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.
 

Practice makes perfect: Teaching robots to walk on the moon (Texas A&M Today)

Some 6,000 feet up the snow-capped mountain, located about 70 miles east of Portland, a multi-disciplinary team from the University of Southern California, Texas A&M University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Oregon State University, Temple University, the University of Pennsylvania and NASA recently gathered to turn loose a four-legged robot named Spirit into the wild.
 

Yes, much of the Willamette River's algae woes can be traced back to the Ross Island lagoon (KGW)

KGW spoke last summer with Dr. Desiree Tullos at Oregon State University, who explained that algae blooms are caused by a combination of warm temperatures, abundant nutrients and stagnant water. The first two factors are manmade in a broad sense because they're both made worse by climate change and industrial pollution, but in Portland's case the stagnant water factor has a much more direct manmade cause.
 

Oregon State University to open new $75M arts center (Bend Bulletin)

Years in the making, Oregon State University’s visual and performing arts center is finally ready for visitors. The Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts, also known as PRAx, is set to open its doors Saturday, April 6, for an open house featuring an interactive music exhibit, immersive art installations and live performances from indigenous artists.
 

Cheapest full coverage car insurance (WalletHub)

Featuring Michael Budke, program manager, Center for Advancing Financial Education, Oregon State University College of Business.
 

Fire blight watch for Washington growers (Good Fruit Grower)

Research by Ken Johnson at Oregon State University showed that buffering to pH 4 can further improve antibiotic efficacy.

 

Today's photo


Fossil Fest: People look at fossils during Oregon Sea Grant's 2024 Fossil Fest Feb. 10 at the Hatfield Marine Science Center Visitor Center in Newport (photo by Alycia Sanders). We are accepting photo submissions at osutoday@oregonstate.edu.

NEW! Timely Teaching Tips: The research-based Online Teaching Principles from Ecampus guide effective online and hybrid teaching at OSU. Many of the principles also have direct relevance to on-campus teaching, as well — for example, communicating in a supportive manner and routinely providing timely feedback.

Today

BEE Teaching Seminar: Nick Bouskill from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory will give the teaching seminar, "Harnessing Nature's Resilience: Leveraging Soil Microbiomes to Enhance Plant Health during Drought," at 10 a.m., April 5 in KEAR205.

NEW! BEE Research Seminar: Rui Gao from the Mississippi State University Department of Forestry will give the research seminar, "Crop water status and stress monitoring in California vineyards using remote sensing data and ground measurements," at 11 a.m., April 5 in KEAR202.

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.

Graduate Engineering Research Showcase: Our 2024 Graduate Engineering Research showcase will feature live research micro-presentations from 11 engineering students on a variety of topics. After the presentations, join us for a reception to chat with our presenters and celebrate the ingenuity of graduate engineering students. 4:30-6 p.m., April 5. Register at: https://beav.es/cZo. More information: https://beav.es/cZ4.

NEW! Residence Hall Association presents Spring Comedy Night: Join us tonight to welcome comedian Chinedu Unaka. Comedy Night will be taking place at the MU Ballroom at 7 p.m., April 5. Free food will be provided. A great way to start your spring term.

Saturday

PRAx Opens Its Doors on April 6: You’re invited to attend an all-day open house from noon to 7 p.m. this Saturday, April 6 at the Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts. More info here. Explore our venues, look behind the scenes of the building and enjoy live music, tours, art installations, the opening gallery exhibition, activities for children, an evening concert and more. Open house daytime events are free to the public; tickets are required for the evening headliner performance.

Sunday

OSU Latina Luncheon: Join us for an empowering event. Alumni, friends, students, faculty and staff are invited to join an inspiring celebration of empowerment, networking and community at the inaugural Latina Luncheon, 11 a.m., April 7 at the CH2M HILL Alumni Center. ¡Nos vemos allí! Registration is free.  

