The College of Science gathered on Feb. 17 to recognize and celebrate our high-achieving faculty and staff at the 2026 Combined Awards Ceremony. The evening celebrated the very best in the College, from teaching, advising and research to inclusive excellence, administration and service.
The following faculty and staff received awards in teaching and advising.
Congratulations to all the awardees!
Matt Waterhouse, from the Department of Integrative Biology, received the Loyd F. Carter Award for Outstanding and Inspirational Undergraduate Teaching in Science.
Matt Waterhouse, from the Department of Integrative Biology, received the Loyd F. Carter Award for Outstanding and Inspirational Undergraduate Teaching in Science.
Waterhouse is known for creating an engaging, supportive and inclusive learning environment where students feel both challenged and genuinely cared for. Students consistently describe his teaching as passionate, thoughtful and deeply invested in their success. His courses emphasize real-world applications of ecology, helping students move beyond memorization and toward long-term understanding, critical thinking and practical skills they can carry into their future careers.
Students also highlighted Waterhouse’s responsiveness to feedback and his commitment to continuously improving his courses. From revising course structure after exams to building assignments that scaffold skills over time, he makes learning feel achievable without lowering expectations. His lectures are carefully organized, visually engaging and often infused with humor, creating a classroom atmosphere that is both welcoming and motivating.
“No instructor has put effort in like Matt to make the course as approachable, flexible and achievable,” one student wrote. “His flexibility when I was sick for much of the term and his compassion for other students has been nothing short of saintly. He stands as a model for excellent teaching to human beings, not just the empty vessels older generations believed students to be. Not once did he fail what we expected of him.”
Elaine Cozzi, from the Department of Mathematics, received the Loyd F. Carter Award for Outstanding and Inspirational Teaching in Science (Graduate).
Elaine Cozzi, from the Department of Mathematics, received the Loyd F. Carter Award for Outstanding and Inspirational Teaching in Science (Graduate).
Students describe Cozzi’s classroom as a place where open inquiry is not only welcomed but expected. She encourages students to seek their own understanding, collaborate thoughtfully and speak up to check their reasoning. Her passion for mathematics is evident in every lecture, and students note how she brings them into the process through questions, discussions and creating an environment where everyone feels included in the intellectual conversation.
Her teaching style is grounded in clarity and accessibility. Students appreciate her straightforward notes, her use of the whiteboard to build ideas step by step and her ability to make challenging material feel approachable without sacrificing rigor. Beyond the classroom, she is known for being warm, supportive and exceptionally approachable during office hours.
For some students, her influence extends even further. “As someone who aspires to be a math educator one day, I see a lot of teaching habits in Elaine that I want to emulate,” one student shared.
Kari Van Zee, from the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, received the Olaf Boedtker Award for Excellence in Academic Advising.
Kari Van Zee, from the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, received the Olaf Boedtker Award for Excellence in Academic Advising.
Students describe Van Zee as a compassionate, dedicated and deeply impactful presence in their academic journeys, often from the very beginning of their time at Oregon State. For many, she is the first person who helped them see what was possible for their future, and she continues to provide that same encouragement and guidance throughout their degrees. Known for her accessibility, organization and unwavering commitment to student success, Van Zee routinely goes above and beyond to support students, often working evening and weekend to ensure they have the tools and confidence they need to thrive.
“Kari has been my advisor since my first year at Oregon State; in fact, she was the first faculty member I spoke with when I reached out as a high school senior,” one student wrote. “Her intelligence, compassion and integrity stood out to me even in our initial conversations and she helped me realize that I could accomplish virtually anything I set my mind to at Oregon State.”
Students also credit Van Zee with fostering a culture of support and belonging within the biochemistry program. Whether helping students navigate degree planning, meeting important deadlines or simply feel seen and supported, her influence is felt across undergraduate, post baccalaureate and graduate communities.
Devon Quick, from the Department of Integrative Biology, received the Fred Horne Award for Excellence in Teaching Science.
Devon Quick, from the Department of Integrative Biology, received the Fred Horne Award for Excellence in Teaching Science.
For more than 15 years, Quick has demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to teaching excellence at Oregon State, with a lasting impact on both her students and the broader teaching community. Her courses in Human Anatomy and Physiology are known for their rigor, clarity and deep engagement, consistently earning outstanding student evaluations and maintaining remarkably low DFW rates.
Quick’s teaching is distinguished by her commitment to active learning, inclusive pedagogy and real-world application. She integrates case-based assessments, collaborative problem solving and diverse instructional media to support students in mastering complex material. Her thoughtful use of tools such as TopHat and CATME ensures that all students can participate meaningfully, while her extensive office hours, review sessions and open door policy create a welcoming environment where students feel supported both academically and professionally. Each year, she mentors 25-30 learning assistants and teaching interns, transforming students into partners in the teaching process.
Her impact extends far beyond her own classroom. Quick co‑founded the College of Science Learning Assistant Program in 2014, which now supports more than 25,000 student enrollments annually and has become a cornerstone of active learning across the college. She has played major leadership roles in InclusiveExcellence@OSU, ESTEEME, SUMMIT‑P, and other faculty development initiatives, championing evidence‑based and equity‑focused teaching practices that have influenced dozens of instructors and tens of thousands of students.
Students consistently describe her as an advocate, mentor and source of unwavering encouragement. As one student nominator wrote, “Her passion for teaching, her ability to foster deep connections, and her commitment to creating an open and inclusive learning environment have profoundly shaped my academic journey and personal growth in a way no other professor has.”
Students take part in the 2025 spring Honors College Thesis Fair.
Science students at Oregon State are driven by curiosity. They want to ask big questions, join research teams early and build strong relationships with faculty. The Honors College gives them an additional space to do that. Nearly 14% of College of Science students choose honors — double the university-wide percentage — because it opens more doors.
For science majors balancing heavy course loads, research ambitions and competitive postgraduate pathways, the Honors College offers structure, access and support that can elevate their experience.
At OSU, that support is anchored in a rare distinction: unlike universities where honors is a transcript notation, honors students earn a unique degree at OSU. And the benefits don’t stop there: Honors science courses double down on engagement between and among faculty and students alike. Early research opportunities to support required honors thesis turns undergraduates into published scholars. At multiple levels, OSU’s Honors College delivers an educational model that deeply aligns with the goals of future scientists.
The emphasis on research begins early, with some science students finding opportunities through honors in their first year — an experience echoed across the College of Science for all students who proactively pursue opportunities.
Eleanor Courcelle, an Honors mathematics and chemistry major, discovered her current research mentor after seeing her present at an Honors College Faculty Research Showcase. She reached out afterward, and that connection led to a funded URSA project and ultimately her honors thesis, which applies mathematical modeling to biological systems.
Biochemistry and molecular biology Honors senior Katya Karlapati had a similar experience. As she settled into her major, she realized she didn’t want to wait to get hands-on research experience.
Katya Karlapati is part of Alysia Vrailas-Mortimer's laboratory. Her lab explores how different factors such as aging and exposure to toxins contribute to neurological disorders and muscular dystrophies. Vrailas-Mortimer uses fruit flies as a model organism.
“Research helps drive a field forward, and it’s really at the forefront of giving better patient care or improving medications,” she said. “The Honors College really helped give me opportunities and gave me a structure because I knew we had to do a thesis.”
Karlapati ended up in Alicia Vrailas-Mortimer's lab, a fly lab that focuses on Alzheimer’s research. This became the cornerstone of her thesis, which examines different mutations that can accelerate the development of Alzheimer’s in flies and lead to neuron death.
When science students reach out to faculty, she said, being in honors signals commitment.
“Professors know you have to do your thesis and you’re willing to put in that extra mile,” she said.
For students eyeing medical, dental or graduate school, the thesis shows a level of scholarly ability that stands out. Every honors thesis is published on OSU’s open-access ScholarArchive, meaning each undergraduate has contributed to a global body of knowledge.
“It is a pathway that sets them apart… they’re making their contribution available to the entire world,” said Honors College Dean Toni Doolen.
