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.
 

Heat waves are getting hotter and more frequent. Here's how to prepare. (Washington Post)

For plants, think about when and how you water them, according to an article published by Oregon State University. Watering in the morning gives plants time to absorb moisture before it gets too hot, said Erica Chernoh, a horticulturist with the Oregon State University Extension Service. Make sure water penetrates at least six inches down, and if you’re watering by hand, pour close to the soil under the plant, she suggests.
 

Oregonians once feared their state would be wrecked by out-of-control sprawling development (OPB News)

I’m here to talk to Mike Bondi. He ran Oregon State University’s 160-acre North Willamette Research and Extension Center, although he retired just before publication of this story. I want to understand what makes the valley so special — and why so many Oregonians fought to save it.
 

Goods with lead are easy to find at antique shops, discount stores. They're also toxic (KCUR)

In a 2010 study, researchers with Oregon State University, the State University of New York and the University of California-Berkeley purchased used items from second-hand and antique stores. They found that leaded items could be purchased at each of the stores they visited in Virginia, New York and Oregon, and that 19 of the 28 purchased items violated the 1978 federal standard banning the use of residential paint containing greater than 600 parts per million lead.
 

The search for the source of plastic pollution (Grist)

About two-and-a-half hours southwest of Portland, other groundbreaking microplastics research is underway at Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center, located in Newport on the Oregon Coast. 
 

OSU researchers use 3D modeling to analyze earthquake risks (KGW)

Researchers as Oregon State University have developed a new 3D model that allows them to take a closer look at what’s happening beneath the earth’s surface along the Cascadia Subduction Zone.
 

Study: Left-turn traffic signals, better lighting, shorter crossings would would enhance older pedestrians' safety (The Skanner)

Research by the Oregon State University College of Engineering and Portland State University suggests a trio of roadway treatments would enable people age 65 and older to travel on foot more safely.
 

Oregon researchers propose innovative path forward for farming's water woes (OPB News)

At 8 a.m., it’s already warm — bordering on hot — at Oregon State University’s Vegetable Research Farm in Corvallis The ground is dusty and so is faculty research assistant Matt Davis, who’s on his knees, rooting around in the soil. “If we were a big commercial operation, we definitely wouldn’t be doing it this way. Research is a little less efficient,” he says.
 

Researcher tackles listeria in food processing (Capital Press)

An Oregon State University researcher is helping save lives by investigating new techniques in agricultural food processing that prevent listeria.
 

Hike with a scientist: The glory of Oregon's Iron Mountain and Cone Peak wildflowers (Statesman Journal)

Linda Hardison is a research assistant professor in the Department of Botany and Plant Pathology at Oregon State University and is the director of Oregon Flora. 
 

Restrictions on psilocybin 'magic mushrooms' are easing as research ramps up (Scientific American)

Oregon's advisory board is determining how best to train facilitators and screen clients for risk factors, such as a family history of schizophrenia or bipolar disorder. “All our decisions revolve around consumer safety,” says Oregon State University mycologist Jessie Uehling, who chairs the board's product subcommittee. “We want to know that we're avoiding all the potential risks and creating the safest environment for people.” The centers will focus on fungi and natural preparations rather than the synthetic psilocybin used in clinical trials so far, Gukasyan notes. 
 

College-shopping students have a new query: Is abortion legal there? (Washington Post)

“We can talk about states that respect the rights of all its residents and all its citizens,” said Jon Boeckenstedt, vice provost for enrollment management at Oregon State University. “Kids who are smart enough will figure it out.” Most of Oregon State’s 26,000 undergraduates come from Oregon, but the university is pushing to expand its reach in states such as Idaho, Utah and Texas.
 

