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 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.

TRACE OSU testing: TRACE OSU is providing random COVID-19 testing by invitation at its Corvallis and Bend campuses and at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport. Testing will take place in Corvallis in the Memorial Union Ballroom and at Reser ticket booths, Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. In Newport, testing will be provided every other week beginning Jan. 18, Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. At OSU-Cascades, testing will be provided every other week beginning Jan. 18, Monday through Wednesday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Thursday 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Please join the effort to build a safer and healthier Oregon State University community. To enroll and for more information: https://trace.oregonstate.edu/osu

NEW! Timely Teaching Tips: Looking for guidance on using online discussions to further learning in your remote or blended courses? See Communicating with Your Students & Providing FeedbackFacilitating Online Discussions, and Build Instructor Presence & Student Engagement in Online Discussions

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.
 

Oregon State researchers explore why some people believe COVID-19 myths (KGW) 

"We're concerned about varying and almost violently diverse opinions about the legitimacy of the pandemic and the best solutions," said Christopher Wolsko, an associate professor of psychology at Oregon State University - Cascades.
 

Sunlight powers portable, inexpensive systems to produce drinking water (Scientific American )

Another intriguing approach takes advantage of humidification by passing air through a saltwater spray. “Air absorbs the water and leaves behind solid salts,” says Oregon State University mechanical engineer Bahman Abbasi. His system uses solar radiation to heat, compress and eject a mix of saltwater and air through nozzles at high speed, thereby creating a vortex that pushes salts and other solids to the device's walls as the humidified air rises for collection and condensation.
 

Cost-efficient production of hydrogen could become a reality (The Week)

Researchers from Oregon State University College of Engineering in collaboration with Cornell University and the Argonne National Laboratory have achieved an important milestone towards efficient production of hydrogen. (see also H2 View)


Twenty-four ways to turn outdoor passion into citizen science (Smithsonian Magazine)

The NASA-funded Community Snow Observations project (which includes OSU's David F. Hill, co-PI) asks skiers, snowboarders, snowshoers and mountaineers to collect snow-depth data in mountainous regions. Participants use a collapsible avalanche probe—a tool most backcountry users are likely to carry in their packs—to take snowpack depth readings and send the geotagged observations via the mobile-sharing platform Mountain Hub to the science team, who use the data to track snow cover and snow’s impact on ecosystem dynamics, hydrological systems and glacier health.
 

OSU researchers take big step toward revolutionizing energy storage (KTVZ) 

Researchers in the Oregon State University College of Engineering have developed a battery anode based on a new nanostructured alloy that could revolutionize the way energy storage devices are designed and manufactured. 
 

OSU schedules sessions on vision project (Democrat-Herald)

Oregon State University has scheduled three virtual sessions in the coming weeks to gather community input on the university’s vision project.
 

Today's photo


TRACE OSU: Jennifer Beamer, clinical assistant professor with the School of Biological and Population Health Sciences, is participating in TRACE OSU: “I want to help in combatting COVID and the global pandemic any way that I can. This is one simple, easy way to contribute to building a safer, healthier community.”  Please join the effort to build a safer and healthier Oregon State University community. To enroll and for more information: https://trace.oregonstate.edu/osu

Today

Carbon Neutral OSU: What you can do! Did you know that OSU made a commitment in 2009 to be carbon neutral by 2025? Want to help achieve that goal? Join us Tuesday, Jan. 12 from 10-11 a.m. to learn about OSU’s efforts toward carbon neutrality, how progress is tracked and what you can do. Register for this webinar today. 

Kognito Training Overview: Learn more about this dynamic, online training simulation, which recognizes and supports students in distress. Tessie Webster-Henry with CAPS will share information about the program’s application to students, staff and faculty, how to access the training and answer questions. Tuesday, Jan. 12, noon to 1 p.m., via Zoom. For more information about the event and how to register click here. Hosted by the Professional Faculty Leadership Association.

Balancing Work and Life in a Work From Home Environment: When you work from home, it’s easy to feel like the lines between your professional life and your personal life are starting to blur. This session looks at the unique challenges of finding balance in a work-from-home environment. Jan. 12,  3 p.m. Register here. Once registered, all important information on joining the webinar will be sent directly to your email. If you are unable to attend the webinar you can login with the registration link at a later time to view the recording. Hosted by the Beyond Benefits Employee Assistance Program.

