OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY CORVALLIS, OREGON 97331
The Daily Barometer
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DAILYBAROMETER
Measure 2-89:
VOL. CXVII, NO. 138
@DAILYBARO, @BAROSPORTS
Oregon university presidents call for stronger state support
The campus effect n
FRIDAY MAY 15, 2015
As vote on GMO-prohibiting bill approaches, millions of dollars of research funds at stake
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By Chris Correll THE DAILY BAROMETER
Joe Beckman, director of the Environmental Health Sciences Center, has been conducting cuttingedge research on a potential cure for Lou Gehrig’s disease since 1994. Like many Oregon State University researchers, his experiments enlist the help of genetically modified species—in this case to test compounds for their effectiveBeckman ness in treating ALS. Now, he and dozens of other faculty are being confronted by the same dilemma. Ballot Measure 2-89’s prohibition on GMOs states it shall be unlawful “for any corporation or governmental entity to engage in the use of genetically engineered organisms within Benton County,” and does not include a clause Chris Correll | THE DAILY BAROMETER exempting research performed on Cu-ATSM, a substance being used to treat ALS in mice, sits in Joe Beckman’s lab. Beckman’s research could See GMO | page 3 be threatened if ballot Measure 2-89 passes in Benton County.
Presidents of 7 public state universities emphasize state funding, want $755 million for 2015-17 biennium THE DAILY BAROMETER
The presidents of each major public Oregon university have decided to send the State of Oregon a message: reinvest in higher education. University presidents of Eastern Oregon University, the Oregon Institute of Technology, Oregon State University, Portland State University, Southern Oregon University, the University of Oregon and Western Oregon University all included their names on a response sent to Oregon Gov. Kate Brown and state lawmakers. The response is a follow-up on the May revenue forecast presented from state officials. The official press release was sent out through the U of O office of communications. Steve Clark, vice president of university relations and marketing at OSU, said each public university came to the conclusion to have the U of O announce the initial response on Thursday. “That was the release we all agreed to on everyone’s behalf,” Clark said. See FUNDING | page 3
Undergraduate researchers honored for accomplishments n
Annual event showcases research projects of students across various academic fields of study By Courtnee’ Morin THE DAILY BAROMETER
Oregon State University continued its tradition of honoring the research of its many undergraduate students in the annual Celebrating Undergraduate Research event on May 14. “It’s been a really great experience,” said Hannah Bulovsky, a senior in chemical engineering who was presenting her research in soil toxicity. Bulovsky works with Stacey Harper, an assistant professor in the College of Agricultural Sciences, and the two are looking at purification of ground water. In her research, Bulvosky found that the use of gum arabic, a commonly used stabilizer in the food industry, as an purificant provides the largest reduction in nanomaterials, while also being the least toxic and producing the smallest clumps. “Looking into gum arabic would be really good,” Bulovsky said. “With this you can keep the soil in instead of having to move it, and just pump it straight in with the water.” Toxicity was tested using zebra fish, and gum Arabic was found to be the less toxic to the fish than other purificants
used today, though there was a delay in egg hatching. This research represents the culmination of Bulovsky’s honors thesis and three years of work. “After doing all this, I hope to do a research related job,” Bulovsky said. “And it’s been great for this to help me realize that.” The research fair represented undergraduate research from many different majors and departments, ranging from engineering and soil science to the social sciences. Kiah McConnell, a senior in sociology, presented her research project regarding the LGBTQ+ community at OSU. McConnell completed her project, the OSU LGBTQ+ Community Film, a 38 minute video to address the LGBTQ+ history at OSU as well as the disparity in records at OSU for queer and trans students of color. The video was made in collaboration with OSU Queer Archives and features interviews with student leaders from the LGBTQ+ community at OSU. “I want this to be a beginning, not an end,” McConnell said. “Something to be continued and added upon to promote the LGBTQ+ community at OSU.” McConnell got help from the LGBTQ+ programs on campus such as the Pride Center, Rainbow Continuum and SOL, and See RESEARCHERS | page 4
Native American Longhouse celebrations approaching
Nicki Silva
Jessica Alonso, a senior psychology major talks to students about her research project about children’s exposure to kindergarten and self-regulation skills, Thursday afternoon in the SEC plaza.
Potential prospects for three top Oregon State athletes News, page 2
| THE DAILY BAROMETER
Sports, page 5
Dr. Ethics gives advice on ways to become less overwhelmed Forum, page 7