Unlike many universities where honors is a transcript note or participation program, OSU stands apart as one of the only institutions in the country where honors is its own degree.
Students graduate with an Honors Baccalaureate degree, which is simultaneously conferred with their major. A biochemistry major, for example, graduates with an Honors Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, a title that signals not just engagement in honors coursework, but academic rigor backed by measurable learning outcomes attached to the honors coursework.
“Our program isn’t just about participation or just taking honors sections of classes that you might normally take a non-honors section of. We have learning outcomes specific to the Honors College, including scholarly inquiry and engaged inquiry,” Doolen emphasized.
Honors College students engaging in an interactive class discussion in a small, seminar-style setting that encourages participation and critical thinking.
The scholarly inquiry learning outcome is fulfilled primarily through students doing independent research or scholarly work under the advisement of a faculty member and a committee that culminates in their honors thesis.
“This helps them grow their writing and oral communication skills. For many students, it also gives them a chance to do a really deep dive into what it looks like to be a scholar and to make a contribution to a body of knowledge,” Doolen said.
The engaged inquiry learning outcome coincides with the Honors College’s belief that students need to be able to communicate outside of their area of expertise. All students are required to complete unique classes to the Honors College called seminars. These courses offer students the opportunity to explore cross-disciplinary spaces that they might not otherwise be comfortable in. Seminars are taught pass or no pass so there is no risk to a student’s GPA.
Karlapati said those courses broadened her academic world.
“They give you an opportunity to learn about subjects in a different way,” she said. “They offer a low-stress environment to learn more and they’re also really fun.”
She took classes on leadership, astronomy, fashion and even a course built around board games that examined the history of finance.
For science students accustomed to lab reports and problem sets, that variety is often refreshing and useful.
Students explore the History of Commerce through board games in an Honors College seminar. This unique course uses interactive gameplay to examine the evolution of trade, finance and economic systems in a fun, low-stress learning environment.
Many students said one of the strongest Honors College benefits is the highly engaged class environment, especially early on in demanding science sequences like chemistry, biology and genetics.
Courcelle said this makes first-year classes less daunting.
“The core honors classes were a lot smaller,” she said. “It made a big difference when I was applying to outside opportunities my first year …. professors knew me well.”
Karlapati agreed. “Especially if you’re just starting out, it can be an easier path to get the help you need,” she said. “It’s a really big help to have that personalized attention.”
Dean Doolen emphasized that while some honors courses are small, others are intentionally large, but use an “engaged pedagogy” marked by interaction, discussion and experiential learning.
Another benefit is community-building opportunities outside the classroom.
Karlapati lived in West Hall, parton of the honors living and learning community, and she said the friendships she made there shaped her entire OSU experience.
“I have suitemates who are going to be my lifelong friends,” she said. “Most of them are the ones going to class with you…it’s great to go into the study room and you’re seeing all your classmates.”
The SLUG — the Honors College student learning space on the Corvallis campus — is another space that supports honors students. "SLUG" stands for Students Learning UnderGround and dates back to the Honors College's early days in Strand Agricultural Hall, when the student learning space was in the basement.
Honors College students study and collaborate in the SLUG, a dedicated space designed for connection, group work and academic support.
“It’s a great study spot, and the best part is the food,” Karlapati said. “There’s always a meal in there you can take whenever you need.” The Honors College supports students through its Forgot Your Lunch program, which provides food in the SLUG for anyone who forgot their meal or needs a little extra help.
The Honors College provides community for students who might otherwise feel overwhelmed.
“OSU is a big place now,” Dean Doolen said. “For a lot of students, the Honors College is a way of creating a smaller community of like-minded folks.”
Both Courcelle and Karlapati say the benefits of honors stack up, academically, personally and professionally.
The college becomes not just an academic distinction, but a launchpad. A hub for friends, mentors, engagement in research and personal and professional growth. A smaller, tighter world inside OSU’s expansive scientific ecosystem.
And for students like Courcelle and Karlalpati, it’s hard to imagine their scientific journey without it.
Oregon State University’s annual University Day awards celebrate the faculty, staff and students whose leadership, teaching and research light the way for the university’s success. This year, the College of Science stood out across multiple categories, with honorees recognized for advancing student success, championing affordability, sparking innovation and driving world-class discovery.
The General Chemistry Team received the Student Learning and Success Teamwork Award.
The General Chemistry Team received the Student Learning and Success Teamwork Award. This award recognizes departments or interdisciplinary groups that have demonstrated exceptional teamwork in creating and sustaining an exemplary teaching and learning environment that advances the university’s strategic goal of student success and excellence.
Oregon State’s general chemistry sequence is often a student’s first experience with college-level science. Thousands of students pursuing science degrees, as well as students from every college and Ecampus, complete the sequence.
The General Chemistry Teaching Team has collaborated extensively to improve instructional practices, revamping lectures, labs and exams. In-class peer learning assistants and teaching assistants help students feel like they belong. The team’s faculty nominator notes their efforts “not only help students succeed in these courses but also help students be successful in future science courses.” They have had “a strongly positive, measurable impact” on students, most of whom are in their first year at OSU.
A student nominator says, “Chemistry is a subject that students such as myself are often terrified of.” But she felt “a deep sense of relief” on the first day of class when her professor acknowledged that while chemistry could be challenging, she would always be available for questions and assistance. And she was.
The team consists of the following members: Marita Barth, Michael Burand, Denis Drolet, Margaret Haak, Jun Li, Amila Liyanage, Shrikant Londhe, Richard Nafshun, Cassie Siler, Artiom Skripka, John Terhorst, Paula Weiss, and Lou Wojcinski.
Physics Professor Xavier Siemens received the Impact Award for Outstanding Scholarship.
Physics Professor Xavier Siemens received the Impact Award for Outstanding Scholarship. This award recognizes faculty who have demonstrated outstanding scholarship in a specific project or activity resulting in substantial impact beyond the university setting.
Xavier Siemens is director of the NSF-funded North American Nanohertz Observatory for Gravitational Waves, an international collaboration of more than 200 astrophysicists at more than 90 institutions. In this 15-year study, the NANOGrav team presented evidence of a chorus of low-frequency gravitational waves, which is key to understanding how structures form in the universe.
The NANOGrav discovery was featured in media outlets worldwide, including the New York Times, Nature, Reuters, AP News, The Guardian, The Washington Post, BBC and NPR. It was also named among the top 11 most astonishing scientific discoveries of 2023 by National Geographic.
Siemens’ faculty nominators note he is the most cited faculty member at Oregon State with 110,563 citations. “His groundbreaking contributions have deepened our collective understanding of the universe, inspiring curiosity and wonder on a global scale.” Siemens also developed a popular Ecampus course introducing modern astronomy research, has taught upper-division and graduate courses and has mentored numerous students pursuing research in astrophysics.
Mathematics Professor Mary Beisiegel received the Elizabeth P. Richie Distinguished Professor Award.
Mathematics Professor Mary Beisiegel received the Elizabeth P. Richie Distinguished Professor Award. This award recognizes an OSU faculty member for outstanding undergraduate teaching and research focused on the improvement of instruction and professional leadership.
Mary Beisiegel has consistently earned excellent teaching evaluations — especially for the instructor’s contribution — from students across a range of courses. A leader in mathematics education at Oregon State and nationally, Beisiegel has worked on collaborative projects to redesign undergraduate math courses and has published 40 refereed articles in journals and conference proceedings. In 2023, she was awarded the College of Science Fred Horne Award for her exceptional and sustained instructional achievements and high student praise.
One faculty nominator calls Beisiegel “a masterful, passionate teacher” who sets high expectations for her students while supporting and connecting with them on a human level. Another highlights her expertise in professional development, particularly in transforming the fall TA workshop into a practical, research-based introduction to teaching for new graduate teaching assistants.
An undergraduate who has taken four classes with Beisiegel notes how she helps students develop “an individualized, deep understanding” of course material and make connections to real-world applications. She creates “a brave and safe learning environment for all” and enables students to showcase their knowledge in ways other than written exams, in his case with an oral presentation.
