The Research Office Incentive Programs is accepting applications for the GRF Spring 2014 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. 3.

Summer ORISE Fellowship Opportunity at CDC

http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/dls/orise.html

Application Deadline: January 17, 2014

Qualifications: Current undergraduate and graduate students majoring in chemistry or biology that have completed three years of coursework in chemistry or biology may apply. Must be able to comply with safety and security requirements before or upon reporting to CDC

Stipend: Approximately $2,700 per month for full-time undergraduate student fellows and $3,300 for full-time graduate student fellows.

Guest Blogger: Stefan Lucchini

Undergraduate research began as something I heard really helped someone get into grad school.  I was by no means a 4.0 student, which made me worry about my chances of getting into top schools after graduating.  I knew that one of my best options for gaining a competitive advantage was going to be hands on experience working in research.  Being only a freshman taking general chemistry, I did not have the greatest qualifications nor much of an idea as to what specific areas of research interested me.  Knowing I had to act quickly to get as much experience as possible, I emailed every professor whose research sounded interesting.

The professor I ended up working for was Dr. Darrah Thomas, an emeritus professor.  His research focus is in electron spectroscopy of small molecules.  Working in research completely changed my perspective on education.  It allowed me to fast-forward to the part where I am making a lasting, substantial contribution to scientific understanding.  Prior to my work with Dr. Thomas, I was coasting along my undergrad without much drive at all to end up anywhere.  I had no goal and no clear understanding of what I hoped to become.  By working in research, I was immersed in the wonders of scientific pursuit.  It was inspiring and it resulted in a sharp increase in my academic performance.

While I thoroughly enjoyed the work I did for Dr. Thomas, I felt compelled to explore other areas of chemistry.  When considering just how long a career is, I wanted to make sure I have found exactly the right field for me to call home.  After working in physical chemistry, material science, and biochemistry, I decided to material science was a place I could call home.  It was the perfect combination of chemistry and physics, all while being a booming, growing field with an exciting future.  I have been working for Dr. Douglas Keszler for 2 years so far and intend to continue until I graduate.

My work with Dr. Keszler has been focused on the thickness changes and ion exchange of HfO₂₋x(SO₄)x (HafSOx).  HafSOx is an inorganic photoresist material discovered in the Keszler laboratory.  The key, distinguishing feature of HafSOx is that it is currently the world leader in lithography resolution.  Through use of electron beam simulation, it has been found that HafSOx will be capable of lithographic techniques using extreme ultraviolet light, which are currently in development.  It will be capable of creating 13.5nm devices.  The extreme resolution capabilities of HafSOx will enable to be used to create ultra-small transistors and other electrical devices.  I feel privileged to be a part of such an exciting research project!

Kim Thackray, our very own ECampus Coordinator has submitted a watercolor painting to the OSU Staff Art Show.  The reception is being held Thursday night (12-12-13) from 5-7 pm.  Go check out the beautiful art and support the great OSU Staff!

Submission to OSU Staff Art Show by our very own Kim Thackray
Submission to OSU Staff Art Show by our very own Kim Thackray

OSU MANRRS is seeking donations of ‘lightly used’ professional business attire for the annual Career Wardrobe event, held Feb. 13, 2014 in the MU Ballroom. The event helps OSU students prepare for the winter term career fairs and supports student members attending the MANRRS National Conference. Current donation drop off locations are 137 Strand Agriculture Hall (Stag) and Career Services in B008 Kerr. The Portland Beaver Store is also a donation center which is located at 538 SW 6th Ave.    

Two community awards recognized yearly at the Peace Breakfast: The Frances Dancy Hooks Award recognizes students, staff or faculty who exemplify Frances Dancy Hooks’ work: building bridges across cultures, showing courage in promoting diversity, and proudly “Walks the Talk;” and the Phyllis S. Lee Award honors a member of the OSU community who exemplifies Dr. Lee’s commitment and dedication to social justice and the teachings of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Nominations are due by Dec. 6, 5 p.m.  To find out more information visit: http://oregonstate.edu/oei/community-awards

The Research Office, Incentive Programs is requesting letters of intent for the NSF – AGEP-Transformation program. The program supports strategic alliances of institutions and organizations to develop, implement, and study innovative evidence-based models and standards for STEM graduate education, postdoctoral training, and academic STEM career preparation. Guidelines for letters of intent: http://oregonstate.edu/research/incentive/AGEP-Transformation. Information: Debbie Delmore at debbie.delmore@oregonstate.edu. Deadline: Dec. 9

NEW! Hybrid Faculty Showcase: Learn more about hybrid (“blended”) teaching and learning.  Hybrid faculty learning community participants will present design approaches and selected elements from their planned hybrid courses. Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2 to 3:30 p.m., Milam 215.  Refreshments served Please register to reserve a seat.

NEW! Hybridize Your Course:  Hands-On Workshop: The number of hybrid courses offered this term at OSU has tripled since last fall.  Interested in teaching a hybrid course?  Looking for resources and support?  This workshop will expose you to effective methods for hybrid course design and delivery, and give you an opportunity to consider how one of your courses might fit a hybrid model.  Please bring your laptop.  Dec. 4, 1 to 2:30 p.m., Milam 215. For information, contact cub.kahn@oregonstate.edu.  Please register to reserve a seat.