Scientist who helped inspire Jurassic Park reveals 30-million-year-old microcosm trapped in amber (Boing Boing)

A wasp, flower, and fly larva have been trapped together in amber for 30 million years. It sounds like the beginning of a bad joke but this is actually the story of a new scientific discovery. Oregon State University biologist George Poinar Jr.—the scientist who helped inspire Jurassic Park—found what appears to be a microcosm of pollination and predation (and possibly parasitism) held within the amber chip. (see also Live Science)
 

Agility's next Digit robot will have a face and hands (Tech Crunch)

Digit, which was introduced in 2019, initially seemed destined for a life in last-mile delivery. Recently, the startup that spun out of Oregon State University has shifted its focus to logistics. The aim: to turn Digit into a platform for general purpose work such as unpacking trucks and moving boxes around warehouses.
 

Volcano off Oregon Coast may provide clues to predict eruptions (OPB News)

research vessel packed with teams of scientists recently returned from a two-week journey to study an active volcano off the Oregon Coast. The volcano, called Axial Seamount, lies more than a mile beneath the surface of the ocean, about 250 miles west of Cannon Beach. Among other things, the scientists were trying to learn how to predict when volcanoes might erupt. OPB science reporter Jes Burns was also aboard the research vessel, and tells us about the journey and the science that happened onboard. OSU's Bill Chadwick is the head scientist on the ship.
 

Houston residents' chemical exposure increased post-Hurricane Harvey, OSU study finds (eGreen News)

Researchers at Oregon State University used silicone wristbands to measure Houston residents’ increased exposure to hazardous chemicals in the wake of Hurricane Harvey in 2017.
 

Adventurer Chris McCandless of 'Into the Wild' fame was victim of freak hydrological event, study suggests (Forbes)

Three decades after Christopher McCandless' untimely death, hydrologists of the Oregon State University (OSU) conclude that McCandless was a victim of an intense, but short-lived runoff event from the Cantwell Glacier.  
 

'Beaver Boat Locker' secures watercraft when recreators go into town (KVAL)

Floating the Willamette is a favorite summertime activity of Oregonians everywhere, but what if you want to stop in Independence or Harrisburg and don't have a place to store your kayak? Oregon State University student Jonathan Cordisco has a solution. (see also KGW)
 

Breeders introduce new blues (Good Fruit Grower)

Mini Blues is a northern highbush cultivar with very small berry size, excellent aromatics and an intensely sweet flavor. It is well-suited to specialized processed markets, but with more consistent size, flavor and quality than Rubel or lowbush blueberries. Mini Blues can be pruned using a speed pruning method and is intended for machine harvest. Mini Blues performs well in organic production systems.


OSU and Yuroks team up to envision dam-free Klamath River (Jefferson Public Radio)

That's a question that will be answered by a partnership to envision the post-dam reality, a partnership between Oregon State University and the Yurok Tribe of the lower river. We get details of the partnership from Desiree Tullos, Professor of Biological and Ecological Engineering at OSU and Barry McCovey, Senior Fisheries Biologist for the Yurok Tribal Fisheries Program.
 

Transitioning from an all-grass lawn to a pollinator-friendly one? Consider these challenges (Oregonian)

That’s no easy task, according to Carolyn Breece, Oregon State University Extension Service faculty research assistant in the OSU Honey Bee Lab. Since 2016, Breece has researched the best flowering lawn substitute. It turns out transitioning from an all-grass lawn to a flowering lawn is challenging.
 

Stories of lost gold and hidden treasures dot the Oregon Coast (OPB News)

“I’ve been kind of on a roll of buried treasure, lost gold mine stories and stuff like that,” said pop historian Finn J.D. John, an instructor at Oregon State University’s School of Communication. Recently, John has been researching the Randolph Trail gold cache, which was supposedly hidden 170 years ago by the Grouleaux brothers or maybe the Groslius brothers; different sources have different spellings.
 

A short treatise in defense of outrage (Sierra Magazine)

From Take Heart: Encouragement for Earth’s Weary Lovers ©2022 by Kathleen Dean Moore. Reprinted by permission of Oregon State University Press.
 

