titled “Assessing and improving equity in federal fishery management,” at 3:30 p.m., April 25. Join us in person at the HMSC Carmen Ford Phillips Auditorium in the Gladys Valley Marine Studies Building or online. Zoom link. Password: 104815 or call +1-971-247-1195 Meeting ID: 971 3707 8566. Click here for more information.

NEW! Earth Day Panel: Bold Solutions, Better Planet. Hear from alumni on the front lines of creating climate solutions, imagining hope and strengthening our resiliency in the face of enormous planetary and societal change. Speakers will challenge the notion that disasters are "natural” and address how deeply divided societies understand, prepare for and cope with environmental change and disasters. Learn how humans’ relationship with their communities and natural environments affect their experience with climate change, and how engaging and empowering vulnerable communities in decision-making can address health inequalities and prevent disasters. 6 p.m., April 25 (virtual). Details and registration.

NEW! From Politics to Protest: How have the politics of protest been impacted by the Biden administration and the looming specter of the election in November? Are the horizons of possibility for the left today greater than they were 10 years ago? Featuring panelists Doug Lain (Sublation Media), Rajeev Ravisankar (FTFF-AFF), Randy Taylor (IWW) and Kristian Williams (author of “Gang Politics”). For accommodations or for more information contact PlatypusSociety@oregonstate.edu. The event is from 6-8 p.m., April 25 in Strand 163.

NEW! Governor Tom McCall Memorial Lecture in Public Affairs: Charles F. “Chuck” Sams III is the 19th director of the National Park Service. Sams is Cayuse and Walla Walla and is an enrolled member of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Northeast Oregon, where he grew up. He also has blood ties to the Cocopah Tribe and Yankton Sioux of Fort Peck. Sams most recently served as Oregon Governor Kate Brown's appointee to the Pacific Northwest Power and Conservation Council (NW Council) where he held a position as a council member from March to December of 2021. Prior to joining the NW Council, he served as executive director for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation. 7 p.m., April 25. Register to attend either in person or online.

NEW! Tibetan Buddhist Visualization & Mantra: Participants will practice "The Treasury of Blessings," a sādhanā focused on the historical Buddha Sakyamuni. This particular sādhanā is profound but also great for beginners, with simple visualizations and recitation of mantras. Guided by Geoff Barstow 7-8 p.m., Thursdays, April 25 and May 9, at Marigold. Class is free or by donation; please pre-register here. Contact with questions: contemplativestudies@oregonstate.edu.

NEW! Alumni share science career pathways: The career possibilities with a bachelor’s degree in science are endless, no advanced degree required. A panel of College of Science alumni wants to help current and prospective students and families prepare. Gain insights and get advice at a free interactive panel webcast, "Ask Alumni: Science Pathways with a Bachelor’s Degree," 4 p.m., May 1. Register. 

NEW! Celebrating Diversity in Teaching career webcast: Make valuable connections with passionate educators who are creating inclusive and equitable learning environments for students. Hear from a panel of respected regional educators who will share their experiences at a free, interactive Ask Alumni webcast. 4:30 p.m., May 15. Presented by the OSU Alumni Association and the College of Education. Register. 

Get a Dam Job workshop: Come network, learn, and explore possibilities for your future at one of the Spring 2024 Getting A Dam Job workshops. Students and recent grads are invited to tune in to learn about starting a business, applying to grad school, and finding the right fit for a job or internship at the following fairs: April 24, "Start your own business;" April 30, "Graduate school: decision-making, application and career pathways in research;" May 14, "Oops, I still need a job or an internship." Sign up here: https://career.oregonstate.edu/careered/getting-dam-job.

PFLA Zoom event: "Critical Leadership for Higher Education," presented by Tenisha Tevis, OSU associate professor of education. Workshop informs how institutional agents can better support historically disenfranchised students and transform the communities in which they serve, in an effort to promote equity and inclusion across the organization. 11 a.m. to noon, April 24. Click here to register.

OSU Advantage Accelerator's Speaker Series: Featuring Kristen and Mridul Mittal, cofounders of Mittal Consulting. Mittal Consulting excels in delivering top-tier regulatory consulting solutions specialized for medical devices, spanning the entire spectrum from inception to market integration. In this insightful session, we will delve into the intricacies of FDA submissions, offering invaluable expertise and guidance. Noon to 1 p.m, April 24, MU La Raza Room and on Zoom. Register: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScl7H_s87lCkCkRWyVaoL_H1IjqtOrsTnSOr3_GGYXg9o-JZA/viewform.

