CMS Internal Advisory Committee Meeting

CMS Internal Advisory Committee Meeting January 20, 2010

Meeting Minutes

Members Present: Dr. Dan Baden (CMS/Director) Dr. Chris Finelli (Bio/Non-Resident 2009-2011) Dr. Wilson Freshwater (Non-tenure Research Faculty 2009-2011) Dr. Russell Herman (PHY/Chair) Dr. Lynn Leonard (GLY/Chair) Dr. Dylan McNamara (PHY/Resident Faculty 2009-2010) Dr. Joe Pawlik (BIO/Resident Faculty 2009-2011) Dr. Martin Posey (BIO/Chair) Dr. James Reeves (CHM/Chair) Dr. Ronald Sizemore (CMS/Associate Director) Dr. John Taggart (EVS/Non-Resident, 2008-2010) Dr. Joan Willey (CMS/Associate Director)

Ex-Officio Members Present: Steve McFarland (Vice Provost for Academic Affairs)

Members Absent: Dr. Jack Hall (EVS/Chair)

Non-Members Present: Paul Reinmann

1. Ocean Instrumentation Core Facility – Dan Baden

Jay Styron provided details about the new Ocean Instrumentation Core (formerly called the Instrumentation Lab). For the last 10 years, Instrumentation fell on Marine Operations, but due to limited resources and the significant maintenance costs of Instrumentation, Marine Operations is not able to continue funding the upgrades and maintenance.

Dr. Baden provided information and a handout about the four Core Facilities.

For each of the four Core Resource Facilities, one faculty is assigned to oversea it, and one technician to run it. Equipment will be run under a service contract. Faculty that run it do not get extra salary, CMS Internal Advisory Committee Meeting January 20, 2010 although they benefit from using it for their research. Each core is provided a $5,000 incidental budget. Cores have to have more revenue than expenses (any overages CMS picks up so no balances left).

Dr. Leonard stated that they would be inventorying the Ocean Instrumentation Core, and determining what can be contributed to this facility; this would also help to promote the use of this facility. This data should also be available on the web.

Cores will meet with Dr. Baden on a quarterly basis, and provide an accurate number of users, as well as define any problems. Technicians will also be tasked with teaching people how to use it.

Dr. Posey reminded that the stable isotope mass spectrometer Core doesn’t have anyone dedicated to run it, due to budget cuts. Dr. Baden stated that they will need to get a position number established then to get it filled, then money to fund it.

Seawater is not a core, and paid for independently.

Dr. Freshwater established a calendaring system, so people on campus can access the schedule for his facility. There were some initial glitches with Mac users not being able to access the Public Folders in Outlook, but this has been resolved. The calendaring system is anticipated to function in all cores by summer of 2010.

1. Review the Role of the IAC – Dan Baden Dr. Baden reviewed the role of IAC. Dr. Pawlik expressed concerns with the IAC governance, in such areas such as lack of transparency of CMS. He emphasized the need for a different model, with checks and balances, a more interactive process, and greater opportunity to advise director of CMS.

Dr. Baden stated that the IAC serves as an advisory body to the director, and an informational committee; a means to provide information to department chairs and faculty. He would however be willing to discuss modifications here to support people’s resources.

The group discussed the Mission Statement of CMS – this must be posted on the website. IAC minutes must also be uploaded onto website. (DGB NOTE: minutes were posted except for last 2 years, recently brought up-to-date) The group further discussed the IAC structure, and the possibly of having separate meetings with Chairs, then faculty members; potentially two separate meetings. Dr. Pawlik requested that this discussion be carried over to the next meeting. CMS Internal Advisory Committee Meeting January 20, 2010

Dr. Leonard suggested that the group discuss priorities for the year, (such as climate change). Dr. Sizemore noted that the theme for Planet Ocean Seminar Series for 2010-2011 will be climate change. (DGB NOTE: Climate Change as a UNCW topic for 2010-2011 discussions begun with AA office).

2. Project Updates: Oyster Hatchery Building, MARBIONC Building, Seawater Facility – Paul Reinmann

1) Oyster Hatchery Oyster Hatchery construction is progressing. Slab is poured, foundation system nearly complete. Project on budget, yet behind schedule while maintaining required quality of construction. Completion likely around July this year. There are ongoing issues with Contractor’s contract scope, which could impact schedule further.

2) MARBIONC Project Design team evaluating two possible sites: Ross property and location immediately NW or existing research bldg. Design development to begin this week, and construction to possibly start in July. NIST requires “buy American” clause on this construction project; this may increase project costs, or some reduction in scope. 3) Aquaculture expansion. Engineering to finish by mid February, followed by contract bids. Construction could start in early March. Construction start will likely follow greenhouse floor replacement, possibly by May. 4) Greenhouse Floor Replacement Engineering starting design in end of January. Work could start in May.

Dr. Baden reminded that lab spaces would be opening up at CMS, once the MARBIONC building opens, and that Chairs should consider this, for new hires, and optimizing space. He also stated that there could be a geothermal, closed loop heating and cooling system, with the new building; and that based on the NIST costshare, we have 50% assistance with this more expensive option.

Other Announcements:

Dr. Leonard announced that Stan Riggs would be giving a presentation on the effects of jetties on coastal erosion; to be held on Earth Day, 2010. CMS Internal Advisory Committee Meeting January 20, 2010

Dr. Reeves stated that the Chemistry Dept. is in the process of hiring an NMER technician. Additionally, Dr. Reeves has been charged with recreating the “Hosier” academy. He will be asking departments to discuss their research.

Dylan McNamara will be moving his office and lab space to the Oceanography area of new wing at CMS. Bill Cleary will be moving out of that space and getting a smaller space in the main bldg.

The house in the woods, used as Steve Ross’ office space, may be demolished. Dr. Baden will be working on getting Steve Ross and staff over into main bldg by early summer.