Events

NEW! Anis Mojgani — Poems at Sunset by a Window: Anis Mojgani, Oregon’s Poet Laureate, will give an intimate poetry reading at Marigold from 7:30-8:30 p.m., April 12. Grass Roots will organize a book-signing before the event. Tickets prices: general $30, OSU students $10. Pre-register for this special event featuring our award-winning guest. Contact with questions: contemplativestudies@oregonstate.edu.


NEW! 45th Annual łatwa ina Pow-Wow: Save the date. Saturday, May 18, OSU’s Native American Student Association and university partners present the 45th Annual łatwa ina Pow-Wow. This free community event features Indigenous dancers, singers and a marketplace, plus affordable fry bread. Grand entry at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Doors open at noon.

Connecting with the international community through conversation partner programs: Learn more about the various conversation partner programs in the Oregon area, with options to participate remotely across Oregon or the globe. These programs facilitate connections, conversations and English language development through pairing domestic and international participants. 6-8 p.m., April 12 at the International Living-Learning Center. To register see https://fb.me/e/8W9v48EkD and to directly apply for the program visit https://internationalservices.oregonstate.edu/international-friendship-program.

Slumberland VR Theatre: Experience “Slumberland,” a beautiful digital dream world at 2 p.m., 5:30 p.m. and 8 p.m., April 22-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. Tickets $20; students $5. Tickets here.

AI Global Futures Forum and AI Week: The Office of the Provost is pleased to announce AI Week, April 8-12. The April 12 AI Global Futures Forum will include a conversation between OSU President Jayathi Murthy and special guest Jen-Hsun Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA. The forum will also include a series of panels regarding AI and Climate Science, AI Impact on Workforce and the Economy, and AI and Creativity. To learn more, email OSU.Provost@oregonstate or visit this website.

Semiconductor careers: Come learn about careers in the semiconductor industry, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., April 11 in the Memorial Union Ballroom. Listen to professionals in the industry talk about their roles and find out how to prepare for jobs in the semiconductor industry. All majors welcome. Attendance is free, but registration is required: https://oregonstate.joinhandshake.com/edu/events/1505921.

Spring All-Industries Career and Internship Fair: Trying to find a summer job or internship? Looking for the opportunity that will launch your career? Come network, learn and explore the possibilities with over 100 businesses, nonprofits and other employers at the Spring All-Industries Career and Internship Fair from 11 a.m.-3 p.m., April 17. This is the final career fair before summer break, and your chance to ask questions to professionals in your field, build your professional network and apply for jobs on the spot. Sign up here: https://beav.es/cih.

Songs and Stories with Roger McGuinn: Enjoy an evening of “Songs and Stories” with Roger McGuinn at 7 p.m., April 23 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. McGuinn will guide the audience at PRAx along a journey of story and song. Tickets $35-$45; students $5. Tickets here.

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! College of Science AI Showcase: Join us April 8 to discuss topics ranging from methodology to applications in biology, health and agriculture and learn how College of Science faculty are developing and using AI in their work. Faculty will present on current research projects via TED-style talks followed by a panel session with Dean of Science Eleanor Feingold. 1-2:45 p.m., MU 109. For more information: https://dri.oregonstate.edu/ai-week-monday.

NEW! Department of Horticulture Seminar Series: Cole Stover, MS horticulture student, will present “The Effects of Nitrogen Source on Microdochium Patch Severity on Annual Bluegrass Putting Greens in the Pacific Northwest, ”and Yan Yan, Ph.D. horticulture student, will present “The Last of Us: Delving into the World of Entomopathogenic fungi” at noon April 8 in ALS 4000 or via Zoom. For the full schedule and Zoom information: https://horticulture.oregonstate.edu/horticulture-0.

NEW! College of Engineering Virtual Faculty Lecture with Meghna Babbar-Sebens: How do people respond to visualization of uncertainty when involved in conservation planning for climate-resilient watersheds? Noon to 1 p.m., April 9. Register for the lecture: https://beav.es/cTr More information: https://beav.es/qyf.