An Evening with Kim Stanley Robinson: Join us as renowned science fiction writer Kim Stanley Robinson presents "Some Lessons from the Pandemic for Dealing with Climate Change" on Tuesday, Jan. 12, at 6 p.m. Learn more and register here. This is the first event in the nine-week series "Pandemic as Portal: Creating a Just Future on Earth" hosted by the Spring Creek Project and Environmental Arts and Humanities Initiative.

HMSC Science On Tap: On Tuesday, Jan. 12 at 6 p.m., Sara Hamilton in the Dept. of Integrative Biology at Oregon State University will be giving a public talk titled "Going, Going ... Gone? Conservation outlook for the Sunflower Star." Webinar link or call: +1 971 247 1195 Webinar ID: 994 1549 9263. Click here for more information.

Events

NEW! Virtual Inspiration: Honor MLK’s legacy with the Black Alumni and Friends Network: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. taught us that we are better together. Let's gather virtually on Jan. 22 at 5:30 p.m. to build community and share ideas about social justice and transformative change. Be inspired by 2005 OSU College of Business graduate LaToya Kamara Manley, global product director for Nike’s Jordan Women’s Footwear and adjunct professor at Portland State University, who says “The best compliment that I ever received was that I lead by inspiration. I hope to always do so while spreading positive energy, love and light.” Then, select a breakout session on navigating education, entrepreneurship, health and wellness or building your personal brand. Register at bit.ly/MLKNetwork.

Book club reading: Join the Association of Faculty and Staff for the Advancement of People of Color (AFAPC) for a book club reading of “Freedom is a Constant Struggle” by Angela Y. Davis. Register by Jan. 12. The book club will meet twice on Jan. 13 and Jan. 20 from noon to 1 p.m.  Davis is keynote speaker for the 39th Annual Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration on Jan. 18. AFAPC encourages you to purchase books at a 40% discount through her publisher, a Black-owned business or through a local business like Grass Roots & Music or the Book Bin. The e-book is also available through the OSU Libraries for a 3-day loan period. For questions, contact [email protected].

"Gather": A Film and Panel about Native American Food Sovereignty: Register for the screening of “Gather,” an intimate portrait of the growing movement amongst Native Americans to reclaim their spiritual, political and cultural identities through food sovereignty while battling the trauma of centuries of genocide, on Wednesday, Jan. 13, 4-7 p.m. A panel discussion will follow featuring Chef Nephi Craig,  Samantha Chisholm Hatfield and Jeremy Ojua. Register at https://beav.es/gather2021. For accommodations, contact [email protected].

Beavers SAVE Lives: An Introduction to Suicide Prevention. Learn how to reach out and help a friend. We can all help prevent suicide. This workshop will provide the skills you need to effectively help or intervene with a friend or family member who is considering suicide. The training is offered on two dates in winter term: Thursday, Jan.14 from noon to 2 p.m, register at https://oregonstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJcqdOmvqzIqHtb6WqHmcdXrLU3Yg51olg_C   and  Wednesday, Feb. 17 from noon to 2 p.m., register at: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0scuGvqTMiGtIIwRxVYL0cZ9uj9jbqTbhW

MLK celebration: WRGP invites you to our annual MLK Jr. Birthday Celebration on Friday, Jan.15, at 9 a.m. Topic discussion: What does it mean “to be of service?” What can we do as individuals and as a Water Resource community to help and be of service? Volunteer opportunities for a day of service for WRGP also will be discussed. Meeting ID: 990 6009 8070 | Password: 483495.

Dean of Business candidates: The OSU community is invited to meet with two dean candidates: Tim Carroll, University of the Pacific, and Sulin Ba, University of Connecticut. Carroll Forum: Jan. 15, 1-2 pm, Zoom link Password: 940105. Ba Forum: Jan. 19, 1-2 p.m, Zoom link Password: 490811. The candidates' presentations will be prerecorded and available on the search website. Visit the site for additional information.

Angela Davis at OSU: Angela Davis, American political activist, philosopher, academic and author is the 2021 Keynote Speaker for the 39th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Virtual Keynote and Awards Celebration. The event is on Monday, Jan. 18 from 9:30-10:30 a.m. via Zoom. Registration is free and required. For a schedule of all celebration events, visit the celebration website. For more info, contact [email protected] or Mealoha McFadden at 541-231-2585.

Online Volunteer Project — Mapathon with Missing Maps: Join Community Engagement & Leadership for an interactive, service volunteer project on Wednesday, Jan. 20 from 4:30-6 p.m. Register on our homepage to get Zoom details. Missing Maps is a humanitarian project that maps parts of the world that are vulnerable to natural disasters, conflicts and disease epidemics. During the Mapathon, volunteers will learn how to trace satellite imagery into Openstreetmap, a free and open map of the entire world. No experience required.