Associate Professor Adam Chouinard, from the Department of Integrative Biology, received the Faculty Teaching Excellence Award.
Associate Professor Adam Chouinard, from the Department of Integrative Biology, received the Faculty Teaching Excellence Award. This award honors unusually significant and meritorious achievement in teaching and scholarship that enhances effective instruction.
Chouinard teaches several large-enrollment biology classes and central majors courses for the zoology degree. He also teaches a capstone seminar for the Graduate Certificate for College and University Teaching program and a professional development class for all graduate teaching assistants in integrative biology.
One faculty nominator describes Chouinard as “an engaging, enthusiastic and very knowledgeable instructor” who combines mini-lectures, group discussions and problem-solving to highlight the scientific process rather than direct right and wrong answers. Another notes that Chouinard continually improves his courses based on current research and literature, “showing students that our discipline is vibrant and ever advancing.” Chouinard’s student evaluation of teaching scores are consistently high.
A former student acknowledges that Chouinard’s class was not easy, “but the environment that Adam cultivated was welcoming and engaging, which made me excited to be there every day.” Chouinard’s lectures, a mix of storytelling, questions and discussion, and relevant examples, work together to help students make sense of complex processes and mechanisms.
Senior Instructor Lauren Dalton, from the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, received the Faculty Affordability Award.
Senior Instructor Lauren Dalton, from the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, received the Faculty Affordability Award. This award recognizes a demonstrated commitment to providing affordable course learning materials to students, using no-cost or low-cost course materials in their classes.
Lauren Dalton coauthored an open-access textbook, Fundamentals of Cell Biology, for a class required in many science majors that enrolls more than 900 students each year in Corvallis, OSU-Cascades and Ecampus. Replacing a commercial textbook costing around $75 per copy has saved OSU students more than $60,000 to date. Five other universities have adopted the textbook so far, with more under consideration.
Dalton’s faculty nominator says she has “demonstrated exceptional commitment to reducing the cost of course materials while maintaining high educational standards.” She also notes that Dalton’s involvement in fundraising campaigns, such as Dam Proud Day, has raised significant funds for scholarships, as well as for paid research and conference attendance.
Beyond the open-source textbook, two of Dalton’s students appreciate other free resources, including YouTube videos and other links that students can access outside class. This approach “enhances the visualization of complex processes, making abstract concepts more tangible.” Students can “explore topics in greater depth without the barrier of paywalls.”
Associate Professor Molly Burke, from the Department of Integrative Biology, received the Excellence in Postdoctoral Mentoring Award.
Associate Professor Molly Burke, from the Department of Integrative Biology, received the Excellence in Postdoctoral Mentoring Award.
Over the last eight years, Molly Burke has successfully recruited and mentored three postdoctoral scholars, two of whom have earned fellowships from the National Science Foundation. Her postdocs have played critical roles in advancing the understanding of fundamental evolutionary processes with ties to human health.
One former postdoc, now a faculty colleague, describes her mentoring style as “based squarely on trust, open dialogue and mutual respect.” She always welcomed thoughtful discussion and when they disagreed on project design or data interpretation, “she listened carefully, challenged me when necessary and encouraged me to refine my thinking.”
A current postdoctoral fellow who wants to pursue a career in industry says Burke has helped her build skills that are valuable both within and outside academia. Burke’s approach to mentorship goes beyond the lab, showing “a genuine investment and a sincere commitment to the growth of those she mentors. I already feel more confident as a scientist thanks to the opportunities she has provided me.”
Megan Sandoval-Powers, postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Integrative Biology, received the Postdoctoral Excellence Award.
Megan Sandoval-Powers, postdoctoral scholar in the Department of Integrative Biology, received the Postdoctoral Excellence Award. This award recognizes exceptional postdoctoral scholars, fellows or research associates for their exceptional contributions to their research field, OSU and the greater postdoctoral community.
Sandoval-Powers’ dissertation research focused on microbial ecology and natural product biosynthesis, but at Oregon State, she has pivoted to evolutionary genomics. Having earned an NSF Postdoctoral Research Fellowship, she is investigating the genetics and evolutionary dynamics of adaptation to complex environmental stressors, with a focus on antifungal drug resistance. She is also a science communication fellow for the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry.
Sandoval-Powers’ faculty nominators highlight her “talent, work ethic and willingness to contribute.” In taking on a new discipline, “what would be a steep learning curve for most was one she navigated with intellectual agility, curiosity and speed.” Within weeks of joining the project, she began making contributions to data collection, analysis and interpretation.
Sandoval-Powers is the backbone of the lab’s mentorship ecosystem, supporting nearly every aspect of lab operations and academic development for both undergraduates and graduate students. “She is generous with her time, very effective in her communication and deeply respected as a result.”
Kenton Hokanson received the Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring by a Faculty Member Award.
Kenton Hokanson received the Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring by a Faculty Member Award. Hokanson is an assistant professor in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics. This award recognizes an OSU faculty member who has provided significant research-related mentoring to undergraduate students within the past three years.
Kenton Hokanson uses electrophysiology to investigate the creation and maintenance of functional neural circuits. Over the past seven years, he has mentored 18 undergraduates, including a current team of six.
A faculty nominator says Hokanson “is excited to take on first-year undergraduates with no formal experience in research. He then invests his all in guiding them to become independent, confident research scientists.” Hokanson builds a welcoming and respectful environment, encourages students to design and execute their own experiments and finds “genuine joy in the role of mentor.”
One former student says the Hokanson laboratory “was the first place where I truly felt my opinions were heard and valued, an experience that has had a remarkable influence on my confidence and identity as a scientist.” Another found a strong sense of community in the lab, which “became my anchor at OSU.” Hokanson’s patience, clarity and “understanding that failure is an unavoidable component of eventual success inspire perseverance.”
Jessica (Jessie) Karr, Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Integrative Biology, received the Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring by a Graduate Student Award.
Jessica (Jessie) Karr, Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Integrative Biology, received the Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring by a Graduate Student Award. This award celebrates an OSU graduate student who has provided significant research-related mentoring to undergraduate students within the past three years.
Jessie Karr is a fifth-year Ph.D. candidate studying the effects of unpredictable weather and climate change on the metabolic strategies of birds. She has mentored six undergraduate students, helping them develop their proposals, hypotheses, study designs, and statistical approaches, and then generate final reports, theses and posters.
Karr’s faculty mentors say she encourages students to do their own thinking and take ownership of their research projects. She challenges them and holds high expectations, but does so “with a positive, approachable and fun attitude. She makes science accessible and rewarding.”
One mentee says Karr is “incredibly kind and encouraging, but also makes sure she pushes me,” which has been imperative to her growth as a scientist. Karr has helped her develop several projects and grants, gather data and ensure questions and predictions are thoughtful and backed by research. Another mentee says Karr constantly looked for opportunities for her to be involved in research projects, experiences that will better prepare her for veterinary school.
Graduate students at the College of Science are conducting crucial research that addresses critical challenges and benefits both local communities and the broader world.
To celebrate their accomplishments, the College will be hosting the inaugural Graduate Science Research Showcase from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025 in the Memorial Union Horizon Room.
This event offers a glimpse into the future of science featuring graduate research presentations, a poster session and a keynote address from renowned alumnus Jonathan Gallion, vice president of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for OmniScience.
Gallion, recipient of the College's 2024 Early Career Award, earned dual Honors bachelor's degrees in biochemistry and biophysics, and microbiology in 2012. His career began with an internship at SIGA Technologies, where he programmed robots to screen chemical compounds for antiviral medicines. At OmniScience, Gallion and his team utilize large language models to enhance clinical trial outcomes and improve human health. Their work accelerates decision-making and transforms data analysis in biotech, medtech, pharmaceutical and preclinical innovation. Rather than replace human expertise, their AI tools are designed to compliment it.
Lunch
Welcome from Executive Associate Dean Vrushali Bokil and Dean's Remarks from College of Science Dean Eleanor Feingold.
Keynote speech from alumnus Jonathan Gallion, V.P. of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for OmniScience.
