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WELCOME TO OSUToday, the latest news and information for faculty and staff of The Ohio State University for Thursday, Oct. 9. The deadline for submissions is noon the prior business day.

Headline news

Scientists simulate gut reaction to arsenic exposure

A simulated gastrointestinal system is helping scientists test contaminated soil for its potential to harm humans. The method, led by Nicholas Basta, professor of soil and environmental chemistry in the School of Environment and Natural Resources is likely to save time and money for people hoping to repurpose land with an industrial past. For children who might play on contaminated soil and ingest dirt, the testing is considered particularly important. Chronic exposure to arsenic can cause cancer, impaired nerve function, kidney and liver damage, and skin lesions. Read more >

Latest issue of onCampus recognizes Research Awareness Month

In recognition of Research Awareness Month, the Oct. 9 issue of onCampus takes a close look at research here, from the beginning of the process to its conclusions. Here's a sampling of stories from the online version:

• Collaboration, recognition will be focus of new Vice President for Research Caroline Whitacre. Read more >
• Research: It's not just for graduate students. Read more >
• The Office of Technology Licensing and Commercialization plays key role in OSU research. Read more >
  

Oct. 10: Author Fred Pearce to deliver When the Rivers Run Dry

The Climate, Water, and Carbon Program at OSU is presenting noted environmental author Fred Pearce to deliver "When the Rivers Run Dry" - this week’s Environmental Science Graduate Program lecture on Friday (10/10) in 1080 Physics Research Building. The fall quarter ESGP Seminar series is sponsored by OSU’s Institute for Energy and the Environment. Seminars are presented from 3:30-5 p.m. every Friday, through (11/7). Contact: potter.138@osu.edu

Oct. 20 deadline for Distinguished Scholar Award nominations

The Office of Research is requesting nominations for the 2009 University Distinguished Scholar Award. Each year through the DSA program the university recognizes and honors six faculty whose scholarly activities, research or other creative works are at the forefront of their respective disciplines. Each award recipient will receive a research grant of $20,000 for the pursuit of further scholarly activity and a $3,000 honorarium. Nominations are due Monday (10/20). Applications packets are available online.

Apply for fall Digital Storytelling Workshop

Would you like to tell the story of your teaching, research or outreach through a video or audio project? OSU's Digital Storytelling team invites you to apply for an intensive, hands-on Digital Storytelling workshop to be held Monday (12/15)-Wednesday (12/17). Project ideas related to teaching, research or outreach will be given preference. Deadline is Friday (10/17). Detailed information and applications are available at telr.osu.edu/storytelling.

Research on Writing and Composition in 21st Century Contexts

This research initiative will award $3,000-$5,000 grants and is intended to encourage the study of writing and composition, broadly defined. This fall the CSTW Research Review Committee will award four research grants. Successful research projects will address issues and contexts (both digital and non-digital) that characterize writing and composition in the 21st century. The due date for proposals is Friday (11/14). View a complete call for research proposals online. Contact: CSTW Director Richard Selfe, selfe.3@osu.edu

PSL 2008 Mock Presidential and Vice Presidential Debates Oct. 14

The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Alumni Society is teaming up with the Politics, Society, and Law Scholars for the PSL 2008 Mock Presidential and Vice Presidential Debates from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Tuesday (10/14) in the Wexner Center for the Arts Film Theater and Cafe. The debates feature four current PSL students portraying the vice presidential and presidential candidates. The moderator is NBC4 News Anchor Colleen Marshall and consultants for the candidates are Herb Asher, professor emeritus, political science and Greg Lashutka, former mayor of Columbus. A reception will follow. The event is free. No RSVP required. Contact: freeman.259@osu.edu

OSU to host Ohio Land Use Conference Nov. 17

Land Use Policy in Turbulent Times is the theme of the 2008 Ohio Land Use Conference, hosted by OSU Extension and taking place Monday (11/17) at the Nationwide & Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center on campus. Speakers include Sean Logan, director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, speaking on “Regional Approaches to Resource Protection” and Marvin Hayes, Gov. Ted Strickland’s director of Urban Development and Infrastructure, who will discuss “The Prosperity Agenda.” Registration deadline has been extended to Friday (11/7). For details, visit comdev.osu.edu/landuse_conf08.html or contact hall.673@osu.edu.

School of PAES, TELR to host Distance Learning Conference

The School of Physical Activity and Educational Services (College of Education and Human Ecology) and TELR will host the second annual Distance Learning Conference, The Future of Distance Education in Ohio, from 8:30 a.m.-noon Friday (10/24). Keynote speaker is Kate Carey, executive director, Ohio Learning Network. Participants may choose one of three break-out workshops on topics related to distance learning. The cost of the conference is $25 for faculty and staff, $10 for students. To register, contact David Stein, 292-0988 or stein.1@osu.edu by Friday (10/17).

Dissertation Writing Groups are currently forming

Interdisciplinary Dissertation Writing Groups, comprised of three to five writers and a trained facilitator from the OSU Writing Center, meet weekly and provide timely, consistent, supportive feedback to writers on a rotating basis for approximately an hour. If you are interested in joining a group, contact Rachel Clark at writinggroups@osu.edu.

Today only: Presale offer for Duran Duran tickets

Duran Duran will take the stage in Value City Arena on Monday (12/8). OSU faculty and staff have access to the presale now until 10 p.m. today (10/9). Use the password CARPET in the box marked "presale" at the link below. Tickets go on sale to the public at 10 a.m. Friday (10/10) at the Box Office and Ticketmaster. Click here to purchase tickets.