GRANT NEWS
 Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
March - April 2014
                                 
Dear Faculty and Administrators,
  
Spring provides a renewed season, just the time to seek new external funding sources. Plan now for your summer writing. Meanwhile, here are some great projects supported by external funds obtained by your colleagues. Have a great spring!
  
Sincerely,
  
  
In This Issue
OSRHE OneNet Grant
OSU-OKC Grant
Southeastern Grants
Cameron University Grant
Rose State College Grants
UCO Grant
University of Tulsa Grant
OU Grants
NSU Grants
OSRHE Recognizes Businesses
OSU Grants
OSRHE ONE NET                               
National Science Foundation - $499,961

OneNet is a vital collaborator in a new project funded by the National Science Foundation to OneNet, The University of Oklahoma (OU), Oklahoma State University (OSU), Langston University and the Tandy Supercomputing Center. The collaborating partners are utilizing the grant funding to create the OneOklahoma Friction Free Network (OFFN). OFFN's 10 Gbps network ring will leverage OneNet facilities and be shared among the supercomputing centers at the four institutions. This new network will run parallel to OneNet's current network and initially connect the four sites, with the opportunity for additional institutions to join upon its completion. OFFN provides a platform for advanced network technologies such as software defined networking and alternative high-bandwidth security options. Each research institution has plans for utilizing their connection, as well as establishing new collaborations among Oklahoma universities. One research program that will benefit from the completion of this network ring is the Oklahoma Center for High Energy Physics (OCHEP), a collaboration of researchers at OSU, OU, and Langston. OCHEP scientists are currently participating in the ATLAS project, a high energy physics experiment at the Large Hadron Collider at the European Organization for Nuclear Research. This new network will empower real-world application of research projects and help OneNet fulfill our mission of advancing technology across our state.

OSU-OKC GRANT                               

Kirkpatrick Foundation - $50,000

In collaboration with the Center for Veterinary Health Sciences at Oklahoma State University, OSU-Oklahoma City's veterinary technology program received a grant from the Kirkpatrick Foundation that allows veterinary professionals in training from both schools to work as a team, support each other's training and skills and give back to the community. The project has provided students with real-life scenario training and has equipped OSU-OKC's facilities to perform four surgeries at a time. Money has also been spent to buy new anesthesia machines, EKGs, as well as expendable and ongoing supplies. The partnership will play a vital role in the growth and development of the OSU-OKC veterinary technology program. As one of only three institutions in Oklahoma accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Committee on Veterinary Technician Education and Activities, OSU-OKC is poised to become the preeminent facility in the state for those pursuing a degree in veterinary technology. Likewise, the Center for Veterinary Health Sciences at OSU-Stillwater is the only program that trains veterinary doctors in the state. Dr. Sabrina Cummings is department head of OSU-OKC Veterinary Technology Program.

  

SE GRANTS                               
SE Paiva

National Science Foundation via OSU - $39,679

The grant's principal investigator is Dr. Nancy L. Paiva, Associate Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry, Computer, and Physical Sciences. The purpose of the award is support a new workshop to provide introductory science research experience for Native American students at Southeastern Oklahoma State University, and students also earn two elective credit hours for the course "Introduction to Research". The goal of the workshop/course is to give the students some experience with basic research skills in a small group setting, including data analysis and presentation, and to take them to visit research labs and graduate departments throughout the state to help them learn about future intern and research opportunities. Overall, the goal is to help retain these students in STEM majors by exposing them to exciting scientific research experiences early in college.

  

National Institute of Health via OK IDeA Network of Biomedical Research Excellence - $40,000

The grant's project director is Dr. Nancy L. Paiva, Associate Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Chemistry, Computer, and Physical Sciences. The purpose of the award is to purchase instrumentation which will enhance biomedical research and research training with the purchase of a research grade fluorescence microscope system and software, a multi-wavelength micro-plate absorbance reader and software, a digital balance, a melting point apparatus, and a pipetting device. These will be used in research and teaching labs in the Chemistry and Biological Sciences departments.

