Team Science ’25 Edition
Senior Editor
Tamara Cissna
Managing Editor and Designer
Sharon Betterton
Writers
Hannah Ashton
Erica Martin
Elana Roldan
Kaitlyn Hornbuckle
College of Science
Eleanor Feingold, Dean
Publisher
College of Science 128 Kidder Hall
Oregon State University Corvallis, OR 97331
Read these stories and more at Impact online
01
From the Dean
Scientists at every stage of their journey benefit from “extracurriculars.”
06
The Take and The Give
Our scientists are finding ways to reduce the impact our needs make on the planet.
12
Dhanyabād
A study abroad experience in Nepal adds cultural context to the study of biodiversity.
18
Part of the Process
A new chemistry lab reinforces that failure is a normal part of science – and an important one.
22
Busy as a Beav
Hear what our students have been up to over the last year.
02
More Than a Major
Meet science undergrads who flourished inside and outside the classroom.
11
Rent or Research?
Getting paid for research gives students room to explore.
14
Going the Distance
Meet science undergrads who flourished inside and outside the classroom.
20
Community Connection
Each of our departments connect with communities in Oregon and beyond in unique ways.
24
What a Scientist Does
Scientists are diverse. So are our many career paths.
I’m thrilled that you have chosen to study science at Oregon State University. As you’ve learned, there are so many great opportunities here to pursue your interests and prepare to make a real impact on people’s lives and the planet.
This issue highlights some incredible student and faculty achievements in science, from improving our planet’s resilience to climate change to science outreach and student research. The College of Science at Oregon State University trains students and supports faculty to contribute to every aspect of scientific progress. I hope you take advantage of as many as possible of these academic opportunities as a part of your Oregon State education.
I also want to take a moment to encourage you to think beyond your classes while you are here. The things we often devalue as “extracurricular activities” keep us grounded, make life more interesting, and can prepare you for your career in ways you might not expect. When I was in college and grad school, my list of extracurriculars included water polo, crew, political activism, community outreach and music. The experiences and responsibilities I took on in my “extras” were at least as useful for my first job as what I learned in class.
While I don’t do water polo drills much these days, I still play weekly with the Corvallis-OSU Symphony. And out-of-classroom exploration can also include deeper thinking about science or society. Lately, I’ve enjoyed reading “Bitch: On the Female of the Species” and “Weapons of Math Destruction.” Whatever reading or activity fascinates you, carve out space for it. It matters!
Make the most of your time here – both in and out of your major. We look forward to helping you grow and explore in every way.
Eleanor Feingold
More Than a Major
Carving a Path
Carving a Path Diego Menendez
Diego Menendez
PHYSICS
PHYSICS
After a life-threatening bout of pneumonia as a toddler, senior Diego Menendez developed scar tissue in his lungs and autoimmune issues, which meant he had to play indoors. So he made things. Big cause-and-effect contraptions called Rube Goldberg machines that would become his gateway to a career in physics.
Menendez grew up in Washington in a Cuban family. His father and extended family come from the isle of Cuba, and he describes his heritage as central to his identity, instilling a sense of deep resilience and perseverance in him. “We are fighters. We are survivors. That is the Cuban way,” he says.
When Menendez was formally introduced to physics in high school, he says he needed that strong sense of perseverance inherent in his culture. As the subject matter grew challenging, his interest grew too. His physics teacher inspired and encouraged him, and when Menendez began to look for universities where he could study the subject further, OSU rose to the top of his list of schools on the West Coast with highly-ranked STEM programs. He arrived in Corvallis as a firstgeneration student, eager to connect with other minority students who understood his experience and to build a sense of community.
Menendez found that connection in the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation, a program dedicated to increasing the number
of traditionally underrepresented students completing STEM degree programs.
“I wouldn’t be here without LSAMP,” Menendez shared. “I met my best friends, the best friends I’ve ever had through that program. They really pushed me outside my comfort zone to try new things and I loved it.”
To increase accessibility for underrepresented populations, he served as the deputy diversity and inclusion director for the Associated Students of OSU and became a member of the First-Generation Student Committee, the Physics for Inclusion in Science Club and the College of Science Equity Alliance. Menendez also works as a coach in the Academic Success Center and as a peer advisor in the College, helping science students with class placement, registration and staying connected.
Now nearing the end of his undergraduate studies with minors in mathematics and leadership, Menendez plans to use his physics degree to teach at the high school level in the future. He is currently working on his physics thesis with Assistant Professor Yangqiuting (Doris) Li to explore different ways to improve physics education and retention.
“I cannot wait to get my first classroom and right away hang my Cuban flag on the wall,” he says. “Hopefully my Hispanic students will see me and know they can succeed in STEM too.”
Yep, it’s important. But every scientist is a whole person.
Oregon State chemistry alumna Evan Park (’24) has a gold medal.
A winner of the 2023 World Rowing Under 23 Championship, Park finished her last year of collegiate rowing eligibility and is now attending graduate school at the University of Washington.
Park chose OSU for its strong science offerings, not initially planning on being a student-athlete. “The College of Science puts a lot of resources toward helping students,” she says. An email from the rowing team inviting incoming students to a Zoom information session changed her path.
Rowing and chemistry share many similarities, she says: Precision, teamwork and technique, to name a few. Both can be challenging, but overcoming those challenges kept her hooked.
“Even though it’s not really intuitive at first, there are patterns within chemistry. And if you just stick with it and keep an open mind about it, you might end up really liking it,” she says.
Balancing a full STEM course load with athletics wasn’t easy, but fulfilling. While a few of her professors had never worked with student-athletes, they were all accepting and helpful. Chemistry instructor Jie Zhang even attended C.R.A.S.H. Beavs and watched Park row on the Willamette River. “I’ve had really awesome professors here,” she says.
On top of school and rowing, Park also advocated for student-athletes. She served on the Student Athletic Advisory Committee and the Student Athlete Leadership team.
