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Innovation centers, groups selected for funding

October 13, 2009

The Office of Academic Affairs (OAA) and the Office of Research (OR) have announced the establishment of two Centers for Innovation and three Innovation Groups. The Centers for Innovation and Innovation Group programs were created by the university to encourage trans-institutional and interdisciplinary scholarship across campus.  Many outstanding proposals were submitted for this competition, addressing issues and problems of global dimension that affect the quality of the human condition.  The following proposals have been selected for funding:

Centers for Innovation:

OSU International Poverty Solutions Collaborative

Principal Investigators: Howard Goldstein, College of Education and Human Ecology; Jay Barney, Fisher College of Business

(More than 60 faculty members from 14 colleges)

Efforts to eradicate poverty have been limited by disciplinary, unidimensional approaches.  The International Poverty Solutions Collaborative recognizes the multidisciplinary nature of poverty and will work to develop and evaluate comprehensive, culturally-sensitive solutions that allow individuals, families, and communities to thrive.  The center will clarify the interrelations among economic, social, cultural, educational, health, and political factors that combine to create poverty conditions.  Four research teams will focus on promoting health and well-being, designing physical environments, developing business and economic opportunities, and building families, schools, and communities.  These teams will interact with four community laboratories, spanning urban, rural, and international settings.

Food Innovation Center:  Foods for Global Security, Safety, and Health Promotion

Principal Investigator:  Ken Lee, College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

(More than 80 faculty members from 12 colleges)

Feeding the rapidly growing world population (a projected 8 billion by 2025) will require a 40% increase in the world food supply, at a time when we are wasting 40% of the current supply due to challenges in economics, safety, health, nutrition, security, technology, and food policy.  The Food Innovation Center brings together a multidisciplinary group of researchers to attack the food crisis by addressing four themes:  designing foods for health, ensuring food safety, advancing biomedical nutrition in disease prevention and health promotion, and global food strategy and policy.

Innovation Groups:

Complexity in Human, Natural, and Engineered Systems

Principal Investigator: David Woods, College of Engineering

(More than 20 faculty members from 8 colleges)

Complex systems are everywhere, from anthills to ecosystems, from small towns to metropolitan regions, and from distributed robotics to air traffic control networks.  This Innovation Group will bring theorists and empirical researchers from many disciplines together to evaluate the dynamics and output of a wide array of complex systems, and to create models that can predict the behavior of these systems. This group will work to position Ohio State as a leader in the rapidly emerging field of complexity science.

OSU Center for Ethics and Human Values

Principal Investigator:  Donald Hubin, Arts and Humanities, Colleges of the Arts and Sciences

(35 faculty members from 11 colleges)

Every problem confronting us, both individually and globally, has important ethical dimensions, which are critical considerations in any proposed solutions.  The OSU Center for Ethics and Human Values encompasses researchers from across the campus whose work involves foundational or applied ethics in a forum that will create a new capacity to address emerging ethical issues in all areas of life.  In addition, the group will facilitate ethics instruction at both undergraduate and graduate levels, promoting an “ethics across the curriculum” approach to ethics education.

Computational Modeling of Global Infectious Disease Threats and Policy

Principal Investigator:  Daniel Janies, College of Medicine

(14 faculty members from 7 colleges

The emergence, reemergence, and spread of infectious diseases among humans and animals represent a complex and critical global problem. Combating the spread of infectious disease requires the collaboration of researchers in public health, medicine, biology, public policy, and social science-as well as mathematics and statistics.  This group will develop cross-disciplinary means of discovering the biological, clinical, environmental, and social causes of the spread of infectious diseases via computational modeling of pathogens and hosts, and will engage present and future scientists and policy makers in a dialogue to enhance the control of infectious diseases.

Background

Center for Innovation proposals came directly from the faculty and were required to involve at least 30 faculty members drawn from a minimum of eight colleges. The two new Centers for Innovation will receive $750,000/year for a five-year period with the expectation that each center will become self-sufficient at the end of the funding period.

Innovation Group proposals also came directly from faculty and were required to involve at least 10 faculty members drawn from a minimum of three colleges.  The three new Innovation Groups will receive $20,000/year for a three-year period.  The Innovation Groups selected have the potential to grow into Centers of Innovation.

Symposium here sets cosmological agenda for next decade

October 12, 2009

World experts on the nature of the universe have come to campus this week (Oct. 12-14) for the inaugural symposium of the Center for Cosmology and Astro-Particle Physics. Attendees will set the research priorities to enable fundamental breakthroughs in the next 10 years. Among the questions they will discuss: What is the nature of dark matter and dark energy? And what are the origins of high-energy cosmic rays? A special public lecture by University of Wisconsin-Madison physicist Francis Halzen will reveal how researchers are using ice at the bottom of the world to capture some of the most energetic particles in the universe. The lecture will take place tonight, (Monday October 12) at 7:30 p.m. in rm. E0001 Scott Laboratory (201 W. 19th Ave.).

