REMINDER: PARTY TODAY AT 1:30 FOR IVO!

Join us for a farewell party for Ivo Bezency TODAY at 1:30 in the Breezeway. Coffee and cookies will be provided…stop on by and say hello!

FROM PAT: Through my work in the National Council of University Research Administrators (NCURA), OSU has provided a two-week internship May 22 through June 2 for Ivo.  Ivo serves as a Project Consultant and Manager at Mendel University in Brno, and his goal is to learn more about our processes and organizational matters connected with pre-award and post-award grant management. He is very interested in learning about the relationships between principal investigators and research administrators, systems of projects development and management and related budget preparation and financial management. Ivo has been employed at Mendel University in Brno since 2004, and was there when their sponsored programs office was created.  He has also worked as a project manager on certain EU funding sources for European Structural Funds.  He is an active member of the European Association for Research Managers and Administrators (EARMA), which is a sister organization to the National Council of University of Research Administrators (NCURA). Mendel University in Brno is the oldest independent specialized university is the Czech Republic, first founded in 1864 as an agricultural university in Moravia.  The University of Agriculture in Brno has been primarily an agriculture and forestry institution since its creation.  In 2010, the University was renamed to Mendel University in Brno.

 

LAST CALL FOR TRY-ATHLON!

This is the last call for participants for the TRY-Athlon. As of right now, we need 3 runners, 4 swimmers, and 2 walkers to make a team. If you have already emailed me I thank you for the participation, if we do not get enough people I will be sending out directions on how to register as an individual. If you would like to participate, the event is on June 9^th from about 11:30-1pm. With Prizes at the end! Please email Kimberly.reese@oregonstate.edu of you would like to join us out in the sun for lunch!

 

RO STAFF IN THE NEWS

Check out this great piece from the brand new Terra Magazine that features the RO’s very own Drone expert, Ben Lester! On stands now…grab a copy.

 

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

HEADS UP- UPCOMING OFFICE MOVES IN THE RO

In the coming weeks you may notice some activity with office moves.  Our office continues to grow with open positions being filled along with some responsibilities being streamlined that urge us to be creative with space. Here is a listing of where ‘new neighbors’ will be popping up. Please contact Kay White with any questions:

Mark Peters – A322L

Nicole Wolf & Nancy Collins – A312D

Susan Emerson – A312E

Kay White – A312H

Shirley Chow – A322P

Vince Polintano – B308R

Jennifer Creighton – A322K (June 19^th)

 

HAILS! A NEW DIRECTOR FOR THE LINUS PAULING INSTITUTE!

Dr. Richard van Breemen, Professor of Medicinal Chemistry at the University of Illinois-Chicago, has accepted the position of permanent Director of the Linus Pauling Institute. Dr. Van Breemen will start his new position at OSU on December 31, 2017. Cindy successfully completed the negotiations with Dr. van Breemen last week and looks forward to welcoming him to campus in the new year. Dr. van Breemen will replace Balz Frei as Director. Cindy also thanks Fred Stevens for his excellent service as Interim Director of LPI.

 

RO PARTY SURVEY- PLEASE COMPLETE!

Please take a moment to fill out this quick survey. We’ll use this data as a guide when planning our RO events for the year. Thanks in advance for your input!

 

JOB OPPORTUNITY IN THE RO ACCELERATOR

As mentioned by Mark Lieberman in our last All Staff Meeting, please check out OSU Today for the latest RO Job posting: Commercialization Catalyst Manager. This is a full-time (1.00 FTE), 12-month, fixed term professional faculty position. Posting # P01326UF. Closes June 13.  Tell your friends!

 

 METHANE MUNCHING MICROBES- VIDEO

Check out this cool video featuring OSU researcherse with the U.S. Antarctic Program. Clip courtesy of Kevin Buch!

