News Briefs
Neuro Week To Celebrate Brain Research at CMU
The Neuroscience Institute will celebrate innovations in brain research at Carnegie Mellon with a series of research symposiums, showcases, panel discussions and lectures, Nov. 4-8.
The week begins with a welcome breakfast followed by a symposium on leveraging technology to beat brain disease. CMU alumnus Robert Bowser from the Barrow Neurological Institute will give the keynote address. Later in the week, the Neuroscience Institute will award the Carnegie Prize in Mind and Brain Science to renowned neuroscientist Eve Marder of Brandeis University.
As the birthplace of artificial intelligence and cognitive psychology, CMU brain scientists have had real-world impact for over 50 years. From the creation of some of the first cognitive tutors, to the development of the Jeopardy-winning Watson, to recent cutting-edge work on the genetic basis of autism, Carnegie Mellon has been, and will continue to be, a leader in the study of brain and behavior.
Here’s a glance at the week’s featured events
Nov. 4
Welcome Breakfast
9 – 10 a.m., Simmons Auditorium B, Tepper Building
Symposium: Leveraging Science and Technology To Beat Brain Disease
10 a.m. – 12:15 p.m., Simmons Auditorium B, Tepper Building
Nov. 5
Neuroscience Institute’s Presidential Fellows Showcase
4 – 6 p.m., Steinberg Auditorium, Baker Hall A53
Nov. 6
Celebration honoring Barbara Shinn-Cunningham, the George A. and Helen Dunham Cowan Professor in Auditory Neuroscience
4 – 6 p.m., Citrone Room, Tepper Building 5600
Nov. 7
Panel Discussion: Diversity in Science
2 - 3:30 p.m., Connan Room, Cohon University Center
Andrew Carnegie Prize in Mind and Brain Sciences Lecture
4 – 5:30 p.m., Rashid Auditorium, Gates Hillman 4401
Nov. 8
Victor Bearg Lecture: The Neuroscience of Laughter by Sophie Scott
12 – 1:30 p.m., Kresge Theater, College of Fine Arts
Find out more about Neuro Week and the Neuroscience Institute.
Provost Sets Office Hours for Students, Faculty, Staff
Provost Jim Garrett has three remaining dates this fall to meet with students, faculty and staff on a first-come, first-served basis. No appointment is necessary.
Garrett encourages members of the university community to use the time to discuss what’s on your mind, and to share your experiences, ideas and aspirations for Carnegie Mellon.
Office hours, below, will be held in the CCR East on the first floor of Warner Hall.
Friday, Nov. 1, 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Friday, Nov. 15, 9:30 – 11 a.m.
Thursday, Dec. 12, 3 – 4:30 p.m.
Emergency Response Drill Set for Nov. 5
From 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 5, members of the university’s emergency preparedness and response team will conduct an emergency response drill at Scott Hall. This practice exercise is designed to simulate a hazardous materials release. It is intended to practice and test the university’s emergency response protocols, in coordination with external emergency agencies to help ensure the safety and well-being of our community.
This is only a drill. The CMU community will NOT be in any danger.
As part of the exercise, emergency vehicles and response activities will be inside and near Scott Hall. Signage will be posted nearby to remind members of the community that a drill is in progress. Classes and events in Scott Hall and nearby buildings will not be impacted.
If you have questions about this emergency response exercise, contact Melaine Lucht, associate vice president and chief risk officer, at mlucht@andrew.cmu.edu.
Benefits & Fitness Fair is Wednesday, Nov. 6
Learn more about CMU benefit plans at the annual Benefits & Fitness Fair from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6 in the Cohon University Center's Rangos Ballroom. Representatives from the benefit plans and the Office of Human Resources will be available to answer questions. Open Enrollment for 2020 benefits began Monday and ends Nov. 18. Open Enrollment is your annual opportunity to review your benefit coverage options and make selections for the upcoming calendar year.
Human Resources Service Center staff members will be located in the McKenna Room during the Benefits & Fitness Fair to assist with processing of Open Enrollment in Workday. For enrollment assistance, please come prepared with your Workday login information, including your mobile device for DUO authentication.
The fair also includes fitness demonstrations, free health screenings, raffles and giveaways.
Giant Eagle will be administering flu vaccinations at no cost to faculty and staff members. To obtain your flu vaccine, you will need to present your CMU ID card. No appointments are required for flu vaccinations during the Benefits & Fitness Fair. Remember to bring your Giant Eagle Advantage Card to receive a $5 credit.
Dining News: Exchange To Reopen Nov. 6
The Exchange, which has been closed for renovations since May 2019, will re-open for business on Wednesday, Nov. 6. The updated design features an open kitchen environment, expanded seating and a refreshed look.
Located on the first floor of Posner Hall, The Exchange has been an integral part of the Carnegie Mellon community for 17 years. A favorite dining location for students, faculty and staff, The Exchange is known for its exceptional customer service, custom deli sandwiches, made-to-order salads, housemade soups and hot entrées. The core menu remains unchanged, but the renovation allows the team to expand the menu of daily specials, including homestyle favorites like meatloaf and mashed potatoes, jambalaya with Cajun rice and chicken gorgonzola. Find out more.
Seeking Nominations for Engineering Staff Awards
The College of Engineering Staff Recognition Awards Committee is seeking nominations for the college's annual Staff Recognition Awards program, which honors staff for their outstanding leadership, innovation, continued excellence and spirit. For more details on the process, including nomination criteria and a list of eligible staff members, visit the awards website. The online nomination deadline is 5 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 13.