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.
 

Oregon State researchers studying enhancing health with robots (KOIN)

Naomi Fitter, assistant professor of robotics at the OSU College of Engineering, is heading an $800,000 study to see if robots can help improve the health and wellness of residents by helping to keep them physically and mentally active. (see also KTVZ)
 

More consumers buying organic, but US farmers still wary (Metro New York)

Nick Andrews, an Oregon State University extension agent who works with organic farmers, called the USDA effort a “game changer.” It should be especially attractive to farmers with small parcels of land because the added value of organic crops makes it possible to make significant money off even 25 to 100 acre (10 to 40 hectare) farms — much smaller than the commercial operations that provide most of the country’s produce.
 

OSU alum named White House Fellow (LIFE@OSU)

The President’s Commission on White House Fellows has announced the appointment of the 2022-2023 class of White House Fellows, which includes Elizabeth Ragan, a 2013 graduate of Oregon State University’s College of Public Health and Human Sciences.
 

 

Environmental groups and the BLM fight over forests, but share similar passions and goals (Jefferson Public Radio)

“One gets the feeling that the Medford BLM and KS Wild should be in some sort of couples therapy,” says Oregon State University Fire Researcher James Johnston. How can these groups stop fighting and focus on what’s important: protecting forests and the surrounding communities before a catastrophic fire?
 

OSU researchers looking to see how wildfire smoke impacts grapes (KGW)

For the last couple of years, OSU researchers have been working at a vineyard south of Corvallis in the small community of Monroe. That’s where they simulate wildfire smoke by using a Weber grill, barley as a fuel source and some ducting equipment. (see also KEZI)
 

This civil engineer is transforming wildfire recovery efforts (Sloane)

“A lot of our infrastructure wasn’t built with wildfires in mind. Extreme heat can damage plastic water pipes, causing them to leach carcinogenic molecules into our drinking water,” says Erica Fischer, a civil engineer at Oregon State University.
 

Beavers return to campus for a year with no restrictions (Democrat-Herald)

Oregon State University students milled about campus on a cloudy Wednesday morning, Sept. 21, for the first day of school. It’s the first fully in-person school year since 2019 with no COVID-19 restrictions in place, a fact third-year Sarah Baker is excited about.
 

Tiny Coos Bay positions itself as an answer to global freight bottlenecks (Oregonian)

David Kratochvil, a logistics expert who chairs the Supply Chain and Logistics Management Council at Oregon State University, said that the port could make up for its smaller size with a novel business strategy.
 

Sex ratios and conflict: Evidence from Paraguay (VOX)

A piece co-written by OSU's Jennifer Alix-Garcia.
 

Former Polk County agent is now statewide specialist (Polk County Observer)

Longtime Polk County Extension agronomist Nicole Anderson has moved to the Oregon State University campus in Corvallis to become the new statewide Extension Seed Production Specialist.
 

Hatfield Marine Science Center features live Oregon coast shark event (Oregon Coast Beach Connection)

Dr. Taylor Chapple and members of his Big Fish Lab at Oregon State University will present this next Hatfield Science on Tap, happening that Wednesday at 6 p.m. They will explore the 16 species of sharks found off the Oregon coast and take a deep dive inside a shark. During the on-site shark dissection, overhead cameras will ensure everyone gets a front-row view - whether sitting in the back of the auditorium or at home.
 

Today's photo


Bird life in Bolinas Lagoon: Photo taken with iPhone through spotting scope in late July 2022 by Fredrick Prahl, emeritus professor, CEOAS. We are accepting photo submissions at [email protected].

Timely Teaching Tips: Looking for ways to boost student success? The Academic Success Center offers remote workshops on topics like time management, learning and stress, test prep and motivation. Consider offering extra credit for students to attend a workshop of their choice to explore success strategies. Students can request an email confirmation after the workshop to confirm their attendance.

Today

Room Change! Booster clinic: OSU will be providing additional COVID-19 booster clinics on the OSU Corvallis campus, Thursday Sept. 22, and Friday Sept. 23, from noon to 4 p.m. in rooms 211 & 212 in the Memorial Union. These will be booster-only clinics for individuals 12 and older. The updated bivalent boosters will be provided on a walk-up basis and are free of charge. Please bring your vaccination card. Click here for more information.

Stress: A Way of Life or a Fact of Life. All aspects of work and life require stress — everyone experiences it. Experiencing stress is not all bad, but how we perceive stress is what’s important. Stress is our body’s normal response to any extra physical, mental or emotional demand we place on it. This workshop will help you to understand more about stress, identify your stressors and learn ways to cope with and manage high stress levels. Sept. 22, noon. Register here.

