Stay informed about COVID-19

COVID-19 website: To facilitate the ongoing sharing of information about the virus, Oregon State University has added a link on the OSU homepage to a new page that provides detailed and up-to-date COVID-19 information; links to OSU, local, state and federal resources; and updates on the latest federal travel restrictions.

NEW! Today’s Timely Teaching Tip: Searching for a beginner’s overview for DIY home recording on webcam? Or maybe you want to take your video production to the next level? Higher Ed Webcam and Video Tips has options for everyone to consider. Visit Keep Teaching for all the Week 6 Timely Teaching Tips. 
 

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. 
 

OSU: McDonald and Dunn Research Forests to reopen Friday for recreational use (KMTR)

The McDonald and Dunn Research Forests will begin a "trial reopening phase for recreational activities" this Friday, according to Oregon State University’s College of Forestry. (see also KLCC)
 

Scientist mothers face extra challenges in the face of COVID-19 (Scientific American)

Co-authored by Susanne Brander, an ecotoxicologist whose research focuses on the effects of environmental stressors such as pesticides and microplastics—integrating molecular approaches with measurements at the organism and population levels in fish and invertebrates. Susanne is an assistant professor at Oregon State University and lives in Corvallis, Oregon, with her husband (also faculty) and two young daughters (ages three and eight). She is one of the leaders of the 500 Women Scientists Corvallis pod. 
 

Benefits of higher doses of certain medicines fail to justify costs and risks, study shows (Science Blog)

Clinical trial data behind drug dose recommendations for elevated cholesterol and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease illustrate how larger doses may not be worth the extra costs for many types of patients, according to an Oregon State University College of Pharmacy researcher.
 

Reenvisioning OSU's Counseling & Psychological Services (LIFE@OSU)

When the world has been turned on its head with a pandemic, it makes sense that mental health services would be in even greater demand. But for the staff at Oregon State University’s Counseling & Psychological Services (CAPS) the obvious need to continue and even enhance student services coincided with having to provide them all remotely.
 

Portland's Alicia Jo Straka gives back (KOIN)

Oregon-native Alicia Jo Straka (OSU music alum) has been keeping people entertained during the coronavirus pandemic — but also raising funds for those in need.
 

Gas stoves may be harmful to respiratory health, study suggests (FOX 35)

"In homes where a gas stove was used without venting, the prevalence of asthma and wheezing is higher than in homes where a gas stove was used with ventilation," said Ellen Smit, an associate professor in the College of Public Health and Human Sciences at Oregon State University (OSU). "Parents of all children should use ventilation while using a gas stove."
 

Parenting specialist provides support for foster families from afar, despite social distancing (LIFE@OSU)

Michaella Sektnan loves working with kids and families. As an evaluation specialist with the Oregon Parenting Education Collaborative (OPEC), Sektnan works with organizations statewide to get effective resources into the hands of parents, giving them the tools they need to help their children succeed.
 

Nash's 'Radar O'Reilly': Longtime building manager keeps watch over labs during campus shutdown (LIFE@OSU)

In Nash Hall, the Department of Microbiology has 30 labs spread over three floors. Decades’ worth of samples and specimens are housed in dozens of minus-80 degree C freezers throughout the building. In some cases, researchers’ entire careers depend on those frozen cultures. If a freezer suddenly malfunctioned, all would be lost. But have no fear: Cindy Fisher is here.
 

NW Hazelnut Grower seminars applaud OSU varieties, need for stinkbug research (Capital Press)

Northwest Hazelnut (NWH) hosted five Hazelnut Industry Seminars around the Willamette Valley and Roseburg attended by 700-plus farmers in February. The seminars applauded Oregon State University’s Hazelnut Breeding Program in establishing new varieties and OSU Hazelnut Extension’s efforts at battling the Brown Marmorated Stinkbug (BMSB).
 

Kids, adults learn to grow vegetables at home with free online OSU courses (Oregonian)

How’s this for convenient learning: Oregon State University Extension Service has free, online gardening courses that adults and interested older kids can access anytime. The introductory course to the Oregon Master Gardener program, which trains volunteers to teach others about the science and art of gardening, is always free and a vegetable growing course has been extremely popular since its $45 fee was waived until May 27.

 

Today's photos


Today’s workspaces: Suzanne Remillard, Andrews LTER information manager, says, “On campus, I have a stand-up desk that I absolutely love. But at home, I didn’t have this luxury and I have not been able to sit for very long without hip pain. I have ordered a desktop riser, but it won’t be here for a bit longer. So, in the meantime, I used some Styrofoam to make a raised desk. The Styrofoam also has lots of nooks and crannies in which to stuff various items. I’ve created a slot in which to place my phone. It is so much nicer than sitting.”


