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. 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.  

 

Cats do have facial expressions, but you probably can't read them (Washington Post)

The use of YouTube videos “ensures cats were behaving in cat-typical ways and gives the conclusions a sense of reality, since these are situations and expressions people may typically encounter with cats,” said Kristyn R. Vitale, who researches cat behavior and cognition but was not involved in the study.
 

70 percent of human blood ready for transfusion found to contain Xanax (Newsweek)

"From a 'contamination' standpoint, caffeine is not a big worry for patients, though it may be a commentary on current society," co-author Luying Chen, a Ph.D. student at Oregon State University (OSU), said in a statement.
 

Blue whale bones recovered from water (Newport News-Times)

Researchers at the Hatfield Marine Science Center pulled the submerged bones of a 78-foot blue whale out of Yaquina Bay last week, four years after the deceased whale washed up on the shores of Gold Beach in 2015.
 

OSU wave lab propels tsunami research (KLCC)

On the outskirts of the Oregon State University campus in Corvallis, there’s a wave research lab, where two giant concrete basins can simulate the impacts of big waves. KLCC learned about some of the current research. 
 

An expert has revealed whether your dog actually loves you as much as you think (Marie Claire Australia)

Oh, and cats? A recent study, conducted by Oregon State University, shows that cats form bonds with their human parents similar to how dogs and babies do. They're just a bit more aloof with how they show their affection.
 

Computer models could predict where we'll go as seas rise (Futurity)

Global policy decisions will play a major role in determining not only how many people will migrate away from the coast due to climate change but also where those migrants will go, says lead author David Wrathall, an assistant professor at Oregon State University’s College of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences.
 

Students at extreme ages - 16 and 77 - both enjoy OSU-Cascades experience (Bend Bulletin)

Bob Steffens and Islam Elwefati, Oregon State University-Cascades’ oldest and second-youngest undergraduate students, respectively, don’t have much in common at first glance. Steffens, 77, is studying writing, while Islam, 16, is studying biology.
 

Oregon State University has provided a new treatment for arthritis (Science Times)

The research provided by the Oregon State University provided the first complete cellular-level look at what goes on in joints that are affected by osteoarthritis, which is considered as a costly and debilitating condition that affects almost one-quarter of adults in America. 
 

Treat your Christmas tree to vodka? Only if you want to waste it (Statesman Journal)

From vodka in the water to IV tubes in the trunk, there are lots of urban myths about how to take care of your cut Christmas tree. Chal Landgren, a Christmas tree specialist with Oregon State University Extension Service, busts those myths with answers to some common questions.

 

Dig deeper in new year - become a Master Gardener (Clackamas Review)

Oregon State University Extension Service trainings in Oregon City starting Thursday, Jan. 30.
 

Oregon State's fisheries and wildlife online program earns national award (LIFE@OSU)

OSU’s fisheries and wildlife sciences bachelor’s program on Tuesday won the Online Learning Consortium’s John R. Bourne Outstanding Online Program Award at a conference in Orlando, Florida.
 

Today's photo


Nest of the West: The first president of OSU was the Rev. William A. Finley, and the current President, Edward J. Ray, came to OSU in 2003. In all, OSU has had 19 presidents since 1868, including five acting presidents. Finley's first house in Corvallis was located at Van Buren and 5th streets, and was known as the "Nest of the West." 

Today

The Charitable Fund Drive has begun! If you are thinking about holiday gift-giving and wondering what to give the person who has everything, consider a tax-deductible donation to a worthy organization. There are hundreds from which to choose. And remember, you can easily replicate last year’s giving from the web site. Donate now through Dec. 31: https://www.ipledgeonline.org/_cfduniversities/ . 


Volunteering at OSU: Do you want to learn more about volunteering opportunities at OSU? Then attend “Volunteering at OSU” presented by OSU’s Director of STEM Academy and Food Security Programs Coordinator, Dec. 2, 1-2 p.m.,Hallie Ford Center 115. This event is free to PFLA members and $10 for non-members. Beverages will be provided and you are welcome to bring your lunch. For more information about the event and how to register, click here.