HMSC Research Seminar: Bryson Robertson from the Pacific Marine Energy Center Director at OSU will be giving a seminar titled, "Marine energy in the PNW: How waves and winds can contribute to our decarbonized future,” on Sept. 22 at 3:30 p.m. Join us in person at HMSC’s GVMSB Auditorium or online. Zoom link  or call +1-971-247-1195 Meeting ID: 945 5573 115. Click here for more information.

Interpreting History: The Supreme Court’s Decisions on Guns and Abortion, a Constitution Day event. To encourage all Americans to learn more about the Constitution, Congress in 1956 established Constitution Week, to begin each year on Sept. 17, the date in 1787 when delegates to the Convention signed the Constitution. Panelists: Marisa Chappel, associate professor, School of History, Philosophy and Religion; Steven Shay, senior instructor, School of History, Philosophy and Religion; Jim Oleske, professor of law, Lewis & Clark Law School. Facilitated by Rorie Solberg, associate professor, School of Public Policy. Sept. 22 at 4 p.m. via Zoom. Free, open to all. Register

Celebrando Nuestras Raíces — Celebrating Our Roots: Honor National Hispanic-Latinx Heritage Month with an evening of joyful connection among OSU alumni in Portland. Join the fun from 5:30-7 p.m. on Sept. 22, hosted by Vamos OSU, Oregon State University Trustee Román Hernández, ’92, and Troutman Pepper. Space is limited: Register today at bit.ly/Roots22

Events

NEW! Fulbright Program Reception: Current, past and future Fulbrighters, Fulbright advisors, and anyone curious to learn more about the Fulbright program are invited to attend this reception on Wednesday, Oct. 12, from 4-5 p.m. at the Hallie E. Ford Center for Healthy Children and Families, Room 115. Contact [email protected] for any questions.

Beaver Bash: Join us for OSU Program Council's unforgettable End of Summer Beaver Bash Afterglow event on Sept. 23, featuring Bachelor Nation contestant Blake Hortsmann as our DJ. Afterglow is a foam and glow dance party for OSU students taking place in the SEC Plaza from 9-11 p.m. Free snacks are provided.

Alumni Center pregame tailgate — OSU vs. USC: Before the Beavers take on USC, fire up your Oregon State spirit with swag giveaways, photo booths and indoor lawn games in the CH2M HILL Alumni Center’s comfortable climate-controlled ballroom. Join the OSU Alumni Association Tailgate Town, presented by OCCU, three hours before kickoff on Sept. 24.

Walk to End Alzheimer’s Disease: The Healthy Aging Club is sponsoring the Beavers United Against Alzheimer’s team for the Walk to End Alzheimer’s Disease this Saturday, Sept. 24 at Bruce Starker Arts Park, 4485 SW Country Club Dr. Registration begins at 9; walk at 10:30 a.m. (< 1 mile). For more information, please contact team captain Maria Kurth, [email protected]. To register for the walk or to donate to support those walking, please go to https://act.alz.org/site/TR?team_id=772267&pg=team&fr_id=15822

Fall Into Service 2022: Community Engagement & Leadership invites you to “Fall Into Service” with us on Saturday, Sept. 24. Fall Into Service provides OSU community members with an opportunity to kick off the academic year engaged in our community. Students, faculty, staff and their partners and children are all invited to participate in this event. A light breakfast, snacks, lunch and transportation to the service projects will be provided to volunteers. Register today at beav.es/cel.

Free concert: The Corvallis-OSU Symphony presents The University of Stuttgart Academic Orchestra featuring works from Brahms, Schumann and Bartók. Sunday, Sept. 25 at 7 p.m. at the LaSells Stewart Center. More information at https://cosusymphony.org/.

Free bike registration: OSU’s Department of Public Safety and Transportation Services is hosting a bike registration event on Sept. 26 from 10:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. at the McNary Dining Quad. The event is free. Registering your bike with 529 Garage is a tool used by law enforcement to reduce bike theft and obtain information such as serial numbers and photos in the event your bike is stolen. You can also register for ZAP Oregon State, a free bike commute rewards program for Oregon State University students and employees.

OSUAA Tailgate Town — Away vs. Utah: Get ready to cheer for the Beavers when they take on the Utah Utes in Salt Lake City. Stop by the Squatters Pub Brewery to mingle with Beaver friends and fans before the Oct. 1 game. The fun begins 2.5 hours before kickoff. Register for the away tailgate by Sept. 28.

OSUAA Tailgate Town — Away vs. Stanford: Ready to root for the Beavs in their Oct. 8 matchup against Stanford? Stop by Koret Plaza on the Stanford University campus to mingle with Beaver friends and fans before the game. The fun begins 2.5 hours before kickoff. Register for the away tailgate by Oct. 6. 

