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

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.”

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.

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.

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.”

“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.

A unique honors framework

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.

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.

Building relationships in a big university

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.

“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.”

A good fit for curious, driven scientists

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.

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.

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.

Click here to RSVP!

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.

Schedule of Events

12 p.m.

Lunch

12:20 p.m.

Welcome from Executive Associate Dean Vrushali Bokil and Dean's Remarks from College of Science Dean Eleanor Feingold.

12:30 p.m.

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.

1 - 2:30 p.m.

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.

Insecticide resistance in spotted-winged drosophila

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)

Analytical Tools to Understand Ecological Communities

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)

Unlocking the potential of seaweed

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.

College of Science 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.

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.

Distinguished Service Award

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 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.