Retire after 65 and other secrets to a long, happy life (Money Talks News)

A study from a team of researchers at Oregon State University shows that the longer you wait to retire, the longer you will likely live.
 

Stuart Reitz explains how the Malheur Experiment Station is researching a better tomorrow (Argus Observer)

Onions might be one of the more prevalent crops in the county, but paying a visit to Oregon State University’s Malheur Experiment Station between Ontario and Vale can be an eye-opening adventure in agricultural research.

Today's photo


Sunny May: Doctoral student Layla Ghazi says, “I’d like to submit this photo from Dawes House on a not-so-rainy last day of May.” We are accepting photo submissions at [email protected].

Timely Teaching Tips: Looking for ways to improve grading efficiency and effectiveness? Gradescope is an online assessment tool that is centrally supported by OSU? Register for the August Gradescope workshop series to learn how you and your class can benefit from using Gradescope. 

Tuesday

Oak Creek Center for Urban Horticulture Open House & Tour: Learn more about OSU Department of Horticulture research projects including urban ecology and pollinator health research, honeybee research and demonstration hives, Oregon Bee Atlas, OSU Extension Small Farms Program, dry farming vegetables, OSU Master Gardener Program and more. July 26, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Oak Creek Center for Urban Horticulture, 843 SW 35th St., Corvallis.

Employee Parent Connections Summer Hours: Join this bi-weekly drop-in session to meet with other OSU employee parents who share their stories, challenges and strategies navigating parenthood, COVID, summer fun, child care, home life, work and everything in between. July 26, 1-2 p.m. via Zoom. Additional dates are Aug. 9 and Aug. 23. Weekly meetings resume Sept. 6. Zoom link for each meeting: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/99339240989?pwd=aGNBYUZZbGk3blU2bk9YUDdyWTZiQT09. For more information, contact Robynn Pease at [email protected].

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 this Tuesday, 5:30-7:30 p.m. and Friday, noon to 3 p.m.; details here. Staff may shop for their department Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.; details here.

Thursday

Using Kindness to Achieve Personal Success and Happiness: Kindness is an admirable aspiration for anyone, and it also can be an effective way to achieve success. By being concerned about others we can build relationships and gain support. By serving others we can be happier about ourselves. Kindness can be more than the right thing to do, it can be a path to success and happiness. July 28 at 3 p.m. Register here.

Friday

NEW! Printing and Mailing Services Closure: Printing and Mailing Services will be closing at noon on July 29 for an all-staff meeting. Normal hours of operation at our Research Way facility will resume at 8 a.m. Aug. 1. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Jeff Todd at [email protected] or 541-737-4941.

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

Saturday

Beaver Classic Cheese: Beaver Classic is back. Come see our new food truck at Farmer’s Market on the waterfront in downtown Corvallis, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. You can’t miss us; we’re orange. We will be featuring Beaver Classic products: our many cheeses, honey and beef jerky. We are now serving ice cream, milkshakes and grilled cheese, too. Additionally, we're at Common Fields on Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.

Events

NEW! Art About Agriculture 2022 Tour to Newport! Three events on Aug. 5: Join us Aug. 5 for three special events. Newport Visual Arts Center’s supporting exhibition reception is from 2-4:30 p.m.  The main exhibition reception at Pacific Maritime Heritage Center begins with a panel discussion from 3-4:30 p.m., followed by the reception from 5-7:30 p.m. Registration: https://beav.es/i8F. More information: agsci.oregonstate.edu/art/sustainable-feast.

NEW! Beaver Community Fair 2022: Registration is open for the Beaver Community Fair. Annually, the Fair draws together the OSU and greater Corvallis communities to celebrate the start of the academic year. This year’s event will be held Sept. 30, noon to 4 p.m., in the Memorial Quad & SEC Plaza. Event information and registration at https://clubs.oregonstate.edu/bcf. Registration closes Sept. 12. Questions? Contact [email protected].

