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.

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.

Elizabeth P. Ritchie 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.

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.

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.”

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.”

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.”

Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring by a Faculty Member

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.”

Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring by a Graduate Student

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.

Research funding propels Team Science forward

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.

Faculty honors

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).

Integrated health & biotechnology

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.

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.

Collaborative research at the interface of robotics, computer vision and AI

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.

Climate science and related solutions

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.

Clean energy and related solutions

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.

Collaborative partnerships to fuel a thriving world

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.

“I think what IE has done is given a space for and a framework for faculty to really work through this process in a way that’s meaningful to them – through an approach that allows them to have a product at the end they can actually use,” said Kameron Kadooka, Director for Equity, Access and Inclusion at the College of Science.

The action plans generated by fellows vary across disciplines. Some instituted student surveys designed to create a more holistic understanding of their students; one facilitated transportation to a women-in-physics conference; some made changes to lecture content to increase gender-affirming language; and others made adjustments to include social impacts in biology curriculum in an effort to produce more well-rounded healthcare workers.

Summaries of faculty and staff action plans shared on the Inclusive Excellence website provide a deeper look at how course materials and student interactions were adapted to become more inclusive.

The need for the inclusive excellence initiative

Data from Oregon State shows the gap in graduation rate for underrepresented minorities and Pell-eligible students ranges from 6 to 18% across various science disciplines, indicating science is not yet retaining underrepresented minority students at the same rate they’re retaining students from majority groups.

That trend in STEM is not exclusive to Oregon State. According to a 2019 study from the National Science Foundation, Black or African American workers made up only 9% of STEM workers in the United States. Hispanic or Latinx workers made up 14%. Women still represented less than a quarter of the working population in physical science, engineering and computer science. Anyone with an intersectional identity had increasingly lower representation.

While there may be different barriers to access for members of marginalized groups on individual levels, one thing the IE@OSU program seeks to address is increasing a sense of belonging for all students – which IE@OSU leadership theorizes may be a key to students’ decisions to persist in their STEM education.

Between the time students enter and the time students graduate, they make one decision over and over: whether to persist or not.

“Between the time students enter and the time students graduate, they make one decision over and over: whether to persist or not,” shared Lou Wojcinski, instructor in the chemistry department and a fellow from the 2020-21 cohort. “And we have to be deliberate about building environments where students can say yes to persisting. It’s going to get difficult — things are going to go badly at some point—and you have to make the decision to continue or not. And we have to build these spaces where our students make the decision to persist.”

Changing the tides

“Our intentional goal at the beginning was to take what we know to be best practices in STEM education and to partner them with inclusive excellence,” said Lori Kayes, associate department head and senior instructor II in the Department of Integrative Biology and IE@OSU project leader.

Teaching faculty don’t have to figure that out in a vacuum, she said. With science educators guiding other educators in STEM, it creates attainable goals for integrating access and inclusivity into the intensive instructional objectives already in place.

Kadooka said IE@OSU has done a lot for “proof of concept” at Oregon State. Fellows who have successfully integrated changes to boost inclusivity and access in STEM have proven that while it takes time and effort to overhaul course materials and alter teaching mechanisms, it is possible, even along with regular research and teaching responsibilities.

Mary Beisiegel, professor in the department of mathematics and mathematics education researcher said this kind of development is what teachers need at any level — K-12 or post-secondary. “This is 50-60 hours in a year focusing on content, in community with people, while incorporating known best practices in teaching. I think that really makes IE@OSU stand out.”

To galvanize this community of STEM educators, active fellows are invited to a showcase called Faculty, Food and Fun every spring to share their action plans with campus colleagues and former fellows. Here, faculty and staff might find inspiration for inclusive action in their own spheres of influence. This is one of the ways inclusive excellence propagates out from the fellows in the academy to potentially impact thousands of students.

Propagating access to STEM

IE@OSU is an integral piece of the diversity, equity and access ecosystem at the College of Science and within the university. In 2021, The College of Science published its Diversity Action Plan, outlining the ways it will prioritize and advance inclusive excellence in its classrooms, labs, research and beyond.

“The Inclusive Excellence program at OSU has done fantastic work for the College and for the institution. Many College of Science folks have invested a lot of effort and heart into this — and it has impacted folks much beyond the College. At the institutional level and at the student level, it is pushing the needle forward in those spaces,” said Kadooka.