Events

NEW! Paws to Destress: Finals can be ruff! Take a break from studying to do some selfvcare and hang out with therapy dogs. There is sure to be a "pawsitive" outcome! Dec. 4 and 5, noon to  2 p.m., Memorial Union Main Lounge. Open to all OSU students. If you would like more information, contact Tess Webster-Henry: [email protected]

NEW! Folk performance: Sarah Lee Guthrie, daughter of the folk artist Arlo Guthrie and granddaughter of the legendary Woody Guthrie, will perform at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 4 at the Majestic Theatre in Corvallis. Guthrie’s performance is part of the American Strings series sponsored by the Oregon State University College of Liberal Arts. The Majestic Theatre is at 115 SW 2nd St. All seats are reserved. Tickets are $20 in advance, $25 at the door, and may be purchased online at https://beav.es/ZKP or in person at the Majestic Box Office, 115 SW Second St. The box office is open from noon to 5 p.m., Wednesday through Friday, and one hour before performances. Tickets may also be purchased by phone at 541-738-7469.

NEW! Corvallis-OSU Symphony: The Corvallis-OSU Symphony will perform its annual holiday concert at 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, in the LaSells Stewart Center. Tickets are $22 to $32 in advance or $25 to $35 at the door. Tickets are available online at https://cosusymphony.org/. Up to three K-8 students accompanied by a ticketed adult, and all high school and college students with ID, may be given free general admission tickets at the door starting one hour prior to the concert, subject to availability.

NEW! Chapin Carpenter and Colvin concert: Longtime friends and musical collaborators Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin will take the stage as an acoustic duo at 7:30 p.m. Dec.10 at the LaSells Stewart Center. Carpenter and Colvin will swap songs and share stories in the show, billed “Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin: Together on Stage!” Tickets are $35 and $40 in advance, $40 and $50 at the door. OSU student tickets are $10 each (one per student) with ID card in advance or at the door while seats last. All seats are reserved. To purchase tickets in person, go to Fairbanks Hall room 309A or 309B, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. If not sold out, tickets will also be available at the LaSells Stewart Center box office prior to the concert. To purchase online, visit https://liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/SACpresents or call 541-737-5592.

OSU Beaver Store’s Faculty & Staff Appreciation Night: All OSU faculty and staff are invited to come to the OSU Beaver Store on Wednesday, Dec. 4, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. There will be discounts throughout the store and food and wine will be served. Faculty/staff ID required at the door.

Sigma Xi Science Social: Join Sigma Xi's Oregon State University Chapter for a free, no-host informal social/meetup Thursday, Dec. 5, at 5 p.m. at McMenamin's on Monroe, across from the OSU campus. Nonmember guests are welcome to attend, especially if they are involved in science. RSVP to [email protected] to provide a head count and to receive event updates.

Toys for Tots: Don’t forget to pick up some extra toys, for Toys for Tots, this weekend. Through Dec. 13, Naval ROTC will be collecting new, unwrapped toys and distributing them to bring a smile to a less fortunate child on Christmas morning. There are three boxes to fill at the armory, and toys can be dropped off from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. 

Lectures, Workshops, Webinars

NEW! Bioinformatics Users Group (BUG): “IsoSeq pooling and HiSeq multiplexing comparison for Rubus occidentalis samples to explore Aphid resistance, i.e., Utilizing RNA to find differences between Aphid Resistant and Susceptible plants” Christina Mulch (Kelly Vining Lab, Horticulture), Wednesday, Dec. 4, noon, ALS 3005. BUG consists of life scientists, bioinformaticians, computer scientists, mathematicians, engineers, statisticians, and researchers of all types who meet to discuss topics related to these fields of study. Meetings are generally informal, consisting of discussions, interactive talks, or short workshops. All are welcome. No experience needed to participate. For additional information, see https://cgrb.oregonstate.edu/bug

NEW! Grading Compliance: How does a late grade affect whether or not a student can or cannot stay in enrolled? Grade submissions affect a multitude of processes at OSU that affect students directly. Join Jennifer Ketterman, associate registrar for operations, for a session on the effects grading has on students and compliance. Wednesday, Dec. 4, 2-3 p.m., Owen 103.

NEW! CGRB Seminar this Wednesday: The CGRB Seminar series will take place this Wednesday, Dec. 4, 3 p.m. in ALS 4001 with refreshments following. The speaker for this seminar is Carolina Tropini. The event is free and open to the public. 

