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.

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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

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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!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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JOBS IN THE RO

Below are postings for jobs in the RO…be sure to spread the word!

Asst VP for Research Integrity

Fiscal Director

ACCELERATOR IN THE NEWS

Read all about Accelerator intern, Benny Kuo, here!

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS TOPIC

Food In emergencies: If a disaster strikes, you might not have access to food, water, electricity for days or even weeks. Having a stored supply of food will help sustain you and your family.  Know your options. Emergency 02-15 MPT-Food Options

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HAILS!

We are pleased to welcome Nancy Collins as the Temporary Intellectual Property & Contracts Assistant in the Office for Commercialization and Corporate Development.  Nancy comes to us most recently from Oregon Department of Geology and Mineral Industries.  Nancy has a Masters in Environmental Systems/Geology from Humboldt State University and a Horticulture certificate from Linn-Benton Community College.  Please help welcome Nancy to the Research Office.

Additionally, we are excited to announce that Ying Wang will be joining us on February 13^th as a Fiscal Coordinator.  Ying comes to us from a CPA firm in West Linn Oregon.  She has a Master of Accounting Degree from University of Oregon and a Master of Laws Degree from East China University of Political Science and Law.  With her experience and enthusiasm, she will be an asset to the Research Office. Ying will be supporting ORI, OSRAA, and Central VP admin offices.  Please join me welcoming Ying to the Research Office family.

OUR NEW PROVOST, ED FESER

FROM CINDY SAGERS: Ed Feser has been selected as OSU’s next Provost. Ed arrives from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where he is serving as Interim Provost. His background is in city planning which translates well to managing a university and its interests. Attached is his resume. Ed will take over the reins on Feb. 28th. Please join me in welcoming our new Provost to campus! Feser bio

THE NEXT GREAT START-UP!

We got to hear about the neat things going on in our Accelerator program yesterday from Mark and Karl…HERE: START UP press release announce teams is some more detail re; the launch of its first annual Next Great Startup competition.. The competition offers over $30,000 in prizes and is not an ordinary business plan competition, nor a pitch competition.

DONATE TO THE FOOD DRIVE

The annual OSU Food Drive is off and running. The most effective way to raise money for the food drive is to participate in a payroll direct deposit. 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)

We are also collecting food in the front office. There is a list there that indicated preferred donation products. Note that personal hygiene items, in addition to food are now being accepted (refer to the list up front).

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SUPER BOWL FRIDAY RO PARTY!

Watch for an email early next week with details for a “Research Office Employee” Super Bowl Tailgate Event on Friday, February 3, at Noon in the hallway. Dig out your favorite appetizer recipe and bring it and the recipe to share. Represent your favorite team (whether they are playing Sunday, or not). Games and Music. See you there!!! Contact Julie Meier with questions.

IT SUPPORT POLICY GUIDELINES

Roy and Mimi both circulated emails last week regarding the new guidelines for IT support. If you haven’t printed it out or saved to your desk top to reference, please do so now…located here: IT SUPPORT POLICY GUIDELINES

JAN/FEB BIRTHDAYS!

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