Keynote Talk Title - Beyond Automation: Agentic AI and the New Frontier of Life Science Innovation
Abstract: Artificial intelligence in the life sciences is moving beyond automation into a new frontier defined by agentic systems—AI tools capable of reasoning, planning, and autonomous action. As these AI agents continue to evolve from tools to collaborators, life scientists will need to rethink how we generate hypotheses, design experiments, interpret data, and generate insights. This keynote will examine how agentic AI is already transforming decision-making and accelerating innovation within clinical trial development and offer a perspective on how domain experts can adapt and lead at the intersection of scientific expertise and intelligent automation through AI.
Five minute research presentations and dessert, followed by a poster session, showcasing the diverse research conducted across the seven departments in the College of Science. The session will highlight how Science graduate students are participating and contributing to this valuable research.
Presenters include:
Oluwasen Adu (Integrative Biology)
Advisor: Michael Blouin
Talk title: Genome Wide Association Study of Biomphalaria glabrata snail and its Schistosome Parasite
Vera Alenicheva (Chemistry)
Advisor: Vincent Remcho
Talk title: A Microfluidic Paper-Based Assay for the Quantification of CBD and THC
Lucas Allan (Chemistry)
Advisor: Tim Zuehlsdorff
Talk title: FC2DES: Modeling 2D Electronic Spectroscopy for Harmonic Hamiltonians
Hallee Boyd (Chemistry)
Advisor: May Nyman
Talk title: Characterization of Trivalent Lanthanide Keggin Phosphomolybdate Sandwich Clusters
Daniel Malone Buoy (Statistics)
Advisor: Claudio Fuentes / Sarah Emerson
Talk title: Representative Sampling Methods for K-Fold Cross Validation
Olivia Burleigh (Integrative Biology)
Advisor: Virginia Weis
Talk title: Transcription Factor-targeted ChIP-Seq for Smad3-mediated TGF-β Signaling in Heat-stressed Aiptasia
Jun Cai (Integrative Biology)
Advisor: Virginia Weis
Talk title: Effect of Sphingolipid Metabolic Pathway Inhibition and Knockdown on Cnidarian-Algal Symbiosis
Giovanni Crestani (Integrative Biology, Ph.D.)
Advisor: Molly Burke
Talk title: Genomics of experimentally-evolved postponed reproduction in Drosophila melanogaster
Ushasi Datta (Chemistry)
Advisor: Marilyn Mackiewicz
Talk title: Unveiling the Hidden Properties: How Nanomaterial Surface Chemistry and Biomimetic Systems Shape Reflectance and Contrast
Konstantin Drallios (Chemistry)
Advisor: Thomas Osborn Popp
Talk title: 3D Printable Radiofrequency Coils
Rudranil Dutta (Chemistry)
Advisor: Claudia Maier
Talk title: Identification and Quantitation of Bioactive Alkaloids in Withania Somnifera
Arpa Ebrahimi (Chemistry)
Advisor: Claudia Maier
Talk title: Characterizing the Lipidomic and Proteomic Profile of the 5xFAD Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model: A Comparative Study Using MALDI Imaging Mass Spectrometry
Jessica Etter (Chemistry)
Advisor: Claudia Maier
Talk title: LC-QTOF and LC-TIMS-qQTOF MS Analysis of Fecal Inoculum Biotransformation Products and LC-MRM-MS Analysis of Human Withanolide Pharmacokinetics of an Ashwagandha Supplement
Caroline Hernandez (Microbiology)
Advisor: Maude David
Talk title: Whole-Cell Crosslinking Reveals Direct Lactobacillaceae and Rhizobiaceae Interactions with Host Duodenal Neuropods
Esteban Hernandez (Chemistry)
Advisor: Jennifer Field
Talk title: Experimental pKa Values of Substituted and Unsubstituted Perfluoroalkyl Sulfonamides via 19F NMR
Lucas Kolanz (Physics)
Advisor: Davide Lazzati
Talk title: Cosmic dust bunnies
Weiqi ‘Grace’ Li (Statistics)
Advisor: Yuan Jiang
Talk title: Reframing spatial transcriptomics prediction: From regression to classification
Sarah Louie (Biochemistry & Biophysics)
Advisor: Richard Cooley / Ryan Mehl
Talk title: Optimizing genetic code expansion technology to access post-translationally modified proteins
Praveeni Mathangadeera (Mathematics)
Advisor: Małgorzata Peszyńska
Talk title: Computational Modeling of the Nonlinear Heat Equation in Frozen Soil and Snow
Anshika Nagar (Chemistry)
Advisor: Marilyn Mackiewicz
Talk title: Shielded Nanoparticles: Advancing X-Ray Fluorescence Microscopy with Oxidant-Resistant Nickel and Cobalt
Luke Nearhood (Physics)
Advisor: Patti Hamerski
Talk title: Computing the Tension
Joline Nguyen (Biochemistry & Biophysics)
Advisor: Sarah Clark
Talk title: Isolation of Scarce Membrane Protein Complexes from C. elegans
Victory Chiamaka Obieke (Mathematics)
Advisor: Vrushali Bokil
Talk title: Compatible Energy Preserving Discretizations for Nonlinear Optical Wave Propagation: The Maxwell-Duffing Approach
Emily Palmer (Statistics)
Advisor: Yuan Jiang
Talk title: A Group Penalization Framework for Detecting Time-Lagged Microbiota-Host Associations
Madison Phelps (Mathematics)
Advisor: Małgorzata Peszyńska
Talk title: Nonlinear Solvers in Permafrost applications
Kevin Rice (Microbiology)
Advisor: Maude David / Kenton Hokanson
Talk title: Electrical Characterization of Primary Enteroendocrine Cells: Developing Tools to Screen Novel Microbial Neuroactive Compounds
Casey Rummelhart (Chemistry)
Advisor: Addison Desnoyer
Talk title: Frustrated Lewis Pairs Ligand for the Transformation of Carbon Dioxide to Chemical Feedstocks
Pavel Sengupta (Chemistry)
Advisor: Dipankar Koley
Talk title: Quantifying Dissolved Oxygen in Biofilms with Non-invasive Flexible Amperometric Oxygen Sensors
Michael Sieler (Microbiology)
Advisor: Thomas Sharpton
Talk title: Modeling the zebrafish gut microbiome’s resistance and sensitivity to climate change and parasite infection
Gavin Tovar (Statistics)
Advisor: Robert Trangucci / Sarah Emerson
Talk title: Sequential Approach to K-Fold Cross-validation---Computational Reduction Technique
Hao Yue (Chemistry)
Advisor: Marilyn Mackiewicz
Talk title: Targeted X-ray Imaging Agents for Visualizing Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Sima Ziyaee (Chemistry)
Advisor: Claudia Maier
Talk title: Exploring Cellular Heterogeneity through Single-cell Proteomics
Join us to celebrate the future of science — and the graduate students who are making it happen.
The College of Science Research and Innovation Seed (SciRIS) Program continues to drive groundbreaking research by fostering collaboration and innovation. Founded in 2018, SciRIS funds interdisciplinary research projects that aim to create meaningful societal impact. This year, Stage 2 awardees are working to revolutionize our understanding of river health, ecological communities, sustainable seaweed cultivation and insecticide resistance.
There are two tracks through the program: SciRIS team awards (Stages 1-3) and the SciRIS individual investigator award (SciRIS-ii). SciRIS Stages 1-3 funds teams in three stages to support training, research, and capacity-building, accelerating work toward external funding opportunities. SciRIS-ii funds individual faculty to establish research relationships with external partners, enabling them to demonstrate the feasibility of their ideas and quickening the pace of scientific discovery.
Four teams received SciRIS Stage 2 awards.
Biologist David Lytle’s project focuses on understanding the complex interactions between multiple biotic components, including food base, disease landscape and microbiome in the lower Colorado River, including the Grand Canyon. Lytle will be working with three Oregon State colleagues, along with collaborators at the United States Geological Service and the National Parks Service. The project aims to develop diagnostic tools that can identify fish parasites and diseases at a molecular level and provide preliminary data on how these parasite, microbial and invertebrate communities change over time.