When the Pac-12 dissolution was announced, Park joined hundreds of student-athletes voicing concerns. She participated in a Pac-12 legislative hearing with Oregon State University President Jayathi Murthy and Vice President and Director of Athletics Scott Barnes.
“It feels like all of these things are changing within college athletics and people are making decisions for us. I wanted to go there and say ‘Hey, look at me. I am the one being affected by all of this,’” Park says. “I trust that we’ll be okay because that’s just what we’ve always done. We always fight. We always push through.”
Park is proud to have worn orange and black both on the water and in the laboratory.
Going for 79Au
Evan Park CHEMISTRY
Photo by Karl Maasdam, courtesy of OSU Athletics
Art + Science = Inspired Art + Science = Inspired
AJ Damiana
HONORS BIOCHEMISTRY AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY
For Honors biochemistry and molecular biology student AJ Damiana , becoming a PRAx fellow manifested her efforts to tread a path of science and art.
The fellowship, which includes a $1,000 grant, was given by the Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts. Damiana discovered the opportunity through the Art-Sci collaborative at Oregon State, which encourages students and faculty to explore this bridge between disciplines.
“The club was hosting art science talks associated with the fellowship, which is how I discovered it. I thought, ‘This is fantastic. I’m a biochemistry major, and I do art. This is perfect for me,’” she says.
As a fellow, she was given the chance to develop an integrative project that was
later showcased in the PRAx gallery. Fascinated by science communication, or translating complex scientific concepts into accessible content, Damiana chose to examine cell biology from an artistic lens.
“I want to communicate how cells age in a way that resonates with all audiences — not just the scientific community — using visuals and writing,” she says. The inspiration for her project, with mentorship from Alysia VrailasMortimer and David Maddison, was using science communication as a tool to “fill the gap between what I know and what others don’t.”
“I feel there’s a focus on hard sciences and this idea that everyone should understand it immediately,” she says. “Being someone in the sciences, I’ve
realized what captivates me might not be universal. I’m trying to make scientific topics engaging for more people.”
Embracing the interdisciplinary nature of her work in science communication, Damiana advocates for greater connection. “I don’t think that there’s enough communication between disciplines, despite the potential benefits. Over the course of this project, I’ve learned how much can be gained from bridging these avenues. Disciplines shouldn’t be as segregated as they currently are.”
This interdisciplinary ethos is at the center of PRAx’s mission to further both the worlds of science through art and the world of art through science — a perspective shared by all of the PRAx fellows.
Balancing Act Carley Beeman
HONORS CHEMISTRY
Carley Beeman’s resume is impressive. Studying Honors chemistry with a focus on advanced biochemistry and a minor in biology, she balances her academics with the additional rigor of being a Pac-12, Division I gymnast.
“People think, ‘Oh you’re an athlete. That’s why you’re here — that’s your focus. You couldn’t be here for school,” she says. But Beeman chose Oregon State for both its athletics and its academics, drawn to the College of Science’s commitment to research.
Although on the surface, gymnastics and chemistry are vastly different domains, Beeman sees more similarities than differences.
“The response to life is the same. If something isn’t working or a test doesn’t go well, you can always turn it around and come back. One bad test or event score doesn’t determine how the next one is going to happen,” she says.
Just before junior year, Beeman’s strong academic record helped her land the American Society for Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics research fellowship at the University of Michigan. For three months, she studied the connection between opioids and respiratory depression, as well as possible therapies to prevent respiratory depression in overdoses. Beeman ran electrophysiology experiments, assigned to her own piece of equipment.
Nervous to participate in research? Beeman offers this advice: “Everyone has to start somewhere. Everyone that you’re going to encounter knows that you’re just starting out and they’re willing to help.”
Participating in a hands-on research experience didn’t help her narrow down her future career path — in fact, it did the opposite. “It opened my eyes to all the possibilities,” she says.
Looking forward, Beeman wants to pursue her Ph.D. in the biomedical science field and be a role model for young girls.
“I want to show that you can become a successful scientist and go in that direction while pursuing time-intensive extracurricular activities, whatever those might be,” she says.
ARTICLE BY ELANA ROLDAN (BIOLOGY
The Give The Take
AND
The take...
Vulnerable.
A word that captures the fate of a planet facing climate change. The hammer inching closer to the nail. Decades of evidence show the progression of climate change caused by human activity: Melting glaciers, blurring seasons and species around the globe struggling to withstand a planet’s fever.
For humans, what was once a distant threat is now a daily reality. Our survival depends on the planet’s resources – its soil, water and air sustain us in ways both obvious and subtle. The food we eat, the energy we harness, the mineralbased circuitry in our phones and the stable climate that makes life possible are all thanks to Earth’s resources. We rely on a healthy planet even to breathe.
Recognizing that our access to resources is as vulnerable as the planet we depend upon, scientists and students at Oregon State are taking action. They are working to ensure essential resources remain available, healthy and sustainable – and that our relationship with those resources is more sustainable, too. From carbon capture to ecosystem restoration and salmon health, we are rolling up our sleeves and fighting for the future of our planet – and ourselves.
We all know we depend on the Earth. But it depends on us too.
The carbon bargain
USING CHEMISTRY TO CAPTURE CARBON AND CLEAN OUR AIR
Life as we know it is built on carbon. Right down to the strands of DNA in your cells, carbon is the backbone of organic structures. But as a result of climate change, life’s basis has also become its affliction.
Carbon dioxide emissions from human activity have skyrocketed since industrialization in the 18th century and contribute to what is known as the greenhouse effect. Gases like CO2 , primarily released from burning fossil fuels, trap heat in the atmosphere and raise global temperatures. Too much of this heat trapping and the Earth faces planet-scale heatstroke. To cool things down, chemist May Nyman led the discovery of a promising new method for capturing carbon dioxide from the air. The study is federally funded as part of a $24 million undertaking to enhance direct air capture methods.
