This wasp nest of mine, I’m gonna let it shine

The Atlantic, August 24

Under ultraviolet light, the silk that covers the base of paper-wasp nests turns neon green. One hypothesis for this might hinge on the silk’s ability to safeguard pupae by waylaying harmful, DNA-damaging UV rays—a sort of DIY sunscreen for baby wasps. “To me, that’s the most appealing idea,” says wasp expert Floria Mora-Kepfer Uy, an assistant professor of instruction and research assistant professor of biology. That could come in handy, she said, for nests that hang at the edges of forests, where the vegetation is sparse and the structures are constantly flooded with sunlight.

Dewey Fest takes place this Friday

Stop by the cherry garden behind Hoyt Hall on the River Campus between 1 and 3 p.m. on Friday, August 27, to learn about all of the services and resources available to you in Dewey Hall while mingling with staff from the offices and departments below. Play lawn games with your peers, treat yourself to ice cream, and challenge your friends to a round of mini-golf. You can also participate in the scavenger hunt inside Dewey Hall, which will allow you to grab cool giveaways and enter the grand-prize raffle. Dewey Fest is sponsored by the Greene Center, Kearns Center, Ain Center for Entrepreneurship, Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, Office of Minority Student Affairs, Center for Education Abroad, Fellowships Office, and the Office of Undergraduate Research. For more information, visit Handshake.

Complete harassment and discrimination training in MyPath

The University’s annual training on how to identify and react to workplace harassment and discrimination is an important component of efforts to address the damaging effects of racism, sexism, bigotry, and discrimination and is required by state and federal law. “Culture of Respect: Prevention of Sexual Harassment and Discrimination” is available in MyPath and will take approximately 30 minutes to complete. Find more information online, including frequently asked questions about the training, as well as additional opportunities for online and in-person training. The deadline for completing the training is September 30.

National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity membership and information session

Learn more about the various member resources available to you through a free membership to the National Center for Faculty Development and Diversity, an independent faculty development center dedicated to supporting academics in making successful transitions throughout their careers. The institutional membership provides all faculty, postdocs, and grad students with access to the center’s member resources. Register to attend an information session taking place Thursday, September 30, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Genrich-Rusling Room, Le Chase Hall.

Quiet your mind

Take time to work on yourself during the day with Well-U’s Stress Reduction Program. In five sessions, you will learn skills for better life balance through communication, meditation, and goal-setting. Begin to unwind here.

Podcast on pursuit of public scholarship

Tune in to a podcast discussion on the pursuit of public scholarship, hosted by Glenn Cerosaletti, assistant dean and director of the Center for Community Engagement. Guests include Jim Johnson, a professor of political science, and Joyce Duckles, a clinical associate professor in counseling and human development at the Warner School of Education.

Campus Times print edition available

The Campus Times has returned to publishing print editions once a month. Find printed stacks of the first issue, available for pickup this week in public spaces like Rush Rhees Library, Wilson Commons, and dining halls. Articles will continue to be published once a week online.

After being closed since May for a total refresh, Gleason Library has reopened with new carpet, furniture, lighting, and a brighter color palette. Take a walk-through of the new space on the River Campus Libraries Instagram.

• Dr. Chat Bot: Non–Medical Center faculty, staff, and all students | Medical Center employees
• COVID-19 Resource Center | Medical Center’s COVID-19 update page
• Current campus face mask policies
• Faculty and staff vaccine participation form (VPN or on-campus network connection required)
• FAQ on COVID-19 vaccination
• What to do if you or your close contacts have symptoms or have been exposed