August 1, 2013
In the Spotlight
Many think of memory as a tape recorder that simply captures a moment or a thought to recall later. However, James Nairne, the Reece McGee Distinguished Professor of Psychological Sciences, is showing that memory is its own functional system. Nairne has been a major figure in learning and memory research for more than 30 years, but he recently took a different approach by suggesting that memory evolved to solve problems related to survival and reproduction. Find out how Nairne's groundbreaking findings are changing the way people think in the July/August 2013 issue of Purdue Alumnus.
Faculty and staff news
President Obama on Wednesday (July 31) announced plans to nominate several individuals to key posts. France A. Córdova, president emerita of Purdue, has been named as a nominee for director of the National Science Foundation.
"Every member of the Purdue family is thrilled by this latest achievement of Dr. Córdova," said Purdue President Mitch Daniels of the nomination. "We send her our sincerest congratulations. This accomplishment adds not only to France's remarkable career but also to Purdue's great legacy of leadership in the sciences."
Purdue instructors can enhance their teaching skills, exchange ideas with colleagues, and get practical hints on their craft from some of the campus's award-winning professors in workshops being offered by the Center for Instructional Excellence (CIE). Staff members also will find the information and insight into classroom instruction helpful.
The Clerical and Service Staff Advisory Committee (CSSAC) is now accepting nominations for the first CSSAC Excellence Award, which will recognize clerical and service staff members who perform at outstanding levels.
Nominations are now being accepted for this year's Frederick L. Hovde Award of Excellence, given annually to a member of the Purdue faculty or staff with an outstanding record of educational service to rural Indiana.
Research news
Researchers have demonstrated the reliability and efficiency of 'real-time hybrid simulation' for testing a type of powerful damping system that might be installed in buildings and bridges to reduce structural damage and injuries during earthquakes.
A new study has found that online tools, access to experimental data and other services provided through "cyberinfrastructure" are helping to accelerate progress in earthquake engineering and science.
Having more than two sets of chromosomes can increase a plant's ability to absorb nutrients and survive in saline soils, a joint study by Purdue and the University of Aberdeen shows.
Panelists' preferences in a taste test were nearly equally divided between chicken patties fried in a radiant fryer developed by a Purdue researcher and those fried in a conventional oil immersion fryer, a Purdue study showed.
Here is a list of research studies that currently are looking for participants.
General news
Purdue's Krannert School of Management has been ranked among the best business programs globally in two new surveys.
The summer commencement ceremony at Purdue's West Lafayette campus will be broadcast live for television and Internet audiences.
Purdue pilots will fly the University's Embraer Phenom 100 jet to the Experimental Aircraft Association AirVenture in Oshkosh on Friday (Aug. 2), powered in part by a biofuel to demonstrate the potential of sustainable energy in aviation.
Purdue Galleries and Civic Theatre of Greater Lafayette
invite entries for "Alien Invasion Epic," a Living Graphic Novel. The project will be a science fiction tale assembled as a graphic novel from submissions of staged photographs.
Team USA was awarded four gold medals at the International Biology Olympiad (IBO) and scored the highest overall team points, the Center for Excellence in Education (CEE) announced Monday (July 29).
Purdue sports
For more information on Purdue sports, go to www.purduesports.com.
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