Her team showed how vanadium peroxide molecules (the yellow and red molecule opposite) can bind to CO2 , paving the way for improved carbonscrubbing technologies. Named after a Norse goddess for its inherent beauty, vanadium shows a “Goldilocks” level of reactivity — neither too much nor too little — making it an ideal choice.
“A challenge with direct air capture is finding molecules or materials that are selective enough, or other reactions with more abundant air molecules, such as reactions with water, will outcompete the reaction with CO 2 ,” Nyman explained.
On top of reducing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the vanadium compound paves a sustainable path forward thanks to its low release temperature for the captured carbon dioxide.
“Being able to rerelease the captured CO2 enables reuse of the carbon capture materials,” Nyman says. “The lower the temperature required for doing that, the less energy that’s needed and the smaller the cost.”
Fellow chemist Kyriakos Stylianou has also made great strides in carbon scrubbing methods, focusing on limiting its release from industrial emissions.
By containing carbon dioxide at its sources, such as factories, we can prevent further piling up of the gas in the atmosphere.
One such scrubbing method utilizes what are known as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), a type of nanomaterial with advantages in porosity and versatility but traditionally too expensive and nonsustainable to be practical.
Led by Stylianou, OSU researchers focused on creating a MOF that is both efficient and environmentally friendly.
“The capture of CO2 is critical for meeting net-zero emission targets,” he says. “We sought to come up with a MOF to address the various limitations of the materials currently used in carbon capture: high cost, poor selectivity for carbon dioxide, low stability in humid conditions and low CO2 uptake capacities.”
By successfully testing a MOF with accessible components, Stylianou and his team established a kind of nanosponge for carbon dioxide that fixes each of the initial drawbacks. This powerful demonstration shows the potential for an efficient, sustainable future in emission reduction.
While still developing, these breakthroughs in carbon capture technology by Nyman and Stylianou hold great promise in reducing atmospheric carbon dioxide and achieving net-zero emissions, bringing us closer to a future where human innovation can exist in tandem with a healthy atmosphere.
In hot water
PROTECTING AND MONITORING THE ECOSYSTEMS THAT PROTECT US
Earth’s moniker as the “blue marble” is well earned. No other planet holds the same wealth of surface water or supports such a rich diversity of life. But this lone marble is fragile, and the choices we make shape its future.
Ocean and coastal ecosystems play a valuable role in protecting us from climate change by trapping carbon and storing it for thousands of years. Unfortunately, human activities like mining and overfishing damage these ecosystems, reducing their ability to capture carbon and releasing stored carbon back into the atmosphere. This not only exacerbates climate change but also disproportionately affects small coastal communities that rely on the ocean for their livelihoods.
To help preserve these ecosystems and address climate change, marine ecologists Jenna Sullivan-Stack and Kirsten Grorud-Colvert presented a road map to global leaders at the eighth Our Ocean Conference in Athens. Along with specific courses of action to take, they stressed the importance of accountability for delivering on promises made at the conference.
blooms. These blooms, often toxic, pose significant risks to both environmental and human health.
If all current protected area commitments — agreements to restrict activity in particular areas with the goal of conservation — were completed, 4.1% of the ocean would be protected, including 1.2% categorized as fully or highly protected. Every drop matters when you’re racing against the clock.
“Progress is happening but more is needed,” Grorud-Colvert says. “Now is the time to focus on finishing these commitments and accelerating new actions to protect the ocean and stave off the destructive activities that threaten a thriving ocean and its benefits to people. The well-being of our planet depends on it.”
From the coast and open ocean, the repercussions of climate change seep inland. As waters warm, they become more hospitable for harmful algal
A stark reminder of this threat came in 2018, when tap water in Salem, Oregon was contaminated by algal bloom byproducts called cyanotoxins, rendering it unsafe to drink by vulnerable populations. This incident underscored an urgent need for effective monitoring systems to safeguard our water supplies.
One notable advancement in this area comes from Oregon State microbiologist Kimberly Halsey, who developed a novel technique for “sniffing out” the blooms. Her innovative approach uses instruments to detect volatile organic compounds released above the water by algae, which can serve as indicators of toxins like microcystin. Microcystin is a toxin produced by cyanobacteria, commonly known as blue-green algae, which can cause severe health issues including gastrointestinal illness and skin rashes.
Adding ammonia to the pores of this copper MOF not only removes double the CO2 but also creates a useful carbamate compound.
Marine Protected Areas reduce the impact of non-climate stressors so those ocean areas can better protect us from climate stressors.
Halsey’s method is more cost-effective than current monitoring techniques and has broader implications for detecting other environmental shifts, such as oxygen deficiencies in aquatic systems. The potential to “sniff” the air above lakes could revolutionize how we monitor and respond to harmful algal blooms, which may be imperative in warmer years to come.
Examine the salmon CARING FOR THE SPECIES AND WATERS OF THE PACIFIC NORTHWEST
Marine and freshwater species are facing climate threats worldwide, and those in the Pacific Northwest are no exception. Native salmon species such as the Chinook, Coho and Steelhead that are vital to our thriving ecosystem have seen profound changes, many of which stem from human activity. Yet, there are signs of hope.
More than 100 years ago, four dams were constructed on the Klamath River, disrupting its ecosystems. Now it’s the site of the world’s largest dam removal and restoration project.
Dams alter water temperatures and quality, shrink salmon migration territory and increase the prevalence of disease. Without a steady flow of water, pathogens linger, infecting organisms in the Klamath River. Climate change and freshwater droughts only exacerbate this.
In a significant step towards addressing these challenges, College of Science researchers have concluded that dam removals and restoration projects on the Klamath River are expected to help salmon populations, but must be done thoughtfully.
“The dam removals will likely go a long way toward restoring balance in the river,” says microbiologist Sascha Hallet . Hallet has worked with salmon expert and microbiologist Jerri Bartholomew, also director of the J.L. Fryer Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory, for the past 20 years studying how the parasite Ceratonova shasta creates deadly conditions for salmon in the Klamath River.
