Author Archives: johnsojg

Diversity & inclusion events next week

International Instructors: Teaching at Miami
When: Monday 11/12 @ 4pm
Where: McGuffey Hall 120
Description: Eight faculty Learning Community members, representing eight countries, will “share their utilization of multicompetences from differing global perspective and how it impacts their teaching strategies at Miami.”

International Education Week Keynote: The Power of a Simple Pair of Glasses
When: Monday 11/12 @ 6-9pm
Where: McGuffey Hall 322
Description: Dr. Jason Singh, who is the Senior Vice President of VisionWorks, will present the keynote address for International Education Week.

Safe Zone 101 Training
When: Tuesday 11/13 @ 5-7pm
Where: Wilks Conference Center 200, Hamilton campus
Description: “Safe Zone 101 is an informative, interactive workshop providing constructive strategies for creating a more inclusive campus for LGBTQIA+ students, faculty, and staff.”

International Fest at Miami Regionals
When: Wednesday 11/14 @ 11:30am-3pm
Where: Wilks Conference Center, Miami Hamilton Campus
Description: The Miami Hamilton International Club, the Miami Middletown English Language Center, and the Miami Regionals Office of Diversity and Multicultural Services is celebrating International Education Week with food and cultural activities.

Emmett Till: Why His Story Matters
When: Wednesday 11/14 @ 4-5pm
Where: John E. Dolibois Room, Shriver Center
Description: Dr. Elliott J. Gorn will discuss his recent book entitled Let the People See: The Story of Emmett Till.

Urban-Rural Divide Art Museum Lecture
When: Wednesday 11/14 @ 5:30-6:30pm
Where: Miami University Art Museum
Description: Professor Stephen Conn will explore where the urban-rural divide came from, “what defines it, and what it all means today.”

Latin America in Transition: Voices from Today
When: Wednesday 11/14 @ 5:30-7:30pm
Where: Upham Hall 361
Description: This is a virtual, bilingual roundtable event, where “college students from across Latin America will provide firsthand testimonies of the political, environmental, and social conditions in their respective countries after returning from spending the past summer here on Miami’s campus, as selected members of the Studies of United States’ Institutions program.”

Untangling the Cultural Misconceptions about Your Hair (event 2)
When: Wednesday 11/14 @ 7-8:30pm
Where: Hillel, 11 E. Walnut St, Oxford, OH
Description: “This is the second event to learn about the ways that different cultures and ethnicities value and treat their hair, though month-long events in the form of panels, talks, and conversations.”

Blinded
When: Wednesday 11/14 @ 7:30-9:30pm
Where: McGuffey Hall 322
Description: “The aim of Blinded is to have students engage in dialogue around issues of sexuality, spirituality, race and socio-economic status with facilitators present. Students are separated from friends or anyone they know, are seated across the room from one another in groups of five, and blindfolded. From there, facilitators lead the discussions in hopes that students will actively engage and learn more about their peers’ intersectionalities.”

Good Kids (theatre)
When: Wednesday 11/14 through Saturday 11/17 @ 7:30pm and Sunday 11/18 at 2pm
Where: Gates-Abegglen Theatre
Description: This play is based loosely on a sexual assault that happened to a teenage girl in Steubenville, Ohio. The play is intended for viewers to “come to terms with the realities of sexual assault, privilege, and victim blaming.”
Cost: $12 adult, $9 senior, $8 student (also note that this play is intended for mature audiences)

ISSS Thanksgiving Dinner
When: Thursday 11/15 @ 5:30-7pm
Where: John E. Dolibois Room, Shriver Center
Description: “This gathering serves as a time for international students and the Miami and Oxford communities to enjoy a traditional American Thanksgiving meal together.” If interested in attending, please register here.

Taste of Black Excellence
When: Saturday 11/17 @ 7-10pm
Where: McGuffey 322
Description: “This event is a showcase of the talent, culture, and food of the African diaspora. Come have a nice dinner while enjoying the talents of many students from Miami’s black community.”

