Area east of stadium to be closed starting Monday

The first phase of a two-part construction project involving Jenkins Avenue and the sidewalk on the east side of Oklahoma Memorial Stadium is scheduled to begin Monday.

OU spokesman Jay Doyle stated in an e-mail the sidewalk will close Jan. 25, and Jenkins Avenue will close Feb. 15.

“Motorists who currently travel Jenkins Avenue through the campus should be prepared to take alternate routes,” OU spokesman Jay Doyle stated in an e-mail. “The sidewalk along the west side of Jenkins between Lindsey and the Gaylord Family – Oklahoma Memorial Stadium east side will be closed to pedestrians [as well].”

Doyle stated the project would benefit multiple facilities on campus.

“Work will begin on a utility tunnel that will provide chilled water, steam and electricity for new buildings, including Devon Energy Hall, Gaylord Hall Phase II, Old Science Hall and the Student Academic Services Center,” Doyle stated. “In addition, a storm sewer serving the Lindsey Street area will be replaced. Sections of Lindsey Street between George Street and Jenkins Avenue will be reduced to two lanes beginning February 8. Two-way traffic will be maintained, but turning lanes will be closed.”

Doyle stated Jenkins will be closed from Brooks south to Lindsey and remain closed until approximately April 16. The Switzer Center’s exhibit area will close to the public on Jan. 25 for the duration of the project, which is scheduled to be completed by next football season. Doyle said at this time, the intersection of Jenkins and Lindsey will remain open.

Obama presents award to Norman scientist

President Barack Obama awarded two Norman scientists the 2009 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers Jan. 14 at the White House.

The award is the highest honor presented by the government to promising and outstanding young professionals in the beginnings of their research careers.

Meteorologists Pamela Heinselman and Michael Coniglio work to improve tornado forecasting and study new weather radar systems.

“These extraordinarily gifted young scientists and engineers represent the best in our country,” Obama said in a press statement. “With their talent, creativity and dedication, I am confident that they will lead their fields in new breakthroughs and discoveries and help us use science and technology to lift up our nation and our world.”

Heinselman and Coniglio were awarded up to a five-year research grants to continue studying critical government missions.Coniglio analyzes data for forecasters and researching numerical weather models. He helped set up the VORTEX2 Operations Center and joined scientists in the field for the largest experiments to explore tornadoes.

Heinselman has led the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Weather Radar Testbed Phased Array Radar Demonstration Project for several years. She researches using radar data to improve tornado-warning lead times. She also mentors several graduate and undergraduate meteorology students.

“This award means a great deal to me,” Coniglio said. “It’s great to be recognized among outstanding scientists in the government from around the country.”

OU College of Law earns top honors

Students from the OU College of Law won various honors, including 2010 Chapter of the Year, at the National Black Law Students Association Rocky Mountain Region meeting Jan. 14 to 17 in Baton Rouge, La.

Jasper Abbott and Candice Simmons were first runners-up in the Thurgood Marshall Mock Trail Competition, which earns them a spot at the national competition in March.

The duo also earned the award for Best Petitioner’s Brief. Abbott was honored as Best Oralist and third-year student Kyle Therrian earned OU’s third-consecutive Best Advocate award.

The competitors’ effort did not go unnoticed by their coaches.

“The team members gave up their holidays and semester break to prepare for the competitions,” said Cheryl Wattley, associate law professor, in a press release.

The OU chapter will compete at nationals against the winners from five other regions.