The project is anticipated to improve water quality, increase fish passage and reduce interactions between hosts and parasites. Moving forward, they will use their research to establish ongoing management strategies.
Another rising issue for western salmon species is thiamine deficiency complex. Thiamine is a key vitamin that keeps cells running smoothly. A severe lack of it can lead to significant mortality rates, which Central Valley Chinook salmon know all too well.
As ocean ecosystems shift, so too do the diets of their inhabitants. Northern anchovies, which are high in enzymes that break down thiamine, landed at the top of the salmon’s menu after they surged in population size. This paved the way for thiamine deficiency to become rampant.
But a study by College of Science microbiologists reveals there are signs of hope for these anchovy-loving salmon and their hatchlings. Senior research associate Christopher Suffridge and doctoral student Kelly Shannon discovered thiamine-producing microbes in salmon spawning rivers. These
microbial communities hold promise as natural sources of the vitamin, pushing back against the deficiency.
While there is much more to learn about the role of environmental thiamine, this study is a clear move toward improved salmon health and longevity.
Farming for the future TACKLING PESTICIDES AND SAFEGUARDING POLLINATORS
Climate change has many facets, each issue compounding others in a web of complex environmental, cultural, financial and ecological problems. Pesticides are a prime example, used to meet human needs yet impacting our health and worsening the decline in pollinators.
In the U.S. alone, about half of the population relies on groundwater for personal and production needs. At the same time, pesticide pollution of groundwater has become a glaring issue. Pesticide runoff from agricultural land can linger in the environment long after its entry, dispersing through streams and even into the atmosphere with the water cycle.
Pacific salmon and steelhead can’t resist the temptation of the abundant northern anchovy, despite thiamine deficiencies that result from these tasty meals.
Chemist Kyriakos Stylianou led an international research team to combat these harmful consequences. They developed a MOF that can efficiently remove and break down the widely used herbicide glyphosate. This MOF, based on scandium with a carboxylate linker, demonstrated remarkable efficiency in eliminating glyphosate from water when exposed to light.
“Only a small percentage of the total amount of glyphosate applied is taken up by crops, and herbicides leaching into water channels are a primary cause of water pollution. That means it’s crucial to come up with innovative technologies and materials to combat this problem,” Stylianou says.
The group’s breakthrough could provide a more effective and environmentally friendly method for pesticide remediation. Ensuring cleaner and safer water supplies is crucial for protecting both human health and the environment from the adverse effects of pesticide contamination.
In addition to addressing groundwater pollutants, scientists are working to protect the health of honey bees. As vital players in agriculture and the upkeep of healthy ecosystems, pollinators are especially critical during the climate crisis. This makes the work of Maude David and other Oregon State researchers that much more important.
With a $4.2 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture, David works in collaboration with other universities to study European foulbrood disease and its effects on honey bees. The disease can decimate entire colonies by killing larvae before they reach maturity. When beekeepers in Oregon pollinate about five different crops in a year, growing 158 million pounds of blueberries in 2022 alone, foulbrood disease poses a grave threat to agriculture and natural ecosystems.
David and other project collaborators study the interactions between honey bees and their environment, identifying factors that contribute to
disease susceptibility and developing interventions to improve honey bee health. With the bees’ natural habitats, the beekeepers’ livelihoods and Oregon’s food sources at stake, their mission exemplifies why an uncertain future needs scientists at the helm.
“It’s important that we keep in touch with the needs of the state,” says David. “As a public land-grant university, we need to build this project and respond to the needs of people in the state.”
…and the give
The climate crisis has brought heightened vulnerability to the world and its many populations. But vulnerable does not mean doomed.
When a person breaks their arm, we give them a cast. When a fire starts, we grab an extinguisher. It’s a very human quality to take in vulnerable things and make them better – we do it every day. A warming climate is the ultimate test of our capacity to nurture and strengthen, whether it is our own populations at risk or the natural world we need to sustain us.
Times of crisis create unique opportunities for compassion and innovation and science provides us a means to give both. It is our responsibility to embody this mission, because in the end, the planet is no different from a broken arm or fire. It is vulnerable, and what do you do with something vulnerable?
You protect it.
West coast crops like blueberries and almonds rely on pollinators, but honey bees remain at risk for foulbrood, caused by Melissococcus plutonius.
Rent or research?
With paid opportunities, the choice gets easier
Like many college students, Honors biochemistry and molecular biology major Lexie Swisher faced a tough choice: Work to afford rent or pursue undergraduate research. “I am not rich. I have to work to afford to live here,” she says. “If it wasn’t a paid position, I wouldn’t be able to afford it.”
The College of Science believes research opportunities should be accessible to all students. Thanks to support from College leadership and generous donors, Swisher secured funding through the Launching Undergraduate Research Experiences (LURE) program, allowing her to gain invaluable lab experience while being paid.
“I think it is really important, because having research experiences, especially when you’re in the sciences, is sometimes the difference between getting a job and not getting a job,” she says.
With LURE’s support, Swisher focused on her Honors thesis studying ostreid herpesvirus in Pacific oysters. The experience strengthened her resume as
she applied for a post-bacc position at the National Institutes of Health.
A passion for science
Swisher’s curiosity was evident from childhood — she loved taking apart calculators, watching Bill Nye the Science Guy and dreaming of curing cancer. Inspired by family members affected by the disease, she pursued genetics to make a difference.
At Oregon State, she found her way to Professor Ling Jin’s lab in the Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine. Originally assigned a project on koi herpesvirus, Swisher pivoted to oysters due to a greater need in the field.
A summer grant supported her research, but when a machine malfunction required reprocessing hundreds of samples during the school year, Swisher had to find a way to pay bills and finish
her research. Thanks to LURE, she was able to dedicate time to her project instead of taking extra work shifts.
