Campus FYI for 10/17

Selby honored with WSU Foundation award

Gay Selby, clinical professor and education leadership program chair in the College of Education, was recently recognized with the Faculty/Staff Outstanding Volunteer Service Award from the WSU Foundation. This award recognizes extraordinary sustained volunteer service on behalf of the WSU Foundation and WSU. Gay was presented the award at the WSU Foundation Board of Trustees meeting in Pullman by President Kirk Schulz and Vice President and CEO of the WSU Foundation John Gardner.

The WSU Vancouver Development and Alumni Relations team nominated Gay for this prestigious award for her diehard Cougar spirit and the countless hours she volunteers to further WSU and WSU Vancouver. Whenever a dedicated Coug is needed, Gay is on speed dial!

How mice sing could result in better human speech disorder studies

Elena Mahrt, a Ph.D. student in the School of Biological Sciences and employee in the Portfors lab, has co-authored a paper that appeared in the Oct. 10 edition of Current Biology. The paper, “Mice produce ultrasonic vocalizations by intra-laryngeal planar impinging jets,” shows that mice make unique, high-frequency sounds using a mechanism that has only previously been observed in supersonic jet engines. Mice and their songs are often used to study communications disorders in humans. Until now it has not been understood how mice make these ultrasonic sounds. This discovery may lead to more effective animal models for studying human speech disorders.

Elena’s co-authors include Anurag Agarwal, University of Cambridge; David Perkel, University of Washington; and Coen P.H. Elemans, University of Southern Denmark. Their paper led to more than 20 media stories worldwide. See “In the News” for examples.

Earthquake drill scheduled for Thursday

The Great Shakeout earthquake drill will take place at 10:20 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 20. WSU Vancouver will join millions of people worldwide in practicing how to drop, cover and hold on. Participating is a great way to be prepared to survive and recover quickly from a big earthquake. The drill will be announced using the mass notification system and campus public address systems.

Don’t get phished

Phishing is the attempt to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords and credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity. Phishing is dependent on you—the user—clicking on harmful links included in the email. Don’t let this be you! It’s best never to click on links in an email, even if you know the party who is sending it. When in doubt, forward the email to abuse@wsu.edu. You may also call the Vancouver IT HelpDesk at 6-9770 or email van.evita@wsu.edu.

Election Day looms

Remember Washington laws prohibit the use of state resources to support or oppose candidates or ballot measures. State employees, like other citizens, have the right to campaign and engage in political activities on their own time, provided they do not use state resources and make it clear they are not speaking on behalf of WSU. Learn more.

Way to go!

Thank you, Allison Coffin, assistant professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, for jumping in at the last minute to speak to the Downtown Rotary Club of Vancouver. Alli talked about her research on hearing loss. Speaking to this group of 150 business leaders helps shine a light on the research taking place at WSU Vancouver. If you are interested in speaking to this group about your research, please contact Jennifer Miltenberger, director of development and alumni relations.

Bill Grieser, instructor and outreach coordinator; and Jeff Leake, outreach coordinator, both for the College of Arts and Sciences, attended the White House Frontiers conference in Pittsburgh, Pa. last Thursday as guests of the White House Office of Science & Technology Policy. This conference, hosted by President Obama, is aimed at recognizing innovations and innovators in technology, education, brain research and other frontiers. Bill and Jeff shared their arts-integrated approach to neuroscience education.

Events

Open Educational Resources

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Oct. 17 and 18
Dengerink Administration Building, alcove near cafe

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Oct. 19
Multimedia Classroom Building, first floor lobby

11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Oct. 20
Science and Engineering Building, first floor lobby

See print and online Open Educational Resource examples, talk about OERs and opportunities to adapt, adopt or create them.

Lessons Learned in Predicting Forest Response to Climate Change

3:10 p.m. Oct. 17
Science and Engineering Building, Room 12

Distinguished O.S.U. Emeritus Professor Forest Ecology/Ecosystems, College of Forestry, OSU Richard Waring will share lessons learned over the last 20 years of collaborative research and a few ideas on how to manage forests that won't stand still.

All Abilities Mobility

5:10 – 6 p.m. Oct. 17
Fitness Center, Group Fitness Room

Come for a low-impact fitness class with modifications and lots of chair work.

In Her Shoes

Noon Oct. 18
Library, Rooms 260, 264 and 265

Step inside the story of a survivor of domestic violence and make “choices.” These choices reveal barriers and obstacles survivors may face in domestic violence situations including immigration, family and community.

Invisible Disability to Ability

1:30 – 2:30 p.m. Oct. 19
Fitness Center, Group Fitness Room

Learn tips and tools for recognizing and navigating mental and emotional health.

Film Screening: “Salam, Neighbor”

4 p.m. Oct. 19
Dengerink Administration Building, Room 110

Two American filmmakers travel to the edge of war to live with 85,000 Syrian refugees in Jordan's Za'atari camp. Get an intimate look at the heartbreak and hope on the frontlines of the world's most dire refugee crisis.

Different Spokes Cycling Demo

10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Oct 20
The Quad

Take a spin through the Quad on an adaptive bike, trike, wheelchair or hand cycle.

Cougar Football Viewing Party

7 p.m. Oct. 22
Mill Creek Pub, 1710 SW 9th, Suite 101, Battle Ground, WA 98604

WSU vs. Arizona State