Friday, December 2, 2022

Senior geology major Namy Barnett ‘23 won top honors in the Earth and Environmental Science category at the College Research Science Conference hosted by the MJ Murdock Charitable Trust. Barnett is investigating the degree of chemical dissolution of a magnesium-rich mineral by natural carbonic acid.

 

One proposed technology to speed up removal of atmospheric CO2 is to place naturally-occurring olivine minerals on beaches. Wave action folds CO2 into ocean water, creating the conditions for physical abrasion and for the chemical reactions to occur at the greatest rate. The dissolving olivine has the potential to neutralize ocean acidity and to contribute to formation of marine carbonate deposits.

 

With her research advisor Professor of Geology Kirsten Nicolaysen—whose 2022-2023 sabbatical provided the capacity to support a new area of scientific collaboration—Barnett documents that the minerals begin dissolving in natural outcrops prior to reaching beaches. The resulting dissolution pits create more surface area for further enhanced weathering in the beach and off-shore environments. This research was undertaken in collaboration with Vesta, a US-based company engaged in designing negative emissions coastal projects.

 

Barnett was one of 20 Whitman students who presented their research at this conference.

Noteworthy

Associate Professor of Religion Lauren Osborne recently published a new peer-reviewed article and translation in the most recent issue of the "Mélanges de l'Institut dominicain d'études orientales." Her translation, “The Qaṣīda fī al-taǧwīd by Mūsā ibn ʿUbayd Allāh ibn Ḫāqān (d. 345/937),” is the first English-language translation of a didactic poem on reciting the Qur'an, attributed to a 10th century author. The poem represents the earliest written record of the developing rules of recitation. In the same journal issue, Osborne has also published an article on the poem, called "Sound-History of the Qurʾān. A Study of Mūsā b. ʿUbayd Allāh Ibn Ḫāqān’s Qaṣīda fī-l-Taǧwīd." The article situates the poem among debates about developing positions on Islamic ritual ethics and sound in 10th century Baghdad. This historically significant document has garnered very little attention in scholarship on the Qur'an, and Osborne's study and translation are newly bringing it to light.

Alpha Phi will host a field day style fundraising event from 3-5 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 in the Sherwood Athletic Center multipurpose gym. There is a $7 fee to sign up as a player (either in teams of four, or as an individual who will be assigned to a team).  Snacks for players will be provided. There is also a $3 raffle with prizes from local businesses (Pine Cone Creamery, Wingman, Clarettes, etc.). 100% of the proceeds from this event will go to Planned Parenthood.

David Nord Award recipient and Whitman senior Annie Means '22 will screen a short documentary film at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 in Kimball Theatre. "The Big Red Ban" highlights current FDA regulations regarding blood donor eligibility and interrogates the homophobia and prejudice behind some of the restrictions. Please submit questions for the Q&A in advance. For accommodations or questions, please contact Director of LGBTQIA+ Student Services Rachel Freeman-Cohen.

The third event in the 2022 Studio Series will feature guest artist Christopher Williams performing "Goddesses, Faeries, Witches, Saints, and Lovers" at 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 3 in the Freimann Studio Theatre. Williams will draw from his extensive repertoire of fantastical movement-based performances,  and perform excerpts from select pivotal works made during his career as a critically-acclaimed choreographer in New York City and abroad.

The Student Activities Office will host an Arts and Crafts Fair from 4-6 p.m. on Monday, Dec. 5 in the Reid Campus Center Young Ballroom. Students, faculty and staff will be selling their handcrafted and homemade goods. Support our local Whitman artisans!

The Division of Diversity and Inclusion invites applications for its next round of 2022-2023 DEIA Cultivation Grants. Grant recipients from the previous round are already making an impact on campus—one grant supported a collaborative program focused on accessibility in outdoor programs and another grant is contributing to an upcoming workshop focused on accountability, responsibility and capacity development for white people engaged in DEI and racial justice work. Applications will be accepted through Friday, Dec. 16 with award notifications sent shortly after the winter break. To apply for a DEIA Cultivation Grant, fill out this online form.

Daily COVID-19 Update

In accordance with Washington state Labor & Industries employer requirements, we are notifying the campus community that since yesterday, one person with Whitman access was confirmed positive for COVID-19.

 

Please continue to follow all our campus COVID-19 protocols to help prevent transmission. If you have any symptoms that may be COVID-19 or know that you may have been exposed to coronavirus, please be tested. Additional masks and rapid test kits are available in the front entryway at the Welty Student Health Center during normal operating hours. 

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“Whitman Today” is produced by the Office of Communications and is emailed Monday through Friday to Whitman College staff, faculty and students. All times are listed in Pacific Daylight Time. 

 

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