 

OSRHE UCanGo2 - $1,500            

The grant's project director is Ms. Shelly D. Key, Director of Admissions and Recruitment. The purpose of this award is to support marketing and publicity activities throughout this academic year, including planned events Financial Aid College Nights, Scholarship Workshops, SE Live Open House, and Native American Visitation Day for prospective students and families. These sessions can raise parent and student comfort levels and bring awareness of crucial information relating to deadlines and processes associated with applying for aid. Program highlights include rotating workshops on money matters, college success, Native American Studies/Tribal Benefits, and financial aid/scholarships.

CU GRANT

NSF via OKEPSCoR - $12,500

Cameron University faculty member Brandon McDonald has been awarded a research grant for his ongoing research on the kangaroo rat. The grant includes a generous stipend for a student to work as an undergraduate research assistant. McDonald's research project is titled "The UV vision system of the Kangaroo Rat (Dipodomys ordii): Potential Model Indicator of Climatological Variation." This research goal is to determine whether changes in climate conditions affect the molecular structure of kangaroo rat eyes and how potential changes affect their use of UV light visually. This grant will allow McDonald and a student researcher to travel throughout parts of the United States collecting kangaroo rats from western populations as an extension to our current research where we are examining UV-vision in the species. The research will last for eight weeks and will include field work in the western US and lab work at Cameron. This is a rare opportunity for an undergraduate to experience both field biology and lab biology within such a short timeframe. It's going to be a fun and beneficial experience. McDonald is collaborating with Dr. William Caire, Professor of Biology and Director, Selman Living Lab, at the University of Central Oklahoma. 

  
ROSE STATE COLLEGE GRANTS

Oklahoma Cultural Heritage Trust - $6,000

Dr. Brad Robison (Reference/Special Projects Librarian) received a grant to conduct an organizational and collections self-assessment of Rose State College's Special Collections. The Collections are housed in the Learning Resources Center, which is scheduled for renovations in the near future. Part of the Special Collections includes the official history of Rose State College, as well as, biographical histories of prominent faculty, staff, students, and local community members. The services of a professional Preservation Consultant is included with the grant, as well as, registration fees for ongoing professional development programs for the library staff.      

 

Kirkpatrick Foundation - $53,000

Midwest City Memorial Hospital Authority - $35,000

Cindy Mikeman (Executive Director, Rose State College Foundation) received two separate grants for the Atkinson Heritage Center, which was donated to the College by the family of Midwest City founder and developer, W.P. "Bill" Atkinson. Mr. Atkinson was also a gubernatorial candidate, newspaper publisher, and community activist. The Center is now preserved as a historic home and is a favorite host site for organizations to host conferences, workshops, and retreats. The Center offers a relaxing, informal setting for business meetings, family gatherings, Sunday school dinners, ice cream socials, and other similar events. The first grant from the Kirkpatrick Foundation will enable the College to landscape the 20 acres surround the Center. The second award from the Midwest City Memorial Hospital Authority will allow the College to install a new high-efficiency climate control air system to preserve the historic collections within the Center. Once both projects are completed, the College will begin to host various community events, festivals, theatrical productions, concerts, art shows, craft fairs, children's programs, and film festivals.

UCO GRANTS                               

 

NSF via OK EPSCoR - $12,472

Dr. Joselina Cheng received funding for the Research and Development of Just-in-time STEM Tutorials.

  

National Institutes of Health via OK INBRE - $13,337

Dr. Hari Kotturi has received a Research Opportunity Award for Reservatrol Analogues against Hepatitis C.  He will work with Dr. Naushad Ali of the OUHSC.