NEW! Arts Integration Workshop for STEM Faculty: PRAx staff will demystify the arts and share practical ways STEM faculty can amplify their research with arts integration, including everything from innovative Broader Impacts projects to science-focused events and performances. All OSU science and engineering faculty are welcome. 5-6 p.m., April 9 at PRAx. Workshop 3-5 p.m., reception and PRAx tour 5-6 p.m. Registration is required

NEW! Travel Talks webcast: Holiday Markets. The Rhine River cruise (Dec. 11-19) is a festive journey aglow with twinkling lights, good cheer, decorations and treasures. Get a glimpse of traditional holiday markets in France and Germany at the next Travel Talk with Julie Lambert, ’85, OSUAA board chair. Presented by OSUAA Alumni Group Travel at 5:30 p.m., April 9. Register: bit.ly/HolidayMarkets24.

NEW! Book Study and Mindfulness Class — Training in Compassion: In this practice-centered book study led by Hemant Bhanoo, participants engage with the points and slogans for generating compassion and resilience from the book "Training in Compassion" by Norman Fischer. Noon to 1 p.m. Wednesdays through May 29. You may also purchase a drop-in one-class passOSU student scholarships availableContact us.

NEW! Degree Partnership Summit: Please join the staff at OSU and Linn-Benton Community College for the Degree Partnership Summit from 9 a.m.-4 p.m., April 25 at Linn-Benton Community College in Albany. This will be a great opportunity to learn more about the Degree Partnership Program and how the program provides additional opportunities for OSU and Community College Students. For more information and to register for the DPP Summit, visit https://beav.es/cQM. Registration costs $50 and includes continental breakfast, lunch and beverage breaks. Registration deadline April 19. For more information, email partnerships@oregonstate.edu.

Lucid Dreaming 8-Week Series: Instruction into the amazing interior adventure of the nighttime world of sleep and dreams, through learning and community. Kate Gallagher will guide weekly topics and instruction. Open to all, held at Marigold. 6:30-7:45 p.m., Tuesdays, April 9- May 28. Registration is open. $200 public; $175 educators. Scholarships are available for OSU undergraduates and graduate students. 

Empowering OSU: Stories of Harnessing Generative AI for Impact in Staff and Faculty Work. This panel will share six OSU colleagues’ personal takes on how they are using generative AI in creative ways to support their work, to enhance efficiency and productivity, and to improve teaching and learning. Speakers will describe how they got started with AI, how they’re currently using it, how they’re sharing their AI approaches with colleagues, and potential avenues for expanded use. 10-11 a.m., April 11. Register with ONID email to receive the Zoom link: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_KC_igDguRTOfaL3xLNhaGQ.

Introductory Research Data Management Workshop: The OSU Libraries is offering an Introductory Research Data Management Workshop, an asynchronous online workshop for OSU community members engaged in research with data from April 15-18. This workshop is designed for those with little to no research data management experience, and participants are expected to take an hour a day to complete the materials. Register by April 10: https://oregonstate.libcal.com/event/12150847.

CTL QT Talk: Mentoring and Supporting Students in Experiential Learning. OSU strives to provide experiential learning opportunities for our students. Through healthy mentorship and support, we can build thriving learning communities around these transformational experiences. Come discuss mentoring students on projects outside of the traditional classroom environment. Presenter: Kenneth C. Walsh, College of Science. 11-11:50 a.m., April 16, Austin 126. Zoom registrationIn-person registration.

Sparkshop: "Why aren't they using my feedback? Tips for developing student feedback literacy." Looking for ways to help your students make sense of your feedback and use it to improve their learning? Attend CTL's Sparkshop to discover evidence-informed strategies to help your students become feedback-literate. Facilitator: Funmi Amobi, CTL instructional consultant and college liaison. Noon to 12:20 p.m., April 19. Zoom registration.