Twelfth Night: Bard in the Quad returns for its 17th season with this beloved Shakespeare romantic comedy. Performances are at 7:30 p.m., Aug. 4-7 and Aug. 11-14 on the Memorial Union Quad. Tickets are $17 general admission, $12 students and seniors, and $5 for OSU students, available at bardinthequad.org, or call the Theatre Arts Box Office at 541-737-2784. Tickets will be available for purchase at a table in the center of the MU quad at 6:30 p.m. prior to each performance. Seating opens at 6:30 p.m. and is first-come, first-serve. For information call 541-737-2853.

Lectures, Workshops, Webinars

NEW! Kailey Kornhauser Ph.D. defense: Kailey Kornhauser will present her dissertation, titled “Examining the Power Dynamics and Outcomes of Oregon Forest Collaboratives,” July 28, 9 a.m., in PFSC 315 or on Zoom. Kornhauser is earning her Ph.D. in Forest Ecosystems and Society with Reem Hajjar. Please contact the FES Department at [email protected] to access the Zoom link, or with any questions or for accommodations for disabilities.

NEW! Developing and Implementing E-Learning, Aug. 8: Six-week online training course from OSU College of Education. Learn to manage e-learning instructional projects and build high-impact online learning experiences. Space is limited. Register by Aug. 8: https://workspace.oregonstate.edu/course/e-learning-certificate-developing-and-implementing-e-learning.

Crucial Conversations for Mastering Dialogue: This 10-hour course teaches skills for creating alignment and agreement by fostering open dialogue around high-stakes, emotional, or risky topics at all levels of your organization. By learning how to speak and be heard (and encouraging others to do the same), you’ll surface the best ideas, make the highest-quality decisions, and then act on those decisions with unity and commitment. This program consists of a series of five live, online sessions on Wednesdays 1-3 p.m. Aug. 17-Sept. 14. There is a $100 fee to attend Crucial Conversations. Learn more and register (before Aug. 5). 
 
Core Curriculum for OSU Managers and Supervisors: The Core Curriculum for Managers and Supervisors is a training program for all OSU managers, supervisors and lead workers. At the end of this course, learners will have a solid understanding about the principles and policies that apply to our employees; know how to navigate within the space of talent management activities; recognize when, and how, to provide equal opportunity and access to employees; and be familiar with OSU resources and responsibilities relating to employee health, safety and wellbeing. Aug. 22-25, 8:15 a.m. to noon each day via Zoom. Learn more and register before Aug. 15.

SJEI workshop registration open through fall 2022 — secure your spot: The Social Justice Education Initiative is a professional development program for all faculty, staff and graduate students. SJEI workshops are infused with expertise, empathy and humor while embracing a guiding principle of “more curiosity, less judgement” to achieve robust learning objectives. Learn more, see the workshop schedule and register on the SJEI website registration page or contact SJEI director Jane Waite at [email protected].

Take Note

NEW! Participants wanted: The Human-Machine Teaming Lab in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science is conducting a research experiment to study human-robot decision making in simulated scenarios. Participants will be asked to operate a robot interface using a computer and to complete questionnaires. You are expected to join a one-day experiment for up to 1.5 hours. You will receive $25 for completing the entire experiment. Contact Josh Bhagat Smith at [email protected] to schedule your experiment time.

NEW! Participants wanted for a broccoli microgreens research study (Corvallis): If you are healthy, age 18-60, non-smoking, not pregnant or breastfeeding, without diabetes, heart disease or stroke, bariatric surgery, kidney, thyroid or intestinal problems, you may qualify. The study lasts 48 hours. Volunteers will receive $75. PI: Emily Ho. Title: "Discovery of Biological Signatures for Cruciferous Vegetable Intake." Contact us at [email protected], 541-737-3594 or visit https://lpi.pub/BrocMicrogreens for information and online screener.