 

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

RO EMERGENCY OPERATIONS PLAN- FIRE DRILL MAY 23

On Tuesday, May 23, there will be a fire drill here in Kerr Admin Building. Do you know the correct procedures to follow in the event of an emergency? Here is a review:

• Each individual is responsible for immediate life safety response of themselves and personnel under their care.  This could include such actions as:  calling 911, evacuating the immediate area, activating the fire alarm, and (depending upon level of training) providing first aid or extinguishing fires.
• The designated meeting area for all of the Research Office employees is the grassy area behind the bus stop diagonally from Kerr across 14^th /15^th (Evacuation Meeting Area Map).Once there, check in with Susan Emerson (A312), Susan Tillitt (A322), or Julie Meier (B306/B308) depending on which side of the building you are on, who will have a list of department employees attached to “pink” clipboards they will be holding up.
• Render first aid if you are properly trained.
• Listen for announcements or alarms and follow instructions from emergency response personnel.
• Don’t use the elevator during an emergency, use the stairs.
• If you are stranded in an elevator, use the emergency phone/intercom to summon help.
• Do not drink the water, or use gas or electric devices, until the emergency personnel determine that it is safe to do so.
• Do not attempt to fight a fire until after you have notified 911 that there is a fire, have obtained fire extinguisher training, and feel safe to do so.

A volunteer or two is still needed for B308 to sweep the office to check for co-workers/visitors that may not hear the alarm. Everyone should evacuate the building. No exceptions!

 

LAST CHANCE- SIGN UP FOR THE TRY-ATHALON. HAVE FUN, GET EXERCISE, COMPETE FOR GREATNESS!

We only have 3 participants signed up so far for the Faculty Staff Fitness TRY-Athlon on June 9^th.  The Research Office won second last year! If we don’t get some more volunteers soon I’m afraid the RO will not be able to compete for greatness this year (though you can attend as an individual).

As a reminder, there are 3 portions to the TRY-Athlon Running, Swimming, and walking. The event itself is a 20 minute relay. The team with the most combined laps for each event wins the activity category. I would be happy to be the captain again if I can get at least 5 people for each portion. This event is open to Faculty, Staff, Retirees, Spouses/Partners, GTAs/GRAs of Oregon State University. The cost is $5 per person.

Please email Kimberly.reese@oregonstate.edu ASAP!! if you are interested in joining this year. If you would like more information, please check out

http://health.oregonstate.edu/faculty-staff-fitness/tryathlon.

 

PHOTO OF THE WEEK I

PHOTO OF THE WEEK II

 

A MESSAGE FROM CINDY

Great news for OSU and oceans this week! On Monday morning, Congress released its 2017 budget amendment, which funds the government through September. In it is language to support two major OSU efforts: the Regional Class Research Vessel (RCRV) and the PMEC-SETS wave energy testbed. Much to our delight, the RCRV is envisioned a three-ship build out (0, 1 or 2 ships have been discussed). Total RCRV project budget is now $340M, with an initial tranche of $122M. PMEC-SETS has been granted an additional $30M to fund the industry test bed in Newport, Oregon. This tranche gets us closer to the total projected costs of $50M. Bravo to RO staff and project managers for keeping a steady had on the rudder during these deliberations. Budget should move to university in the next months.

and in more exciting Research news….

HAILS: NEW FISCAL DIRECTOR

Please join us in welcoming Jennifer Creighton to the Research Office as our new Fiscal Director! Jenn will be starting on June 19th and will be located in Kerr A322K (Shirley’s current office). She comes to us from the Auxiliaries and Activities Business Center (AABC) here on campus and brings extensive finance, accounting, human resource and administrative management experience from working at both OSU and UofO. I’m sure she will make a great addition to our team! As you all know, Shirley Chow retired and will continue part time through the calendar year to help with the transition to the new Fiscal Director and to support a major project in OCCD. Please give a big shout out to Shirley for all of her hard work and achievements over the years! You will be missed!

 

OSU ADVANTAGE ACCELERATOR SHOWCASE- May 10th

Startup Showcase: Join us in this celebration of achievements and a new take on a traditional startup graduation event. Entrepreneurs from the OSU Advantage Accelerator/ RAIN Corvallis program will present their successes and companies live onstage May 10, at the ATAMI building on the HP Campus. This event is free and open to the public; register at Eventbrite here.

And in separate but equally as exciting OCCD news, Kirt Fuller was interviewed recently by Industry Sponsored Research – a journal, highlighting OSU’s Alternative industry contracting model.