IE@OSU continues moving forward. The program has reached the end of the five-year grant and was recently granted a two-year extension.

Martin Storksdieck, director of the STEM Research Center and IE@OSU project director said researchers in the STEM Research Center intend to use the extension to take a more holistic view of all the fellows at the end of the project. They hope to evaluate the trajectory people are on in making change for themselves and within their spheres of practice after IE@OSU. In this way, researchers aim to measure the impact of the project on students and STEM pedagogy.

For other equity, access and inclusion education available to faculty and staff, see The Center for Teaching and Learning and The Office of Institutional Diversity.

Our departments also prioritize creating access to science education and research, fostering community relationships and developing needed services.

Microbiology outreach makes science more colorful

The College of Science’s microbiology department created the Pernot Microbiology Camp to draw more local students from BIPOC, LGBTQ+, low-income and other diverse backgrounds to the study of microbiology. Faculty in the department also offered a session on Microbiology for the Advocates for Women in Science, Engineering and Math Club for both 5th grade and high school students. Microbiologist Jerri Bartholomew created the Art-Sci collaborative to build a bridge between art and science. This involves public galleries showcasing student work and local artists. The department also hosted internationally acclaimed microbiologist Jo Handelsman for the inaugural Berg Lecture. Open to the public, this lecture drew community members, students and faculty.

Statistics collaborates with Oregonians

The statistics department participated in the Statewide Crop Load Project annual meeting to discuss results with vineyard managers and wine producers in Oregon. Faculty also co-led a workshop in Lincoln County for the Pandemic Resilient Cities project to engage local public health, city officials, school representatives and more to begin a co-creation process for a National Science Foundation proposal. They discussed the needs of the county and priorities concerning future pandemic preparedness.

Physics brings science to high-school students

The physics department held lab tours for Corvallis High School students and created a Zoom version for Madras High School. Several faculty members also did presentations for the Corvallis High School Science Club. The department has a new outreach coordinator that will formally start in fall 2023.

Mathematics outreach seeks to break down common stereotypes

Members from the mathematics department organized the 2023 Math For All satellite conference. This event is an open and friendly space for people to gather and talk about mathematics, math education and how it relates to diversity, justice and equity. Professor Nathan Gibson organized a series of weekly Math Circle meetings for Franklin Elementary students. These circles aim to make mathematics fun, interesting, accessible and inclusive. The Association of Women in Mathematics OSU chapter also participated in many outreach events, including Discovering the Scientist Within, which aims to spark interest in science in young girls. The department also held its 38th annual Lonseth Lecture and invited alumna Corina Constantinescu (Ph.D. ’06) to talk about the “Mathematics of Inclusive Insurance.”

Integrative Biology shares research far and wide

The integrative biology department held its annual Doc Storm Lecture that drew more than 100 people to the LaSells Stewart Center. The Weis Lab participated in Meet a Scientist at the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry to educate visitors of all ages about the study of cnidarian-algal symbiosis and the threat of climate change on coral reefs. The lab also participated in OMSI After Dark. Students from the Cornelius Lab partnered with students from the College of Agricultural Sciences to plan Wild about Wildlife, a three-day summer camp for middle school students where they learned about biological science through experiences and field excursions to Hatfield Marine Science Center and the Chintimini Wildlife Center. In June, the department held its annual Robert M. Storm Distinguished Lecture. This year speaker George James Kenagy, Professor of Biology and Curator of Mammals, Emeritus with the University of Washington, spoke about "Survival in the Desert: Coping with Heat, Aridity, and Scarce Resources."

Chemistry outreach helps high-school students find their passion

The chemistry department held the fifth annual Juntos Chemistry Overnight Camp in June. Twenty Latino high school students attended the camp from all over Oregon. The students participated in workshops and got an authentic taste of the OSU college experience. The department also held four lab tours for high school AP science students. Chemistry professor Marilyn Mackiewicz created a new week-long workshop called Ignite inSTEM designed to help students discover the wonders of designing nanomaterials.

Biochemistry and Biophysics outreach has a national impact

The biochemistry and biophysics department was involved in middle school, high school and college outreach events. Faculty were involved in “How To Be A Scientist” and “Career Day'' at local middle schools. At the college level, faculty gave a science career talk at Idaho State University. Associate Professor Alysia Vrailas-Mortimer, just received funding to expand Fly-CURE RCN, a research coordination network that brings together faculty across the U.S. to create course-based undergraduate research experiences.

