What’s Your Story – Campus Campaign Updates

Keep an eye on this page for Campus Campaign updates and stories.  If your department is doing fun things for the campaign or you have photos of campaign activities, please send them to badger.50@osu.edu to post on the page.

Our campaign goal is all about participation. CFAES has over 1,800 faculty and staff members. Imagine what wonderful things we can make possible if everyone gives a little!

Spaceship in the Desert

Gökçe Günel of the University of Arizona presents “Spaceship in the Desert: Energy, Climate Change and Urban Design in Abu Dhabi” at 4 p.m. March 26 in Room 1080, Derby Hall, on Ohio State’s Columbus campus. Admission is free and open to the public. Ohio State’s Cultures of the Anthropecene working group, part of the Humanities Institute, is the event’s host.

Günel is the author of a new book, scheduled to be published next year by Duke University Press, that carries the same title as her lecture. She is an assistant professor in Arizona’s School of Middle Eastern and North African Studies.

The event flyer says that in 2006, the city of Abu Dhabi, capital of the oil-rich United Arab Emirates, “launched an ambitious project to construct the world’s first ‘zero-carbon’ city: Masdar City.” Günel’s talk, the flyer says, will investigate “the construction of renewable energy and clean technology infrastructures … as the era of abundant oil supplies comes to an end.”

Click here for more information.

Sustainable Supply Chain Through the Lens of Reinvention

School of Environment and Natural Resources
Environmental Professionals Network

Sustainable Supply Chain Through the Lens of Reinvention

A conversation with:

  • Dr. Nadya Zhexembayeva – co-founder and chief reinvention officer at We Exist Reinvention Agency
  • Katie Fornadel – supply planning analyst at Patagonia
  • Frank O’Brien-Bernini – vice president and chief sustainability officer for Owens Corning
  • Sarah Moore – retail project manager and sustainability strategist at Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams

EPN Flyer

Monday, April 16, 2018
7 – 8:40 p.m.
The Ohio State University
Ohio Union Archie M. Griffin Grand Ballroom
1739 N High St, Columbus, OH 43210

Click here to register.

Ohio is home to thousands of environmental professionals working every day to make the world a better place. The Environmental Professionals Network (EPN) is a service of the School of Environment and Natural Resources that connects and grows environmental professionals in-person and online.

Team Science Education Session

Team Science and the Role of Research Development Professionals
March 21, 2018
11 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Video-linked: Research Services 130 (Wooster), Kottman Hall 200 (Columbus)  
Click here
to register.

Federal agencies are increasingly allocating funding to address societal grand challenges. Universities understand that mounting successful efforts in response require team science approaches. RA/RD professionals play an essential role in supporting these efforts. This presentation will define types of team science, describe major award programs supported by several of the federal agencies, and discuss how RA/RD can facilitate the successful development and submission of these proposals.

Our presenter, Dr. Kate Hayes-Ozello, has a scientific background in virology/immunology and over the past 15 years developed offices of grant support at department and college levels. Presently, she is a proposal development specialist supporting faculty teams in the Ohio State Translational Data Analytics Institute to pursue large, strategic federal funding opportunities.

Click here to view a full listing of upcoming events on the Grant Development Support Unit’s calendar.

Annual BioBased Systems Workshop

Date and Location Change

The workshop will now take place on Sept. 10, 2018, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center in Columbus.

Stakeholders from academia, commodity groups, and industry will come together to share knowledge and experiences in the development and commercialization of biobased materials at the Advanced Biobased Systems Workshop: Pipeline to Commercialization.

“The workshop is an opportunity to gain understanding from the big picture perspective as well as case studies that illustrate the commercialization process, including challenges and overcoming them,” said event organizer Dr. Ajay Shah, assistant professor in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE)  and head of the Biobased Systems Analysis Lab.

“The Ohio Soybean Council (OSC) is excited to provide support for this workshop,” said Barry McGraw, OSC director of Product Development and Commercialization. “It fits our mission of expanding the development of soy-based products and technologies, improving the profitability of Ohio’s soybean farmers.”

Several Ohio State researchers and industry leaders will be sharing their ideas and experiences in the commercialization process for biobased fuels and products.

