January 15, 2008

Friday, January 18, 2008

GM, Coskata partnership builds on OSU biofuels research     
Biology based renewable energy company Coskata Inc. and automotive giant General Motors announced their cooperative plans to reduce fossil fuel consumption this past weekend, thanks in part to Coskata’s “next generation ethanol” process based on research and technology developed by the OSU Biofuels Team and licensed exclusively to Coskata. The process, using microorganisms licensed to Coskata as part of the OSU Biofuels research, has the potential to yield more than 100 gallons of ethanol per dry ton of carbonaceous feedstock, reducing production costs to less than $1 per gallon. In addition, an independent study shows microorganisms can reduce carbon dioxide emissions by as much as 84 percent compared to conventional gasoline. For more, click on the following link index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=866&Itemid=1

OSU team first to discover new canine virus in U.S.
A team of Oklahoma State University veterinarians at the Oklahoma Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory have published a paper in the Journal of Clinical Microbiology detailing their discovery of a new canine virus in the United States. Led by Dr. Sanjay Kapil, the group is the first to describe the CPV type 2c variant in the United States. The virus is different because it also kills adult dogs in addition to puppies by attacking the heart and intestines. “We were quite fortunate to discover this variant,” explains Kapil.  “It has been known for six years in Italy but nobody paid attention to it here until we found it last year.” Though not yet confirmed, the virus has already been blamed for several canine deaths in the U.S., including 600 puppies at a dog breeding operation. The group will continue to study CPV-2c, collaborating with others to search for more effective vaccines. For more information, visit http://www.cvhs.okstate.edu/.

OSU chemistry professor awarded third consecutive National Science Foundation grant
Professor Jeffery L. White has been awarded a three-year grant from the National Science Foundation for research titled “Polyolefin Miscibility: Novel Chain-Level Experiments to Create Miscible Blends.”  The $320,000 award is the third consecutive three-year grant White has received in this subject area from NSF, and upon completion in 2011 will represent a nine-year study funded at nearly $1 million total.
 
A new on-campus partnership with BlueCross BlueShield
The Employee Health Clinic at the Seretean Wellness Center announces a new partnership with BlueCross BlueShield of Oklahoma. The EHC is now a BlueChoice and BlueEdge provider, specializing in the treatment of minor and acute illnesses, as well as seasonal allergy problems. Also available are smoking cessation consultations and $25 physical examinations (including blood work). The EHC is conveniently located on campus and in most cases, same day appointments are available. For questions or to schedule an appointment, please call (405) 744-7556.  The OSU Seretean Wellness Center….striving to make OSU America’s HEALTHIEST Campus.

OSU Library hosts “Celebrating Books by OSU Authors”
The OSU Library will present the second annual “Celebrating Books by OSU Authors” Thursday, Jan. 31, from 2-4 p.m. in the Peggy V. Helmerich Browsing Room. This year, the library honors OSU employees who have authored, co-authored or edited a book or published a creative work such as musical composition, art exhibit catalog, or audio recording in 2006 or 2007. Visit http://www.library.okstate.edu/forms/authors.htm to learn more about participating.

Veterinary student recounts international experience
Get a glimpse of how much an international internship can mean to a veterinary student by traveling with Lorien Schoelkopf to Barcelona. Click here to read her brief but insightful report.

OSU Allied Arts to feature international award-winning classical guitarist
OSU Allied Arts will present international award-winning Petar Jankovic, Sunday, Jan. 20, at 8 p.m. at the Seretean Center Concert Hall. Known for his expressive performances and a technical mastery, this classical guitarist translates music into emotion. Tickets are available at the Student Union Hub at 405-744-7400.  For information please call 405-744-7509.

Scholarship offer
Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc. is offering a scholarship for non-Greek (not members of NPC, IFC, NPHC, or MGC) undergraduate minority students (students of color). The scholarship is open to ALL MAJORS with a cumulative GPA of 2.5 or better, at least 12 hours completed by the end of the semester, with extracurricular activities required. The deadline for this scholarship is Jan. 31. If you would like more information or a copy of the scholarship description, contact Phi Beta Sigma President Andre Storey at andreis@okstate.edu.

Did you know that aging can affect dietary intake?
Read this and other articles from OSU Ag Communications Services, click here   
 
How to submit news to OSU Headlines
To submit a short article or announcement for OSU Headlines, just click on the “submit news” link at the bottom of this page and send your information as text or a text file (no poster type or PDF formatted files, please). Please remember to include contact information and try to submit event news a week in advance.
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On the calendar…
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CEAT to host Guaranteed 4.0 Seminar
The College of Engineering, Architecture, and Technology, OSU Campus Life and D.W. Gates Engineering will host a Guaranteed 4.0 Seminar on Wednesday, Jan. 16, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. in the Student Union Theater. This free seminar will feature guest presenter Donna O. Johnson, author and founder of the Guaranteed 4.0 Learning System. This system provides an easy-to-follow three-step systematic framework that empowers students by enhancing their ability to learn principles and concepts. Seats must be reserved in order to attend the seminar. To sign-up, please register at http://mep.okstate.edu/copevent.html. For additional information about the Guaranteed 4.0 Learning System, please visit the following site: http://www.guaranteed4.com.
 