Diversity & inclusion events next week

Refugee Advisory Council Lunch
When: Monday 11/5 @ 12-1:30pm
Where: Shriver Center, Heritage Room
Description: Students from migrant families, who attend Withrow and Aken High Schools, will tour Miami. During the lunch, students will meet Miami students and learn about student organizations they could join at Miami.

A Look Inside the Westboro Baptist Church
When: Monday 11/5 @ 7-9pm
Where: Hughes Laboratories 141
Description: This event will showcase the work of seven students in the Religion Department who participated in research in Topeka Kansas to learn more about the Westboro Baptist Church.

Masha Gessen Lecture
When: Tuesday 11/6 @ 5-6:30pm
Where: Shideler Hall 152
Description: Masha Gessen, who is a writer at the New Yorker, will present a talk on entitled Journalism as a Tool of Resistance in a Post-Truth World.

Dinner with Titi Aynaw
When: Tuesday 11/6 @ 5-7pm
Where: Hillel, 11 E Walnut St
Description: Hillel will host a dinner (where an Ethiopian breakfast dish will be served) and Titi Aynaw will give a talk. Titi Aynaw is the first Ethiopian-born Jewish woman to win Miss Israel.

Mezuzah Making Program
When: Wednesday 11/7 @ 5-8pm
Where: Hillel 11 E. Walnut St
Description: Come paint a ‘You’re Fired’ Mezuzah mug with the Hillel community. Mezuzah and paint will be provided by You’re Fired.

Untangling the Cultural Misconceptions about Your Hair
When: Thursday 11/8 @ 6-7:30pm
Where: Hillel 11 E Walnut St.
Description: “Learn about the ways that different cultures and ethnicities value and treat their hair, though month-long events in the form of panels, talks, and conversations.”

Global Holiday Party
When: Thursday 11/8 @ 5-9pm
Where: Shriver Center, Heritage Romo
Description: The Diversity Affairs Council is hosting a celebration of cultures worldwide.

Family Style Shabbos Dinner
When: Friday 11/9 @ 7-8pm
Where: Chabad at Miami University, 650 S. Campus Ave
Description: The Chabad Jewish Student Group at Miami University is hosting its weekly Shabbos dinner.

Miami University ASL and Deaf Culture Club Presents Stacy Abrams
When: Friday 11/9 @ 7:30-8:30pm
Where: Benton Hall 102
Description: “Join American Sign Language and Deaf Culture Club as we host Stacy Abrams, founder of the #whyisign movement, as she discusses Deaf rights, activism, and education within the Deaf community.”

The Diwali Show
When: Friday 11/9 @ 7-9pm and Saturday 11/10 @ 2-4pm
Where: Hall Auditorium (151 S Campus Ave)
Description: This is the Indian Students Association’s annual show that educates attendees about Indian culture through dancing and acting.

Grad workshops for mentoring RAs

From Joyce Fernandes, Director of Undergraduate Research, the ORU will be hosting two workshops for graduate students to help with mentoring undergraduate research assistants. Both workshops will be held in the AIS (Rm 134) in King Library and will feature light refreshments. Registered attendees also have the chance to win a $10 gift card! You can register for either of the following workshops using this link.

Mentoring Undergraduate Researchers, Nov 14 (12:30 -1:30 pm)
How do you develop a mentoring relationship with your undergraduate researcher over a
period of time, leading them to become incrementally independent? This workshop will
help you to examine your mentoring style and philosophy and provide you with tips for
navigating challenges.

Undergraduate Research as a collaboration with Research Mentors, Nov 28 (5:30-6:30pm)
Recommended for teams/pairs of graduate and undergraduate researchers
How can you get the most out of a research experience that is a collaboration between an
undergraduate researcher and the mentor? This workshop will examine how to align
goals and expectations of the mentor and mentee, as you design and conduct your
research project.

Diversity & inclusion events next week

Around the World Film Series: Black American Edition
When: Sunday 10/28 @ 6:30-9pm
Where: Pearson 128
Description: The Pi Gamma chapter of Sigma Lambda Gamma and the Black Women Empowered group will host a “movie night to discuss the current racial climate that people of color are experiencing in the United States. We will explore options for combating inequality while enjoying one of the most popular and thought-provoking movies of 2017, Get Out.”