Lectures, Workshops, Webinars

NEW! Biochemistry and Biophysics department seminar: Aman Husbands with Ohio State University will speak on “Regulation of HD-ZIPIII Transcription Factors by Deeply-conserved START Domains.” His lab is interested in the mechanisms that govern complexity and reproducibility, two outcomes which seem in tension yet are both defining features of development. Jan. 13, 3 p.m. Register here: https://beav.es/ozC

NEW! Ecology and environmental justice seminar: The Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology (EECB) seminar series is free and open to the public. Charles Nilon (https://cafnr.missouri.edu/person/charles-nilon/) will be giving this week's talk on Jan. 13 titled "Urban Biodiversity, Nearby Nature, and Environmental Justice." Links to watch the seminar Wednesdays at 4 p.m.: beav.es/eecb. YouTube: beav.es/oSs

NEW! Webcast: Resilience and Wellness in Pre- and Post-Pandemic Times: Be inspired by stories of resilience in day-to-day life, pandemic-related struggles and life immediately after graduation from three alumni speakers on Thursday, Jan. 14, at noon. Tap into a network of resources for every stage of education or career with OSU Alumni Association’s Winning in Life After College virtual series in partnership with the Career Development Center. Register for the free events at osualum.com/winning.

NEW! Legal Issues Important for Older Adults, Eldercare and Caregivers: Join the Eldercare Connections support group on Thursday, Jan. 14, from noon to 1 p.m., when Richard Montgomery, attorney with Legal Aid Services of Oregon, will discuss legal issues that are important for older adults and their caregivers to consider. This event is sponsored by the Family Resource Center. For more information contact Robynn Pease at [email protected]. Join our Zoom meeting at https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/96559098264?pwd=NVFGS0J4YmZFL0E5QnpOQzF4Wlc5QT09.

NEW! HMSC Research Seminar: On Thursday Jan. 14 at 3:30 p.m, Sylvia Yamada in the Department of Integrative Biology at Oregon State University will be giving a seminar titled “European Green Crabs in Oregon: are they now established?” Zoom Link  Password: 972587 or call +1-971-247-1195 Meeting ID: 945 5573 115. Click here for more information.

NEW! “Taking it to the streets: Wildfire in the 21st century" with John Bailey, professor in Forest Engineering, Resources & Management: Prof. John Bailey will be talking to members of the OSU Retirement Association about what he has learned about how Oregonians can manage their environments to reduce the risk of fires as our habitats and environment change. The art and science of forest management have not fundamentally changed in the last decade, but the objectives have broadened and become more controversial. Thursday, Jan. 14 at 4 p.m. via Zoom. Register today.

NEW! Biological & Ecological Engineering Winter Seminar Series: Dominique Bacheletwith Oregon State University, will present “2020 Fire news: paradigm shift,” on Thursday, Jan. 14 at 4 p.m., with a meet-and-greet at 3:30 p.m. Zoom Meeting ID: 917 1196 8021. Password: 769617. Free and open to the public.

Investment webinars: The Maps Credit Union CFS investment team is conducting a Weekly Webinar Series on a variety of investment topics that include current market updates. Wednesday, Jan. 13, noon, PERS and Retirement Planning (Tier 1 & 2). This is one way to educate yourself without leaving the comfort and safety of your own home. These are not OSU events but are tailored to OSU clients and during normal circumstances are held on campus. There is no charge.

Water Resources Engineering Winter Seminar Series: “Unintended Consequences of Low-head Dams: Deadly Implications,” with Rollin Hotchkiss from Brigham Young University, Civil & Environmental Engineering. Presented by the Water Resources Graduate Program. Wednesday, Jan. 13 from noon to 1 p.m. Free and open to all. To join, use Zoom link https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/93467362981?pwd=NHdvU3I1by9rZ1haODNZMW94ZXZPQT09 The password is: WRESeminar.

The Yoga of Zoom: Jocelyn Darshana, Graduate Student in Applied Ethics, will lead an 8-week course designed to combat the stressors of online learning through meditation and yoga. No prior experience needed. Free to OSU Students. Starts Jan. 13 at 6-7:15 p.m., and runs on Wednesdays until March 3. Offered online through the Contemplative Studies Initiative. Register Here.