TU GRANT

US Department of Energy - $1.76 million

Todd Otanicar can glimpse a ray of hope in his research to make solar energy more efficient. The University of Tulsa assistant professor of mechanical engineering has worked for years to connect two ways of harnessing the sun's power. In one method, photovoltiac, the energy is converted into electricity via solar cells. The other, thermal, simply takes the heat and transfers it to steam turbines and other generation options. So far, the two rarely work well together. Otanicar and his colleagues are attempting to bring together two different, novel areas. The U.S. Department of Energy recently selected a TU joint venture for funding as part of $30 million awarded for developing FOCUS - short for "full-spectrum optimized conversion and utilization of sunlight." The grant money will help support Otanicar and his TU colleagues as well as his private partner, California startup Cogenra. Another West Coast company, nanoComposix, will help develop a large-scale synthesis of the TU-Cogenra work. TU and Cogenra are developing a fluid that can capture energy from the sun's infrared rays and transfer the heat for later use. The typical solar cell is only about 15 percent efficient, meaning 85 percent of the incoming energy is wasted. Cogenra has been working on using water passed on the back side of photovoltiac cells to capture some of the lost heat. TU's work will take it all at least one step further to absorb the infrared directly into their fluid. TU's research takes ultra-small nanoparticles and suspends them in a liquid, which will store the usable heat until it can be transferred by a Congenra system to power steam turbines.

  
OU GRANTS                               

Sarkeys Foundation - $1 Million

The University of Oklahoma has received a grant from the Norman-based Sarkeys Foundation for two programs at the Peggy and Charles Stephenson Cancer Center. Half of the gift will support efforts to recruit established scientists, who will bring National Cancer Institute-funded research programs to the Stephenson Cancer Center. The other half will create an endowment that will provide enduring resources for the Cancer Center's Patient and Family Services Program, which offers patients and families a range of supportive care services. Of the total five-year pledge from the Sarkeys Foundation, one-half is designated to help recruit 20 top research scientists to move the Cancer Center to the level of National Cancer Institute-funded research needed to meet the goal for NCI designation.

 

US Department of Agriculture - $500,000

The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center has received funding for the Oklahoma Healthy Aging Initiative. The Rural Utilities Service Distance Learning and Telemedicine grant will provide money to the Donald W. Reynolds Department of Geriatric Medicine at the OU Health Sciences Center for telemedicine and distance learning equipment needed to deliver clinical geriatric services and health training in rural areas of the state. As part of the grant, the Choctaw Nation, Stilwell Community Hospital, Variety Care and their clinics will now be able to consult with OU geriatric specialists to provide health care in rural areas of the state.
 

 

The Schusterman Family Foundation - Undisclosed Amount

The University of Oklahoma received funding to upgrade its Judaic and Israel studies program to a full-fledged center in the history department. The grant will establish a tenure-track assistant professor in American Jewish history and a permanent position for a visiting Israeli professor. In addition, OU will establish two graduate fellowships and scholarships for study in Israel, enhance the Hebrew Language Instructional Program and increase library acquisitions to support undergraduate and graduate research and study.

  
NSU GRANTS                                  

City of Muskogee Foundation - $900,000

Northeastern State University opened the Gailey Family Living Skills Lab in Muskogee to provide hands-on, real-life experience for students who are working toward the newly implemented master's degree in occupational therapy. The program is one of only two masters-level occupational therapy programs in Oklahoma. The program also received a gift from the late Jesse Gailey and his wife, Marilyn. Jessee Gailey was a 1964 graduate of NSU and a 12-year NSU Foundation board member.

  

OSRHE Summer Academies - Get Green for Blue Summer Academy - $10,600

Dr. Kathi McDowell, Dr. Pamela Christol and Dr. Martha Parrott received funding for a week-long summer academy for high school students at the NSU Broken Arrow campus. The academy will connect students to possible career paths, to their relationship with the local and global environmental communities, and to their roles as responsible stewards of the planet.

  

The National Institutes of Health via University of Montana - $1,000

Chris Adney received funding for the MLK Collegiate Challenge 2014 for focus on a day of service for public education schools. NSU volunteers are placed in multiple public school campuses to collaborate with the principal or other representatives to assist in various service related needs and celebrate MLK Day.

 

Oklahoma Department of Mental & Substance Abuse - $15,350

Patti Buhl received funding for the 2M2L Campus Community Task Force to use in the prevention and reduction of alcohol-related crime in university communities through evidence-based approaches that include: provision of Responsible Beverage Service and Sales training to alcohol retailers, increased alcohol law enforcement efforts, training to enhance alcohol enforcement efforts and development of a web-based training on alcohol policy.

 

Smithsonian Institute - $1,000

Susan Woitte received funding for Native Words, Native Warriors 2014 traveling exhibit from the Smithsonian Institute. This grant will allow NSU to develop school outreach activities in conjunction with the exhibit.