More information about the symposium: http://ccapp.osu.edu/workshops/Symposium/2009/workshop.html

More information about the public lecture:

http://ccapp.osu.edu/workshops/Symposium/2009/publiclecture.html

Contact: Michael Stamatikos, stamatikos.1@osu.edu or Michael.Stamatikos-1@nasa.gov

Preparations continue for potential pandemic

September 15, 2009

Text of an e-mail sent by Vice President for Human Resources Larry Lewellen to all faculty and staff:
(please click on http://flu.osu.edu for more Ohio State flu-related information).

To: All staff
Subject: Flu Pandemic Preparations
From: Larry Lewellen, Vice President, Human Resources

Autumn is a time of excitement on the Ohio State campus as students return to begin a new academic year, and anticipation builds as the kickoff of another Buckeyes’ football season approaches.

It’s also the beginning of flu season. This year we have to be prepared not only for seasonal flu but for the H1N1 flu as well. While health officials in the CDC and elsewhere have differing opinions on how the H1N1 flu will progress over the next 6 to 12 months, nearly all of them agree on the need to review and update plans for managing a possible pandemic. References to this flu also are changing. H1N1 mirrors the seasonal flu, and because health officials are no longer testing for this strain, we are now referring to it as Influenza-Like Illness (ILI).

Because the health and safety of faculty, staff, and students are the university’s highest priorities, we are putting a comprehensive plan in place to minimize the spread of disease and to care for the university community. A web site has been developed (http://flu.osu.edu) that will provide information about the plan and status updates, as well as up-to-date developments and detailed information, including prevention tips and guidance on when to seek medical care.

Meanwhile, you should know that health officials at Ohio State and the City of Columbus are closely monitoring the spread and mutations of the H1N1 flu. In all our planning, we will follow CDC guidelines and recommendations. In addition:

• Our biggest emphasis will be on prevention through education and vaccination.
• Ohio State will treat all cases of the flu as if they were H1N1.
• Students, faculty, and staff who are ill with influenza-like symptoms should stay home, self isolate and contact their primary health care provider if symptoms worsen.

Given the unique nature of our Medical Center’s work environment, additional information, specific to Medical Center faculty and staff, will be communicated on an ongoing basis from influenzaupdate@osumc.edu.

Staff play a crucial role in the day to day operations of the university, and some may be assigned individual tasks or responsibilities under the university’s comprehensive plan to minimize the spread of disease and to care for the university community. In addition, here are things every staff member should know:

• Child care will remain available to currently enrolled families unless the state/county department of health mandates closure. The Child Care Program may be able to accommodate children of essential personnel needing back-up care because of their own child care closures, however, if we are in a widespread health crisis authorities may advise against it. Families need to make several back-up plans, not count on just one.
• All faculty and staff should prepare themselves and their families by becoming familiar with Individuals and families planning page at Flu.gov and reviewingOhio State’s Work Life Guidance to Prepare for Pandemic Flu or Other Catastrophic Disaster.
• Be aware of your unit’s business continuity plans and the role you play in a recovery situation. Pay special attention to continuity strategies when a large number of staff are unavailable.
• Employees and supervisors should review the individual’s designation as essential, alternate, or standby, and what it means. Employees may have different designations for a pandemic, severe winter weather, significant power outage, etc.
• Employees and supervisors should make concrete plans to enable individuals to work from home in case of pandemic or other disaster and identify what specific work is appropriate if this becomes necessary.
• If the pandemic flu worsens and a university state of emergency is declared, university policies remain in force. Some key policies you should familiarize yourself with are:
  o Disaster Preparedness and University State of Emergency, Policy 6.17
  o Paid Leave Programs, Policy 6.27
  o Unpaid Leave, Policy 6.45
  o Family and Medical Leave, Policy 6.05

I sincerely appreciate your help in disseminating this crucial news.

Questions or concerns can be sent to emergencymanagement@dps.ohio-state.edu

USAC brings staff pep rally back as standalone event

September 4, 2009

By Adam King

The pageantry of Ohio State football returns to campus early with the revival of the University Staff Advisory Committee Pep Rally for all staff from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Sept. 11 on the Oval in front of Bricker Hall.

Last year the pep rally was folded into the Rally for Wellness at French Fieldhouse. But USAC was concerned it didn’t supply the punch needed to get staff excited for the upcoming season.

“The Rally for Wellness focus is on health and wellness, and it should stay that way,” said USAC Chair Amy Ehrlich. “The pep rally is outside, which gives it a whole other atmosphere. It should have its own energy and therefore remain its own entity.”

President Gordon Gee is scheduled to speak, and the band, cheerleaders and Brutus will be there to whip up the crowd’s enthusiasm for what could be another incredible year for the Buckeyes. Free popcorn and soda will be served too.

“It’s another way to show staff we appreciate what they do,” Ehrlich said. “I went to school at OSU, and remember just sitting on the Oval. It is an awesome place to hold the rally. And it’s a great excuse for people who maybe don’t always get to the central part of campus to come join us and experience a true bonding opportunity with their fellow employees.”