Oregon State Collaborators
David A. Lytle, Integrative Biology
Justin Sanders, Microbiology, (College of Science and Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine)
Anna Jolles, Integrative Biology (College of Science and Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine)
Claire Couch, Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Sciences (College of Agricultural Sciences and Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine)
Government Collaborators
Ted Kennedy, Kim Dibble, Charles Yackulic, Kate Behn, Jessica Anderson, Bridget Deemer, U.S. Geological Service
Emily Omana, Brandon Holton, National Parks Service
Spotted wing drosophila are an invasive pest that attack several crops essential to Oregon farmers, including ripening blueberries, blackberries, apples and stone fruit. Fruit fly populations evolve rapidly and the Patel and Vrailas-Mortimer group seek to understand the risks of resistance evolution before they adapt to local pesticides.
Geneticist Alysia Vrailas-Mortimer's project addresses the significant agricultural threat posed by spotted-winged drosophila (SWD), an invasive pest species. The research aims to advance understanding of the genetic basis and evolution of insecticide resistance in these pest populations through experimental work, genetic techniques and mechanistic mathematical modeling. The project involves collaboration with experts from UC Davis and focuses on developing sustainable control methods. Directly connected to the needs of the Oregon agricultural community, this project is a prime example of OSU’s strong community engagement initiatives as a land grant institution. By learning more about the mechanisms of insecticide resistance in spotted-winged drosophila, growers will be better able to plan and prioritize their insecticide applications to mitigate resistance.
Oregon State Collaborators
Alysia Vrailas Mortimer, Biochemistry & Biophysics
Swati Patel, Mathematics
Serhan Mermer, Environmental and Molecular Toxicology (College of Agricultural Sciences)
Statistician Yuan Jiang’s SciRIS project aims to create novel analytical tools for assessing how organisms in complex ecological communities like microbes and parasites interact and affect each other over time. The research will leverage long-term community datasets from wild vertebrate host populations with improved data techniques that allow these large complex data sets to be analyzed more efficiently and with environmental conditions factored in. In addition to improve our ecological understanding of these communities, Jiang's project seeks to extend the accessibility of these analytical tools to diverse scientific audiences through summer camps, workshops and online tutorials. The project will also involve collaboration with colleagues and students at the Universidad of San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador to build capacity in data analytics.
Oregon State Collaborators
Yuan Jiang, Statistics
Lan Xue, Statistics
Anna Jolles, Integrative Biology
Claire Couch, Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Sciences (College of Agricultural Sciences)
Seaweed morphology and chemical makeup can vary dramatically depending on environmental factors like seawater composition and sunlight exposure, making it a challenge to nutritionally analyze consistent materials. James Fox and his contributors have developed a system for growing seaweed on land under consistent conditions for analysis.
Algal physiologist James Fox’s project explores the chemical composition and potential applications of Pacific Dulse, a protein-rich seaweed native to the Pacific coastline. The team will create a special growth chamber to cultivate seaweed on land under controlled conditions. This allows researchers to maximize the production of important compounds found in Pacific Dulse, which can be used in nutrition and medicine. The project also emphasizes community outreach and inclusive excellence by engaging diverse student populations and partnering with outreach programs. Additionally, the project will investigate the impact of different processing methods on the nutritional quality of seaweed extracts.
Oregon State Collaborators
James Fox, Microbiology
Myriam Cotten, Biochemistry and Biophysics
Ford Evans, Hatfield Marine Science Center
Evan Forsythe, Integrative Biology
Scott Geddes, Chemistry Program Coordinator OSU-Cascades
Jung Jwon, Department of Food Science & Technology (College of Agricultural Sciences)
Christopher Suffridge, Microbiology
These projects highlight the innovative and impactful research being conducted by the 2025 SciRIS awardees. Each project not only advances scientific knowledge by also emphasizes collaboration, community engagement and inclusive excellence.
The College of Science gathered on Feb. 26 to recognize and celebrate our high achieving faculty and staff at the 2025 Combined Awards Ceremony. The evening celebrated the very best in the College, from teaching, advising and research to inclusive excellence, administration and service.
The following faculty and staff received awards in Inclusive Excellence, Administration, Service and Performance.
Congratulations to all the awardees!
Hannah Stuwe, graduate student in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, received the Inclusive Excellence Award.
Hannah Stuwe, graduate student in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, received the Inclusive Excellence Award.
Department Head Elisar Barbar, who nominated Stuwe, said she has engaged in a wide-ranging set of service, outreach and training that is truly impressive. First, Stuwe conducted a GFP protein purification activity for middle and high school students from the Chemawa Indian School, Jewell High School (Seaside), and visited groups of black and Latinx students from the Portland area.
She planned, wrote and edited a handbook of science experiments geared towards middle school aged students, their parents, and teachers to fill the void of not having a BB summer camp. This handbook now serves as a free and open access resource for community members.
Stuwe is the founder of the non-profit organization Corvallis Music Collective. They have engaged in community service and activism by providing live music for events and rallies. Recent events include the Basic Needs Center Fall Welcome Party, the Disabled Students Union Disability Justice Rally and Jackson Street Youth Services National Runaway Prevention Month “Skate Park After Dark” Show.
Amy Timshel, assistant head to the department head in the Department of Microbiology, received the Gladys Valley Award for Exemplary Administrative Support.
Amy Timshel, assistant head to the department head in the Department of Microbiology, received the Gladys Valley Award for Exemplary Administrative Support.
Her colleagues describe her as proactive, always seeking ways to improve processes and deeply committed to making the department a better place for everyone. She is highly regarded by students, faculty and staff for her professionalism, broad knowledge and ability to get things done. In fact, Department Head Anne Dunn noted that when she polled faculty on department strengths during strategic planning exercises, Timshel's critical role in the department was consistently highlighted.
She has a deep understanding of university policies and constantly looks for ways to improve them. She listens, advocates for students and colleagues, and takes initiative to make the department more inclusive and equitable. For example, her work on the Core Values Committee led to the addition of gender-neutral restrooms in Nash Hall and improvements to scholarship and travel fund policies.
Beyond her administrative role, Timshel actively fosters a sense of community within the department. She organizes fundraisers and charity events and regularly attends student events to show her support.
Elaine Cozzi, assistant head and associate professor in the Department of Mathematics, received the Distinguished Service Award for her impactful service to her department, the College and the broader mathematics community.
Elaine Cozzi, assistant head and associate professor in the Department of Mathematics, received the Distinguished Service Award for her impactful service to her department, the College and the broader mathematics community.
Cozzi served as interim associate dean of academic and student affairs for the College in Spring of 2024, managing various projects, including the university’s revision of its undergraduate advising system, assessing teaching resources and addressing countless student issues. She was overwhelmingly generous with her time in responding to the many challenges and the needs of her colleagues.
Before and after serving as associate dean, Cozzi served as assistant department head for mathematics, responsible for scheduling upper-level courses and ensuring adequate staffing for the Department’s teaching mission. This affects the hiring of instructors, graduate students, and undergraduate graders.
Jon Kujawa, Department of Mathematics head and Cozzi’s nominator, noted, “It is hard to overestimate the impact of Elaine’s planning on the smooth operation of the teaching side of the department. And she readily pivots when unexpected events disrupt the plans.” Additionally, Elaine led the assessment of the Mathematics undergraduate program for several years, playing a crucial role in student success, he shared.
Cozzi also contributes significantly to the mathematics profession as Associate Editor for the American Mathematical Monthly – the most widely read mathematics journal in the world. She is also an active member of SIAM, a professional society for applied mathematics, where she helps organize meetings and contributes to administrative efforts and regularly serves as a grant evaluator for the NSF and the Simons Foundation, helping to shape the future of mathematical research.
Virginia Lesser, Department of Statistics Head, received the Champion of Science award.
Virginia Lesser, Department of Statistics Head, received the Champion of Science award for her significant contributions to the field of statistics and to Oregon State University throughout her distinguished career. After earning her PhD in Biostatistics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she joined OSU’s Department of Statistics in 1992.
