Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation

 In the March issue of Pursuit, the University of Oregon’s research and innovation newsletter, Amy Swanson, assistant professor of dance studies, theory, and history, shares her experience writing her book Dancing Opacity: Contemporary Dance, Transnationalism, and Queer Possibility in Senegal. In the novel, Swanson brings us to the street dances of Dakar, where she witnesses how certain expressions of humanity are allowed in within the world of dance, but discouraged elsewhere.    Read more about Swanson’s research and writing experience here: https://lnkd.in/gKiZayXe Subscribe to Pursuit here: https://lnkd.in/dykpC9k4

In the March issue of Pursuit, we’re highlighting the University of Oregon’s recently published books. Brian Trapp, senior instructor and director of disability studies and the Kidd Creative Writing Workshops Program at the UO, is currently working on his debut novel titled Range in Motion. While writing the book, he found inspiration in the 28 years he shared with his twin brother Danny, who had cerebral palsy.   Learn more about Range in Motion here: https://lnkd.in/g-iePWWT Subscribe to Pursuit here: https://lnkd.in/dykpC9k4

In our newest issue of Pursuit, Christopher Chavez, PhD, Carolyn S. Chambers Distinguished Professor of Advertising and director of the center for latina/o and latin american studies at the University of Oregon, shared his experience writing his newly released book Isle of Rum.   In his book, Cháves explores how to brand a revolution through a story of Cuban rum.   Read more about Isle of Rum here: https://lnkd.in/ggZJRpiE Subscribe to Pursuit here: https://lnkd.in/dykpC9k4

In this month’s issue of Pursuit, we’re celebrating the wide range of books recently published by the University of Oregon faculty. In our newsletter, UO faculty members give us a glimpse into their work and the experience of writing a book.   “UO faculty are recognized nationally and internationally as prolific generators of important, valuable monographs, and our contributions are a key feature of the UO’s overall standing with respect to research excellence,” said Leah Middlebrook, director of the Oregon Humanities Center and associate professor of comparative literature and Spanish.    Read more about the books authored by UO faculty here: https://lnkd.in/gabEN93K Subscribe to Pursuit here: https://lnkd.in/dykpC9k4

The Timberlab groundbreaking did more than just turn dirt. The 190,000 square foot facility will do more than create 75 family-wage jobs in #Oregon's southern Willamette Valley. #Masstimber does something few industries can; it connects us in new and much needed ways. As Thomas Robinson, FAIA so aptly put it, "This is not a project, it's a vision." Enjoy! And congrats again to all involved! Samuel Dicke Christopher Evans Jared M. Revay, LEED AP James Alexander Larry Holzgang Judith Sheine University of Oregon TallWood Design Institute Adam Jongeward, PE SE Dale Moon, Ph.D., Tina Kotek Shelly Boshart Davis J. Wesley Cochran Swinerton William Silva Parker Akkerman, MBA Business Oregon Clifford (Craig) Rawlings Many thanks for to U.S. Economic Development Administration for the support. Big props to Dan Bihn for the edit!

As I approach my one-year anniversary with the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation (OVPRI), I’m excited to share what I’ve been working on for the last year. The story linked below is a culmination of most of the articles I’ve written for the OVPRI so far, highlighting the 2024 OVPRI undergraduate summer fellows and their incredibly impressive research projects. Thank you so much to Riley Acker, Olivia Estes, Paul Graf, Lazar Isakharov, Elena Kuypers, Zach Marshall, Kyla Schmitt, Tapley Sorenson, Tallula Wynia, and everyone else who took the time to talk with me and let me share their research with the world. Check out the story here: https://lnkd.in/gRnXP64D Additionally, all three OVPRI summer undergraduate fellowships are now open and accepting applications. If you are a University of Oregon undergrad and these stories inspire you, consider spending your summer getting paid to work on research! Check out the fellowships here: https://lnkd.in/gvAE33z5 

Thank you to Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici and Congresswoman Val Hoyle for meeting with us to discuss the importance of strong federal research funding! At the University of Oregon, federally funded research fuels breakthroughs that expand knowledge, drive innovation, and tackle some of the biggest challenges facing Oregon and the nation. These investments don't just advance science and technology - they also develop the next generation of researchers, engineers, and industry leaders, creating jobs and expanding opportunities across the state.

Congratulations to Adam Miller, associate professor in the Institute of Neuroscience at the University of Oregon, on receiving $1.5M from W.M. KECK FOUNDATION. This funding will support Miller’s research on adjustments in gene expression in response to novel RNA-based therapeutics.   Learn more about Miller’s research here: https://lnkd.in/gcfEQ2Cw

Congratulations to Cris Niell, professor of biology at the University of Oregon, on receiving $2,999995 from the United States Department of Defense. This funding will support Niell’s research in the UO’s Institute of Neuroscience on the octopus visual system.   Learn more about Niell’s research here: https://lnkd.in/gSNKEW89

Congratulations to Carol Paty, professor of earth science at the University of Oregon, on receiving $604,877 from John Hopkins University. This funding will support instrument science for the Europa Clipper's Plasma Instrument for Magnetic Sounding (PIMS) project.   Learn more about Paty’s research here: https://lnkd.in/gjErFUhX Learn more about PIMS here: https://lnkd.in/gjUD7szv