February 1, 2010
Assessing the impact of biotech on farming
The growing role of biotechnology in agriculture raises many questions. Environmental management and economics professor Dave Ervin is leading a National Academy of Sciences investigation into biotechnology's impact on farm sustainability. The panel will explore the environmental, economic, and social impacts of using genetically engineered crops, and their prospects for the future. Read more about outstanding faculty >
More dollars for energy efficiency
The University was recently awarded a $1 million grant to drill geo-thermal wells near Science Building 2 and purchase a 1,000-ton heat pump for additional heating and cooling in the 13-building campus energy loop. The Portland Development Commission assisted the University in applying for the Oregon Department of Energy, State Energy Program grant. It is one of 18 renewable energy projects that received funding by the state in December through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
The project supports Portland's and PSU's renewable energy goals by reducing the use of natural gas and electricity while lowering carbon emissions. Design work has begun, and well construction will start this summer. The system should be operational in 2011. The energy loop serves approximately 40 percent of the campus square footage.
Look up for new art
A new fabric scrim covers the underside of the skybridge between Cramer Hall and Smith Memorial Student Union. It joins new concrete, benches, and trees, and compliments the breezeway between Smith Union and Neuberger Hall, which was updated in 2008.
Jack Finley passes away
Jack Finley, associate professor emeritus of social work, died Dec. 31 from cancer. He was 79. Services were held on Jan. 8, but his guest book may still be signed through The Columbian newspaper. Dr. Finley was on faculty at Portland State from 1967 through 1993. He contributed substantially to the School of Social Work's development as the institution's first graduate program. Read more >
Funding available for two-day grants seminar
The National Institutes of Health is offering a two-day seminar on Program Funding and Grants Administration June 24 and 25 in Portland. The PSU Office of Research and Sponsored Projects will pay half the registration cost for up to 10 faculty members and five research administrative professionals chosen through a lottery system. Those interested should contact Kam Pierce at piercek@pdx.edu by Feb. 12, using the e-mail subject line "NIH Regional Seminar Lottery."
Recipients will be responsible for funding $200 of the total $400 registration costs (e.g. departmental funds, personal funds). In addition, there is an optional eRA Computer Workshop on June 23, for an additional fee of $150, of which ORSP would pay $75.
Bring in old cell phones and batteries
The campus is again competing in RecycleMania, a 10-week national intercollegiate waste-minimization competition. Now in the third week, PSU Recycles is collecting cell phones and batteries Feb. 1-5 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in 28 Smith Union. Working cell phones will be donated to the PSU Women's Resource Center for reuse. Check PSU EcoWiki for PSU's stats, rankings, and recycling information.
Women's golf starts this weekend
The Vikings will begin their quest for the Big Sky Conference Championship on Feb. 7-9 at the Gold Rush Golf Tournament, hosted by Long Beach State in Seal Beach, Calif. It will be the first of five spring tournaments leading up to the Big Sky Championship, April 19-21, at Ocotillo Golf Club in Chandler, Ariz.
The Vikings have earned four Big Sky titles in the past seven years, the most recent in 2008. Head coach Kathleen Takaishi leads her nine-player squad for a third season. The Vikings have three seniors, including 2009 first team All-Big Sky Conference golfer Stephanie Johns.
For February 2010
Notices | People | Presented | Published/Exhibited | Grants
