Author Archives: Luanne Johnson

Outreach and Engagement Awards for Excellence – Seeking Nominations

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The Division of University Outreach and Engagement is seeking nominations for the 2015 Vice Provost Awards for Excellence. These annual awards recognize outstanding contributions by faculty and staff that significantly advance the mission of outreach and engagement. Award winners receive $1,000 provided as OSU funds in a services and supplies index and a commemorative plaque.

Nominations are submitted online providing specific examples demonstrating how the individual or team has provided outstanding contributions.  Award categories include: service, strategic impact, program, innovation and diversity.  Nominations are due February 17.

A luncheon will be held to honor award winners on Monday, April 13th at the CH2M Hill Alumni Center.

Please forward in your unit.  Contact Jackie Russell with any questions.

Who Am I? Wednesday – Chris Knutson

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  1. Name – I am Chris Knutson
  2. Area of study / position title – I am an instructor of chemistry.
  3. Why chemistry? (What about it initially interested you, etc.) – I first became interested in chemistry when my father became ill with cancer due to chemical exposure, and was subsequently treated with chemistry.  Luckily for me, he lived through that ordeal.  Then, while working as a lawn and garden specialist, I ended up selling massive amounts of the chemicals that gave my dad cancer over the counter to anyone who decided that they wanted to pour them into the groundwater.  At that point, I realized that improving chemical education is needed in this country so I decided to become part of the solution to that problem.
  4. Research focus (in non-science terms) or basic job duties?  I teach future engineers about the wonders of small-scale matter, and the basics of materials science.
  5. One thing that you truly love about your job?  I love working with the talented youth who want nothing more than to make the world better for their children than they inherited it.
  6. One interesting/strange factoid about yourself.  I am a Lego maniac.

Focus on ECampus – Deborah Kenner

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The OSU Chemistry Department’s online students take our classes for a variety of reasons. Some are wanting to earn an online degree, get some chemistry credits to finish up a degree, or need more chemistry knowledge for their work. Others are interested in moving toward a new career, and chemistry is a foundation for the new work they plan to do. Some of these career paths can be surprising; we would like to introduce you to Deborah Kenner, who has taken CH 140, our 6-credit General, Organic, and Biological Chemistry.

How did you end up where you are on this journey?

I received my BFA in ballet performance from the University of Arizona as a full scholarship student. After graduation, I moved to Colorado where I danced with Colorado Ballet and David Taylor Dance Theatre. I spent 10 years dancing professionally until I tore my ACL.   During rehab on my knee, I went through a Pilates certification program; I thought this would be a great way to help myself get back on stage. I soon discovered I enjoyed learning about how the body functions and realized it was not in my best interest to be back on stage.   As I taught more and more ballet and Pilates, I wanted to learn more about the body. In 2010, my dream of teaching at one of the top training facilitaties in the country became a reality. Immediately, I relocated to Seattle and began my journey at Pacific Northwest Ballet. I am thankful I am able to share my love of ballet with the next generation.

When I decided to return to school my plan was to attend PT school.   I have been working on pre-reqs for about a year now and have completely changed my mind about my future goals. This change of heart happened during a nutrition class. I have watched many friends over the years–and now young ballet dancers–struggle with weight and proper nutrition. I believe there is a need for people to help children understand how to take care of their bodies.   I want to be a positive influence in these young people’s lives and show them that it is not necessary to go to drastic measures in order to achieve what society believes to be desirable.   My next step is to complete a Nutritional Therapy certification program, finish my last few pre-requisites and apply to grad school.

Do you have any advice for other online students?

Online classes require a ton of discipline.   The best advice I have is to set small goals and deadlines. Most of the assignments are due at the end of the quarter, but setting personal deadlines helped me stay on top of the work load. I would also suggest asking as many questions as you need.

Do you have a family you would like to tell us about?

I have a great support system. My Dad is always available to cheer me on or keep me motivated when I think I have bit off more than I can handle. Unfortunately, I lost my Mom in 2005, she was my number one fan. I know she is happy that I am finally back in school working towards my next goal. I think she might be a little surprised I have decided on Nutrition. I would have become a victim of an eating disorder if it weren’t for her guidance. I am also so thankful that I have such a wonderful boyfriend who encourages me to be a better, more patient person!