A year later, she became Director of the Survey Research Center, a role she held until her retirement in December 2024. Lesser's expertise in probability sampling, survey design, and data collection methods ensured that the center upheld the highest standards. Under her leadership, the center became a premier institution, offering expertise in survey methodology, sampling and data analysis – supporting projects that inform policy, environmental monitoring, economic studies and public opinion research. Its work has helped agencies such as the Oregon Department of Transportation, the Oregon State Marine Board, and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife make data-driven decisions, not to mention numerous initiatives within the University.
Lesser's groundbreaking research in survey methodology, environmental statistics, applied statistics and ecological monitoring has advanced the field and influenced practice. She has authored over 55 journal articles and conference proceedings, earning national and international recognition – including being named a Fellow of the American Statistical Association and an elected member of the International Statistical Institute.
Lesser's leadership also transformed the statistics department and elevated Oregon State University’s role in the field as department head from 2011 to 2018.
Lesser has also been a dedicated mentor and advocate for students and colleagues. Over the course of her career, she guided more than 220 graduate students and fostered a welcoming, supportive community within the department. Her colleagues regard her as an exceptional mentor and an inspiring leader, someone who consistently goes above and beyond – whether leading major academic initiatives or simply making sure the department potluck had a home-cooked turkey.
As a land grant institution committed to teaching, research, and outreach and engagement, Oregon State University promotes economic, social, cultural, and environmental progress for the people of Oregon, the nation, and the world. Oregon State University is deeply committed to the principle that every student we admit — in person or online — should achieve their goal to graduate, and awards of Scholarships and Fellowships contribute to this goal in an impactful way. The College of Science invests in the success of our graduate scholars by providing financial support to students that we recruit and students that are currently enrolled among other ways of supporting their development, progress and growth.
Graduate students in the College of Science earned notable recognition during the 2023-24 academic year, receiving a range of awards which highlight their achievements and contributions to Oregon State. Below, we highlight some of these noteworthy Graduate School Awards. From state specific honors like the ARCS Foundation Scholarship to institutional support through the Provost’s Distinguished Fellowship, these awards recognize graduate students who embody the values of Team Science.
ARCS (Achievement Rewards for College Scientists) Foundation, Oregon Chapter seeks to advance science and technology in the United States by providing financial awards to academically outstanding students who are U.S. students studying to complete Ph.D. degrees in science, engineering, mathematics, technology and medical research at Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon State University and the University of Oregon.
In 2023-2024, two College of Science graduate students were awarded ARCS scholarships. Karlie Wiese, doctoral student in Chemistry, received the ARCS Oregon 10th Anniversary OSU Scholar Award. Lucas Kolanz, doctoral student in Physics, received the Beth Ray ARCS Foundation Scholar Award. This award is funded through ARCS, the OSU Graduate School and by contributions from past OSU President Ed Ray in memory of his wife Beth.
Pritha Biswas, doctoral student in Physics, is the recipient of the Delson Bridge to the Future Fund, designed to assist graduate students who are facing critical financial emergencies that could impede degree completion.
Two doctoral students were awarded the Dissertation Completion Award. This award supports outstanding doctoral students who are in their final stages of their dissertations by offering an award to cover the cost of three graduate credits of tuition and mandatory fees for one academic term. The recipients are Adaline De Chenne from Mathematics and Njesa Totty from Statistics.
Two doctoral students, Theodore Bambakidis (Microbiology) and Jesse Howe (Biochemistry and Biophysics) were awarded the Graduate Dean’s Catalyst Fellowship. This award is a pilot program launched for the 2023-24 academic year to support graduate students nearing completion of their doctoral degrees.
Steven Tran (Chemistry) received the Herbert F. Frolander Graduate Teaching Assistant Award, which recognizes outstanding and professional involvement with both faculty and students by a graduate teaching assistant at Oregon State University. This award is presented to one graduate student from across the entire university during University Day in the fall. Hear from faculty and staff who nominated Tran here.
The purpose of Laurels funding is to provide financial support to academic units so they may diversify and strengthen their graduate programs. This is achieved by providing tuition support to assist with the recruitment of new graduate students to OSU. Two College of Science students received funding in 2023-24, masters student Bailey Sharon (Mathematics) and doctoral student Courtney Clement (Microbiology).
Three doctoral students received funding from the Oregon Lottery Graduate Scholarship. Funds for this scholarship are provided through the Oregon State Lottery and are awarded on the basis of academic merit and financial need. The 2023-24 recipients are Matthew Nguyen (Chemistry), Steven Tran (Chemistry) and Kaitlin McHugh (Integrative Biology).
Nilanjana Das, masters student in Microbiology, is the recipient of the P.F. and Nellie Buck Yerex Graduate Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to graduate students who are pursuing study in a scientific or technological field. It is awarded on the basis of academic achievement and promise for the future.
Two doctoral students received the Prestigious Diversity Fellowship, intended to support the recruitment and retention of graduate students from historically underrepresented backgrounds who demonstrate scholarly promise at Oregon State. The recipients are Hallee Boyd (Chemistry) and Nyazia Sajdah-Bey (Integrative Biology).
The purpose of the Professional Development Award is to help cover costs for qualifying training, resources and activities that contribute to professional skills development. In 2023-24, the Graduate School funded the following students:
Alice Welch (Integrative Biology)
Olivia Burleigh (Integrative Biology)
Emily Taylor (Integrative Biology)
Pritha Biswas (Physics)
Kevin Dimmitt (Physics)
The purpose of the Provost’s Distinguished Fellowship and Scholarship program is to support programs in the recruitment of Oregon State’s most meritorious graduate students.Ian Clifford (Integrative biology) and Ben Daniels (Microbiology) received the distinguished Provost Fellowship award.
In 2023-24, the College of Science awarded Provost Scholarships to the following students:
Joline Nguyen (Biochemistry and Biophysics)
Emily Hiatt (Chemistry)
Sanpreet Hira (Chemistry)
Jack McLaughlin (Chemistry)
Gage Rios (Chemistry)
Rodrigo De Almeida Alves (Integrative Biology)
Brysyn Goodson (Integrative Biology)
Olivia Noonan (Integrative Biology)
Stefanie Fazekas (Mathematics)
Heather Fogarty (Mathematics)
Mansi Sanjay Mahajan (Mathematics)
Courtney Clement (Microbiology)
Lynn Kaneko (Microbiology)
Katelyn Spadavecchia (Physics)
Kalista Wayt (Physics)
Ian Moran (Statistics)
The Graduate School offers the Scholarly Presentation Award to provide graduate students with financial support to assist with certain costs associated with presenting their scholarly work at academic conferences and meetings. In 2023-24, the following College of Science students received this award:
Mona Khorani (Chemistry)
Nan-Chieh Chiu (Chemistry)
Anshika Nagar (Chemistry)
Ankit Yadav (Chemistry)
Jesse Laney (Integrative Biology)
Angelika Kurthen (Integrative Biology)
Jun Cai (Integrative Biology)
Erick White (Integrative Biology)
Jalyn Devereaux (Integrative Biology)
Jared Freedman (Integrative Biology)
Jesse Fritz (Integrative Biology)
Dorothy Zahor (Integrative Biology)
Jessica Karr (Integrative Biology)
Giovanni Crestani (Integrative Biology)
Kaitlin McHugh (Integrative Biology)
Kenneth Glynn (Integrative Biology)
Jazlee Joon Crowley (Integrative Biology)
Brenna Prevelige (Integrative Biology)
Jeremy Lilly (Mathematics)
Måns Mattsson (Physics)
The Thurgood Marshall Graduate Fellowship is intended to support the retention of meritorious graduate students whose accomplishments and activities demonstrate leadership, service and commitment to fostering a just and equitable community. Val Sawiccy (Integrative Biology), currently an instructor at the University of Oregon, is this year’s recipient.