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.

“Real Talk about What Women Face at Work”: Join Melanie Ho for the annual Susan J. McGregor Memorial Lecture on Women’s Leadership, from 7-8 p.m., May 1. Ho, celebrated author, artist and speaker, will discuss the challenges and opportunities women in leadership face. This free event is hosted at the Austin Auditorium, LaSells Stewart Center and available via livestream. For more information, visit https://beav.es/cdQ.  

Take Note

NEW! DPO Teaching Award: To recognize excellence in Difference, Power, and Oppression (DPO) teaching, we invite nominations for the newly established DPO Teaching Award. Awardees will receive up to $1,000 as part of their recognition. Nominees must have taught at least one DPD/DPO course within the last two years and been instructors or faculty of record. Self-nominations are welcome. Nominations are due Friday, April 19. For more information and to access the nomination form visit the DPO website.

NEW! Celebrating 30 years: Congratulations to Enrique Thomann, professor, for reaching 30 years of service at OSU. You can read more about their time at OSU and others by clicking on their name. Congratulations and thank you for your service.

OSU VITA (Volunteer Income Tax Assistance): Need help with your taxes? Not sure if you need to file taxes this year? Come to VITA for free tax preparation. We’re ready to help you! Learn more and schedule your appointment on our website. VITA Website. Open MTWThF 5:30-8:30 p.m., M-F and 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturdays in Austin Hall Atrium/Room 126. Questions: VITA@oregonstate.edu

@valleylibrary Photo Study: Throughout April, submit your study pics to help the library. The Valley Library wants to know where you’re studying so we can improve our study spaces. More information available at beav.es/ces; contact Beth.Filar-Williams@oregonstate.edu with questions.

Emergency Management HazAdapt: Join others in the OSU community that have prepared for emergencies with HazAdapt. Access resources, tips and emergency information tailored for our campus. Web and phone app accessible. Built by Beavers for Beavers. https://www.hazadapt.com/.

2024 Faculty Innovator Award: This award honors an outstanding Oregon State University inventor who has made a contribution leading to commercialization that significantly impacts their field and society. For details on the process, criteria and nomination form, please visit the OSU Advantage website: 2024 Faculty Innovator Award. Nominate yourself or someone you know that’s making an impact. Nominations are being accepted through April 19. The awardee will receive a $5,000 prize and desktop award, and their department/unit will also receive $5,000.

Group Transportation Option for Hatfield Marine Science Day: If you’d like to join others in attending Hatfield Marine Science Day via group transportation (Coast to Valley Express) or carpooling, please complete the OSU Transportation Form by Tuesday, April 9. This event is free and family friendly. Full details are on the Hatfield Marine Science Center website.

Monthly Emergency Preparedness Topic: Flooding. Flooding occurs in Oregon due to our seasonal rainfall, summer fires, melting snow, new development and levees/dams. All influence how water is absorbed or directed downstream. Areas that have not flooded in the past may flood now due to changes that occurred somewhere else and caused a change in how the ground interacts with the water. English and Spanish versions of this bulletin can be found here: https://emergency.oregonstate.edu/emergency-preparedness/preparedness-topics/flood.

Floor Monitor Training: Training for floor monitors and building managers on roles and responsibilities when evacuating their building. Training is the second Wednesday of every month at 1 p.m. via Zoom. Sign up for Zoom Floor Monitor Training at: https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1ZhCgowN8AukjPf.

Instructors, Request Spring Course Reserves Now: Help make sure students can find their textbooks at the library. Submit a new request to OSU Libraries & Press each term. OSULP prioritizes electronic resources. We accept personal and department copies of material, as well as purchase a new copy on request. More information: beav.es/course-reserves.