“I don’t think I could have gone through fall term without LURE,” she says. “I was taking immunology and cell biophysics — difficult classes that required my full attention.”
Beyond research, Swisher values the community in her lab, the mentorship of her PI and the ability to explore her scientific interests beyond the classroom. She’s also passionate about science communication, ensuring that complex ideas are accessible to everyone — including her grandparents.
Because of LURE, Swisher didn’t have to choose between her passions. She was able to focus on research, deepen her expertise and take a step closer to her dream of advancing biomedical science.
Gain skills. Get paid.
Want a research resumé that really stands out?
Launch your undergraduate research experiences with LURE Science and get 10 hours per week of paid research and professional development opportunities during the school year or spend your summer with SURE Science for 10 weeks of paid, full-time research involving faculty projects with real-world impact.
Dhanyabād Dhanyabād
A trip to Nepal gives students unique perspectives on the science and culture of biodiversity
(This page) one horned rhinoceroses relax in Chitwan National
from the
and his
study abroad group. Denver’s lab investigates biodiversity and genetics through integrated scientific and philosophical approaches.
Park. (Right) Dee Denver (fourth
right)
Nepal
In Fall 2024, a group of Oregon State University students embarked on a transformative three-week study abroad program in Nepal, led by Dee Denver, head of the Department of Integrative Biology. The course, titled “Intersections of Biodiversity and Buddhist Cultures in Nepal,” offered students a unique opportunity to explore the rich tapestry of Nepal’s natural ecosystems and cultural heritage. Nepal has developed innovative management strategies that integrate social, cultural and environmental approaches to balancing the needs of wildlife and humans.
Immersive learning in diverse ecosystems
During their time in Nepal, students visited multiple regions, each offering distinct insights into the country’s biodiversity and cultural traditions.
In Chitwan National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dense jungles and diverse wildlife, students observed conservation efforts in action, learning about efforts to protect species like rhinoceroses, Bengal tigers and various bird populations. Meanwhile, in the high-altitude Annapurna and Gaurishankar Conservation Areas, they trekked through the Himalayas, visiting monasteries and gaining an understanding of how Buddhist philosophies influence environmental stewardship.
The program encouraged students to examine biodiversity not just as a scientific concept, but one deeply interwoven with cultural and spiritual values. Students engaged with conservation scientists, Indigenous community members, academic scholars and Buddhist monastics and thinkers.
“This program was designed to take students out of the classroom and into a setting where they could experience the deep connections between biodiversity and culture firsthand. Seeing them engage with Nepalese traditions and ecosystems in such a meaningful way was incredibly rewarding,” Denver says.
Cultural exchange and personal growth
Beyond academics, the program pushed students outside their comfort zones, encouraging personal growth through immersion in a new environment. Engaging with local communities allowed students to develop cultural humility and practice adaptability — essential skills for navigating an increasingly interconnected world.
From sharing traditional meals like dal bhat (lentils and rice) to learning basic phrases in Nepali, like dhanyabad which means thank you, students embraced everyday experiences that deepened their appreciation for Nepalese culture. Getting hands-on provided an experience that no classroom could replicate.
For future scientists, experiences like this are invaluable. Understanding biodiversity requires more than just lab work, it demands real-world engagement with ecosystems, conservation challenges and the cultural context in which science is applied. Traditional ecological knowledge, often passed down through generations, can provide insights that complement modern scientific methods. Study abroad opportunities like the Nepal trip provide students with a broader perspective on how environmental issues are addressed across different cultural and philosophical frameworks.
Dee Denver and graduate student Brenna Prevelige are prime examples of the power of global research. In conjunction with leading the study abroad program, the pair conducted two research projects while they were abroad. Prevelige researched how Buddhist communities in Nepal use mushrooms for different medicinal and cultural uses. Together, they brought exciting new DNA sequencing technology and conducted snow leopard DNA sequencing in Nepal. Results from this project can help researchers understand the species genetic diversity, health and potential vulnerabilities.
By immersing students in environments where science and culture intersect, OSU equips them with the tools to navigate complex global challenges with knowledge, empathy and innovation.
Going the Distance
Special opportunities made all the difference for these students.
Joey Takach (’24) grew up in Lake Oswego with a passion for Star Wars and a dream of building futuristic technology. As a child, he created model lightsabers using soundboards and accelerometers. This love for engineering led him to Oregon State University on a presidential scholarship, where he initially pursued electrical engineering before discovering his true passion: physics and mathematics.
At OSU, Takach found inspiration in the supportive faculty and collaborative learning environment. Associate Department Head David Craig became a key mentor, guiding his independent studies in theoretical physics. Takach also worked as a peer advisor at the Science Success Center and a learning assistant for the Techniques of Theoretical Mechanics course.
His fascination with education technology began when he discovered 3Blue1Brown’s YouTube channel, which visualizes complex math concepts. Inspired, he started creating educational videos using Python to make advanced physics topics more accessible. One of his projects, an animated explanation of curl in vector mathematics, caught the attention of Physics Professor Emeritus Corinne Manogue, leader of the Paradigms in Physics project.
She hired Takach to make more educational videos that were aligned with the physics curriculum, including quantum mechanics. The videos were intended to improve the learning experience for future physics students.
“The most concrete thing that I want to have an impact on is teaching. I love sharing the experience of learning something for the first time,” he says.
Now with a double degree in physics and mathematics, Takach is heading to UC Berkeley for a Ph.D. in particle physics and phenomenology. Reflecting on his journey, he says, “Getting an early start and giving kids the opportunities to learn more as early as they can is so important. It becomes second-nature if they start early enough.”
Picture the violence of a black hole: mangled stars, planets ground to dust and time itself slowed by super-sized whirlpools of gravity. They are immense, indiscriminate destroyers of the universe. Then they merge.