TRIAD: The OSU TRIAD Club’s programs are online and free this term, with all welcome. The next program of the term will be Wednesday, Jan. 13 at noon: Jaycee Kalama, Editor-in-Chief, OSU Daily Barometer, “Student media amid the COVID-19 pandemic.” Zoom link: https://oregonstate.zoom.us/j/96913848020?pwd=WGpSS1R5S3EyVGJSL21aVHU5b3lEZz09, Password: 951472

Faculty Staff Fitness: OSU’s Faculty Staff Fitness Program has in-person, remote synchronous, and asynchronous offerings in Winter 2021. Our in-person offerings will be via Zoom or on hold until we can return to campus. Zoom synchronous class options will be Tuesday/Thursday 7 a.m. and noon Weight Training and a 100% Zoom Cardio Intervals 30-minute class Monday/Wednesday at noon for a midday boost. We also have our Online FSF program with over 300 classes and 20 styles in a completely online, asynchronous format (https://health.oregonstate.edu/fsf/online) for $35 for 12 weeks. For more information and to register, see https://health.oregonstate.edu/fsf/schedule/winter. There will also be a virtual 6-week RECHARGE Wellness Challenge to get you off to 2021 with the right steps starting Jan. 24. Grab a friend, family member or a work teammate to keep the support going during the New Year. Details can be found at https://health.oregonstate.edu/fsf/recharge.

Floor Monitor Training: Training for Floor Monitors and Building Managers on roles and responsibilities when evacuating their building. Training is the 2nd Wednesday of every month via Zoom. Sign up for Zoom Floor Monitor Training at: https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_1ZhCgowN8AukjPf

Lessons in Leadership: Maintaining the Momentum of Change with Janet Nishihara: Students are encouraged to join Community Engagement & Leadership (CEL) for this conversation on the intersection of leadership, social justice, and maintaining the momentum of change on campus with Janet Nishihara, executive director of the Educational Opportunities Program (EOP). Thursday, Jan. 14, 4-5:30 p.m. on Zoom. Register for details. Questions? Contact [email protected].

Black Minds Matter: The Educational Opportunities Program (EOP) will host another Black Minds Matter winter course Tuesday, Jan. 19 through Tuesday, Feb. 16 from 9-9:50 a.m. This 5-week interactive course focuses on addressing issues affecting Black student success in secondary education. The intended audience for this course are teaching and professional faculty, staff and graduate/ professional students that have not previously participated in a BMM course over the past three years of its offerings. Space is limited to 30 participants so register today by clicking here. Should you have any questions please contact us at [email protected].

“Teaching Truth and Trust in an Era of Digital Dissensus.” Are conspiracy theorists and anti-maskers anti-fact? Are confirmation bias and ideological bubbles inevitable? Or is there a deeper dynamic at play? Mike Caulfield, director of blended and networked learning at WSU Vancouver and nationally recognized digital literacy expert, will discuss our current “digital dissensus” and how our approach to education may be making problems worse. Jan. 29, 10-11:30 a.m. Co-sponsors: OSU’s Writing Intensive Curriculum (WIC), Library Faculty Association Seminar Series, and Writing Program (SWLF). More information and registration.

January 2021 Learning & Development Workshops: University Human Resource’s Learning and Development team is presenting a variety of online professional development workshops in January, including: Strategies for Being Effective in Times of Uncertainty; Managing People Through Change; Stretch Goals: Taking Performance to the Next Level; Six Leadership Concepts to Embrace Now; and Choose Your Attitude. View and register for upcoming workshops here.

Crucial Conversations: Crucial Conversations is a 10-hour course that 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 your decisions with unity and commitment. This is a series of five (5) live, online sessions on Wednesdays, 1-3 p.m Feb. 10 through March 10. There is a $100 fee to attend Crucial Conversations; advanced registration is required. Learn more and register.

Take Note

Honors College course proposals and grants: OSU tenured/tenure-track, senior instructor and emeritus faculty are invited to submit honors course proposals for 2021-2022 at honors.oregonstate.edu/course-proposals. Any General Catalog course can be offered as a small, highly-engaged honors course; proposals for interdisciplinary colloquia are also welcome. Faculty may apply for Meehan course development grants of up to $3000 to develop experiential learning opportunities for honors courses. More information: [email protected] or 541-737-6412. Deadline: Jan. 15.