 

TRY-Athalon – BACK FOR MORE RO GLORY!?

FROM KIM: I am working on seeing if there is enough interest to have a team for the Faculty Staff Fitness TRY-Athlon on June 9^th.  The Research Office won second last year! There are 3 portions to the TRY-Athlon Running, Swimming, and walking. The event itself is a 20 minute relay. The team with the most combined laps for each event wins the activity category. I would be happy to be the captain again if I can get at least 5 people for each portion. This event is open to Faculty, Staff, Retirees, Spouses/Partners, GTAs/GRAs of Oregon State University. The cost is $5 per person.  Please email Kimberly.reese@oregonstate.edu if you are interested in joining this year. If you would like more information, please check this out.

 

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

LAST CHANCE! BREAKFAST WITH RO LEADERSHIP THIS MONDAY 5/1

If you would like to join Cindy and Roy for a breakfast discussion this coming Monday at 7:30am in Cindy’s office, we have a couple of spots left. Please email Jane ASAP TODAY if interested. This is your opportunity to discuss any topic of your choosing with leadership and a small group of colleagues (and also have a delicious breakfast courtesy of the RO!).

 

OFFICE SUPPLIES UP FOR GRABS

OSRAA B306 has a small collection of misc office items that are sitting on the counter right outside of the kitchen area. If you are looking for a stapler, pencil sharpener, or an adding machine, please come take a look and see if we have what you need. There are a few items on the counter that are not up for grabs and will be marked with  KEEP B306. If we have no takers, the items will go to Surplus on May 3^rd.

 

ASST VP FOR RESEARCH INTEGRITY- CAMPUS FORUMS

Campus forums for candidates for the position of Assistant Vice President for Research Integrity. These forums are open to all OSU students, staff and faculty and will include a presentation followed by a Q&A session. Come if you can and send feedback. Thanks to Kay White for scheduling!

Anita Eisenstadt – B.A from University of Michigan and a J.D from Wayne State University Law School: Tuesday, May 2, 11:00 – 12:00pm in MU 206

Stacy Pritt – B.S from California State Polytechnic University at Pomona, D.V.M. from Washington State University, M.B.A. from University of Phoenix, and M.S. from  Amberton University: Wednesday, May 3, 11:00 – 12:00pm in MU 206

Nancy Moody – B.A. from Washburn University, J.D. from Antioch School of Law, and M.A. from Loyola University: Thursday, May 4, 11:00 – 12:00pm in MU 206

 

VET COLLEGE TO HOST PET DAY CELEBRATION ON SAT. 5/6

The College of Veterinary Medicine at Oregon State University will host its popular annual Pet Day celebration on Saturday, May 6, at Magruder Hall on campus. The facility is located at 30th Street and Washington Way in Corvallis. Pet Day is free and open to the public from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., though a handful of activities including the Fun Run and Dog Wash have nominal fees. The event annually draws more than 3,000 people for tours, activities and education, including numerous activities aimed at children. Among the highlights are a petting zoo, teddy bear surgery, the dog wash, dog agility demonstrations, tours of the veterinary hospital and more. Numerous booths staffed by vendors and volunteers provide information on animal health and wellness, nutrition, adoption and therapy. Other booths will be selling animal-related products and gifts. Also on display will be llamas, goats, greyhounds, reptiles and other animals. The 5K Fun Run will begin at 9 a.m. Registration information is available online at: http://bit.ly/2oJ344F. Other events include a pet costume contest and a cat photo contest participants can enter via email. Pet Day was created by students in OSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and continues to be organized and staffed by students. Industry partners supporting the event include Banfield Pet Hospital, Hills Pet Nutrition, Nestlé Purina Pet Care Company, Bayer Animal Health, and the Oregon Animal Health Foundation.

For more information on Pet Day, go to: http://vetmed.oregonstate.edu/pet-day

 

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

ACCELERATOR IN THE NEWS

Check out this clip featuring some of our Accelerator clients on NPR’s Weekend Marketplace!

Also, read more about an OSU PhD student and Accelerator client here.

 

THE OSU BELL TOWER IS TAKING REQUESTS!