The Wei Family Private Foundation, a non-profit organization, was established to honor the memory of Dr. (Mrs.) Chung Kwai Lui Wei and Mr. Hsin Hsu Wei. Its purpose is to award scholarship grants to students of Chinese heritage with high academic credentials who are pursuing a degree in Science or Mathematics at Oregon State University or an Electrical Engineering graduate degree. In 2023-2024, the College of Science awarded three Wei Family scholarships to Ian Clifford (Integrative Biology), Ben Daniels (Microbiology) and Ifeoma Nwabufo (Mathematics).
The Mark and Vicki Hehnen Veterans Science Scholarship supports science students who are veterans and provides financial support other than tuition. This award was established by Mark Hehnen (’78 Ph.D.). In 2023-2024, the College of Science awarded two scholarships to Ebony Stretch (Microbiology) and Angela Mellisa Thompson (Zoology).
The Jesse A Hanson General Science Scholarship is awarded to students who show high scholarship, potential for success, unimpeachable character and service to the university. Jesse Hanson was an OSU professor of poultry science from 1911-66. The following four students received this scholarship during the 2023-2024 academic year: Joshua Byrnes (Statistics), Jessica Etter (Chemistry), Elena Gasiorowski (Integrative Biology), and Mikaela Lee (Microbiology).
Created by Fred and Helen “Bette” Durbin, this endowment supports graduate fellowships as determined by the Dean. Fred received a bachelor’s in general science from OSU and Bette graduated with a bachelor’s in home economics (now the College of Health). The College of Science awarded two Fred and Helen Durbin Scholarships to Ameh Benson Agi (Chemistry) and Jonathan Dutra (Biochemistry/Biophysics).
The Science Graduate Fellowship is to be used to support students enrolled in the College of Science with a preference for students in chemistry, biochemistry and the life sciences. The College of Science awarded one Science Graduate Fellowship during the 2023-2024 academic year to Emily Parker (Integrative Biology).
*When possible, links to students' directory profiles are included.
The College of Science is committed to making science accessible, engaging and relevant to people’s lives. Through outreach, we support science literacy, connect with communities and help students see themselves in STEM. From hands-on activities in classrooms to public science events and student-led programs, outreach is one way we ensure science makes an impact. Here are a few examples of 2023-2024 outreach from across our departments:
In Integrative Biology, faculty and students participated in events such as Science Nights at local schools, Discovery Days, and sea-themed summer camps, with activities ranging from avian behavior trials to DNA sequencing workshops in Nepal. The department also contributed to public presentations and fundraisers for undergraduate research.
The Mathematics department hosted significant events like the Lonseth Lecture and Math For All Conference, while also providing educational enrichment through math circles and problem-solving sessions. Faculty gave lectures internationally and led outreach programs in local schools, aiming to make math accessible to all.
Biochemistry and Biophysics highlighted women leaders in STEM, hosted symposia and webinars, and engaged the public through biophysics demonstrations. The department's outreach extended to local schools, community events, and artistic projects that made science more approachable.
In Physics, outreach efforts included attending elementary school science nights and giving tours to high school students. Educators can visit the physics website to schedule a classroom visit from an OSU physicist.
The Chemistry department’s outreach initiatives aim to broaden access to STEM education and inspire a diverse range of students to explore science. Through a variety of programs, the department offers hands-on experiences, community events, and immersive camps that connect underrepresented and local students with real-world science opportunities. Learn more about chemistry outreach.
The Microbiology department organized creative and educational events such as agar art, career panels, and science nights, while also hosting a microbiology camp for high school students to explore STEM careers.
The Department of Statistics held outreach activities focused on recruitment and research growth including a joint research forum with Shanghai University of International Business and Economics. The department also held two conferences in Corvallis during the 2024 summer.
In the Dean’s Office, the Science Success Center organized Discovery Days where OSU welcomed more than 1,300 elementary students to experience science outside the classroom. Discovery Days, a biannual outreach event, brimmed with activities for kids to enjoy while they met graduate and undergraduate students eager to share their enthusiasm for the inspiring field.
The Dean’s Office also did recruitment outreach, visiting community colleges and middle and high schools to promote STEM programs and science career paths, engaging over 300 students in total.
These collective efforts typify the College’s commitment to science education, community engagement and inspiring future generations in STEM.
The Everson lab studies Madagascan lemurs to explore how hybridization shapes genomes, species limits and the evolutionary trajectory of radiations (rapid increases in diversity).
The College of Science has a diverse portfolio of signature research, scholarship and innovation activities that enable our College to make fundamental and applied discoveries. To support society’s scientific challenges, we are invested in discovery-driven science and applied and transdisciplinary research. Our research intersects with all four research areas of priority outlined in OSU’s strategic plan, Prosperity Widely Shared.
Over the 2024 fiscal year (FY24: July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024), the College of Science researchers received $18.5 million in research grants to support groundbreaking science. Most of that funding came from federal agencies and foundations in recognition of proposals with broad societal impacts, like increased human health, sustainable and clean energy and climate change mitigation. Our faculty pursue foundational and basic research projects and science education projects. Data science and Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools are increasingly becoming part of the fabric of much of our research. College of Science research expenditures in FY24 totaled $20.7 million.
The figure below illustrates the breakdown of funding sources for the College, with the National Science Foundation (NSF) and National Institutes of Health (NIH) each awarding about $5.1M.
Research funding in 2023-24 ($18.5M total) comprised investments mostly from federal and state agencies, including the National Science Foundation (25.7%–$5.1M), National Institutes of Health (27.7%–$5.1M), Department of Energy and National Labs (9.3%–$1.5M), and others (8.8%—$1.6M). Additional funds were provided by other universities (9.5%—$1.7M), foundations (11.4%–$2.1M), foreign governments (0.2%–$40K) and industry (5.6%–$1M).
Oregon State University is focused on big discoveries that drive big solutions. Many science faculty received grants last year in support of discovery-driven science, applied and transdisciplinary research science education and innovation in OSU’s priority research areas of integrated health and biotechnology, climate science and solutions, robotics, data science and AI, and clean energy and solutions. Below are some of the highlights—not including multi-year projects started before 2023.
Astrophysicist Jeff Hazboun received a $73K Faculty Early Career Development award from the National Science Foundation. This prestigious NSF early career award is highly coveted by faculty! Hazboun’s project includes curriculum development and the implementation of a summer workshop in astrophysics-themed data analysis designed to foster inspired teaching, stimulate excitement in pulsar timing array research, facilitate the learning goals of undergraduate and graduate students, and support the community college students’ transition into four-year schools.
Mathematician Christine Escher received a $50,397 award from the NSF to host the Pacific Northwest Geometry Seminar series over three years at various Pacific Northwest universities. Escher is the principal organizer of the conference. This award supports meetings of the Pacific Northwest Geometry Seminar (PNGS), a regional meeting for researchers and educators of geometry, to be held at the University of British Columbia (2025), Seattle University (2026) and Lewis & Clark College (2027).
Materials scientist Kyriakos Stylianou, along with members of the College of Pharmacy and the College of Agricultural Science, received $2 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop improved ways of preventing stored potatoes from sprouting, particularly in the organic sector. Stylianou’s team studied nearly 200 different plant essential oils for their anti-sprouting effects. Oregon, Washington and Idaho produce more than 60% of the potatoes grown in the United States, and Pacific Northwest potato cultivation is a $2.2 billion industry.
Microbiologist Maude David is part of a multi-institution research team to receive a $4.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study European foulbrood disease (EFD) in honey bees. The group is investigating the factors contributing to the high incidence of infection, and will then share their findings with local beekeepers and growers to improve mitigation efforts. Beekeepers in Oregon typically pollinate about five different crops annually. If the colonies are weakened by EFD, this results in less pollination, which is a concern for blueberry and almond growers.
Carolyn Breece from the OSU Honey Bee Lab shows Maude David a bee colony during a field trip.
Evolutionary biologist Michael Blouin was awarded $1.86M over five years ($371K per year) from the National Institutes of Health for his project entitled, “Genetic mechanisms of snail/schistosome compatibility.” Schistosomes are water-borne blood-flukes transmitted by snails, which infect over 250 million people in more than 70 countries and cause severe and chronic disability. A debilitating helminth parasitic disease of humans, vaccines are available for schistosomiasis. This project will identify new genes that make some snails naturally resistant to infection by schistosomes, revealing potential new ways to reduce parasite transmission at the snail stage.