This is what Honors physics alumna Phia Morton (’24) studied in Pisa, Italy the summer before her senior year. She returned as the first author of a paper correlating the merger with two different signals — a flare and a gravitational wave — the first strongly supported instance of a black hole merger emitting light.
“Research is nice because it’s about the journey, not the destination,” she says. “You’re doing something new, something that hasn’t been done before.”
Morton’s journey with black holes began during her first year at Oregon State when she connected with Xavier Siemens, a physics professor and co-director of the NANOGrav Physics Frontier Center.
NANOGrav, the North American Nanohertz Observatory for Gravitational Waves, released nearly two decades’ worth of research in 2024 to international acclaim. With Oregon State scientists leading the project, Morton was able to work alongside groundbreaking researchers. The knowledge of gravitational waves she gained from NANOGrav was critical to working on the black hole merger.
“At OSU, I’d already gotten to learn a bit more about gravitational waves. That led me to apply for a Research Experience for Undergraduates,” she says. The application took her to Italy where her research presented the first strong candidate for light-emitting merger. These results have rattled astrophysics, suggesting new ways to detect black holes and measure the universe’s expansion.
Despite these revelations, Morton knows there is always more to discover.
“I want to keep doing research because I think I’ll never stop having questions, and that’s the only way I’ll get answers,” she says. “For me, astronomy is one of the reasons that life is wonderful. We get to look up at the sky and wonder.”
(Above) Phia Morton’s experiences exploring gravitational waves began as a freshman in physics and took her from LIGO — a facility used to measure gravitational waves — to Italy. She presented her groundbreaking research at the OSU President’s dinner (right).
(Left and below) Joey Takach combined his love of physics and mathematics to work on vector video simulations using the Python programming language. Takach’s belief in the importance of teaching drives his efforts to make theoretical concepts more accessible.
Most children are asked what they want to be when they grow up. Zoology alumna Camrie Smith (’24) always said she wanted to work with animals, and it stuck. Smith chose Oregon State for her undergraduate education because of its excellent zoology program, the only one in Oregon.
“I am most proud of staying on course and doing what I have always planned on and wanted to do,” Smith says. “I feel like it’s easy to lose track of goals due to the overwhelming decisions that need to be made, but I stayed on course.”
While at Oregon State, Smith participated in the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation program. There, Smith met many of the friends who would be her community throughout her time at Oregon State; an important factor in any undergraduate experience, but instrumental for a Black woman in STEM, she shared.
“Being a Black woman in STEM is a big part of my college identity,” Smith says. “That would have been a lot less possible only 100 years ago.”
To gain experience in her field of choice, she started volunteering at Wildlife Images Rehabilitation and Education Center in southern Oregon while still in high school. Smith got first-hand experience of what animal rehabilitation looks like, recalling how it felt to be a part of the rehabilitation and release of a Red-tailed Hawk. “To see them heal each step of the way is what I’m passionate about,” she says. “It made me want to do that for large animals.”
That experience, coupled with her tenacity, landed her a job at Reid Veterinary Hospital in Albany, Oregon as a vet tech the following year. She was quickly recognized as a reliable, experienced technician and asked to assist in the surgical department.
“This has been one of the most exciting times of my life,” Smith says. True to the way she’s chased her zoological dreams from the outset, when asked what advice she would give to future undergraduates considering Oregon State, she says, “Just go for it.”
(Above) Camrie Smith volunteered, then interned at Wildlife Images Rehab Center, providing animal handling and rehabilitation experience in addition to important career connections. (Below) At a local vet hospital, working as a tech added to Camrie’s skillset as a zoologist.
(Right) Varsha Karthikeyan experienced interdisciplinary work firsthand through research in the Chappell Lab at OSU’s Carlson College of Veterinary Science.
Biology alumna Varsha Karthikeyan (’24) attended one of the University of Michigan Medical School’s Clinical Outcomes Research and Reporting Programs for a summer. Earning the reserved and highly coveted spot in the program for Oregon State Honors students, Karthikeyan received premier training and hands-on experience in medicine.
“As an aspiring medical professional, I recognize the significance of comprehending the intricate connection between research and healthcare,” she says. This intersection facilitated her deeper understanding of how research translates into enhanced patient care.
Among the most notable aspects of her experience was the freedom to design and pursue her own project. Using the International Registry of Acute Aortic Dissection, a rare but highly lethal heart condition, Karthikeyan investigated demographic variations in treatment. Her findings represented a significant milestone, one she was able to share with working physicians.
The mentorship she received during her tenure at MCORRP left an indelible mark on Karthikeyan’s journey.
“The guidance provided by various student mentors and physicians was truly invaluable,” she says. This mentorship provided profound insights into the medical profession, fueling Karthikeyan’s motivation to continue along her career path.
Karthikeyan has continued to add to her research experience since she returned from the internship, completing her Honors College thesis, “Potential Role of Extracellular Vesicles In the Neuroendocrine Processing of Estrogen Positive Feedback for Ovulation.” Under the mentorship of Patrick Chappell, an associate professor of biomedical sciences in the Carlson College of Veterinary Science, her work provides insights into the mechanics of hormonal regulation within the reproductive system.
SCIENCE,
IS PART OF THE
Process
Failing Process
Chemistry Professor Kyriakos Stylianou (above) and graduate student Karlie Bach worked to make a lab where students got to experience more realistic lab work — and how to deal with it.
After a while, laboratory courses can feel repetitive.
“You do this, it makes this thing, and now you know how to make it,” says Emily Frechette, an undergraduate Honors College student studying chemistry.
However, one course stands out for its creative approach to the age-old question, “Why does this matter?” — a three-week general chemistry laboratory on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) pioneered at Oregon State.
Two members of the Chemistry Department, Assistant Professor Kyriakos Stylianou and graduate student Karlie Bach, worked to invigorate chemistry education by introducing MOFs the labs. MOFs, a specialty of Stylianou, have porous structures used to capture hazardous molecules and detect organic contaminants in water. Despite their potential in research, they are rarely introduced in lower-division courses.
