NATION'S SOLAR EXPERTS TO GATHER AT UO RESEARCH LAB THIS WEEK "The same sunlight that is sending local temperatures into the 90s this week is capable of a significant contribution to our society's future power needs," says University of Oregon's Frank Vignola, a senior researcher in the physics department and director of the Solar Radiation Monitoring Lab (SRML). The UO-SRML maintains 13 research sites in four western states that monitor levels of solar radiation. "Our work is dedicated to producing the most accurate solar radiation data possible," Vignola says. "Gathering this data is a fundamental step toward a future where we make more significant use of this clean, renewable energy resource." Solar energy experts from across the country will gather at the UO Aug. 6-8 as the SMRL hosts the Pacific Northwest Radiometer Workshop. SOURCE: Frank Vignola, senior researcher and director of the UO's Solar Radiation Monitoring Lab. Editors Note: Since Vignola will be participating in the Radiometer Workshop, he is only available 8:30-9:30 a.m. and 12-1 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 6, and 12-1 p.m., Thursday and Friday, Aug. 7-8. To set up an interview, call Ross West, Office of Communications, 346-2060. UO RESEARCHERS ATTRACT MORE THAN $50 MILLION IN GRANTS "For the first time, the University of Oregon has brought in more than $50 million in research funding," according to UO vice-provost for research and graduate dean, Steadman Upham. "The research this money funds is vital to educating Oregon's students and fueling Oregon's economy." The exact number for the 1996-97 period is $53.2 million. "This volume of research is truly remarkable, especially since the UO has neither a medical school nor college of engineering," Upham says. "What we do have is a group of exceptional researchers who are advancing knowledge and developing new technology with the support of agencies like the National Institutes of Health and the National Science Foundation." SOURCE: Steadman Upham, UO vice-provost for research and graduate dean, (541) 346-3081; e-mail, deangra@oregon.uoregon.edu UO FACULTY TAKE ON HIGH TECH TEACHING TOOLS Some faculty at the University of Oregon have gone back to school this summer to learn how to take advantage of the latest high-tech teaching tools to enhance student learning. The UO Teaching Effectiveness Program is offering an intensive course, Aug. 4-15, that helps faculty develop materials and use cutting edge instructional technology that can dramatically improve their students' learning experiences. "Participating faculty are learning about a range of technologies such as how to create electronic resources and interactive tools on the World Wide Web, and how to use graphic design principles and software to make their presentations more visually stimulating," says Georgeanne Cooper, coordinator of the Teaching Effectiveness Program. In its second year, the course is designed to help faculty not only keep up with the expectations of today's more technologically savvy students but also to provide greater access to higher education. "We have to realize that education as we know it now is not what many students will need in the future," says Cooper. "There are more people wanting access to higher education and technology can help us reach them." Cooper says faculty will receive technical support throughout the year to help them integrate their new knowledge into their course design. SOURCE: Georgeanne Cooper, coordinator, UO Teaching Effectiveness Program, (541) 346-2177; e-mail, gcooper@oregon.uoregon.edu; Michael Sweet, assistant coordinator, UO Teaching Effectiveness Program, (541) 346-2123; e-mail, mssweet@oregon.uoregon.edu -30- #T-1031/Day