This is Oregon

University of Oregon

5.0 (3)
EDUCATION

On the This is Oregon podcast, we take you inside the research and discoveries happening at the University of Oregon, a leading research university and member of the Association of American Universities. We talk with UO faculty and experts from a variety of fields who are working to address today's most pressing issues in Oregon and beyond—helping us all live healthier, better lives.

5D AGO

S2E7: Before the Emergency

On this episode we're joined by Leland O'Driscoll, Director of the Oregon Hazards Lab, or OHAZ. He discusses his work with the OHAZ Lab and how OHAZ monitors natural hazards across Oregon, from earthquakes to wildfires, and explains how early warning tools like ShakeAlert and other monitoring technologies support community preparedness strategies. O'Driscoll also highlights OHAZ's partnerships with communities and UO, the role of student workers in OHAZ's mission, and what the future holds for hazard monitoring and disaster readiness. Topics What happens in the Oregon Hazards Lab? [00:19] ShakeAlert and OHAZ [2:34] Inside earthquake early warning technology [3:08] Tracking wildfires across Oregon [4:45] The tech powering OHAZ's monitoring systems [6:35] Working with communities and student workers [10:22] What's next for OHAZ [15:35] Tips and Lessons for preparing for natural disasters [17:07] Guest Leland O'Driscoll, Director of the Oregon Hazards Lab Resources Oregon Hazards Lab (OHAZ), explore research and data on natural hazards across Oregon. Watch Duty wildfire maps and alerts, track wildfire activity and receive timely updates. Pacific Northwest Seismic Network, monitor earthquake activity across the Pacific Northwest. ShakeAlert, get early warnings to help you act before an earthquake strikes. AlertWest, receive emergency notifications and alerts for hazards in your area. Quotes "Through the use of the speed of data transfer and then how slow earthquakes move, we can use that offset in time to capture an earthquake activity immediately and accurately measure its size, and then produce a warning saying, 'Hey, an earthquake has happened. We've calculated and we've verified it. An earthquake has happened and it's coming your way.'" [3:36] "But the key thing is really finding the combination of radio-use case, cellular networks, local-connected internet, and satellite, and kind of stitching that together with this resilient system." [10:10] "We really value the role of our undergraduate students specifically. You know, we have the chance to give a lot of hands-on training. And between the work we do in the lab to prepare equipment, to do manufacturing and fabrication, to data crunching, to outreach and content generation." [11:21] "It's always worth noting; yes, we're exposed to risk. But that risk means there's this underlying Earth's structure and composition and biosphere that we love to be within. So kind of embracing that, the beauty and awe of the nature we live in, is really the key thing. We want that, and it's worth living in the risk of the environment that results." [18:12] Listen to more episodes and explore the Oregon Podcast Network at news.uoregon.edu/podcasts

24 min
JAN 21

S2E6: The Future of Mass Timber

On this episode we're joined by Judith Sheine, Professor of Architecture and Director of Design of the TallWood Design Institute at the University of Oregon. She shares her work with helping mass timber become more accessible and discusses its potential to create affordable, sustainable housing. Sheine also discusses the challenges and opportunities in advancing mass timber development and what its future could look like for the Pacific Northwest and homeowners. This is part two of our conversation with Judith Sheine. You can listen to part 1 on Apple or Spotify. Topics How the Mass Timber Movement Began [00:37] How Can Mass Timber Make Housing Affordable? [2:50] How the Pacific Northwest is Leading in Mass Timber [4:05] Overcoming Challenges in Mass Timber Development [10:48] What Could Mass Timber's Future Look Like? [12:29] Advice for Homeowners Exploring Mass Timber [16:08] Guest Judith Sheine, Professor of Architecture and Director of Design of the TallWood Design Institute at the University of Oregon Resources Oregon's College of Design, learn about programs in architecture, landscape architecture, product design, and more, with opportunities to develop hands-on design skills and explore sustainable approaches to shaping the built environment. TallWood Design Institute, discover the collaborative research institute between University of Oregon and Oregon State University dedicated to advancing mass timber and wood product building solutions through testing, applied research, and educational opportunities for students interested in sustainable building. Oregon Mass Timber Coalition, find out more about bout the statewide partnership between research universities and government agencies working to grow Oregon's mass timber industry and strengthen a regional ecosystem for sustainable wood product innovation. Quotes "We began to look at developing a house type that could work for what are called "cottage clusters." So that would be a group of small houses around a courtyard in what had originally been zoned for a single family house. So we developed a small footprint, two bedroom, two story model that, as you said, we were able to do our first prototype in the Emmerson lab, which is at the College of Forestry at OSU, which is the home of the TallWood Institute." [3:29] "You know, sustainable forest management, thinning that would allow more fiber supply of small diameter logs, a revenue stream for that thinning because they could be used in mass timber and then dealing with the housing crisis by looking at the possibility of doing pre manufactured housing and factories, looking at both flat-pack, which is what we're doing, we're like the IKEA model with our little house, or volumetric, which is one of the things they'll be doing up at the port." [6:51] "Our TallWood Design Institute has really been recognized as the leading, mass timber research institute in the U.S., we have a number of firms are both family owned and new firms that are producing mass timber. We have research in virtually every area of it." [10:31] "You need a lot of stakeholders with different kinds of areas of expertise coming together in a collaborative way. And I can say what's been really interesting about the mass timber world is that it's been very collaborative, particularly here in Oregon, is that we have great relationships with industry, with government organizations, nonprofit organizations and communities all over Oregon, and that's kind of exciting in itself." [15:42] Listen to more episodes and explore the Oregon Podcast Network at news.uoregon.edu/podcasts