“Energy Efficiency Improvements for your Home” is next Noon Lions topic
Environmental Science doctoral student Jane Talkington is inviting OSU students, faculty and staff to upcoming Green Speaker Series meetings she organized for the Stillwater Noon Lions Club. Lunch is $8 from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Thursdays at the Best Western at McElroy and Perkins. This week's (Jan. 17) speaker is nationally recognized building scientist Kelly Parker, president of Guaranteed Watt Saver, on the lowest cost path to retrofit existing homes to reduce energy bills. RSVP with $8 to Jane Talkington at GreenQueen@hotmail.com or (405) 714-1919.

Fight styles director for Lord of the Rings to lecture Jan. 17
Tony Wolf, fight styles director for the award-winning trilogy “The Lord of the Rings,” will present a lecture on physical theater and film on Thursday, Jan. 17, at 7 p.m. at the Seretean Center for the Performing Arts. The lecture is free and open to the public. Wolf is best known for his work on “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, working on the epic film from 1998 to 2000. For more information, contact the OSU Theatre Department at (405) 744-6094 or go to http://www.cas.okstate.edu/. Wolf’s visit is funded by the Fae Rawdon Norris Foundation, and the OSU Arts and Sciences Arts and Humanities Lecture Series.
 
OSU Chapter of STC presents Photoshop Workshop this weekend
The Oklahoma State University Society for Technical Communication, along with MK’s Photography, is presenting a demonstration and workshop on using the computer program Adobe Photoshop. The workshops are Saturday, Jan. 19, and include two sessions. Session one is from 9 a.m. to noon; session two is from 1 to 3 p.m. Breakfast will be served at the first session, and light refreshments will be served at the second. Seating is limited and pre-registration is encouraged. For reservations, e-mail osu.stc@gmail.com. The cost is $10 in advance, $15 at the door if seating is available. Participants can bring projects or photos to use in the session.
 
Civil rights leader to speak at OSU
Dr. Mary Frances Berry, author and professor who served on the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights under three U.S. presidents, will speak at OSU-Stillwater Friday, Jan. 25, from 7 – 9 p.m. at the Wes Watkins Center. Berry is currently the Geraldine R. Segal Professor of American Social Thought and professor of history at the University of Pennsylvania. One of the founders of the Free South Africa Movement, Berry served as provost at the University of Maryland early in her career. Her appearance is part of OSU’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration sponsored by the OSU Student Government Association. The lecture is free and open to the public. For more information, click on the following link index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=861&Itemid=1

Nominations requested for “Student Employee of the Year”
Do you know a student who best embodies the contributions and achievements of students who work while attending college? Nomination materials and guidelines are available at www.okstate.edu/finaid/seoty  . The nomination deadline is Friday, Feb. 1. Questions?  Contact James Rupp, (405) 744-7056, james.rupp@okstate.edu. The contest is sponsored by the Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid and OSU Career Services in conjunction with the National Student Employment Association’s National Student Employee of the Year contest. The winner of the national contest will receive a $1,000 cash award.

Vegetarian cooking series at Seretean Wellness Center
If your impression of vegetarian cooking means tofu and protein patties, this cooking series will change your mind. Learn the basic concepts behind vegetarian cooking and discover the endless creativity of everyday vegetarian. The following classes have been scheduled:  Jan. 17, stews and chili; and Jan. 24, casseroles and one-pot wonders.  All classes are from noon – 1 p.m. and will be held at the Seretean Wellness Center demonstration kitchen, 1514 W. Hall of Fame. Cost of each class is $15 per person. Class size is limited. Each class involves a taste testing, but not a complete meal. Menu is based on availability of fresh fruits and vegetables and may change without notice. For questions, the complete menu, or to register for any of these classes, contact the Seretean Wellness Center at 744.WELL (9355) or e-mail wellness@okstate.edu.

Kick the habit – new help available
The Oklahoma Tobacco Settlement Endowment Trust has developed a new interactive website which provides free coaching sessions and offers personal tracking tools and discussion forums. Access is granted to this website by calling 1-800-784-8669. For a limited time, Oklahomans who call the telephone coaching service will also receive a free two-week starter kit of nicotine patches or gum sent to their homes. Call 1-800-784-8669 between 7 a.m. and 11 p.m., seven days a week. If you need additional assistance, please contact the Seretean Wellness Center at 744.WELL (9355). 
 
Wellness tip: Extra lean                                       
Have you seen the term, "extra lean," on the food label of meat or poultry? This means that the food contains less than 5 grams of total fat per 3.5 ounce serving. It also has less than 2 grams of saturated fat and 95 mg. of cholesterol per 3.5 ounce serving. To save fat and calories, consider selecting extra lean ground beef and turkey when making burgers and casseroles. Wellness tips are brought to you by the OSU Seretean Wellness Center, dedicated to making OSU the Healthiest Campus in America. For more information about services for students, faculty and staff, call 744-WELL (9355).