“The dog shown is Tubbs, our (Julie Zwart, INTO OSU and David Rupp, CEOAS) 15-year-old rat terrier who is not ashamed of wearing pajamas while on Zoom.” Send your home workspace photos to [email protected]. They are being run in the order received. Follow OSU Today on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/osutoday1/ and catch up on any workspace photos you might have missed so far.

Today

NEW! What Helps Us: DAM Good Creativity: Join the Craft Center and CAPS on Zoom for a weekly guided craft session. Register now to get a kit with the materials needed for all four projects at beav.es/4nq. Kits are limited to the first 100 registered participants and can be picked up at the MU. Feel free to register and attend the Zoom sessions even if you can’t pick up a kit. Craft sessions take place each Friday in May at 4 p.m.

Investment and PERS webinars: The Maps Credit Union CFS investment team is conducting a Weekly Wednesday Webinar Series on a variety of investment topics that include current market updates. This is one way to educate yourself without leaving the comfort and safety of your own home. Thursday, May 7, noon - Retirement Planning as a PERS Member

NEW! University Budget Conversation: On Thursday, May 7 from noon to 1 p.m., the Office of Budget and Resource Planning will hold a Zoom webinar to discuss Budget Planning in Uncertain Times with a very brief update and Q&A about budget planning for the balance of the current year and for 2020-2021. The Budget Conversation sessions are limited to 60 minutes with the initial 15-20 minutes spent on presentation of the topic, leaving time for discussion and Q&A. More information about University Budget Conversations is located on the Office of Budget and Resource Planning website. If you have questions, please contact Sherm Bloomer for more information.  

Center for Teaching & Learning SPARKSHOPS: Join Sophie Pierszalowski, Associate Director of Undergraduate Research, for an hour-long presentation with the question "Do you mentor undergraduates in research?" Join us for an overview of practices to make mentoring undergraduate researchers effective and efficient. Attendees will discover the benefits of engaging in research partnerships for both student and mentor. May 7, noon. Join Zoom Meeting

Beavers Belong: Beavers Belong is a support network for students, by students. Our program’s goal is to create connection, community and belonging through weekly peer-led groups. Spring term 2020 undergraduate student groups start week 3. For Mondays at 11 a.m., register here: https://beav.es/4Yz; for Thursdays at 5 p.m., register here: https://beav.es/4YK. Graduate student groups take place on Tuesdays at noon. Register: https://beav.es/4Az. Recruiting directors and leaders for 2020-21. Apply today at https://beav.es/4YV.

Events

NEW! Music à la Carte (Facebook Live): Anthea Kreston, violin & viola, and Jason Duckles, cello: The Music à la Carte concert series continues with a series of Facebook Live events on Fridays, keeping alive the decades-long tradition while following Oregon State University’s commitment to help reduce the risk and spread of COVID-19. On Friday, May 8 at noon, the series will feature Anthea Kreston and Jason Duckles. Kreston and Duckles will be performing from their home in Corvallis and have promised a special appearance by “The Quartissimos,” their family quartet. To watch and listen, go to the Music à la Carte Facebook page.

NEW! University Budget Committee: The University Budget Committee will meet this Friday, May 8 from 2-3:30 p.m. via Zoom. The UBC is OSU’s advisory body to the Provost for recommendations on tuition rates, budget priorities and budget policies. The committee will discuss projections and planning relevant to developing budget recommendations for 2020-21. Members of the university community are welcome to join the meetings as observers. If you are interested in joining as an observer you may register for the webinar here. Future meeting times and locations can be found at https://fa.oregonstate.edu/budget/university-budget-committee/ubc-meeting-schedule.

NEW! Home Fitness: The Professional Faculty Leadership Association is hosting a Zoom event on Tuesday, May 12, 3-4 p.m. Dee Gillen, Faculty Staff Fitness, will present Your Home Fitness Survival Kit, providing tips to stay active while working remotely from home. Please contact Gretchen Dursch, PFLA Director of Professional Development to register & receive the Zoom link.

EOP career panel: The Educational Opportunities Program is celebrating its 50th year of supporting Oregon State University students. This virtual career panel will feature EOP alumni of color discussing their experience transitioning from college to professional careers. May 8, noon to 1 p.m. Register to receive the link to the Zoom panel/event at https://app.joinhandshake.com/events/492877

Beaver Classic Cheese is still available: Come stock up on your favorite cheeses at the Corvallis Farmer’s Market. Every Wednesday & Saturday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Buy your groceries direct from the source.

