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August 1, 2013

In the Spotlight

The evolving mind

Many think of memory as a tape recorder that simply captures a moment or a thought to recall later. However, James Nairne, the Reece McGee Distinguished Professor of Psychological Sciences, is showing that memory is its own functional system. Nairne has been a major figure in learning and memory research for more than 30 years, but he recently took a different approach by suggesting that memory evolved to solve problems related to survival and reproduction. Find out how Nairne's groundbreaking findings are changing the way people think in the July/August 2013 issue of Purdue Alumnus.

Faculty and staff news

President Obama to nominate Córdova to direct NSF

President Obama on Wednesday (July 31) announced plans to nominate several individuals to key posts. France A. Córdova, president emerita of Purdue, has been named as a nominee for director of the National Science Foundation. "Every member of the Purdue family is thrilled by this latest achievement of Dr. Córdova," said Purdue President Mitch Daniels of the nomination. "We send her our sincerest congratulations. This accomplishment adds not only to France's remarkable career but also to Purdue's great legacy of leadership in the sciences."

CIE workshops to focus on college teaching

Purdue instructors can enhance their teaching skills, exchange ideas with colleagues, and get practical hints on their craft from some of the campus's award-winning professors in workshops being offered by the Center for Instructional Excellence (CIE). Staff members also will find the information and insight into classroom instruction helpful.

Nominations sought for CSSAC Excellence Award

The Clerical and Service Staff Advisory Committee (CSSAC) is now accepting nominations for the first CSSAC Excellence Award, which will recognize clerical and service staff members who perform at outstanding levels.

Nominees for Purdue's Hovde Award sought

Nominations are now being accepted for this year's Frederick L. Hovde Award of Excellence, given annually to a member of the Purdue faculty or staff with an outstanding record of educational service to rural Indiana.

Research news

Simulations aiding study of earthquake dampers for structures

Researchers have demonstrated the reliability and efficiency of 'real-time hybrid simulation' for testing a type of powerful damping system that might be installed in buildings and bridges to reduce structural damage and injuries during earthquakes.

Study: Online tools accelerating earthquake-engineering progress

A new study has found that online tools, access to experimental data and other services provided through "cyberinfrastructure" are helping to accelerate progress in earthquake engineering and science.

Study: Genome duplication aids plant survival in saline soils

Having more than two sets of chromosomes can increase a plant's ability to absorb nutrients and survive in saline soils, a joint study by Purdue and the University of Aberdeen shows.

Radiant fried chicken patties versus traditional: split decision

Panelists' preferences in a taste test were nearly equally divided between chicken patties fried in a radiant fryer developed by a Purdue researcher and those fried in a conventional oil immersion fryer, a Purdue study showed.

Researchers in various studies looking for participants

Here is a list of research studies that currently are looking for participants.

Purdue sports

For more information on Purdue sports, go to www.purduesports.com.

Events

GE Digital Energy executive to deliver Discovery Lecture on developing electricity system collaborations

Sites of Interest

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