NEW! WRGP Guest: Kristen Larson, "Implementing the Oregon Plan: Voluntary Restoration in the Luckiamute Watershed." Kristen Larson, executive director of the Luckiamute Watershed Council, will be giving a seminar Dec. 4, 4-5 p.m., in Bexell Hall 328. Free admission to all. 

NEW! Volunteer opportunity for Winter 2020 – New International Students Orientation Week: Engage with new international students and help welcome the new Beavers from around the world during Winter 2020 Orientation Week. For more information and to sign up go here. Volunteer Training Day (required once a year for all volunteers): Dec. 20, 9 a.m. to noon at ILLC 350/352. Different volunteer shifts are available. Sign up for a time that fits your schedule. For more information or questions, contact Ivy Snyder at  [email protected] or go to our website.

Tuesday Teaching + Tech Talks: Interpreting & Responding to Course Data: Join Meg Mobley and Tasha Biesinger to learn what data is available in Canvas, how to access it, and how it can be used to improve your course design. Bring your laptop with you. +Tech Talk: A tech clinic for remembering old and/or discovering new tools. This workshop will be facilitated twice in Milam 215, Dec. 3 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. No need to register – just come on by. Learn more here. Contact us here.

ElderCare Connections: Explanation of Care Options: With so many different types of care/facilities it is hard to know which one is best for your aging loved one. Join us on Tuesday, Dec. 3 from noon to 1 p.m. in MU 222 for a deep dive into what each type of care is and who it is best for. Questions? Contact [email protected] or 541-737-4906

Department of Horticulture Seminar this Tuesday: Alice Formiga, assistant professor, horticulture, "Identifying vegetables in historical art and botanical works: the case of Cucurbita maxima." The Horticulture Fall 2019 Seminar Series will take place this Tuesday, Dec. 3, at 4 p.m., in ALS 4000. The event is free and open to the public. 
 

The London Classroom (CPHHS): Join professor Ellen Smit for a three week, nine-credit faculty led program in London from June 28 through July 18, 2020. While living in London's East End, students will explore London's eclectic mix of cultures, universal health care system, and a wealth of historical artifacts to analyze the past, present and future of public health and health care. Students will trace John Snow's footsteps in his landmark epidemiological cholera investigation, meet health care and public health professionals, and visit a number of health care and health promotion facilities. For more information, visit the program brochure and/or join one of several info sessions held in Milam 159: Dec. 5 at noon and Jan. 28 at 3 p.m.

Event Planner Symposium: Do you plan events or meetings and want to learn the latest rules and processes surrounding OSU events? Get insider tips and tricks from University Events and other campus service providers that will save you time and money. Tuesday, Dec. 10, 9:30 to noon at the LaSells Stewart Center. Register today. Can’t attend? Join our mailing list to be notified about future event planner training opportunities. For questions, contact University Events at 541-737-4717 or [email protected].

Supervisor training: The Core Curriculum for Current Supervisors and Managers training program, presented by the Office of Human Resources, has new sessions open for registration. Core Curriculum is a blended online/two-day classroom training program that strengthens knowledge and skills required for effective supervision and management at OSU. Multiple content experts from key offices will lead you through topics that address OSU policies, procedures and practices. View dates and register.

The Social Justice Education Initiative schedule for fall still has openings: From Faculty Affairs, the SJEI is an  foundational professional development program for all faculty, staff and graduate students. SJEI offers a varied schedule of Tier One and Tier Two workshops, all open now for registration. Join your colleagues to begin, or expand, your equity and inclusion journey in this program. Interested in this work for your unit? Contact SJEI Director Jane Waite for further information: [email protected]

Search Advocate workshopsRegister now for the fall, winter or spring search advocate workshop series. Search advocates are external process advisors for employee search committees, working to enhance equity, validity and diversity. Become a search advocate by completing the two-part workshop series, which introduces the search advocate role and strategies, provides an overview of implicit bias, diversity and the legal environment for hiring, and does a deep dive into early stages of the search process. For more information, see http://searchadvocate.oregonstate.edu or contact Anne Gillies, search advocate program director in Faculty Affairs.

Take Note

NEW! Updates to University Policies & Standards: Please visit the University Policy & Standards page to learn about recent policy updates: http://policy.oregonstate.edu/whats-new. This page is updated frequently with new developments, so we encourage you to check back regularly. Also, be sure to subscribe to our newsletter here.