Thanks to Stylianou and Bach, the course receives overwhelmingly positive student reviews and could help shape the future of science education. It provides unique opportunities for first-year and marginalized students to develop scientific skills, explore interests and build community.
According to the National Center for Education Statistics, Hispanic and African-American students are more likely to switch out of STEM majors. This course helps address that challenge by emphasizing skill development, offering students who may lack access to research opportunities an engaging laboratory experience. Stylianou and Bach published their findings in the Journal of Chemical Education.
“When you finally see real-world applications and make something in the lab that isn’t just discarded, you feel productive and have a better grasp of the research community around you,” Frechette says.
Connecting classroom learning to research
Dylan Pyle, a third-year biochemistry and biophysics student, also values hands-on learning. During the lab developed by Stylianou and Bach, he found himself more enthusiastic, productive and knowledgeable.
“In other classes, you don’t see the application of what you do. You might perform a titration or electrochemistry, but then what? What difference does it make?” Pyle says. “The MOF lab showed us how to apply these concepts, which was awesome.”
“ In the lab, about 90% of attempts do not succeed, and we wanted students to understand this reality.”
Stylianou wanted to test students’ critical thinking and make experiments engaging. He and Bach integrated six key academic qualities into the course, adapted from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences’ Postbaccalaureate Research Education Program: autonomy, skill development, critical thinking, community, teamwork and inclusivity.
“We encouraged diverse outcomes to show students that failure is a learning experience,” Stylianou says. “This is part of the process and it reflects the nature of research. In the lab, about 90% of attempts do not succeed, and we wanted students to understand this reality.”
At the start of the MOF laboratory, students worked in small groups to synthesize one of four different MOFs and test its ability to capture a specific contaminant. The contaminants varied in size and shape, allowing students to make unsuccessful selections and learn from trial and error.
Learning through failure
For Frechette and Pyle, failure was a significant part of the learning process.
“Ours didn’t work as expected, but that’s research,” Frechette says. “The chance of something working perfectly all the time defeats the purpose of research. It’s all trial and error, but I think it was a good learning opportunity.”
Her group successfully synthesized ZIF-8, a highly porous MOF, to test its absorption of methylene blue and iodine. While it absorbed methylene blue, the data was inconsistent.
Pyle’s group synthesized Cu(bpy)Cl, a non-porous MOF, and attempted to use it to capture iodine.
“Looking back, we shouldn’t have picked iodine. It’s too big of an atom,” he says. “But maybe it captures other things well. That’s what they wanted us to explore.”
Expanding opportunities
Students also visited Stylianou’s Materials Discovery Laboratory (MaD Lab), where they interacted with graduate students and used high-end laboratory equipment.
“This experience will benefit them regardless of their path,” Stylianou says. “Whether in academia, industry or teaching, it’s important that they aren’t intimidated by research and can confidently present their findings.”
The course culminated in a student poster session, where students presented research findings to peers, faculty and graduate students. This strengthened their writing, oral communication and presentation skills. Faculty were impressed by the professionalism and quality of work displayed.
The best part for Stylianou? That 80% of students felt more engaged in the scientific process.
“Some students said they hadn’t understood undergraduate research before, but now they are excited to explore projects in climate change, water pollution and purification,” Stylianou says. “That is awesome.”
Community Connection
Taking science out beyond the classroom
Outreach is a cornerstone of the College of Science mission to advance science literacy, build community connections and address real-world challenges. As a landgrant institution, Oregon State University ensures education and research benefit all communities, not just the privileged few.
Engaging with diverse communities deepens scientists’ understanding of their work’s impact, fostering accountability and mutual benefits. From sparking curiosity in classrooms to supporting underserved communities, our outreach bridges the gap between science and society.
Our students care deeply about their local communities, putting on events like the third annual Impact Your Health Clinic, where the Pre-Dental Club organized free dental care for individuals experiencing poverty. Gum disease with bone loss is twice as common among adults age 30 and older with low incomes compared to adults with higher income. Students gathered dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, translators and other volunteers for the clinic. Performing a variety of tasks such as sterilizing dental instruments and checking in patients, the pre-dental students also raised money for the clinic and spread the word to patients.
In the Dean’s Office, the Science Success Center organized Discovery Days where OSU welcomed more than 1,000 elementary students to experience the thrills of science outside the classroom. Discovery Days, a biannual outreach event sponsored by the College of Science, brimmed with activities for kids to enjoy while they met graduate and undergraduate students eager to share their enthusiasm for the inspiring field. In the fall, the two-day event was made possible by the work of 155 volunteers who hosted 19 activities and engaged with 1333 visiting students from our community.
Integrative Biology brings science to the people
In Integrative Biology, faculty and students participated in events such as Science Nights at local schools, Discovery Days and sea-themed summer camps, with activities ranging from avian behavior trials to DNA sequencing workshops in Nepal. The department also contributed to public presentations and fundraisers for undergraduate research, including hosting a broadcast on OSU’s radio station, presenting several Science on Tap events and participating in the OMSI After Dark science outreach event.
Mathematics
connects with community
The Mathematics department hosted the Lonseth Lecture and Math For All Conference, while also providing educational enrichment through math circles and problem-solving sessions. Aimed at elementary students, math circles help make math fun, interesting, accessible and inclusive. Mathematics faculty also presented at Juntos Family Day, an annual event that gives families a snapshot of college life, and led outreach programs in local schools.
Chemistry expands access with immersive experiences
The Chemistry department’s outreach initiatives aim to broaden access to STEM education and inspire a diverse range of students to explore science. Through a variety of programs, the department offers hands-on experiences, community events, and immersive camps that connect underrepresented and local students with real-world science opportunities.
Biochemistry and Biophysics outreach empowers women Biochemistry and Biophysics held the Women Leaders in STEM: Challenges and Rewards workshop, which recognized women’s experience in science and engaged the public through biophysics demonstrations.