Are you mystified and/or perplexed by the songs played by the bell tower? Do you want to influence positive musical change on campus? To submit a musical idea for the library quad bell tower go to http://oregonstate.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4GDbw03bAdC49G5

 

FRIDAY CONCERT- TODAY AT LUNCH!

What better way to spend a sunny Friday at lunch, than by experiencing the musical genius and chilling to the Marimba vibes of Dr. Bob Brudvig (Julie’s brother and our RO steel drum man!). The percussion concert will take place at 12pm today in the MU, and it’s free!

 

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

PARKING ON CAMPUS TODAY

Spring Preview: You may have noticed things are extra busy today on campus. An open house program for prospective students will be in the Memorial Union and CH2M Hill Alumni Center today, Friday, April 14. There will be approximately 900 visitors on campus, which may affect parking and retail food locations. Please welcome visitors you interact with during their time on campus!
Any questions about parking may be directed to the Parking Office at parking@oregonstate.edu, or by calling (541) 737-2583.

 

INTERNATIONAL RESEARCH SERIES: HEALTHY PLANET

FROM MARK HOFFMAN: Please join us for the second installment of the International Research Series: Healthy Planet. The event will feature short presentations of faculty members’ international research, followed by discussion and a reception.
International Research Series: Healthy Planet
Thursday, April 20
5:00 – 7:00 pm
Hallie Ford Center 115
Presentations followed by hors d’oeuvres and adult beverages in the HFC Lounge. For catering and seating purposes, we ask that you RSVP by close of business next Monday, April 17th. If you are interested in being (or recommending) a presenter for the final installment of the International Research Series (“Healthy Economy”), you may include that information in your RSVP.

STRANGE SINK DISCOVERY

Found deep in the drain of a clogged sink in the RO yesterday were a plastic knife, a drinking straw and paper towels!?  Needless to say, these are not items that generally are found to dwell within the drain of a sink. While this is most likely a strange anomaly never to happen again, let’s do our best to make sure that’s the case. Thanks!

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

UPDATE ON CONFERENCE ROOM SPACE FOR RO

Research Office Conference Space is coming soon. We are currently in discussion with Capital Planning to explore the option of converting Rm 308A back into a conference room. We are hoping to have this project completed by early summer. For questions please contact Kay White.

LIMERICK WINNERS!

In case you missed our All Staff meeting yesterday, the winners our our rat limerick contests were Adam in first place with this doozy:

There once was a rat from Corvallis…

Who thought the Research Office was quite the Palace…

It would come out at night in the quiet…

But oh did it cause such a riot…

All for its love of the violet…

Second place went to Autumn:

Rattus Norvegicus though you may be,

Research is your jam, so we see.

No offense, mousy friend,

Your award’s come to an end.

Take it up with the I.A.C.U.C.

 

REMINDER: RODENT CONTROL IN THE OFFICE
Friendly reminder that we must do all that we can to limit foraging opportunities for rats on the 3rd floor of Kerr. To this end, please:
• Store all food at your desk in sealed containers.
• Secure all edibles in and around your desk space before leaving for evenings and weekends.
• Dispose of food waste and food containers in lidded waste bins. Bins can be found in all three RO kitchenettes AND WE WILL BE PURCHASING A FEW MORE COVERED BINS IN THE COMING WEEKS TO ASSIST WITH THIS.
• Additionally, contact Mimi Poitras if you would like a smaller lidded bin for your office.
• Expect to see Facilities staff collecting trash from your office more often.

PLEASE LET US KNOW if you see any more signs of a rat lurking among us. Thank you for your cooperation and patience as we work to resolve this issue.

 

PHOTO OF THE WEEK

REPORTS OF A RAT INFESTATION HAVE BEEN GROSSLY UNDERSTATED….
In the early morning of March 8, images of two rats were captured by a camera trap set on the floor of Cindy’s office. This physical evidence follows on weeks of speculation (e.g., What really happened to Carolyn Moir’s chocolate coins?) and additional material evidence (e.g., a dead rat in a snap trap behind Cindy’s credenza). Facilities has been notified and is responding to our alarm. In the meantime, we must do all that we can to limit foraging opportunities for rats on the 3rd floor Kerr. To this end, please:
• Store all food at your desk in sealed containers.
• Secure all edibles in and around your desk space before leaving for evenings and weekends.
• Dispose of food waste and food containers in lidded waste bins. Bins can be found in all three RO kitchenettes.
• Contact Mimi Poitras if you would like a smaller lidded bin for your office.
• Expect to see Facilities staff collecting trash from your office more often.