Mid-Month Emergency Preparedness Topic: Light in Disasters. Lighting is one of the most essential pieces of an emergency kit. While most people are familiar with flashlights, there are other options to consider. Never leave light sources burning or turned on when you are asleep (except glow sticks) or not present. Remember to store extra fuel or batteries, wicks, mantles, globes and other spare parts specific to your light sources in your emergency kit. This month’s poster can be downloaded at: https://emergency.oregonstate.edu/emergency-preparedness/preparedness-topics/light-disaster.

Driving study participants wanted: The OSU School of Civil and Construction Engineering seeks research study participants who are at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license. Individuals with contact lenses or prescription lenses can participate in this study. The study purpose is to make newer intersection designs and make the roadway safer for all users. Participants will be paid for their involvement, which requires a time commitment of approximately one hour and coming to the OSU Driving Simulator Laboratory. To participate, email graduate research assistant Kezia Suwandhaputra at [email protected]; for more information, contact Principal Investigator David Hurwitz at [email protected].

Oregon Natural Resource Policy Fellowship: This one-year, full-time fellowship provides a student with first-hand experience in natural resource policy at the state level. It is open to graduate students and recent graduates with interest and experience in coastal policy from any U.S. university or college (preference will be given to eligible applicants from a college or university with a physical campus located in Oregon). Deadline: Aug. 1. Visit Oregon Sea Grant for details and an application.

Malouf Marine Studies Scholarship: The Malouf Scholarship is awarded to support current or admitted graduate students who combine societally relevant research with education or public engagement. This opportunity is open to graduate students enrolled in a master's, professional or Ph.D. program in any discipline at any college or university physically located in Oregon. Deadline: Aug. 15. Visit Oregon Sea Grant for details and an application.

The Professional Faculty Leadership Association: (PFLAsupports professional faculty at OSU through education, connection, recognition and advocacy. We offer a variety of professional development and networking opportunities, and ALL professional faculty are invited to join. This will be the last year to enjoy PFLA benefits for FREE, and all membership application forms received by Aug. 15 will be entered into a drawing for free prizes.

Free COVID testsFree iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Tests are available around the Corvallis campus. Each box contains two tests. While supplies last, OSU community members can pick up these self-test kits without restrictions. Please note the FDA has extended the expiration date 90 days. For questions or accommodations related to disabilities, contact [email protected].

Traffic and Maintenance

UPDATE! Washington Way: For work related to the Washington Way Improvement Project, sidewalks located between SW 26th Street & SW Washington Way will be closed through Friday, July 29. (view map).

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! Administrative Manager: The College of Science and the Department of Integrative Biology invite applications for a part-time (0.75 FTE), 12-month, Administrative Manager position. This position serves as Executive Assistant to Jane Lubchenco, assists Bruce Menge and manages the PISCO/LubMenge Lab administrative tasks. Posting #P05790UF. Closes July 25.

NEW! Executive Support Specialist 1: The College of Science and the Department of Integrative Biology invite applications for a full-time (classified 1.0 FTE), 12-month, Executive Support Specialist 1 position. This position provides travel, reimbursement and general office assistance to Jane Lubchenco, Bruce Menge and the Administrative Manager in the PISCO/LubMenge Lab. Posting #P03673CT. Closes July 25.

UPDATED: Outreach Coordinator: OSU’s Transportation Services invites applications from applicants who would enjoy engaging with and building relationships across the Corvallis campus. This is a full-time, 12-month Outreach Coordinator position. Posting #P05797UF. Closes July 26. 

NEW! Information Technology Consultant: OSU Division of Extension and Engagement’s Extension Computer Technology Unit (ECTU) invites applications for an Information Technology Consultant position. This is a 12-month, P/T (0.5 FTE), classified position starting at $20.28 hourly + benefits. Posting #P03684CT. Closes Aug. 5.