Water Resources Science Seminar Series: "Causes and consequences of dynamic erosion thresholds in gravel bed rivers," presented by Claire Masteller of Washington University from 4-5 p.m. April 24 in Burt Hall 193 or on Zoom. This event is free and open to the public. Contact gradwater.support@oregonstate.edu for Zoom details.

2024 CEOAS Earth Day Lecture: Bold Solutions, Better Planet. Three alums from the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences will challenge the notion that disasters are "natural” and address how deeply divided societies understand, prepare for and cope with environmental change and disasters. Attendees will learn how humans’ relationship with their communities and natural environments affect how they experience climate change, and how engaging and empowering vulnerable communities in decision-making can address health inequalities and prevent disasters. 6 p.m., April 25 (virtual). More information and registration at https://ceoas.oregonstate.edu/earth-day.

Generative AI Open House: Drop-In Chats for Teaching Faculty. Intrigued by the potential of generative AI to enhance education? Interested in integrating AI tools into your course prep or teaching but unsure where to start? Explore these questions with the Center for Teaching and Learning. These sessions are ideal for instructors who are curious about AI capabilities and eager to learn more. Optional: Bring a laptop or mobile device. Noon to 1 p.m., May 1, LINC 468 Faculty Lounge. No registration required.

2025 Faculty Fellowship Program Consortium-Directed Funding: The NW CASC is now accepting proposals for our 2025 Faculty Fellowship Program. This last-mile program aims to support efforts to make existing research more usable for natural and cultural resource managers facing climate-related risks and challenges. To achieve this aim, the program supports research involving faculty at NW CASC Consortium institutions and provides skills-building opportunities around the co-production of decision-relevant (i.e., "actionable science”). Funding runs Jan. 1-Dec. 31, 2025. Deadline to submit proposals is July 15. Info session 1 p.m., May 8 online: https://nwcasc.uw.edu/about/funding-opportunities/applying-for-the-faculty-fellowship-program/Selina.heppell@oregonstate.edu is the OSU liaison to the Consortium. 

Celebrating Diversity in Teaching career webcast: Make valuable connections with passionate educators who are creating inclusive and equitable learning environments for students. Hear from a panel of respected regional educators who will share their experiences at a free, interactive Ask Alumni webcast. 4:30 p.m., May 15. Presented by the OSU Alumni Association and the College of Education. Register. 

Indigenizing Education: Exploring the History of Indigenous Peoples and Education. Zoom seminar featuring keynote Chance White Eyes, OSU director of Tribal relations. Program includes panel discussion and overview of OSU services supporting Native students. Hosted by OSU's New Beginnings for Tribal Students (NBTS). 3-5 p.m., May 23. Register for free here. More information about NBTS is here.

OSU Construction Industry Forum: The 2024 OSU Construction Industry Forum will be held from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., May 1 at CH2M Hill Alumni Center. All OSU staff involved in construction on campus are invited to attend. UFIO leadership and staff will present an update on the OSU Capital Forecast, facilitate guided tours of recent projects and lead multiple breakout sessions on topics such as the Kelley District Utility Plant, recent work on roofing and mechanical systems and an update on upcoming construction work at OSU-Cascades. Lunch and refreshments will be served. Register here: https://beav.es/ceN.

Ask Alumni: Health Equity. Prepare for your career eliminating disparities and ensuring everyone has a fair and just opportunity to attain their highest level of health. A panel of College of Health alumni offers tips on leveraging your skills and degree at a free interactive webcast, "Ask Alumni: Health Equity," 5:30 p.m., May 1. Register today.

Take Note

NEW! Fulbright Outreach Lecturing Fund: Bring a current Fulbright Visiting Scholar from another university in the U.S. to OSU. A typical OLF visit is 2-5 days long, with the scholar completing guest lectures, cultural events and other similar engagements on and off campus. All expenses are covered by Fulbright with no financial commitment required from OSU. Applications accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year. Learn more on their website and view the list of current scholars. For questions, please contact the Global Affairs Associate.

NEW! Automated Driving System research: The School of Civil and Construction Engineering and the School of Psychological Science are seeking paid volunteers for research studies. The purpose of this research study is to make Automated Driving System (ADS) vehicles safer for pedestrians with disabilities. To participate in one of the studies, you must identify as having a visual, hearing and/or mobility disability and be at least 18 years old. Volunteers must commit 60 minutes to the research and will either wear a VR headset or a light-weight wearable device. To participate, contact Lena Breuer at breuerh@oregonstate.edu or call or text at 803-457-6630.

NEW! Policy updates: Controller’s Unit policies for Interest Earnings and OSU Foundation have been updated. Please see the CU Policy Program website for more information and contact the Policy Steward listed on each policy with any questions.