Dascaliuc researches stochastic cascades and energy transfer in equations of fluid dynamics. The mathematics of fluid flows allow us to understand and predict the complexity of behaviors exhibited in fluids. Deeply rooted in questions of applied science and engineering, the proposed research is a part of a larger program aimed at exploring connections between the mathematics of equations of fluid motions and physics of fluids.

Part of the proposal is to organize a two-week summer collaborative research program for graduate and undergraduate students. This program will be devoted to attracting students from backgrounds traditionally underrepresented in STEM and especially in the field of fluid dynamics. The project will be structu­­red so that students without advanced knowledge in differential equations, mathematical analysis and probability can contribute and hopefully become interested and motivated to learn more about the mathematics involved. Funds for Dascaliuc’s SciRIS-ii project titled, “Stochastic Cascades and Energy Transfer in Equations of Fluid Dynamics” are provided by a generous gift made to the Robert W. Lundeen Science Faculty Development Award Fund.

In partnership with the Oregon State Seed Lab, Yanming Di innovates seed sampling devices and protocols. Seeding testing — used for determining seed lot quality and establishing seed value — is a fundamental phase of the agricultural marketing system. Getting an accurate subsample of seed depends on the accuracy and precision of the device used.

Devices and protocols developed by the OSU Seed Lab and the USDA in the 1970s are still considered state of art today, leaving ample room for further improvements. With SciRIS funding, Di and collaborators aim to start a new wave of groundbreaking innovations by incorporating recent advances in robotics, computer vision, machine learning and stochastic modeling into seed testing. Funds for Di’s SciRIS-ii project entitled “Innovating Seed Sampling Devices and Protocols” come from the College of Science’s Education & General Funds.

Colin Johnson’s research uncovers new connections between the ferlin family of genes and disease. Mutations in dysferlin are linked to muscular dystrophy, while mutations in otoferlin and myoferlin have been linked to deafness and breast cancer, respectively. Previous research led by Johnson uncovered key components of otoferlin gene therapy, moving one step closer to restoring hearing for the congenitally deaf.

In partnership with collaborators from the College of Engineering and College of Agricultural Sciences, Johnson’s new project will focus on ferlin gene Fer1L6, which has been linked to ovarian failure and neural tube development deficiencies. It will be the first study to unpack the effects of Fer1L6 on organismal development and neural tube defects. Funds for Johnson’s SciRIS-ii project, entitled “Establishing a Zebrafish model for the study of the Ferlin gene Fer1L6,” come from the College’s Education & General Funds.

SciRIS-ii funding will support a research collaboration between OSU and Stanford University led by Chong Fang. The project will implement state-of-the-art femtosecond laser spectroscopy at the Linus Pauling Science Center. By advancing the mechanistic knowledge and rational design of reversibly photoswitchable fluorescent proteins, this emergent tool for super-resolution microscopy and bioimaging will elevate both labs’ research to new heights while further enhancing the visibility and impact of “molecular movie” technology at OSU.

Funds for Fang’s SciRIS-ii project, entitled “Elucidating primary events of engineered photoswitchable fluorescent proteins with a powerful ultrafast spectroscopy toolset,” are provided by a generous gift made to the Ben and Elaine Whiteley Materials Research Fund.

Petsche is working with graduate students Chifan Leung, Chatchai Noytaptim and Peter Oberly to develop new ways to measure the arithmetic complexity of dynamical systems – a mathematical construction which takes input data and feeds it through a repetitive process – and to show that certain families of arithmetic dynamical systems can be divided into the simple and the complex. Using mathematical techniques including Galois theory, which is the study of symmetry in the solutions to polynomial equations; potential theory; and the analytic theory of Berkovich spaces, a fully modern construction that has recently given mathematicians the ability to apply classical analytic techniques toward modern number theory applications.

Funds for Petsche’s SciRIS-ii project, entitled “Exceptional maps in arithmetic dynamical systems,” are provided by a generous gift made to the Robert W. Lundeen Science Faculty Development Award Fund.