International Friendship Program (IFP): Are you looking for friends or conversational partners? We are looking for new international and OSU/local community members to join the program! The program provides support to international students and scholars by connecting them with friends from the local community, giving local residents the chance to meet people across the globe. Priority registration is Jan. 22, but registrations are accepted year-round. For more information: https://internationalservices.oregonstate.edu/international-friendship-program. To register: https://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3sKD2J3ehUQ0FiB

Next Great Startup 2021 Competition Application closes Jan. 18: NGSU is a campus-wide, virtual competition where student-led teams compete to win cash prizes, in-kind services and the chance to turn a startup idea into a real company. Open to all teams led by a currently enrolled OSU student. Application closes Jan. 18. More information and the application available here: http://nextgreatstartup.oregonstate.edu/

Help Inspiring Girls Expeditions spread the word to high school girls* about free STEAM outdoor expeditions: Inspiring Girls Expeditions (housed within OSU’s CEOAS) is a tuition-FREE, 12-day wilderness science education program for 16- and 17-year-old high school girls*. Students who don’t feel like they fit the “typical” image of a scientist or outdoors person are especially encouraged to apply. If you know a student who might be interested, or an educator or network who could share this opportunity, please pass it along. The deadline to start the application is Jan. 22, so encourage students to apply today. Questions? [email protected].

Academic Support Groups: The ASC and CAPS are here to support students as they navigate success during times of uncertainty. Our academic support groups – one for undergraduate students and one for graduate students – cover topics such as time management, focus & motivation. We will also discuss ways to maintain balance & self-care during times of stress. To learn more, students can email [email protected] and find details (such as times and Zoom links) here: https://success.oregonstate.edu/asc-caps-support-group.

Weight Watchers: Weight Watchers (WW+) is a free benefit available to employees and their dependents ages 18 and up who are enrolled in a PEBB medical plan. WW has launched new private virtual workshops for PEBB members. Move closer to your weight-loss and wellness goals in this fun, supportive, private and live Virtual Workshop format. WW+ also has a January promotion for new members called an Unstoppable Kit. To learn more visit: https://www.weightwatchers.com/us/pebb. To sign up use employer ID: 15066304. Questions? Please call 1-866-454-2144. 

Funding Available for Students to attend Washington & Oregon Higher Education Sustainability Conference (WOHESC): Community Engagement & Leadership and the Sustainability Office are excited to offer 20 OSU students an opportunity to attend the virtual 2021 Washington & Oregon Higher Education Sustainability Conference (WOHESC) on Thursday, Feb. 11 and Friday, Feb. 12 by covering the full registration fee. All OSU students are eligible to request registration funding for this social change leadership and professional development experience. Registration funding will be offered on a first come, first served basis to the first 20 students who fully complete this registration form  by Friday, Feb. 5, and commit to attending.

MLK Celebration Week Event Submissions: The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Committee is accepting submissions for events to take place during the celebration week, Monday, Jan. 18, through Friday, Jan. 22. This year marks the 39th anniversary of the Celebration. Click here for more information and to submit your event. Event submissions will be accepted until Jan. 8. The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Committee is requesting that all events for the 2021 Celebration be held virtually. For questions, contact Brandi Douglas, assistant director of outreach and chair of the celebration committee, [email protected].

Affordable learning workshops for faculty: The OSU Open Educational Resources Unit makes learning affordable. You can, too. The OER Unit is hosting virtual workshops to show how faculty can find or create no-cost and low-cost learning materials, save students money and improve course retention. Learn more about each workshop and register today. Questions? Email Stefanie Buck.

Food Drive: The OSU Food Drive has a long tradition at OSU. While this year’s effort may look a bit different, we would still like to reach all parts of Oregon State University in Corvallis and across the state with this effort. Check out the list of participating units at https://communications.oregonstate.edu/events/food-drive. If you don’t see your unit listed, reach out to [email protected] with your interest in participating. Orientation is on Jan. 15 and the drive runs the month of February. Be a part of this tradition in helping people in your community.

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! Coordinator – Academic Program: The College of Education invites applications for a half-time (0.50 FTE), 12-month, Education Ph.D. Program Lead. Posting #P04096UF Closes Jan. 30.

NEW! Assistant/Associate/Full Professor: The College of Education invites applications for a full-time (1.0 FTE), 12-month, open rank tenure track Assistant/Associate/Full Professor position in Counseling. Posting #P04092UF. Closes Feb. 15.

NEW! Instructor: The College of Education invites applications for a full-time (1.0 FTE), 9-month, Teaching Program Instructor position. Posting #P04121UF. Closes March 1. 

Weather

"Maybe this is why we read, and why in moments of darkness we return to books: to find words for what we already know." ~ Alberto Manguel

Corvallis: Heavy rain and breezy, high of 55, low of 48. Rain and breezy tomorrow.

Central Oregon: Rain and breezy, high of 49, low of 39. Rain tomorrow.

Newport: Heavy rain and breezy, high of 55, low of 48. Chance of showers and breezy tomorrow.

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