19 min
JAN 7

S2E5: Mass Timber 101

On this episode we're joined by Judith Sheine, Professor of Architecture and Director of Design of the TallWood Design Institute at the University of Oregon. She shares her work with mass timber innovation and what it means for environmental sustainability. Sheine also discusses how the TallWood Design Institute applies research to support the future of mass timber as a resilient material for buildings and rural economies. This is part one of our conversation with Judith Sheine. Topics What is Mass Timber [00:33] What does biophilic mean? [3:04] Mass Timber, resilience and Environmental Sustainability [4:05] What is the TallWood Design Institute? [10:54] The future of mass timber, and UO's College of Design role in the vision [14:44] Guest Judith Sheine, Professor of Architecture and Director of Design of the TallWood Design Institute at the University of Oregon Resources Oregon's College of Design, learn about programs in architecture, landscape architecture, product design, and more, with opportunities to develop hands-on design skills and explore sustainable approaches to shaping the built environment. TallWood Design Institute, discover the collaborative research institute between University of Oregon and Oregon State University dedicated to advancing mass timber and wood product building solutions through testing, applied research, and educational opportunities for students interested in sustainable building. Oregon Mass Timber Coalition, find out more about bout the statewide partnership between research universities and government agencies working to grow Oregon's mass timber industry and strengthen a regional ecosystem for sustainable wood product innovation. Quotes "Things that are really interesting about wood is that it can replace steel and concrete, and wood has been proven to have a lot of biophilic properties. There have been studies that show that wood environments in workplaces mean fewer absences, healthier environments, more productivity, and there's been studies done in schools and also in hospitals as well." [2:37] "So we do what is known as applied research, sometimes called use-inspired research, very closely aligned with industry, and that funding has enabled us to do, over 100 research projects since 2015, which is kind of amazing. So we've really helped to—in really every aspect of mass timber—so we've really helped to advance the industry. And so far the legislature seems very happy with what we're doing." [13:56] "We have made a very comprehensive, strategic plan for how to engage stakeholders across government, of course, university researchers, nonprofits, people in urban and rural communities—really everybody who could possibly be a stakeholder in this, finding ways to engage them and also to attract outside investment, to invest in startups, to invest in more buildings, and the University of Oregon has organized this very big strategic planning effort." [17:38] "I think that mass timber for the Northwest really has both enormous potential for economic development and for environmental stewardship, which is what the TallWood Design Institute was designed to promote. That's our mission." [18:31] Listen to more episodes and explore the Oregon Podcast Network at news.uoregon.edu/podcasts