PLEASE LET US KNOW if you see any more signs of a rat lurking among us. Thank you for your cooperation and patience as we work to resolve this issue.

ART>RAT
The only civilized response to a rat infestation of our workspace is a poetry contest. Please consider submitting a poem to the RO’s “ART is greater than RAT” limerick contest. Frist prize is a $50 gift certificate from Grassroots Books (Corvallis). Second prize is one pound of OSU Classic smoked cheddar cheese. Your submission must comply with the following:
• Poem must be in the form of a limerick
• Must contain some reference to a rat, rats, or rodents
• RO staff, staff friends, staff family and members of the Graduate School are eligible.
• One entry per person.
• Be received by COB, Friday, March 17.
Submit your entry to Jane Cigarran at jane.cigarran@oregonstate.edu. Entries will be given a unique identifier and submitted anonymously to a blue ribbon panel of rat catchers: Mimi Poitras, Chad Cropley, and Kay White. In the event of a tie, winner will be determined by a rhyme-off. Decisions of the panel will be final.
Winners will be announced at the next Research Office all-staff meeting March 22.
The wining limerick will be posted prominently within the reception area of the RO, also with a framed image of the offending rat.
Thank you to Mimi Poitras for her dauntless quest to find and eradicate the offending rodents and to Chad for lending his technical expertise to the project.

OFFICE TIDINESS REMINDER

We have been having issues with kitchen odors. Just a friendly reminder that the kitchen garbage is only dumped 3X per week and the desk side bins are only dumped 1X per week. So, please be thoughtful when tossing certain food items in the trash. If it is a food item that will turn quickly like fish, meat, etc. please deposit in an outside trash bin.  Also, a friendly reminder to clean up your dishes and the sink drain when you rinse your dishes. Please don’t expect someone else to do this for you. SIDE NOTE: Templeton (the office rat) was caught last week and we’d like to ensure that his family and friends find another home and steer clear of the RO.

 

FOOD DRIVE

Food Drive ends on February 28, so you still have time to donate to the food box, money donation or payroll contribution. The food box is located in A312 and money donations can be given to Mimi in A312 and a tax receipt will be provided. Remember as little as $5 a month can be deducted automatically from an employee’s paycheck and the amount is taken out before taxes. Note: $1.00 = 4 pounds of food.

Monthly Payroll Contributions: Payroll Contribution Form (PDF) Below a list of suggested food that is needed. Reminder please no glass containers:

• Canned meats (tuna, chicken, salmon, etc.)
• Canned and boxed meals (soup, chili, stew, mac & cheese, etc.)
• Peanut butter
• Canned beans & peas (black, pinto, lentils, etc.)
• Pasta, rice, cereal
• Powdered milk
• Canned fruits
• 100% Fruit juice (canned, plastic or boxed)
• Personal care items needed: Shampoo, soap, toothpaste, etc.

 

SAVE THE DATE! MARINE SCIENCE DAY AT HMSC- SATURDAY, APRIL 8

Join the OSU Hatfield Marine Science Center (HMSC) in Newport for Marine Science Day.  HMSC will open its doors for a behind-the-scenes peek at the cutting-edge research, education and outreach in marine sciences that makes this marine laboratory unique. Meet researchers from Oregon State University and five government agency partners. Explore with interactive science displays presented by marine scientists and special family-friendly activities by Oregon Sea Grant and the Oregon Coast Aquarium.  For more information, a flyer, Schedule of Events or to volunteer, see hmsc.oregonstate.edu/marinescienceday. The event is free, open to the public and appropriate for all ages. For accommodation requests related to a disability or other questions, email maryann.bozza@oregonstate.edu or call 541-867-0234.

 

PHOTO OF THE WEEK