Havinghurst Center Colloquia Series: Vitaly Chernetsky
When: Monday 10/29 @ 11:30am-1pm
Where: HRN 202
Description: Vitaly Chernetsky, from the University of Kansas, will present a talk entitled “Slava Mogutin as a Diasporic Russian Queer Voice: Countercultural Globalization and Transcendental Homelessness.”

Sister Survivors: Gymnasts Ignite Change
When: Monday 10/29 @ 7:30-9:30pm
Where: Hall Auditorium (101 S. Campus Avenue)
Description: Jordyn Wieber and Rachael Denhollander will discuss how gymnasts have ignited change with the #MeToo and #UsToo movements.

Interfaith Council Meeting
When: Tuesday 10/30 @ 5-6pm
Where: Office of Community Engagement and Service (219 E Spring St)
Description: “Join the Interfaith Council in our bimonthly meetings. We engage in interfaith dialogue and plan awesome interfaith programs!”

Diwali Practices
When: Tuesday 10/30 @ 6-10pm
Where: Bystrom Room, Shriver
Description: The Indian Students Association will host this event to practice for the Diwali Program in November.

Watch Madea’s Halloween “Boo”
When: Wednesday 10/31 @ 5-8pm
Where: Hamilton campus, 114 Rentschler Hall
Description: The Office of Diversity and Multicultural Services will host this film-screening event.

Japanese Culture and Language Club Halloween Party
When: Wednesday 10/31 @ 6-8pm
Where: 249 Upham Hall
Description: The Japanese Culture and Language Club will host this event, where attendees can eat treats, paint pumpkins, and learn about Japanese folklore and superstitions.

Day of the Dead
When: Thursday 11/1 @ 10am-12pm
Where: Hamilton Campus, Hamilton Rentschler Library (1601 University Blvd, Hamilton, OH)
Description: The Association of Latino and American Students of Miami University Hamilton Campus will host the Mexican holiday where deceased loved ones are remembered.

Family Style Shabbos Dinner
When: Friday 11/2 @ 7-8pm
Where: Chabad at Miami University
Description: The Chabad Jewish Student group at Miami University will host a family style Shabbos dinner.

Steel Band Performance
When: Friday 11/2 @ 7:30-10pm
Where: Hall Auditorium (101 S. Campus Avenue)
Description: Peter Boyer will perform a piece for marimba and steel band. “The title of the piece refers to the image of the Hindu deity Shiva, manifest in bronze sculpture as Nataraja’s Dance.” The MU Steel Band will also perform pieces within calypso, soca, and other Caribbean and Latin American musical styles.

Chuseok
When: Saturday 11/3 @5-9pm
Where: Armstrong Student Center (3rd floor)
Description: The Korean American Student Association is hosting its annual, free event with performances, educational booths, and Korean food.

Japanese Culture and Language Club Movie Marathon
When: Saturday 11/3 @ 5-10pm
Where: 152 Shideler Hall
Description: “This marathon is meant to show animated films not generally screened in the U.S. This will be a screening of three critically acclaimed animated movies: Kimi no na Wa (Your Name), The Garden of Words, and The Night is Short, Walk on Girl.”

Information session on intergroup dialogue

Tarah Trueblood, the new director of the Center for American and World Cultures, is developing some programming for the spring semester on intergroup dialogue. She has arranged for Dr. Jesus Trevino to visit campus including an open forum 10:00 – 10:45 this Friday (October 26) in PSYC 131. Those who might be interested in learning more or contributing for the spring semester are encouraged to attend.

APS campaign for basic research vs. clinical trials

Although APS members should have received this directly, others might want to also be aware of the current movement regarding NIH regulation of research. From Sarah Brookhart, APS:

Dear Colleague,

As you may be aware, the US National Institutes of Health (NIH) wants to classify basic research with human subjects as clinical trials. (If you’re not familiar with this issue, here is some background.)