Lectures, Workshops, Webinars

NEW! Hiring Q&A Webinar: This session is designed for supervisors and department HR liaisons. Feel free to drop in and ask your questions about the hiring process. We will have a panel of experts from different HR teams that work directly with hiring to assist with your questions. The panel will include representatives from the following teams: Classification and Compensation, HR Strategic Partners, Recruitment, Onboarding and HR Support Services. Sept. 26, 10 a.m. Register here.

NEW! Elliott State Research Forest Forest Management Plan listening session: A public listening session will be held on Sept. 27 to discuss recent drafts of the Forest Management Plan being developed by OSU. This is a time for the public to share their thoughts and provide any input regarding the FMP. This is an online session from 6-7:30 p.m. via Zoom. Recent draft of sections of the Forest Management Plan (FMP) can be accessed through the Department of State Lands Elliott page. Zoom link: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/9. Direct questions to: [email protected].

Department of Integrative Biology Ph.D. Defense Seminar: Elizabeth Knorr will present “Structure and Dynamics of the Canine (Canis familiaris) Nasal Microbiome” on Friday, Sept. 23 at 1 p.m. via Zoom. Knorr is completing her Ph.D. in Integrative Biology under the guidance of Ben Dalziel. https://beav.es/KnorrPhD.

Applied Economics Seminar: Prof. Hope Michelson from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign will present "Restoring Trust: Evidence from the Fertilizer Market in Tanzania,” Friday, Sept. 23 from 2-3:30 p.m., in Ballard Extension Hall Room 219. Additional details available here

Professional Faculty Leadership Association LGBTQ  advocacy event: "Remind Me Your Pronouns? Knowledge & Skills for LGBTQ Advocacy," presented by Jeff Kenney, director of Institutional Education for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. Join us for an active learning session to better support our colleagues, students, friends and family. For more information about the event and how to register, Click here. Monday, Oct. 3, 1-2 p.m.

Public Health Insider – Modifying Metabolism: Small Choices, Big Results. Learn how to take control of your metabolic health during the next Public Health Insider series webcast on Oct. 25 at 5:30 p.m. Faculty from the OSU College of Public Health and Human Sciences will explore metabolic health, share actionable tips that drive positive outcomes and highlight the latest research from OSU’s Translational Metabolism Research Laboratory. Register here ForOregonState.org/PHI.

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 judgment” 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].

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 Thursdays 10 a.m. to noon, Oct. 6 through Nov. 3. There is a $100 fee to attend Crucial Conversations. Learn more and register before Sept. 23.

Take Note

NEW! Internationalization grant application now open: The Office of Faculty Affairs Internationalization Grant is open to all OSU professional and academic faculty and INTO OSU employees. The program awards up to $5,000 for projects that advance the university’s internationalization agenda. Applications for the fall cycle are due by Friday, Oct. 14. 5 p.m. For more information and to apply, visit https://global.oregonstate.edu/internationalization-grant-program.

OSU Advantage: The OSU Advantage Innovation Impact Program is accepting applications for its fall Accelerate cohort which begins Oct. 4. Accelerate is open to teams who want to launch high-growth businesses or explore the commercialization potential of an idea. Upon completion of the hybrid program, teams will have a five-minute pitch deck, product market validation, mentor feedback and more. The nine-week program takes place on Tuesdays from 3-5 p.m. Learn more & apply by Sept. 27.

Instructors: Check Your Library Links. OSU Libraries made several system updates over the summer. Please double-check all your links (including permalinks) to course materials to ensure they still work. We recommend checking both on and off campus. For help fixing broken links visit https://beav.es/iBY. You may also notice problems with saved searches and search alerts in the library catalog, 1Search. If you need help fixing this, contact [email protected].

Homecoming week class reunions: It’s time to reconnect, reminisce and reunite with classmates and campus. Join the honored Class of 1972 — celebrating a special 50th golden reunion — plus gatherings with the classes of 1970, 1971 and 1962. All classes are welcome. View the schedule of fun reunion activities taking place Oct. 13-15 at ForOregonState.org/Reunions.

OSU IT Year in Review 2022: The OSU IT Year in Review 2022 website and annual report is now available to the OSU community (OSU Login required). This year’s report highlights IT accomplishments across OSU during the 2021-22 academic year. We've made significant strides to unify the way IT works for OSU and cultivating an IT community with shared vision and goals – enabling us to architect a modern institution that is ready to deliver on its missions across teaching and learning, research, and extension and engagement. 

Public Service Loan Forgiveness: The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) provides public service employees with federal student debt forgiveness, in certain situations, after 10 years or 120 consecutive monthly payments. On Oct. 6, 2021, the U.S. Department of Education (ED) announced a change to Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program rules for a limited time as a result of the COVID-19 national emergency. Now, for a limited time, borrowers may receive credit for past periods of repayment that would otherwise not qualify for PSLF. The waiver ends Oct. 31, 2022. Join a representative from the Department of Education as they discuss the PSLF program, and the steps borrowers need to take to make sure they get credit under the Limited PSLF Waiver. Sept. 28, noon. Register for this webinar.