Register now for the 2020 State of the University Address: Join President Edward J. Ray as he approaches the close of his 17-year tenure to celebrate the continuing momentum, leadership and impact of Oregon State University across the state and around the world. Tuesday, Feb. 11, 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., at the Oregon Convention Center. Individual seating and table sponsorships are available. Visit osualum.com/sou for more info.

Many UFIO offices have moved: Many University Facilities, Infrastructure and Operations offices have moved to 850 SW 35th St. (the former OSU Foundation building). The following offices have moved: Capital Planning and Development, including Capital Planning, Space Management, University Land Use Planning, Sustainability, Project Delivery (Design and Construction), and Leasing and Strategic Real Property; the OSU Plan Center; and the Specialized Administrative Services teams serving UFIO including Financial Services, IT Services and Communication Services. The updated mailing address is: 850 SW 35th St., Corvallis OR 97333.

Request for Proposals: The OSU Advantage Accelerator is seeking proposals to facilitate the further development and commercialization of OSU applied innovations. Proposals can be submitted for projects focused on bringing OSU-owned innovations invented by OSU faculty, staff, and/or graduate students in any discipline closer to market. Each project may be awarded up to $15,000. Proposals are due no later than 5 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 2. Read the full RFP here: https://advantage.oregonstate.edu/advantage-accelerator/funding-opportunities/aid-fund

Sea Grant fellowships: Oregon Sea Grant has announced several paid fellowship opportunities in marine science and policy for undergraduates, graduates and recent graduates. Fellowship details and information on how to apply are on the Oregon Sea Grant website. An informational webinar on the fellowships and application process will be held Friday, Jan.10, 2020, from 10 to 10:30 a.m. Register here to attend the webinar.

Beavers Fight Hunger: This holiday season, join your colleagues in the fight to end student hunger at OSU. Every day, 2 in 5 college students skip meals to make ends meet. Visit the campaign website to make a gift (every donation is matched) and learn more about this important issue. Every dollar raised will directly fund the OSU Human Services Resource Center, such as the food pantry and other programs that help reduce food insecurity among our students. 

Gift Drive for OSU Kid’s Gift Closet: The Family Resource Center Kid’s Gift Closet helps provide gifts for children of OSU students during holidays and celebrations. Thanks to our generous sponsors, last year’s gift closet was a huge success and we had many grateful families. A remodel of our Kid’s Gift Closet space is under way and we want to have plenty of toys/gifts once it is complete, just in time for the winter holidays. We need your help to stock our closet. Consider donating as an individual, an office and/or a department. To donate gifts or learn more about this program, contact [email protected] or 541-737-4906.

Trip to France: Join professors James Sterns and Dominique Bachelet for a four-credit, faculty-led program in France from June 16 through July 3, 2020. Let the cities of Lyon and Paris be your classrooms for 18 days. Explore France’s response to climate change and experience French food culture. Students will meet food producers as well as climate scientists, and explore farms, vineyards, food processors and distributors, retailers and restaurants/cafes while also visiting museums and historic sites. For more information, pick up the program brochure and/or contact the organizers.

Undergraduate Research, Scholarship, and Arts (URSA) Engage Program: Participating faculty mentors are looking for undergraduates to engage in paid research experiences with them through the URSA Engage Program. For example, Jason Dorsette, an URSA Engage mentor, is looking to connect with early-career undergraduate students who are interested in researching issues of access and equity for underrepresented students. Learn more about how students can apply to URSA Engage here. For information, contact Sophie Pierszalowski, associate director of undergraduate research, at [email protected] or 541-737-4892.

Extended Deadline for Hybrid Course Proposals: To allow more time for proposal preparation, the Center for Teaching and Learning has extended the due date for proposals for the Winter '20 Hybrid Faculty Learning Community until Tuesday, Dec. 3. See the updated Call for Proposals (Beav.es/ZRx) Questions: [email protected].
 

Weather

“Writing is a job, a talent, but it's also the place to go in your head. It is the imaginary friend you drink your tea with in the afternoon." ~ Author Ann Patchett, who turns 57 today.

Corvallis: Mostly sunny, high of 47, low of 32. Partly sunny Tuesday.

Central Oregon: Partly sunny, high of 40, low of 22. Partly sunny tomorrow.

Newport: Sunny, high of 50, low of 41. Partly sunny Tuesday.

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