Besides being objectionable on principle, NIH’s proposal would be a huge step backward for basic psychological science and its potential to address the most pressing health problems facing people today. It also would present significant practical problems for basic researchers applying for NIH grants, and basic research would be subject to the same policies and requirements that apply to clinical trials.

You have an opportunity to tell NIH that basic research with human subjects is not clinical trials.

NIH has issued a Request for Information (RFI) that has doubled down on intentions to classify basic research with human subjects as clinical trials. APS has strongly objected to this in responding to the NIH RFI, which you can read online, but it is critical that you also submit your own objection.

You are welcome to copy, modify, and/or paste the [sample response obtainable from Joe], modeled after APS’s response, to use as your own. Here are the steps to follow to submit your own response:

  1. Read APS’s response to NIH’s RFI.
  2. Click this link to access NIH’s RFI. (Don’t be distracted by the title. This is not an issue of registering and reporting research studies.)
  3. Enter your comments (using the text below if you’d like to).
  4. Submit the RFI form as soon as possible, but prior to November 12, 2018.
  5. Forward this message to colleagues, students, and others; post your thoughts about the issue on social media.
  6. Share your response with me at [email protected]

APS has repeatedly told NIH it should not consider basic research with human subjects to be clinical trials, and that policies should be designed with basic science in mind, rather than shoehorning basic behavioral science into a mold designed for clinical trials. Please make this point central in any response you provide to the NIH RFI.

Thank you for attending to this important matter. I would be happy to hear from you if you have any questions. Please email me at [email protected].

Diversity & inclusion events next week

Racial Consciousness 101
When: Monday 10/22 @ 3-4:30pm
Where: Wilks Theater
Description: “Miami instructors and students are invited to participate in the revival of an historical 1981 anti-racist education initiative…This initiative consists of panelists surveying students about racial “myths” and then hosting panels to share with these students their own experiences and insights as students of color at Miami University.”

Further than Falafel: Israeli Dinner and Discussion
When: Tuesday 10/23 @ 6-7:30pm
Where: Hillel 11 E Walnut Street, Oxford, OH 45056
Description: Hillel will host a free Israeli dinner accompanied by a conversation about why the Jewish homeland is in Israel.

Diwali Practices
When: Tuesday 10/23 @ 6-10pm
Where: Bystrom Room, Shriver
Description: The Indian Students Association hosts a practice for the Diwali Program in November.

Pumpkin Pride
When: Wednesday 10/24 @ 6-8:30pm
Where: 302 Shideler Hall
Description: “Pumpkin Pride annual celebration of the fall season and Halloween. All are welcome to come join us for a fun filled night of activities focused on the fall and the beautiful things that make fall a great time to gather together and celebrate our love, honor and pride.”

AAA and ASA Professional Event
When: Saturday 10/27 3-5pm
Where: 1066 Armstrong Student Center
Description: “Hosted by the Asian American Association (AAA) and the Asian Student Achievement (ASA) this Professional event will cover networking and workplace diversity. This event will also include speakers such as Shane Carlin, Founder and CEO of Asian Student Achievement (ASA).”

NSF/NIH Graduate fellowships due

The deadlines for the October 25 NSF GRFP and the December 8 NRSA may have many graduate students thinking about these fellowships. Advisors and grad students should know that the department will support students who submit proposals with a $100 submission incentive fund, as well as commitments for reasonable project expenses for proposed research (which the awards often do not). Be sure to see me if you plan to submit for these awards–for statements of support and because I’d like to hear what you’re doing!

Women in Bioscience & Healthcare event

This is an event October 18 in Columbus brought to my attention by Jim Oris. As Miami is a member of the sponsoring organization, BioOhio, we receive a discounted rate for this conference. Furthermore, if faculty or graduate students are interested, please see me and the department may be able to cover the registration. Some details from the announcement are below, see the website for complete details and agenda:

The day is filled with outstanding speakers, all of whom are industry leaders and innovators. Our agenda planning sessions alone have been so inspiring, we know you will leave the day energized and equipped with tactics to advance your career. Amazing insights are in store for you. Agenda topics include: skills to lead & grow, redefining society’s image of science, how STEM education is driving change, and a whole lot more.