Statistician Robert Trangucci received $164K from the University of Michigan for his project entitled, “Data driven transmission models to optimize influenza vaccination and pandemic mitigation strategies.” Selection bias is common in infectious disease datasets due to complex observational and biological processes, and bias can arise from covariate data which is missing due to analytical limitations. The research team is addressing the concern by extending existing models to accommodate risk and data gaps over time for application in vaccination and other novel datasets.
Chemist Dipankar Koley received $542K from the National Institutes of Health for his project entitled, “Microenvironmental characterization and manipulation to prevent secondary caries.” A common reason for dental replacement is a recurrence of caries around existing restorations caused by microbial activity. The project seeks development of new and innovative materials to bias this microbial environment toward improved dental health, and the researchers are investigating the use of cations of magnesium and zinc applied with specialized release platforms.
Statistician Yanming Di received $249K from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a project entitled, “DeepSeed: A computer-vision network for onsite, real-time seed analysis.” The Willamette Valley is considered the “grass seed capital of the world.” Seed testing, used for determining seed lot quality and establishing seed value, is a fundamental phase of the agricultural marketing system. With recent advances in robotics, computer vision, and AI, an opportunity presents itself for a new wave of innovations. This project utilizes AI and robotics to innovate devices and protocols for sampling grass seeds and a computer vision system for automated seed analysis. The investigators consist of experts in seed services, computer vision, statistics, and mechanical engineering.
Mytilus californianus (the California mussel) is prey for many predator species, serves as a filter for ocean particulate, and harbors hundreds of other species. Threats to this normally resilient foundation species represent risks to the entire local marine ecology.
Materials scientist Kyriakos Stylianou received $689K from Saudi Aramco for a project entitled “New Generation of CO2 Capture Adsorbents: Synthesis, Performance under Humid Conditions, and Scaleup.” In this project, the Stylianou group aims to discover novel adsorbents for the selective capture of CO2 from diluted sources. Successful materials will undergo scaling up and evaluation for their efficacy in removing CO2 from air.
Marine ecologist Bruce Menge received $200K from the National Science Foundation for his project entitled, “RAPID: A subtle epidemic: unique mortality of Mytilus californianus on the Oregon coast.”
The research team is investigating the major changes occurring in the Pacific Northwest marine ecosystems, with evidence these communities exhibit low resilience to climate change. For example, sessile invertebrates (mussels, barnacles, etc) become more abundant while seaweed species (kelp, etc) decline.
Evolutionary biologist Kathryn Everson received two awards for $276K from the University of Kentucky Research Foundation for a project entitled, “The role of hybridization in generating biodiversity: Insights from genomics of Madagascar’s true lemurs (Eulemur).” This project is funded by the NSF to understand how new species form in the context of complex gene flow and to expose the genomic signatures of evolutionary processes. The researchers will characterize patterns of gene flow, selection, and genome architecture for a species of lemur to gain a genomic perspective on the evolution of species boundaries. In addition, the team will construct a hybridization model using data on geographic range, diet, and social behavior for this lemur.
Aerosol chemist Alison Bain received $284K from McGill University for her project entitled, “Single particle measurements.” This research aims to understand the optical properties of stratospheric aerosols. Using single particle experiments under environmentally relevant temperatures and humidities, the team will extend a wavelength-dependent refractive index model to include these conditions. They are also looking at how atmospheric aging impacts the optical properties of these materials.
Chemist Wei Kong received $110K from the American Chemical Society for her project entitled, “Superfluid helium droplets as microreactors for studies of photochemistry of fossil fuel hydrocarbons: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and the corresponding endoperoxides.” The project will use superfluid helium droplets as microreactors to investigate the kinetics of the photooxidation process of a major component of petroleum (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PAH). Using several analytical techniques, the team will test the hypothesis that supercooling the helium droplets will stabilize an excited state of the oxygen molecule and prevent further reactions.
Biochemist Ryan Mehl received $234K from the NobleReach Foundation in partnership with the National Science Foundation. The project “Ideal eukaryotic tetrazine ligations for imaging protein dynamics in live cells” was selected as one of the first set of 11 national pilot projects to receive $234K from the NobleReach Foundation.The partnership seeks to identify and accelerate the translation of NSF-funded research into biotechnologies and bio-inspired designs with commercial and societal impacts. This pilot will help inform future translational funding opportunities along with enabling Professor Mehl and the other selected principal investigators to accelerate bringing their research to the market and society.
Biochemist Patrick Reardon received $500K from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Instrumentation Program for his project entitled, “MRI: Acquisition of Helium Recovery Equipment: An integrated system for helium capture and recovery for the OSU NMR facility.” This award supports the acquisition and installation of an integrated system for helium capture and recovery for the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) facility. Helium is in high demand and is used for a wide variety of industrial and research applications, and it is a non-renewable resource which highlights the need for laboratories to capture and recycle this important gas. The NMR lab is supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health, NSF, M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, and OSU, and it is a core facility and cornerstone for groundbreaking research in interdisciplinary science and engineering, chemistry, biochemistry, and biophysics at OSU, throughout the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. The facility continually strives to enhance its state-of-the-art instrumentation for the highest levels of analytical performance.
Tuesday, May 21, 2024
11 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Memorial Union Multipurpose Room 13
This event will feature SciRIS awardee presentations, panel discussion on artificial intelligence in the College of Science, and posters and science education demonstrations by Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI) Fellows.
Welcome and introduction from Vrushali Bokil, Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Studies
SciRIS Awards Showcase
The College of Science Research and Innovation Seed (SciRIS) program funds projects based on collaborative research within our community and beyond. The program awards seed funding for high-impact collaborative proposals that build teams, pursue fundamental discoveries and create societal impact. Founded in 2018, SciRIS accelerates the pace of research, discovery and innovation in the College of Science by enabling scientists to work across an array of disciplines in a mentored environment. We showcase some of the recent awards made under this program.
Francis Chan: “The Hypoxic Barrier Hypothesis: have we missed a fundamental dynamic of oxygen use in microbes and ecosystems?”
Kim Halsey: “Leveraging volatile organic compounds to detect cyanotoxin contamination in Oregon lakes”
Maude David: “Leveraging organ-on-a-chip systems to mimic the gut sensory system: toward screening microbiota-vagal interactions”
Yuan Jiang: “Harnesses longitudinal microbiome data to define the ecological roles of host-associated microbes”
Alysia Vrailas-Mortimer: “A New Model to Study the role of Iron in Parkinson’s Disease”
Lunch & Networking: OMSI Communication Fellows demonstration and poster session
Oregon State University and the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI), one of the nation's leading science centers, have enjoyed a close partnership since 2016. OMSI hosts its popular Science Communication Fellowship cohort program on OSU’s Corvallis campus every spring. More than 70 students, faculty and staff from across science at OSU have completed the training program, including the Colleges of Science; Engineering; Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Science; Agricultural Sciences; Forestry; and Public Health and Human Sciences. The COS partners with OMSI in offering this fellowship to our students. Here we showcase some of our COS OMSI Science Communication Fellows.
Akasit Visootsat & Yuan Gao (Physics): “What & How to see motor proteins?”
Sunni Patton (Microbiology): “Exploring the Coral Microbiome”
Austin Vick (Integrative Biology): “What can the common fruit fly tell us about our health”
Panel Session: AI in Research
Moderators: Vrushali Bokil, Bettye Maddux and Jeff Hare
The panel will discuss ideas for incorporating AI and data science across four priority research areas: clean energy, integrated health and biotechnology, climate solutions and robotics.
Panelists
Tim Zuehlsdorff, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry
Jeff Hazboun, Assistant Professor, Department of Physics
Ryan Mehl, Professor, Director of GCE4All Research Center, Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics
Marilyn Rampersad Mackiewicz, Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry
Francis Chan, Associate Professor, Director, Cooperative Institute for Marine Ecosystem and Resources Studies, Department of Integrative Biology