General Research Fund (GRF) Spring 2015

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The Research Office Incentive Programs is accepting applications for the GRF Spring 2015 solicitation. The intent of the GRF program is to enable faculty to carry out scholarly, creative work that should lead to the pursuit of other funding sources, or promote the development of scholarly activities. Program description and application: http://oregonstate.edu/research/incentive/grf. Information: Debbie Delmore at debbie.delmore@oregonstate.edu. Deadline for submission: Feb. 2.

Who Am I? Wednesday – Luanne Johnson

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Name: Luanne Johnson

Area of Study / Position Title: Media and Event Coordinator

Why chemistry? (What about it initially interested you?): Initially, I started because I was unemployed and needed a paycheck, but over time, I’ve come to love this department. Telling the world (through social media) all the cool accomplishments of my faculty is really interesting to me.

Research focus (in non-science terms) or basic job duties? I am in charge of creating, curating and disseminating media; digital, print and social about the happenings and accomplishments of the Chemistry Department. I also organize most of the departmental events.

One thing you truly love about your job? We’ve recently started making videos when someone receives an award or major achievement. I LOVE this portion of my job and hope to expand on it in the near future.

One interesting/strange factoid about yourself. I am allergic to pork.

PCOSW Scholarship Applications

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Applications for PCOSW scholarships are now being accepted. The President’s Commission on the Status of Women, or PCOSW, provides funding to women faculty, students, and staff who are pursuing professional development or research opportunities, as well as individuals conducting research related to women’s issues. Scholarships range from $500 to $1000 and are awarded during fall, winter, and spring terms; the deadline is Friday of Week 5 with notification in Week 7. Information: http://oregonstate.edu/leadership/pcosw/awards-and-scholarships

Call for Proposals for a New MOOC

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Following the success of OSU’s inaugural MOOC, Open Oregon State would like to support departments and faculty who wish to expand instructional methods and experiment with innovative or experimental techniques. We invite the submission of proposals for the development and delivery of our next MOOC. Full details are on our website. Questions  should be addressed to Dianna Fisher, director of Open Oregon State, at dianna.fisher@oregonstate.edu.

Communicating Science (ComSciCon) Workshop for graduate students

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Applications are now open for the Communicating Science 2015 workshop (http://comscicon.com/apply-comscicon15), to be held in Cambridge, MA on June 18-20th, 2015.  Graduate students at US institutions in all fields of science and engineering are encouraged to apply.  The application will close on March 1st.
 
Acceptance to the workshop is competitive; attendance of the workshop is free and travel support will be provided to accepted applicants.
 
Participants will build the communication skills that scientists and other technical professionals need to express complex ideas to their peers, experts in other fields, and the general public.  There will be panel discussions on the following topics:
 
– Communicating with Non-Scientific Audiences
– Science Communication in Popular Culture
– Communicating as a Science Advocate
– Multimedia Communication for Scientists
– Addressing Diversity through Communication
 
In addition to these discussions, ample time is allotted for interacting with the experts and with attendees from throughout the country to discuss science communication and develop science outreach collaborations.  Workshop participants will produce an original piece of science writing and receive feedback from workshop attendees and professional science communicators, including journalists, authors, public policy advocates, educators, and more.
 
Founded in 2013 by graduate students at Harvard University and MIT, 150 graduate students nationwide have already participated in ComSciCon programs.  Attendees have founded new science communication organizations in collaboration with other students at the event, published more than 25 articles written at the conference in popular publications with national impact, and formed lasting networks with our student alumni and invited experts.  Visit http://comscicon.com/programs to learn more about our past workshop programs and participants.  
 
This workshop is sponsored by Harvard University, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Colorado Boulder, the American Association for the Advancement of Science, the American Chemical Society, and Microsoft Research.

Fundamentals for Teaching at OSU

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Do you have questions about FERPA? Or academic misconduct? Do you wonder about strategies for getting students to participate and build rapport with one another? Have you wondered whether there’s a resource at OSU to help students with… (fill in the blank.)? This workshop is for you! You’ll come away with information, resources, and ideas. Jan. 13, 2 to 4 p.m., Milam 215.