20 min
11/05/2025

S2E4: Helping Students Succeed After Brain Injury

On this episode we're joined by Melaney Grenz, project manager for the Center on Brain Injury Research and Training, or CBIRT, at the University of Oregon. In this episode, she discusses how her work with CBIRT helps support people with Traumatic Brain Injuries, or TBIs, what TBIs look like in everyday life, and what their impact can have on school, work, and daily function. Grenz also shares common misconceptions and practical advice for friends and families supporting someone with TBI. Topics What does a project manager at CBIRT do? [00:55] CBIRT's role in brain injury recovery [1:29] TBI basics, the signs, and who's most at risk [2:31] Common misconceptions, biggest challenges, accommodations [6:21] Concussion Laws and Cultural Change [14:55] What's next for CBIRT [20:06] Friends and family advice [22:20] Guest Melaney Grenz, project manager for the Center on Brain Injury Research and Training (CBIRT) through the University of Oregon Resources Lived Experiences with Traumatic Brain Injuries, listen to Melaney Grenz's podcast to hear real stories about TBIs and how they affect everyday life. CBIRT, learn more about the Center for Brain Injury Research and Training's work supporting and advocating for individuals with brain injuries, families, educators, and clinicians through research and training. CBIRT on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn, follow CBIRT on social media for resources, research updates, and tools that support people living with brain injuries. Oregon Return to School Model, find out more about Oregon's model for helping students successfully return to school after a concussion or brain injury. Quotes "You know you've had a concussion, okay? You feel way different. It's scary. It's surreal. And each brain injury is different; they're like a snowflake. If you've seen one snowflake, you've seen one snowflake." [5:14] "If you think about a brain injury, it's not like another disability. It was unexpected. There's little the person could have done to prevent it, usually; they were unprepared." [6:37] "The risk of brain injury is 4 to 6 times greater after one [concussion] and eight times greater after two." [7:53] "Recovery's so variable depending on the injury— we can't say, "You know, in this much time you're going to be okay." No one can do that, right? We wish we could, but we do know that social support of the family is the best predictor of function and quality of life after brain injury, and I've said it so often that a brain injury adversely affects the entire family unit." [9:00] "All 50 states have a Return-to-Play law, but only 14 states have a Return-to-School law, with Oregon being one of them. Texas recently passed theirs. And so, we just continue to help other states. It's like, "You must have this in place." Our students are counting on us." [16:38] Listen to more episodes and explore the Oregon Podcast Network at news.uoregon.edu/podcasts

23 min
10/22/2025

S2E3: Strong Families, Healthy Kids

On this episode we're joined by Beth Stormshak, Philip H. Knight Chair, Professor at UO's College of Education, Director of the Prevention Science Institute, and President and Founder of the Family Check-Up. Stormshak talks about the challenges families face in communicating with their children and how the Family Check-Up helps families thrive. She shares practical tips for supporting kids as they grow and explains why strong communication is such a powerful tool for families. Topics The Biggest Challenges Families Face Today [1:15] Inside the Family Check-Up Model [3:26] How to Support Children's Development [5:41] Why Communication Matters in Prevention [10:16] Key Lessons for Supporting Kids [14:37] Guest Beth Stormshak, Philip H. Knight Chair, Professor at UO's College of Education, Director of the Prevention Science Institute, and President and Founder of the Family Check-Up Resources Family Check-Up, find out more about Stormshak's evidence-based model developed at UO aiming to help families strengthen communication, support positive child development, and reduce behavioral and emotional challenges in families. Prevention Science Institute at University of Oregon, learn more about UO's multidisciplinary research institute dedicated to studying ways to improve people's lives as they grow and change through research, training, and community programs. University of Oregon's College of Education, learn more about UO's programs in teaching, counseling, and human services, where students gain hands-on experience and practical skills to support children, families, and communities while preparing for careers in education, mental health, and related fields. Listen to more episodes and explore the Oregon Podcast Network at news.uoregon.edu/podcasts

17 min
10/08/2025

S2E2: Helping Kids Navigate Stress

On this episode we're joined by Dr. Sunny Bai, Assistant Professor of Children's Behavioral Health and Psychology at the University of Oregon's Ballmer Institute for Children's Behavioral Health. Bai shares her latest research on family life, explores parent's communication styles with their children, and offers tips to support youth as the school year begins. Topics The Science of Family Life [00:26] Inside Parent-Child Communication [6:06] Key Insights from Family Life Research [9:32] Supporting Youth Through School Stress [14:44] Surprising Findings in Family Research [19:50] Guest Dr. Sunny Bai, Assistant Professor of Children's Behavioral Health and Psychology at the University of Oregon's Ballmer Institute for Children's Behavioral Health. Resources Ballmer Institute for Children's Behavioral Health, learn more about UO's institute and facility on the Portland campus, which focuses on educating the next generation of children's behavioral health professionals, advancing research in child behavioral health, and providing community-based programs to support the mental health and well-being of children and families. Psychology Department at UO, explore UO's Department of Psychology, which offers programs to both undergraduate and graduate students interested in the study of human behavior, including areas such as child and adolescent development, biopsychology, and social behavior, while helping students build a foundation for careers in mental health, education, and related fields. SAFE Lab, find out about Dr. Bai's Strengthening Adolescents and Families Everyday (SAFE) lab, where research examines family life, the effects of stress on parent—child relationships, and how internalizing disorders in adolescence affect children and families, with hands-on opportunities for students seeking research experience to contribute to ongoing projects. Listen to more episodes and explore the Oregon Podcast Network at news.uoregon.edu/podcasts