2024 Homecoming Court applications: A valuable, unique and rewarding college experience awaits six undergraduate students who will be chosen as 2024 Homecoming Court Ambassadors to the OSU Alumni Association. Awardees receive a one-time $500 scholarship and get to voice their ideas with alumni and business and university leaders while representing OSU at events throughout the year. Encourage students to apply now through April 22: ForOregonState.org/HC.

Working with Students in Distress: Faculty and staff may be the first to notice a student is struggling and may be in the best position to reach out with care and concern.  The Office of the Dean of Students, in collaboration with Counseling and Psychological Services, developed a CARE folder, which is intended to provide you with resources and referral information that we hope you find valuable. Simply click on this link: https://beav.es/ZUi and you will be directed to log into Box to access these resources.  

Are You Looking to Take the Next Step in Forming a Startup?: The OSU Advantage Accelerator is offering Iterate, a free virtual class for researchers 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. Iterate consists of four workshops on Wednesdays that build on each other: 3-4:30 p.m., May 1, 8, 15 and 22. Sign up for our spring cohort between April 1-26. Learn more and register at: https://advantage.oregonstate.edu/advantage-accelerator/programs/iterate.

Health & Safety: The University Health & Safety Committee wants to promote health and safety by providing free training resources from SAIF. For more information on safety at OSU, visit the University Health & Safety Committee online at http://ehs.oregonstate.edu/uhsc, including past meeting minutes, information on how to contact a committee member, and a link to report safety concerns online.

Kognito: "Recognizing and Supporting Students in Distress Training for Staff, Faculty and Student Assistants." OSU students today face increasing pressures that can lead to emotional distress, depression, anxiety, substance abuse and even thoughts of suicide. Faculty, staff and the student assistants we employ may be in the best position to notice when a student needs additional support. Visit beav.es/Zzp to access the faculty/staff online training so you can recognize and support OSU students in distress. Student assistants should visit: beav.es/ZD3 For questions contact Tessie Webster-Henry: tess.websterhenry@oregonstate.edu

Mental Health Professionals: You’re invited to attend Tonality on April 13 at PRAx. This extraordinary ensemble from Los Angeles uses their collective voices to raise awareness about issues impacting communities. They will present a concert about mental health called “You Are Not Alone,” and PRAx is offering $5 tickets to anyone associated with providing mental health services in Corvallis. Use code MentalHealth2024 at checkout. More here: prax.oregonstate.edu/events/tonality

Jobs

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 jobs.oregonstate.edu unless otherwise specified.

NEW! USSE invites applications for a full-time Treasury Manager (1.0 FTE) in our Treasury Management Services unit. This position provides a unique opportunity to assist and support all seven Oregon public universities with their cash, investment and debt-management programs. Posting #P07933UF. Full consideration April 24. Closes May 8.

Traffic and Maintenance

UPDATED! Pride Center Parking Lot Access, Parking Space & Sidewalk Closure. Parking space and sidewalk closures extended through Friday, April 5. The sidewalk and parking spaces bordering the Pride Center on the north side of SW A Avenue will be closed to repair the sidewalk and install lighting. Pedestrians may use the south sidewalk along SW A Avenue as a detour.

Orchard Ave: As part of the Withycombe Hall Renovation project, the south sidewalk on NW Orchard Avenue between NW 27th and NW 30th Street will be closed through April 10. Pedestrians may use the north sidewalk as a detour.

Pride Center: As part of the Pride Center Renovation project, the entrance to the B2 parking lot on SW A Avenue (west of the Pride Center) will be closed daily from 7 a.m.-4 p.m., April 1-5. Vehicles will be able to exit only from this lane. Alternate entrances to the parking lot will be available on SW 17th Street and SW 15th Street. 

Weather

“April hath put a spirit of youth in everything.” ~ William Shakespeare

Corvallis: Chance of showers today, high of 54, low of 39. Showers through the weekend.

Central Oregon: Slight chance of rain today, high of 43, low of 29. Partly to mostly sunny this weekend.

Newport: Chance of showers today, high of 53, low of 41. Showers through the weekend.

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