Industry leaders such as Mike Feazel, Co-Founder and CEO of Roof Max Technologies, LLC, will be sharing examples of the impact bio-based products have had in their areas.

“Roof Maxx is showing great promise as a biobased solution that can have a major impact on the roofing industry,” said Feazel. “The bio-based business model is proving viable, important for successful movement to bio-based production systems across many markets, which I see as a sensible approach for achieving economic and environmental sustainability.”

Feazel will present “Soy-based Emulsion for Extending Roof Shingle Life: A Case Study.”

Three FABE faculty will also be presenting at the workshop:

  • Dr. Scott Shearer will present “Big Data Driven Optimization of Feedstock Logistics for Biobased Industries.”
  • Dr. Katrina Cornish will present “Developing Applications for Natural Rubber Alternatives.”
  • Dr. Ajay Shah will present “Techno-economic and Life Cycle Analyses: Why it’s important.”

“The goal is to develop greater understanding and networks that will lead to continue growth in this important industry,” said Shah.

Registration is $60, or $75 after Aug. 27, 2018. Registration includes continental breakfast, lunch, and access to a networking event following the workshop. The workshop is sponsored by the Ohio Soybean Council, OSU’s Sustainable and Resilient Economy Discovery Theme, OBIC, and BioHio.

Click here to learn more about the workshop’s sessions and speakers.

HR Updates

Dependent Tuition Assistance
The enrollment window for dependent tuition assistance for the 2018 summer semester is March 12 – June 15, 2018. For dependent tuition assistance, applications must be submitted each term. Click here for more information.

Staff Benefits and Wellness Expo
Join us at the Staff Benefits and Wellness Expo on March 13, 2018, from 11 – 1 p.m. in the Performance Hall at the Ohio Union. Historically known as the Hidden Benefits Fair, the Staff Benefits and Wellness Expo is taking place in partnership with the Office of the Chief Wellness Officer, Buckeye Wellness, OSU Health Plan and Your Plan for Health.

This year, the event will have mini-breakout sessions for you to sign-up for, opportunities to complete your biometric health screening, a professional photographer to have your head shot taken, and vendor booths that highlight benefits offered to Ohio State staff.  Please note, the breakout sessions and appointments for the biometric health screenings are available on a first come first serve basis. Click here for more information.

2017 FSA Plan Year Incurred Expense/Reimbursement Window Ends
March 15, 2018, is the last day to incur expenses for reimbursement as part of your 2017 FSA plan. Click here for more information.

Impact Diabetes Prevention Study

Want to lose weight? Are you at risk for diabetes? A study at Ohio State is recruiting employees to participate in an 18-month research study to help people lose weight.

The study includes a group-based nutrition and physical activity program. You may be eligible if you are eligible for employee benefits, at least 21 years old, and have an elevated glucose level. Please call 292-4772, contact diabetesimpactstudy@osu.edu or visit u.osu.edu/impactstudy for more information.

Impact Diabetes Prevention Study

World Water Day Event

Ohio State will recognize World Water Day 2018 with a Water Awareness event March 22 from 12 to 3 p.m. on the South Oval. Stop by to learn about important Ohio State water improvement research and what our students are doing to provide safe, convenient water supplies in Tanzania and other places in need.

Thursday, March 22
12 – 3 p.m.
Ohio Union Great Hall Room #2

World Water Day 2018

World Water Day displays include:

  • AquaTerra Student Organization
  • Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center
  • College of Public Health
  • Engineers without Borders Student Chapter
  • Energy Services and Sustainability
  • Friends of the Lower Olentangy Watershed
  • Global Water Institute
  • Office of Energy and Environment
  • Ohio Sea Grant
  • Ohio State Wetlands
  • Office of Student Life
  • Ohio Water Resources Center
  • Sustainable and Resilient Economy Program
  • Untapped Shores Student Organization
  • Wexner Medical Center

What is World Water Day?

World Water Day, on March 22 every year, focuses attention on the importance of water. An initiative of the United Nations, the theme for World Water Day 2018 is ‘Nature for Water’ – exploring nature-based solutions to the water challenges we face in the 21st century. Damaged ecosystems affect the quantity and quality of water available for human consumption. Today, 2.1 billion people live without safe drinking water at home; affecting their health, education and livelihoods.