This event is not just for women. Men are highly encouraged to attend, and several speakers are male allies committed to the advancement of women in bioscience and healthcare.

Diversity & inclusion events next week

Invisible Illness Awareness
When: Monday 10/15 11:30am-1pm
Where: Johnston Hall (Middletown campus)
Description: “This event…is for anyone to learn about invisible illnesses” and how they affect college students.

Queering Your Senior Pictures
When: Tuesday 10/16 4-7pm
Where: Women*s & LGBTQ+ Services room 3012, Armstrong Student Center
Description: “This is your chance to have your senior pictures the way you’ve always wanted them. Students can come and have their professional pictures taken that express their true gender and sexual identity/expression. You do not have to be a senior to have your pictures taken, everyone is welcome!”

Freedom Rider
When: Wednesday 10/17 5-8pm
Where: 114 Rentschler Hall (Hamilton campus)
Description: The Office of Diversity and Multicultural Services is sponsoring this film-viewing event.

Coming Out Stories
When: Wednesday 10/17 and Thursday 10/18 6-8pm
Where: Interfaith Center
Description: “Come share your coming out stories in a safe, secluded, and confidential space surrounded by the support of Spectrum and your fellow peers.”

Chinese Warriors of Peking
When: Wednesday 10/17 at 7pm
Where: Millett Hall room 100
Description: “Set in Peking during the Ming Dynasty, Chinese Warriors of Peking tells the true tale of two rival martial arts schools vying for domination. This fast-paced show is filled with astonishing acrobatics, mesmerizing martial arts, and spectacular stage combat. A must-see spectacle for the whole family!”

Regular Price: Adult $24 | Senior $23 | Youth/Student $12

The Fight Against Rape Culture
When: Wednesday 10/17 7-8:30pm
Where: Parrish Auditorium (Hamilton campus)
Description: “Alice Sebold, who was raped while a student at Syracuse University and who successfully prosecuted her rapist, has spent thirty-five years observing the rape culture in which we live…Though not shying away from the grim realities of the present, Sebold’s goal is to provide hope by working to dismantle the antiquated and destructive divisions that still exist among us and to inspire a more open dialogue.”

The Gay Agenda
When: Thursday 10/18 11am-3pm
Where: Shade Family Room, Armstrong Student Center
Description: “A passive demonstration to promote visibility and awareness on campus. Come and participate in our master agenda: sitting around, chatting with friends, and doing our homework.”

Land of Open Graves: Understanding American Politics and the US/Mexico Border Enforcement Through the Lives and Deaths of Migrants
When: Thursday 10/18 4:30-6pm
Where: John E. Dolibois Room, Shriver Center
Description: Dr. Jason DeLeon, an anthropology professor, will describe his anthropological work studying migration between Mexico and the US.

LGBTQ Family Night
When: Thursday 10/18 7-9:30pm
Where: 118 McGuffey Hall
Description: “This is the first of our monthly LGBTQ+ Family Nights. Please join to hang out with Miami’s queer family, have some snacks, watch a movie.”

Shabbat
When: Friday 10/19 6-8pm
Where: 11 E. Walnut St, Oxford, OH
Description: Hillel: Association of Jewish Students will host its weekly Shabbat.

Alternaprom
When: Friday 10/19 8-11pm
Where: Heritage Room, Shriver Center
Description: “A prom for all of us who couldn’t prom the way they wanted to in high school! As we’re close to halloween, this will be a costume party. Come as you are, express yourself, and dance the night away with your peers.”

Human Trafficking Conference
When: Saturday 10/20 8am-4pm
Where: 200, 201, 202, 206, and 211 Phelps (Hamilton campus)
Description: The Human Trafficking Conference is sponsored by the Office of Diversity and Multicultural Services.

Night in India!
When: Saturday 10/20 5-9pm
Where: 322 McGuffey Hall
Description: “The event promotes Indian culture and our big show in November for Diwali. The event will include a variety of activities including henna, India trivia, Indian music, a sari wrapping station, and more.”