NEW! The University Information Technology (UIT) Office of Information Security is seeking a Lead Security Analyst. This is a full-time (1.0 FTE), 12-month, professional faculty position. Posting #P05877UF. Closes Aug. 8.

NEW! Office Specialist 2: OSU Extension Service invites applications for an Office Specialist 2 position based at the Extension Hood River County Office in Hood River. The Office Specialist will primarily provide general office and program support to the OSU Extension Hood River 4-H Youth Development Program. This is a 12-month, F/T, classified position starting at $16.19 hourly + benefits. Posting #P03663CT. Closes Aug. 8.

NEW! The Department of Microbiology invites applications for two Advisor positions. These are full-time (1.0 FTE), 12-month, professional faculty positions. They provide academic advising for both on-campus and distance-degree (Ecampus) undergraduate students in the department of Microbiology pursing majors in Microbiology and BioHealth Sciences. Posting #P05882UF. Closes Aug. 10.

UPDATED! Program Representative 1: The Treasury Office invites applications for an Electronic Deposits Program Representative. This position is responsible for providing electronic payment administration duties for deposits and associated actions related to all electronic funds transfers (EFT) including OSU merchant card collections (eCommerce). This is a full-time (1.0FTE), 12-month classified position. Posting #P03655CT. Closes Aug. 12.

NEW! University Innovation Alliance (UIA) Fellow: The Office of Academic Affairs and Division of Student Affairs invites applications for a full-time (1.0 FTE), 12-month, professional faculty position. The UIA Fellow will provide strategic project management to move UIA initiatives forward at OSU, and serve as a data analyst for projects related to student success, regardless if they are tied to the UIA. Posting #P05866UF. Closes Aug. 15.

NEW! Oregon State University Libraries and Press invites applications for the OSU-Cascades Library Director located in Bend. This is a full-time (1.0 FTE), 12-month, professional faculty position. Posting #P05869UF. Closes Aug. 15.

NEW! The OSU Foundation is hiring a full-time Executive Director/Director of Development I for the Oregon 4-H Foundation. Reporting to the OSU Foundation’s Senior Director of Development for Scholarships and University Initiatives, this position will spend approximately 70% of work time devoted to fundraising activities with the remaining 30% fulfilling the role of Executive Director of the Oregon 4-H Foundation. The Executive Director will work cooperatively with 4-H Extension staff on matters of mutual concern, interfacing between Programs and the Foundation, and with staff of the National 4-H Council on all matters concerning Oregon donor relations. Link to full job description and application: https://www.fororegonstate.org/about/jobs/career-opportunities?p=job%2FoqSlkfwH.

NEW! The OSU Foundation is hiring a full-time development coordinators for the Oregon 4-H Foundation. As an employee of the OSU Foundation and reporting to the Executive Director of 4-H Foundation/Director of Development, this position provides general administrative support to the 4-H Foundation Executive Director/Director of Development, and program support the 4-H Foundation Board. The work location for this position is the Foundation’s Corvallis, OR office. Link to full job description and applicationhttps://www.fororegonstate.org/about/jobs/career-opportunities?p=job%2Fotcmkfw5.

NEW! Orange Media Network has immediate paid student staff openings at The Daily Barometer for writing news and sports, at Beaver's Digest for features and at DAMchic for fashion. Paid training included; no experience necessary. Also, KBVR-FM and KBVR-TV are recruiting volunteers to be radio hosts, sports announcers, camera operators, show directors and more. Apply at https://omn.oregonstate.edu/get-involved/open-positions or for questions contact our professional staff, [email protected] or [email protected].

Weather

“Summer has filled her veins with light and her heart is washed with noon.” ~ C. Day Lewis

Corvallis: Hot this week with highs in the 90s and lows in the upper 50s.

Central Oregon: Hot and sunny, highs in the upper 90s to 100, lows in the mid 60s.

Newport: Mostly sunny this week, highs in the 70s, lows in the 50s.

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