The Daily Barometer
OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY CORVALLIS, OREGON 97331
DAILYBAROMETER.COM • 541-737-3191
DAILYBAROMETER
THURSDAY MAY 15, 2014 VOL. CXVI, NO. 137
@BARONEWS, @BAROSPORTS, @BAROFORUM
Spinrad dedicated to progress in research n
Outgoing vice president of research is selected to represent NOAA as chief scientist, will work closely with Obama administration in Washington, D.C. By Sean Bassinger THE DAILY BAROMETER
In eighth grade, Rick Spinrad took his first shot at constructing an echosounder for his earth science class project. The device, which allows marine researchers to measure the depth levels of the ocean floor, requires various technical parameters to function properly. Naturally, it didn’t go so well. “Of course, I failed miserably,” Spinrad said. “But I was so excited about it — I was hooked.” Because of his instructor’s encouragement, COURTESY OF Oregon State University The White House appointed OSU Spinrad learned well from his experience and pursued a career in ocean and atmospheric sciences. VP of research Rick Spinrad as the The White House appointed Spinrad as chief chief scientist for NOAA. scientist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Administration Friday. Initially, Spinrad heard the news from Kathryn Sullivan, NOAA administrator. “She basically said, ‘Rick, you fit the bill,’” Spinrad said. Spinrad, who earned a Ph.D. in 1982 from Oregon State University, will take a two-year leave of absence from the university as vice president of research and return as an OSU faculty member. The university selected him as the vice president of research in 2010. Spinrad’s career began with more than 20 years of work in the United States Navy. During his time at OSU, he and other graduate students invented a new technique for detecting water clarity, which prompted its own company and was then purchased by the WET Labs organization in Philomath. He previously worked for NOAA, but planned on retiring after he returned to Oregon and began his position at OSU. Though he has loved his time at OSU, Spinrad said he’s ready to take on new challenges and
address greater issues in terms of climate change and the continuing needs of the United States. “Fortunately, I do know the environment, and I know the issues, having worked there before,” Spinrad said. Spinrad’s new position, which will involve continuing conversations with Congress and the Obama administration, will allow him to provide scientific input to assist the Washington, D.C., political scene in terms of decision-making and best practices in the next few years. One challenge, according to Spinrad, will be attempting to accomplish so much during the last two years of the president’s term. “I’m going there right at the start of the midterm elections,” Spinrad said. Other professors at OSU have testified to Spinrad’s continuing devotion to the college’s research. Jack Barth, professor and associate dean for research at the College of Earth, Ocean and See SPINRAD | page 4
Transport app tracks bus system in real time n
OSU app club, OPAL partner to launch GPS-tracking app for OSU, Corvallis residents By Emma-Kate Schaake THE DAILY BAROMETER
THE DAILY BAROMETER
A screenshot of Transport’s second screen option, which shows detailed addresses of each stop along bus routes.
The Oregon State University app club, in partnership with the OSU policy analysis laboratory, has launched a new app, Transport, for iPhone and Android with real-time updates of the Corvallis Transit System. The OSU policy analysis laboratory, OPAL, contacted the app club last fall with the idea of creating an app that OSU and the wider Corvallis public could use. “OPAL’s mission is being able to find real policy applications for what we are studying in the School of Public Policy,” said public liaison for the project Ian Davidson, who
is a grad student in the School of Public Policy. The plans were laid out during winter term, followed by the app’s creation in April. The apps were given a soft launch last week without public marketing and advertising. “We’re pretty confident; there’s one more update we are going to do before marketing it next week,” said Transport creator Chris Vanderschuere, who is a senior in electrical engineering. At the start of the project, OPAL conducted a marketing research survey to see why more people do not utilize the free bus rides. “We looked at the different habits and how people use the bus,” Davidson said. The No. 1 complaint found in the survey was that the buses were often off schedule and late. Riders
Extravaganza promotes sustainable transportation n
Sustainable organizations educate passers-by, provide resources on alternative transportation By Ria Rankine THE DAILY BAROMETER
There is a way for students to use transportation that is more sustainable, cheaper and more convenient than driving a car. This was the fundamental message at the 2014 Bike Extravaganza. The Bike Extravaganza took place in the Memorial Union quad at the same time as the Alternative Transportation Fair, from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Wednesday. Members of various sustainability programs set up booths, including the Department of Public Safety, so students could register their bikes. “This event gives students an opportunity to know about all of their options,” said Olivia Poblacion, director of the Student Sustainability Initiative. As she passed out free trinkets and T-shirts,
she informed students about what makes Corvallis so unique. “Buses are free in Corvallis,” Poblacion said. “There are tons of bike lanes. We have sidewalks, which makes it easy to walk. Some places, like Texas, don’t even have sidewalks.” Due to its size, Corvallis is a great place for students to walk or ride their bikes to school, Poblacion said. She wants to see a decrease in the number of single-occupant drivers, and one way is through spreading the word. “It’s more expensive to drive, and in Corvallis it takes more time (to get around),” Poblacion said. “So it’s more convenient and less expensive. And in Corvallis, it’s extremely safe.” If nothing else, the Bike Extravaganza was designed to inform the public. At the event, OSU sustainability coordinator Brandon Trelstad handed out a comprehensive brochure about transportation options, which he and a few members of SSI put together. They also provided information from other sustainable agencies, such as Valley Carpooling and
Sibling rowers overcome short stature
Sports, page 5
See EXTRAVAGANZA | page 4
cited frustrations with trip-planning and waiting longer than necessary in the rain. The club then took that information to figure out what the most important elements would be in a new app. “The survey led us to believe that an app would increase the riders,” Davidson said. Many people surveyed said they would use the bus system more if they were able to track the actual arrival and departure times of the various routes. “The app uses the GPS on the buses, so it tells the time the bus is actually going to be there, not what’s on the schedule,” Vanderschuere said. In April, OPAL hosted a weekend “Hackathon” during which teams gathered to try out their ideas for
Roosevelt elk in Turtle Flats
JUSTIN QUINN
| THE DAILY BAROMETER
At the Finley National Wildlife Refuge, a heard of Roosevelt elk run through the water in Turtle Flats Monday evening.
Golfer David Fink’s career coming to close Sports, page 5
See TRANSPORT | page 4
THE DAILY BAROMETER
A screenshot of Transport’s map, which shows the trajectory of each route and the user’s location.
Constructive vs. destructive criticism
Forum, page 7