According to quantum mechanics, we can only know the probability for the location of an electron at any given moment. Yet, if the electrons are confined to a one-dimensional space, the system exhibits certain symmetries that may allow one to obtain exact formulas for the statistics of the electrons. Axel Saenz Rodriguez aims to develop the mathematical theory to determine these statistics and to host a conference focused on this research topic. The two-day conference at OSU in Fall 2022 will build a regional network of collaborations; develop research projects suitable for grant proposals; and build research activity and a community on campus for graduate students and faculty. Funds for Saenz Rodriguez’s SciRIS-ii project, entitled “Probability law for 1D quantum electrons,” are provided by a generous gift made to the Robert W. Lundeen Science Faculty Development Award Fund.

Bolstering medicine through interdisciplinary research

As part of the SciRIS program, the College of Science offers other donor-funded awards to bolster research and innovation. The Disease Mechanism and Prevention Fund (DMPF) supports research into the mechanism, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of human disease by the College of Science faculty. These funds are provided by a generous gift from David and Donna Gould. The awardees are Swati Patel, assistant professor of mathematics and Adrian Gombart, professor of biochemistry and biophysics.

Swati Patel’s DMPF proposal is titled “Mathematical modeling of Anthelmintic resistance in soil-transmitted Helminths.” Patel’s research addresses soil-transmitted helminths (STH), parasitic worms that infect an estimated 1.5 billion people worldwide, particularly in developing tropical countries that lack adequate sanitation systems. Periodic de-worming is necessary to treat and prevent infection, but STH are developing resistance against the drugs used. Patel develops projects to investigate the mechanisms that lead to resistance and strategies to prevent it through systematic mathematical modeling.

Gombart’s DMPF project, “The role of the cathelicidin antimicrobial peptide in the development of Alzheimer’s disease,” continues work from a previous DMPF award, studying the potential use of an antimicrobial peptide called cathelicidin to curtail the development of Alzheimer’s. Vitamin D and other nutrients regulate expression of the peptide. Gombart’s project could lead to further development of effective preventative therapies or treatments of Alzheimer’s disease. Gombart is a principal investigator at the Linus Pauling Institute and is known for his extensive research on the uses and functions of vitamin D, including using it to combat infection via wound dressings and sutures.

Rachel Palmer, integrative biology advisor, won the Olaf Boedtker Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising for her tireless support, efforts and advocacy on behalf of undergraduate students. This award was established in 1988 in honor of Olaf Boedtker, a professor in the Department of Physics who served as Head Advisor in the College from 1973 to 1987. While at Oregon State, he provided exceptional service to students and to the College.

Several students nominated Palmer for this award, praising her dedication and ability to connect and encourage students to achieve their goals.

One student nominator wrote of Palmer: “Right off the bat, Rachel came across as a very happy-go lucky person. She has always been extremely kind and caring at every meeting, treating me as an equal adult and even cracking some jokes that set me at ease. She has always been able to answer every question I had, no matter how specific or vague. I can absolutely tell she wants to help me and set me on the best path possible. Rachel pays mind to each and every student as an individual. She is passionate, inspirational, dedicated and she really knows her stuff!”

Another student had similar feedback for Palmer: “Rachel has made the beginning of my journey towards my Bachelors of Science in Zoology a wonderful experience even through uncertainty. She really goes above and beyond the call of duty, you would not think an advisor could be such a hero.”

“I admire how easily Rachel has helped me find a class schedule that works so well," wrote another student nominator. "She asks important questions, listens to your expectations and executes. One thing she does well is helps me find classes that work well together as far as content.”

Additional nominees for the Olaf Boedtker Award included:

• Cody Duncan, advisor for integrative biology
• Allison Evans, instructor of microbiology
• Jen Olarra, advisor for biology
• Kari Van Zee, senior instructor of biochemistry and biophysics

Loyd F. Carter Award for Outstanding and Inspirational Teaching (Undergraduate)

This year’s Loyd Carter Award for Outstanding and Inspirational Undergraduate Teaching in Science goes to Kyriakos Stylianou, assistant professor of chemistry.

Every year since 1946, the Loyd F. Carter Award has been presented to two outstanding College of Science faculty members: one for undergraduate teaching and one for graduate teaching. The purpose of the award is to encourage and recognize effective and inspirational teaching. The final selection is based solely on student nominations and voting.

Stylianou’s students describe him as passionate, inspirational and dedicated. “This man is so incredibly intelligent but also one of the humblest people you will ever meet,” one student said.