Staff are encouraged to wear their best OSU regalia, bond with Gee and shout O-H-I-O as loud as possible.

Of course, what would a rally be without some predictions. Ehrlich said the opener against Navy will be a win, “but we’ve got some growing pains to go through, so I think it will be 24-3.”

Overall she said it will be a one-loss season, but not to Southern Cal, which she predicts the Buckeyes will be beat at home. Winning on the road at Penn State is the tough assignment, Ehrlich said.

“I really hope the team can do it, though,” she said. “What kind of great year would we have then?”

Ohio State soil scientist receives international award

August 12, 2009

NEW DELHI, India - Ohio State professor Rattan Lal received the prestigious international M.S. Swaminathan Award from the Trust for the Advancement of Agricultural Sciences on Aug. 11 in New Delhi, India.

Lal, a world-renowned soil scientist, is traveling in India with Ohio State President Gordon Gee and Bobby Moser, vice president for Agricultural Administration and Dean of the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. They are seeking global partners for the university. Continue reading ‘Ohio State soil scientist receives international award’

Senate finalizes semester calendar

July 6, 2009

By Jeff McCallister

This autumn’s incoming class of freshmen will be the first to graduate from Ohio State under a new academic calendar based on semesters rather than quarters.

That much had been determined in March when University Senate voted overwhelmingly to convert to a semester-based calendar for the 2012-13 academic year. The Board of Trustees approved the switch at its April 3 meeting. Continue reading ‘Senate finalizes semester calendar’

Construction alert: Thousands expected to attend weekend events

June 24, 2009

Ohio State will be a very busy place this weekend as the 2009 Ohio Special Olympics Summer Games take place at several campus locations. Some 7,000-10,000 visitors are expected to attend the annual games, which kick off Friday afternoon (6/26) at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. Heavy pedestrian traffic throughout campus and particularly around RPAC and Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium is anticipated. Officers will be available to maintain vehicle and pedestrian traffic in these areas during the event.

 

The continuation of the State Route 315 construction project, in addition to the Special Olympics Summer Games, will generate heavy traffic along Kenny Road, Olentangy River Road, High Street as well as Lane Avenue and possibly Woody Hayes Drive. During this time, motorists should anticipate parking shortages and traffic delays and are encouraged to plan accordingly to reduce frustration.

 

During the SR 315 construction, southbound traffic for Ohio Special Olympics may use the Ackerman and Lane Avenue exits and Northbound traffic should use the Lane Avenue exit. Additionally, campus is accessible via I-71 from Hudson Street for southbound traffic, and from 11th Avenue for northbound traffic.

 

Traffic leaving the area going northbound will be directed to the Ackerman Road entrance ramp via Kenny and Olentangy River Road. Traffic going southbound will be directed to the Olentangy/Goodale entrance ramp via Kenny and Olentangy River Road. Options for alternate outbound traffic include I-71 via 11th Avenue or Fifth Avenue.

 

– > Read more:

SR 315 project: http://www.buckeyetraffic.org/315

Campus parking: http://tp.osu.edu/alerts/summerconstruction.shtml

Summer Games:

http://www.sooh.org/events.php?eventID=1918

Student Wetland Research Awards for 2009 announced

June 23, 2009

 

Adam Kautza, a graduate student in Ohio State’s School of Environment and Natural Resources and Sara McCarthy, an undergraduate honors student in SENR, shared the 2009 Sipp Wetland Research Award. Students doing research on wetlands and rivers compete annually for this award that is administered by the Olentangy River Wetland Research Park.

Read more: http://swamp.osu.edu/news/2009_SIPP_award.html

Concert, construction likely to cause traffic headaches

June 15, 2009

Faculty and staff planning to attend the Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood concert today (6/15) at the Schottenstein Center are reminded that SR 315 construction is likely to create heavy traffic around campus. However, the Medical Center exit ramp and the Lane Avenue entrance ramp to 315 north will still be open this evening. Kenny Road, Olentangy River Road, High Street, Lane Avenue and Woody Hayes Drive are all likely to experience traffic congestion. Traffic officers will be placed strategically around campus to assist motorists.

Concert goers should plan to arrive early for the 8 p.m. show (doors open at 6:30 p.m.) and also anticipate delays leaving the university area. For those who want to arrive before the doors open, there will be live music as well as food and drink on the northeast side of Schottenstein.

If you have a disability and construction temporarily interrupts your access, contact L. Scott Lissner at mailto:ADA-OSU@osu.edu or 292-6207.

Read more: SR 315 project: http://www.buckeyetraffic.org/315

Campus parking: http://tp.osu.edu/alerts/summerconstruction.shtml

Road work on 315 will challenge campus drivers

June 9, 2009

See ODOT map with ramp closures here

by Adam King

Getting to campus via state Route 315 is going to be trickier this summer and well into fall. Bridge and repaving work being done will close the northbound lanes starting in June from Interstate 670 through the Ackerman Road exit.

Continue reading ‘Road work on 315 will challenge campus drivers’

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