22 min
09/24/2025

S2E1: Why Kids' Sleep Matters

On this episode we're joined by Ariel Williamson, a licensed psychologist & assistant professor at The Ballmer Institute for Children's Behavioral Health and The Department of Psychology, to explore how children's sleep habits affect their emotional well-being, behavior, and learning. Williamson discusses why sleep is foundational for kids' health, how families can recognize when sleep routines are off track, and shares practical strategies to help children get the rest they need—especially during the back-to-school transition. Topics Why sleep is a pillar of children's health [4:27] The biggest challenges in shifting from summer to school-year routines [6:28] Common sleep problems and how many kids are affected [9:05] Recommended sleep amounts by age and how to adapt them for your child [11:56] Bedtime battles: why they happen and how to ease them [15:13] Causes of poor sleep, from environment to stress and mental health [18:20] When to seek help from a doctor or specialist [24:36] Why "one size does not fit all" when it comes to kids' sleep [27:40] Guest Ariel A. Williamson, PhD, Licensed Psychologist & Assistant Professor, The Ballmer Institute for Children's Behavioral Health and The Department of Psychology Resources www.babysleep.com The Pediatric Sleep Council offers free, evidence-based advice about child sleep patterns and problems.  Nemours/Kids Health  provides information for both kids and families about children's sleep.  Start Schools Later  is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting healthy teen sleep by moving school start times later to better align with adolescents' social and biological rhythms. The site explains why teens tend to stay up later and sleep in later and offers other tips to promote healthy teen sleep.  Quotes from the Episode "It's important to consider sleep as a pillar of health, just as you would with getting optimal physical activity and healthy eating." [4:37] "Sleep and mental health are really bi-directionally related, meaning they influence one another. The same is the case for sleep and other outcomes like pain , for example, or chronic illness." [5:28] "That's one of our most robust or our strongest findings is that teens are not lazy. They're not just trying to be night owls and stay up all night for no reason. It's really determined by a biological shift" [11:01] "It's doing the best you can to get your child enough sleep and changes can be small. This might mean that you put your child in bed 15 minutes earlier, and you lay out things in the morning so they can get up 15 minutes later, and that's 30 more minutes of sleep. And we have studies that showed that 30 to 60 more minutes of sleep really can have a benefit to next day functioning. [14:32] "For sleep, one size does not fit all." [27:40] Listen to more episodes and explore the Oregon Podcast Network at news.uoregon.edu/podcasts

31 min
07/03/2025

S1E12: Inside the Performance Science Guiding Today's Athletes

On this episode we're joined by Jordan Troester, Director of Performance and Sports Science at Oregon Athletics department. Jordan discusses his work at Oregon Athletics and Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance at Oregon, what it's like to be a sports scientist, he shares his advice to runners and debunks some common misconceptions about sports science and sports science research. Topics Inside the day-to-day of directing performance and sports science [1:08] The game-changing "profile load and monitor" model in applied sports science [3:49] Driving innovation with the Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance [7:01] Winning strategies for race day prep [11:21] Strategies to boost your health and performance that go beyond cardio and strength[17:30] Innovations reshaping athlete training and recovery [21:31] Guest Jordan Troester, Director of Performance and Sports Science at Oregon Athletics Resources Oregon Athletics, learn more about University of Oregon's athletics department and the integrated support systems in place to help student-athletes thrive, from sport performance, recovery, to academic development and leadership training. Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance, explore the groundbreaking research initiative here at Oregon that brings together scientists, coaches, and clinicians to help advance research in human performance through collaboration in movement science, sports science, recovery, and injury prevention. GSUN, find out more about the Global Sport University Network, a summit where universities from around the world come together to share research, practices, innovations that contribute to the advancement of sports science, athlete development, and human performance education. Listen to more episodes and explore the Oregon Podcast Network at news.uoregon.edu/podcasts

25 min

5

out of 5

3 Ratings

On the This is Oregon podcast, we take you inside the research and discoveries happening at the University of Oregon, a leading research university and member of the Association of American Universities. We talk with UO faculty and experts from a variety of fields who are working to address today's most pressing issues in Oregon and beyond—helping us all live healthier, better lives.

Creator

University of Oregon
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

19
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© 2024
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