“He has to be one of the best professors I have had here at OSU,” said another student nominator. “Walking into CH 233, I was super nervous. I heard it was the hardest of the chemistry series. With everyone feeling the burnout of virtual learning, he made sure to make his class engaging and put everything he had into every class.”

Many students praised the learning atmosphere Stylianou creates in his classes and his attentiveness to student needs. “He cares very much about his students and wants to see them succeed. He devotes a significant amount of time inside and outside of class to give them the opportunities and resources they need to be successful in his class, and beyond. He never tries to beat around the bush, always gives you an honest answer, and just wants to see the best in people. The jokes and wise-cracks in class always help to lighten the mood as well.”

Additional nominees for the Loyd F. Carter undergraduate award included:

• Daniel Myles, senior instructor of chemistry
• Devon Quick, senior instructor of integrative biology
• Marita Barth, instructor of chemistry
• Malcolm Lowry, assistant professor of microbiology
• Nathan L. Kirk, senior instructor of integrative biology
• Paul Cheong, associate professor of chemistry
• Phil McFadden, associate professor of biochemistry and biophysics
• Scott Geddes, instructor of chemistry
• Stacey Vaughn, instructor of mathematics

Loyd F. Carter Award for Outstanding and Inspirational Teaching (Graduate)

This year’s Loyd F. Carter Award for Outstanding and Inspirational Graduate Teaching in Science goes to James Molyneux, assistant professor of statistics.

Students nominating Molyneux described him as caring, uplifting and welcoming, and praised his ability to adapt during the pandemic. "He consistently encouraged me and my cohort during the transition from COVID to campus, to keep up our spirits in one of the most difficult academic years of our lives," said one student. "Without him, I would not have gathered the courage to continue moving forward. He is brilliant in the classroom as a professor and a loyal mentor and advocate for our success."

Another student said the following of Molyneux: "He excels at making statistics, a subject which is generally taught dryly and without much passion, relevant to grad students' research and our daily life. He uses timely examples and highlights the nuance of stats, in a way that makes it fascinating instead of frustrating. He was always available for extra help or assistance outside of class, and always seemed willing to discuss other topics than just the class material! He is supportive and compassionate with graduate students, and was the best stats teacher I've had so far at OSU! He also made sure the class content was accessible to students in multiple ways by recording both Zoom and in-person classes, and making the lecture notes easily available. His high-energy and engaging teaching style was apparent in both the in-person and online class I took with him, which I have found to be a rare occurrence in a remote setting!"

Thomas Sharpton, associate professor of microbiology, was also nominated for the Loyd F. Carter graduate award.

Frederick H. Horne Award for Sustained Excellence in Teaching Science

This year’s Frederick H. Horne Award for Sustained Excellence in Teaching Science goes to Liz Gire, associate professor of physics.

This award honors Fred Horne, who served as Dean of Science at Oregon State from from 1986 to 1999. Fred passed away in 2021, a renowned researcher, scholar, teacher and leader.

Fred exemplified the values of our college, embracing a deep commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion in science. He was instrumental in establishing two programs that encourage students of color to pursue and continue their education in science, math and engineering: Science and Math Investigative Learning Experience (SMILE) and the American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES).

The purpose of this award is to recognize sustained excellence in teaching science by honoring a faculty member in the College of Science who has repeatedly demonstrated exceptional instructional qualities and has had a significant impact on students over a period of not less than five years.

Liz Gire has earned this award through her tireless dedication to support the holistic student experience. A plethora of students and colleagues wrote at length in support of Gire's nomination. One student nominator said, "Her level of dedication to the genuine support and inclusion of the students in her courses is something I’ve never seen in an educator before. She backs that up with her skill and experience in education and communication that makes difficult content still accessible and enjoyable to learn. She takes every opportunity to build others up, whether that be her students, her teaching team, her research partners or the many people in our department who aren’t any of those things, but still know they can come to her because she is the type of person who will help however and whenever she can."

Another student nominator said, "Liz is a wonderful professor because she is a master at reading the atmosphere of a classroom. Sure, part of this is an intuition that comes from experience, but more importantly, she takes time to ask questions. Each student is expected to grab a small white board and marker at the beginning class. Later when Liz looks out and says, 'write down something that you know about angular momentum' she can measure students’ level of confusion and use student responses to guide the classroom discussion. This makes everyone much more willing to participate in class because they know that she honestly cares for their well-being and success."

Congratulations to all the winners and all the nominees!