August 8, 2013

In the Spotlight

A hand up: Humanitarian work abroad hits home

Work through Purdue's International Programs in Agriculture is bettering lives around the world and here in Indiana. Crop storage and education in sub-Saharan Africa is improving nutrition and economies as the acclaimed cowpea PICS bag program is expanding to other crops and countries. Kenya is trying a new food crop. In China, Costa Rica and Indiana, mutually beneficial research is yielding savvier methods for using resources. Afghanistan also continues to see a rebuilding of its capacity to conduct university programs in agriculture. Find out more in Agricultures Magazine.

Faculty and staff news

Purdue to test all-hazards outdoor sirens Tuesday during BGR

Purdue will test its all-hazards outdoor emergency warning sirens Tuesday (Aug. 13) during an orientation program for new students, said Ron Wright, director of campus emergency preparedness and planning.

Faculty and staff technology training open for registration

As fall semester approaches, ITaP is offering technology training for faculty and staff in workshops covering Blackboard Learn, Qualtrics, Camtasia, Adobe Connect and i>Clickers. Additional sessions will cover the latest improvements to classroom tools BoilerCast, Course Signals and Confluence. Faculty and staff can register for an August session on the ITaP Training Calendar.

Global Sustainability Institute director search postponed

The search for the position of director of the Global Sustainability Institute (GSI) has been postponed until after the Purdue Climate Change Research Center's strategic planning process is complete. Questions regarding the details of the search should be directed to Karen Plaut at kplaut@purdue.edu or Al Rebar at rebar@purdue.edu.

Staff & Student Bowling League to organize Monday

The Purdue University Staff and Student Bowling League is inviting new members to join in the league's 75th year starting with fall semester Aug. 19. A callout and captains meeting is Monday (Aug. 12).

Research news

Alternative materials could bring 'plasmonic' technologies

Researchers are working on a range of options to overcome a fundamental obstacle in commercializing "plasmonic metamaterials" that could bring advanced optical technologies for more powerful computers, new cancer treatments and other innovations.

Research could lead to better-tasting tomatoes, other benefits

Some compounds that determine plant species' characteristics such as the taste of tomatoes can be engineered to produce larger quantities in plants that have few or none of them, researchers at Purdue have found.

Study: Teens' smoking influenced by older siblings, parents' lifelong smoking habits

Teens who smoke are significantly influenced by whether older siblings smoke as well as if their parents smoke now or did in the past, according to research from Purdue.

Researchers in various studies looking for participants

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

General news

Purdue's Emerging Innovations Fund sets Aug. 31 application deadline

Startups that have licensed innovations developed at Purdue or are based in the four-site Purdue Research Park network are eligible to apply for a round of funding from the Emerging Innovations Fund. The cumulative funding of all awards will total up to $150,000.

Research AVP Harrison to discuss Indiana life sciences industry on 'No Limits'

Marietta Harrison, associate vice president for research and director of Discovery Park's Oncological Sciences Center, will discuss Indiana's growing life sciences industry at 1 p.m. today (Aug. 8) on "No Limits," WFYI Public Radio's weekly news and public affairs program.

International Friendship: A win-win opportunity

Connecting with those from other countries expands both friends' worldview, and making such a friend is easy to do with International Friendship at Purdue. Individuals, couples, and families at Purdue or in the area can connect with one or more international students.

Lafayette YWCA program wins Purdue award

The YWCA of Greater Lafayette Domestic Violence Intervention and Prevention program has received the 12th annual Purdue University Inspiring Families and Building Communities Award.

Purdue sports

'Boilermaker Revelry' returns

Intercollegiate Athletics announced Monday (Aug. 5) that the "Boilermaker Revelry" program initiated last season will resume this year. Fans and supporters throughout Greater Lafayette and Tippecanoe County are asked to fly Purdue flags at their homes and businesses to increase Boilermaker spirit.

Purdue Football Kickoff Luncheon tickets available

Tickets are on sale for the 70th annual Purdue Football Kickoff Luncheon on Aug. 16 at Purdue Memorial Union.

Purdue volleyball set for two preseason scrimmages

Purdue volleyball fans will get their first look at this year's team at a pair of free scrimmages at 3 p.m. Aug. 17 and 6 p.m. Aug. 24.

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

Events

• This week's events
• Events for the next four weeks
• Ongoing series and opportunities
• Deadlines for faculty and staff

• Rueff Galleries to feature international faculty exchange exhibit
  
• Experts to offer analysis of USDA crop report at state fair
  

Sites of Interest

• Purdue Newsroom
• Momentum Makers
• 5 Students Who ...

Purdue Today links

• Purdue Today website
• Subscribe
• Submit information
• Archive and search