 

 

Osage County Interlocal via State Department of Education - $23,634

Dr. Martha Parrott received funding for Osage Mathematics & Science Partnership 2014. Three NSU professors will take a leading role in designing a two-week summer STEM institute for public school teachers. Teachers who attend the STEM institute will gain increased content knowledge and ultimately be better prepared to help their students attain objectives set forth in the Oklahoma Academic Standards.

 

NSF through OKEPSCoR - $5,000
 
Dr. Phyllis Fife received funding to assist NSU students to attend the American Indian Science & Engineering Society meetings (AISES- EPSCoR Spring 2014) in Albuquerque, Norman and AISES Day Symposium on the American Indian on the NSU Tahlequah campus.

 

OSRHE RECOGNIZES 27 BUSINESS PARTNERSHIPS
      OSRHE Logo
Twenty-seven business and higher education partnerships throughout the state were recently recognized as innovative collaborations that further the education of Oklahoma's workforce. The Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education's Economic Development Grant for the Regents Business Partnership Excellence Award is designed to highlight successful partnerships between higher education institutions and businesses and to further cultivate the higher learning environment through State Regents' Economic Development Grants.
Institutions involved in these partnerships provide $500 for tuition waivers to employees of the partnering businesses; internships that enable current students of the institutions to work at the partnering businesses; faculty externships with the partnering businesses; and/or enhancement of the partnerships with additional equipment, materials or supplies. The State Regents provide a $500 match to the waivers. The partnerships recognized for 2014 are: 

- Cameron University (CU) and Fit Kids of Southwest Oklahoma

- Carl Albert State College (CASC) and Buddy Spencer, of the Sallisaw Committee for Excellence, CASC Development Foundation

- Connors State College (CSC) and the Town of Warner

- East Central University (ECU) and KXII-Channel 12

- Eastern Oklahoma State College (EOSC) and

Carl Albert Mental Health Center

- Langston University (LU) and Eagle Scout Troop 120

- Murray State College (MSC) and Nitro-Lift Technologies LLC

- Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College (NEO) and the Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau

- Northeastern State University (NSU) and the

City of Muskogee Foundation

- Northern Oklahoma College (NOC) and Phillips 66

- Northwestern Oklahoma State University (NWOSU) and the Wisdom Family Foundation

- Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) and the General Motors Automotive Service Education Program

- Oklahoma Panhandle State University(OPSU)

and the City of Guymon

- Oklahoma State University (OSU) and

Backwoods Food Manufacturing Inc.

- Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology (OSUIT) and the Oklahoma Career Technology System

- Oklahoma State University-Oklahoma City (OSU-OKC) and the City of Oklahoma City

- Redlands Community College (RCC) and Temtrol

- Rogers State University (RSU) and Pelco Structural

- Rose State College (RSC) and Mid-Del Public Schools

- Seminole State College (SSC) and First United Bank

- Southeastern Oklahoma State University and Oklahoma Department of Commerce Workforce Development

- Southwestern Oklahoma State University (SWOSU) and Emergency Site Protection LLC

- Tulsa Community College (TCC) and Enoserv

- University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) and the Oklahoma City-County Health Department

- University of Oklahoma (OU) and NextThought LLC

- University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma (USAO), the City of Chickasha and the Chickasha Economic Development Council

- Western Oklahoma State College (Western) and the Great Plains Regional Medical Center

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 OSU GRANTS                     

Environmental Protection Agency's People, Prosperity and the Planet - $15,000

 

A team of engineering students from Oklahoma State University created a clean drinking water program for Honduras. The students participated in the USA Science & Engineering Festival and present a treatment system they've developed that's delivering clean drinking water to more than 2,000 people in northwestern Honduras to compete for an additional $90,000 to continue work. The OSU team will be competing with about 40 other teams for an additional $90,000 in funding to continue the work.
 

 

US Department of Agriculture - $6 million

Oklahoma State University is one of 10 schools to receive grants to finance the study of what climate change means to agriculture and strategies for helping farmers and ranchers deal with weather changes. The funding will lead to information and developments that would be essential to farmers.