4-H volunteers: 4-H volunteers are the key to a successful 4-H program and create positive life-changing experiences for youth. Oregon has more than 6,000 adult and teen volunteers who offer their time and talents to our program. Benton County 4-H is home to over 200 of those volunteers. New volunteers receive a comprehensive orientation and training specific to their role, no knowledge or experience is required. Join us on Oct. 25, 6 p.m. at the Benton OSU Extension office for our next training; registration is required (see the flyer for all the details). For more information, see the website or contact our Benton Extension office. 

Call for vendors: Bobbin' through the Woods: CoF Holiday Craft & Art Fair College of Forestry will host its inaugural craft & art fair Dec. 2-3 at the Peavy Forest Science Center and Richardson Hall. We are searching for vendors interested in showcasing and selling their items at our event. All booth fees and commissions will be paid directly to the OSU Foundation account supporting Rootstock, the College of Forestry's food pantry, and are considered a tax write off. For more information please visit https://www.forestry.oregonstate.edu/bobbin%E2%80%99-through-woods.

Call For Art: The Valley Library Reading Room is hosting a Call for Art about perseverance alongside the Perseverance Book Collection. Books in this collection highlight journeys that have embodied how despite great challenges, it is possible to overcome. Open to everyone. Registration page. Once registered, you’ll receive a confirmation email to drop off your art Oct. 7, 11 a.m.-2 p.m., or Oct. 8, 4-7 p.m., in the Valley Library interior front lobby.

Study participants needed: “Effects of Multi-axial Whole Body Vibrations on Postural Stability.” Public health researchers at Oregon State University are planning a study to measure how different seat suspensions attenuate exposure to whole body vibration and affect biomechanical exposures and postural stability. We hope the results of this study will help us evaluate current seat designs and potentially lead to additional design modifications to further promote occupational health of drivers. Click here for more information.

Boosters for Beavs: Free COVID-19 vaccination clinics are open to the public on our Corvallis, Bend and Newport campuses. Updated booster doses (bivalent) are available in limited supply. No ID, no insurance required. Bring your COVID-19 CDC Card if possible. Mask required inside these spaces. Subject to changes. Visit beav.es/blitz for updates. Newport: Sept. 30, 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Hatfield Marine Science Center, Guin Library Seminar Room (has flu shots too). Corvallis: Oct. 10-14, 12-4 p.m., Memorial Union 62. Bend: Oct. 14, 1-5 p.m., Ray Hall, Atrium 011 and 013. Corvallis: Nov. 14-18, 12-4 p.m., Memorial Union 62.

Apply now for the Ecampus Research Fellows Program: If you’re interested in conducting research about online teaching and learning, the Ecampus Research Unit will help you plan your proposal for the Ecampus Research Fellows Program. The Research Unit annually funds up to five faculty and/or department projects — $25,000 each — to support research on distance and online education. Info sessions will be held Sept. 27 at 1 p.m. and Sept. 30 at 11 a.m. via Zoom. Applications are due Nov. 1. To register or ask questions, contact Naomi Aguiar, assistant director of research.

Call for Blended Learning Fellowship Nominations: The Center for Teaching and Learning is accepting nominations and self-nominations for a 2022-23 Blended Learning Faculty Fellow. The Fellow will support CTL’s mission of enhancing teaching excellence. The Fellow will be involved in coordination, design and facilitation of faculty development around blended learning. See call for nominations and apply by Sept. 23.

Free COVID tests: Free iHealth COVID-19 Antigen Rapid Tests are available on the Corvallis, Bend and Newport campuses. 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 six months. For questions or accommodations related to disabilities, contact [email protected].

Traffic and Maintenance

Full road closure for section of U.S. 20: ODOT is working on a construction project to build a retaining wall, realigning and reconstructing a portion of the road and repairing damage caused by landslides on Hwy 20. Work includes fixing the road surface from milepost 55.4 to milepost 55.6 and milepost 56 to milepost 56.2 to create a smoother ride and prevent water from pooling. If you use this route for work at OSU-Cascades, research, field work or other travel, note that a two-week full road closure is scheduled Sept. 9-22. Detour information is available online. Expect daytime single lane closures Monday through Friday from 6 a.m.-6 p.m. through October 2022.

Weather

"Life isn't about finding yourself. Life is about creating yourself." ~ George Bernard Shaw

Corvallis: Slight chance of showers, high of 73, low of 49. Sunny Friday.

Central Oregon: Becoming sunny, high of 67, low of 41. Sunny Friday.

Newport: Slight chance of showers, high of 67, low of 49. Mostly sunny Friday.

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