NEW! Giustina Gallery call for art: "Crowned Splendor." Deadline to submit: May 31. Exhibition runs July 1-Aug. 26. Flowers have held human beings in their thrall since time immemorial. "Crowned Splendor" is a celebration of floral majesty and the compelling intricacy of botanical beauty. Showcasing their vibrant colors, delicate petals and the timeless allure that flowers radiate. This exhibit delivers attendees an ocular love letter to these queens of nature. For more information: https://apps.ideal-logic.com/cms?key=F3T9-25VWY_K9KH-5PTF_206f067ce85c.

Dam Proud Day 2024: This is the week. Rally with fellow Beavers on April 24 for Dam Proud Day. Get hyped for the celebrations and spread the word about your favorite OSU cause. Not sure what to support? Explore 70+ OSU programs and projects or consider supporting a university-wide priority such as Finish in Four or the Athletic Fund for Excellence. Let's rally together and make Dam Proud Day 2024 the best yet.

College of Engineering Oregon Stater Award Nominations: The College of Engineering is now accepting nominations for the 2024 Oregon Stater Awards. These awards honor outstanding alumni for their contributions to the engineering profession and to Oregon State University. Awards will be given in three categories, determined by length of career and accomplishments: Engineering Hall of Fame, Academy of Distinguished Engineers and Council of Outstanding Early Career Engineers. Submit your nominations today. The nomination deadline is May 20.

Volunteer to celebrate OSU’s 2024 Beaver Grads: Oregon State University will host its 155th commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 15 at Reser Stadium in Corvallis. Commencement is OSU’s largest event of the year and volunteers play an important role in making the day memorable for graduates and guests. Volunteers are needed the morning of Saturday, June 15 to greet, guide, and help guests. Sign up here.

Controller’s Unit policy draft: In accordance with the Controller’s Unit Policy Program, the CU Policy Committee is soliciting your feedback on an updated policy draft for Subscription-Based IT Arrangements. For more information and instructions on how to provide your valued feedback, please visit Policy Review on the CU Policy Program website.

FY25 PCOSW funding opportunities: Applications for FY25 PCOSW scholarships and FY24 and FY25 event co-sponsorships are now being accepted. The President’s Commission on the Status of Women provides funding to faculty, students and staff who are pursuing professional development, research, outreach or creative projects related to gender equity issues. Applications are open until funding is distributed. Visit https://leadership.oregonstate.edu/pcosw/funding-opportunities for detailed guidelines, qualification requirements, and application links. Questions? Contact pcosw@oregonstate.edu

Family Business awards: The Excellence in Family Business Awards, hosted by the Center for Family Enterprise at Oregon State University, will take place from noon to 1:30 p.m., May 7 at the Portland Marriott Downtown Waterfront Hotel. The event will honor several awardees including business owners and students. The awards spotlight the impactful work of family businesses and celebrate the backbone of our community's economy and heritage. To register, click here.

Affordable Learning Grant: The Open Educational Resources Unit is accepting proposals for the Affordable Learning Grant until April 24. Faculty can receive up to $15,000 in funding to adopt, adapt or author an open educational resource (OER) for your course. OER are openly licensed course materials that save students money and make higher education more accessible. This grant is made possible by OSU's new Division of Educational Ventures and all funding is a department-to-department transfer. Questions? Contact OERU Director Stefanie Buck.

Noise control: Are you exposed to loud noise at work? Find out more about OSU’s Hearing Conservation Program and Noise Control Plan. The goal of OSU’s Hearing Conservation Program is to monitor and protect employees who have the potential to develop noise-induced hearing loss – a preventable, permanent and progressive health issue. In collaboration with Environmental Health & Safety, Occupational Health Services provides annual hearing tests for those exposed to loud noise on the job. Training is available through the EH&S website. Contact Occupational Health or Environmental Health and Safety with questions.

40-Minute Flow Yoga Classes: Join us at Marigold for Flow Yoga, 5:20-6pm M-Th. Purchase 1 class pass for $20 (community), $18 (Educators) and $15 (Students) for two 40 minute classes! Flow yoga classes include mindful and more vigorous postures and movements for flexibility and strength, deep breathing, and rest. Practice in a beautiful, biophilic space with our community. Register for a classpurchase passes, or apply for an OSU Undergraduate ScholarshipContact us.

Weather

"Always it's spring and everyone's in love and flowers pick themselves." e.e. cummings

Corvallis: Mostly sunny, high of 71, low of 40. Partly sunny tomorrow.

Central Oregon: Mostly sunny today, high of 67, low of 37. Mostly sunny tomorrow.

Newport: Decreasing clouds today, high of 56, low of 46. Partly sunny tomorrow.

Statewide: For OSU employees around the state, find your local forecast here: http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/pqr