Click here for more information about World Water Day events.

Fulbright Week at Ohio State

The Office of International Affairs, the Graduate School and the Undergraduate Fellowship Office have combined efforts to plan a week full of events including, workshops, information sessions, and open houses to inform the campus community about the opportunities available through the Fulbright and Fulbright-Hays programs. All students, faculty and staff are welcome to participate in any of the Fulbright Week sessions held March 26 – 30, 2018.

Fulbright Week Flyer

Click here for details about events and a full calendar of Fulbright Week activities.

CFAES Celebration of Students Recognition Banquet

The CFAES Celebration of Students Recognition Banquet is an event coordinated by students for students, faculty, and staff as a way to recognize the accomplishments of members within the college. This year’s theme is Adventure Awaits, and will take place on Thursday, April 12 beginning at 5 p.m. in the Archie Griffin Grand Ballroom at the Ohio Union.

Tickets are $15 each, and tables may be reserved at an additional cost. To reserve a table or to purchase tickets, please contact one of the co-chairs, Monica Pennewitt or Kristin Eisenhauer.

We hope to see you for a wonderful evening of celebration as we recognize the honors and accomplishments of those within our college.

Ohio Farm to Cafeteria Pre-Conference & Policy Forum

The forum is led by the Ohio Farm to School Leadership Team in partnership with Ohio State’s Initiative for Food and AgriCultural Transformation (InFACT) program. It will be held April 25 from 3 – 8 p.m. at the Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati. The Ohio-focused event will actively engage the community in meaningful discussion about current and emerging issues, opportunities, challenges and barriers, and policy development related to serving local foods in schools.

Celebrate Ohio Days: My Plate, My State Dinner
Learn what qualifies as a school lunch program meal through a locally-sourced meal.

A Bus Trip From Central Ohio to Cincinnati
Ohio Farm to School is providing a shuttle bus for a small fee for conference participants from Columbus to the conference on April 25 – 26. The bus trip will eliminate the need to locate and pay for parking and will allow riders the chance to network, work, or rest along the route, rather than drive. The bus option will be offered to the Farm to School community members. You can choose your own departure and return time.

Click here for more information and to reserve your place today.

Ohio SMART Agriculture Programs Throughout Ohio

The Ohio State University Extension is partnering with the Initiative for Food and AgriCultural Transformation (InFACT) to host a series of Ohio SMART Agriculture programs. They are encouraging the CFAES community to identify and invite those in your communities from the agricultural, environmental, food security and health fields that can best contribute to the conversation around the future of Ohio SMART Agriculture.

March 5 – Southeast Ohio (Southeast Flyer)

March 8 – Southwest Ohio (Southwest Flyer)

March 14 – Northwest Ohio (Northwest Flyer)

March 15 – Northeast Ohio (Northeast Flyer)

March 16 – Central Ohio (Central Flyer)

Feel free to use and modify the following email invitation and then include the flyer(s) below that reflects the best location(s) for your community stakeholders.

Email invitation:

We would like to invite you to help plan for the future of Ohio Agriculture by attending the Ohio SMART Agriculture program on [INSERT DATE AND LOCATION FROM RELEVANT FLYER HERE].

This meeting is seeking feedback from Ohio producers and agriculture stakeholders to help identify, design, and deploy strategies to support sustainable agriculture in Ohio to feed not only the world, but especially our most vulnerable neighbors right here in Ohio.  The goal is an action plan for resilient agriculture.  Please join us to share your views and recommendations at this forum.  Meet and discuss with fellow stakeholders from the agricultural, environmental, food security and health fields about safeguarding agriculture for Ohio’s future.

There is no cost to attend this meeting!

State of Academic Affairs

Executive Vice President and Provost Bruce A. McPheron will reflect on the progress of the past year and look at opportunities for the coming year when he delivers the annual State of Academic Affairs address to the University Senate.

The address is Thursday, March 8, at 3:30 p.m. in the Saxbe Auditorium of Drinko Hall. Seating is limited, but the event will be streamed live online at oaa.osu.edu/soaa2018.