OSU Digital Days of Service. While the ways we support each other are changing, the creativity and resilience of problem-solving Beavers remain as steady as ever. Join fellow Beavs for the first-ever DIGITAL Days of Service May 1-16. Pledge to volunteer, then inspire others to do the same — share about your project and how it felt to help your OSU and local communities.

Prepare Beavers for success beyond Oregon State: Help the Class of 2020 thrive wherever their next steps lead. The OSU Alumni Association’s Winning in Life After College engaging digital event series on life skills and career strategies includes tools for successful online job and grad school searches, LinkedIn presence and personal finances — plus opportunities to network through the “I Wish I Knew” alumni panel and virtual career fair, hosted by the College of Business and Career Development Center. Share the schedule of events, open to all students and alumni.

Virtual event: Valuing diversity in teams. Tune in via Zoom on May 13 from noon to 1 p.m. with former Beaver Basketball player Eric Knox ‘89. In this OSU Alumni Association and Portland Business Roundtable live webcast, you’ll hear Eric’s story of valuing diversity and building teams, both on and off the court, as an admired coach and community leader. Eric coached the Benson High School girls’ basketball team from unranked to state champs in just two years and uses his energetic personality to inspire youth both athletically and professionally. Listen and learn as he shares his tips for supporting and elevating students in his community. Register now.

Lectures, Workshops, Webinars

NEW! Emily Crampe – Water Resource Science M.S. Defense: Emily Crampe will present her thesis, “Forest success and climate change effect on long term runoff coefficients at varying timescales," on May 11 at 2:30 p.m. Crampe is completing her M.S. under the guidance of major professor Catalina Segura. Join Zoom meeting: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/95315250107.

Public health seminar: The College of Public Health and Human Sciences is meeting the current public health crisis head-on and hosting its Friday Research Seminars online from 1-2 p.m. most Fridays. On Friday, May 8, Shannon E. Jarrott, Ph.D., professor of social work, College of Social Work, Ohio State University, will present “The intergenerational compact: Need and support for intergenerational relationships during COVID and beyond” via Zoom. See upcoming presentations and recordings of past presentations at health.oregonstate.edu/seminars and learn how the CPHHS is Meeting the Moment.

Take Note

BennyBuy Update: The eProcurement HelpDesk is pleased to announce that both Fisher Scientific LLC and ThermoFisher Scientific have been added as Punchout vendors in BennyBuy. Their Punchout stickers can be found in the Lab Supplies section of the shopping showcase. Please contact [email protected] if you have questions.

OSU Extension Service Office Offering Pressure Gauge Testing: Pressure canner gauge testing is available at the Clackamas County Extension Service, where a safety risk management plan has been implemented. Call (503) 655-8631 to schedule an appointment. If you need to get your gauge tested, but are uncomfortable coming to the OSU Extension Service office, the Family & Community Health Program recommends that you convert your dial gauge canner to a weighted gauge canner, as weighted gauge canners do not require testing. If you own a Presto pressure canner, you can purchase a 3-piece weighted gauge from a store that offers canning equipment. If you own an All American canner, you can purchase a conversion kit online. For more information about pressure canners, consult the publication “Using and Caring for your Pressure Canner:” https://catalog.extension.oregonstate.edu/pnw421     

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.

DAM Good Self Care 30-Day Challenge: Celebrate Mental Health Month by taking good care of yourself. Explore a variety of challenges centered around mental, emotional, and physical health. Learn new stress relief techniques and strategies, practice gratitude, get active in creative ways and connect with friends along the way. Visit https://beav.es/4W6 to get started.

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 http://oregonstate.edu/jobs unless otherwise specified.

NEW! Fiscal Coordinator 1 – The Research Office invites applications for a full-time (1.0 FTE), 12-month, Fiscal Coordinator 1 – Award Setup Coordinator. Posting #P02674CT. Closes May 18.
 
NEW! Grant and Contract Administrator – The Research Office invites applications for three full-time (1.0 FTE), 12-month, Grant and Contract Administrators. Posting #P03731UF. Closes May 18.
 
NEW! Associate Vice President for Research Integrity – The Research Office invites applications for a part-time (0.5 FTE), 12-month, Associate Vice President for Research Integrity. Posting #P03733UF. Closes May 18.

Oregon State University: Faculty Sing Along (click on picture to play video)

Weather

"Who hears music feels his solitude peopled at once." ~ Poet Robert Browning, born today in 1812.

Corvallis: Sunny today, high of 71, low of 44. Sunny tomorrow.

Central Oregon: Sunny today, high of 67, low of 41. Sunny tomorrow.

Newport: Sunny and breezy today, high of 64, low of 49. Sunny tomorrow.

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