The department’s outreach extended to local schools, community events and artistic projects that made science more approachable. Several department volunteers promoted the field during K-12 events such as career days, summer camps and organized, hands-on fruit fly activities.
Physics
inspires students through hands-on science
In Physics, outreach efforts included attending elementary school science nights and giving tours to high school students. The department hosted Professor Chandralekha Singh from University of Pittsburgh for its annual open-to-all Yunker lecture to discuss how research can be used as a guide in developing academic curricula to improve student understanding of physics concepts as well as for making physics learning environments more equitable and inclusive.
Microbiology combines art and science
The Microbiology department organized creative and educational events such as agar art, career panels and science nights. Organized by graduate students, the department also hosted the third annual Pernot Microbiology Summer Camp, an experiential learning program for underrepresented and underserved students from local communities interested in a STEM career. During the week-long immersive camp, students learn about food system science, human health and disease, and aquatic microbiology in labs and out in the field.
Statistics prioritizes collaboration
The Department of Statistics held outreach activities focused on recruitment and research growth including a joint research forum with Shanghai University of International Business and Economics. The department also held two conferences in Corvallis during the 2024 summer.
(Left, main) Local high school students attending the 2024 Pernot Microbiology Summer Camp experience the excitement of a research vessel as they explore Yaquina Bay on Oregon State’s R/V Elakha. (Top) In addition to providing much needed dental care to community members, the Impact Your Health Clinic deepened the passion of the OSU Pre-Dental Club students who organized it. (Middle) During Chemistry’s Ignite inSTEM summer camp, high schoolers got to experience a variety of lab instruments for the very first time. (Bottom) During the 2024 total solar eclipse, the OSU Astronomy Club handed out more than 400 pairs of eclipse glasses on the Corvallis campus. The glasses were donated by NASA.
“During my freshman year, I took my first steps into research by joining URSA Engage at OSU and working on my own marine research project with the Menge lab. The aim was to investigate how the populations of barnacles, limpets, and microbial algae in the high intertidal zone are affected by the seasonal algal blooms on the Oregon Coast.” Elitca, Biology and Oceanography
“I was able to stay over the summer working in a research lab as part of the Carlson College Veterinary Medicine program. I worked with my thesis mentor doing novel research on HSV-1 and Alzheimer’s Disease.” Gabriel, Microbiology
“Last summer I had the opportunity to spend a day in Bend with Lonza (job shadowing). Before this experience, I had no idea what a career in industry would look like. Spending a day at the company influenced a lot of my actions since.” Makena, Biochemistry and Biophysics
“As I applied for URSA, I began the search for a required mentor within the internship, which led to finalizing a mentor in the Public Health field and integrating with their research concerning mobility aids for young children and the pediatric physical/ occupational therapists treating them. This was an extremely rewarding and knowledge-lending experience.” Kaiya, BioHealth Sciences
“I am working at the Vrailas-Mortimer Fly Lab. At this development opportunity, I am working on flies with muscular dystrophy to see what is the genetic cause of this condition. I hope to apply it to a larger scale in humans and have it go to clinical trials.” Katyayani, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
“For the term project in one of my Physics classes, I had to write and solve a homework problem. I chose to write mine based off finding how strong an Oompa Loompa was on the Violet scene in the original 1971 Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory film. After estimating Violet’s mass, I then used rotational momentum and acceleration to determine the force applied by the Oompa Loompas.” Benjamin, Physics
“One of my favorite things to do is go line dancing with my friends, so the social dances that the Country Western Dance Club puts on are always a highlight of my week during the school year!” Hannah, Zoology
“I’ve had the opportunity to meet with other like-minded students in the Actuarial Science Club as well as the actuary in residence Manny Hur. I see my thesis as a development opportunity as it enables me to demonstrate my research and focus on a certain topic, hopefully one related to actuarial science. That is a major privilege of being an Honor’s student at OSU.” Joseph, Mathematics
“I had the opportunity to learn from and work with the Corvallis Clinic and participate in local community outreach programs, which provided valuable hands-on experience in my field of study.” Reece, BioHealth Sciences
“Without the community that I have needed as a queer person in STEM, life would be so much harder and I know the connections I make here are for life.” Fisher, Microbiology
“I have had the opportunity to participate in many events through the Oregon State Pre-Dental Club. The most meaningful of these events was our Impact Your Health free dental clinic where we volunteered alongside dentists and hygienists to provide free dental care to the needy.” Connor, Chemistry
“I have an on-campus job working at KidSpirit where I teach gymnastics. I was a gymnast growing up and have enjoyed being able to share my passion with young kids.” Paige, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
“As a Design and Development Intern at Peer Health Exchange, I gained advanced research skills in sexual health education and LGBTQIA2+ competencies. This role allowed me to analyze and revise health education curricula, ensuring they were evidencebased and aligned with organizational standards.” Adrian, BioHealth Sciences
We asked our students: “What are some highlights of your time at Oregon State?”
“My first year at OSU I was a part of the program STEM Leaders and joined my first research lab. This fall I will be in the Leadership Academy to develop leadership skills for my future career.” Birgitta, Microbiology and Botany
“The care and concern provided by peers and advisors have made me feel incredibly welcomed here at OSU.” Elise, Mathematics
“I’ve attended various conferences which has allowed me to gain passion in advocacy especially as a woman of color in science. I’ve since used my voice to take up space for myself and also to advocate for others by using what I was taught.” Marlenne, BioHealth Sciences
“I have participated...in the Blood Drive Association, which hosts blood drives each trimester at OSU. This club has allowed me to gain light experience within the healthcare field, whilst supporting an amazing cause through blood donations. I hope to continue volunteering with the American Red Cross following my graduation.” Natalie, Biology
“Working as a Marine Conservation Research Assistant in Madagascar for two months allowed me to study, connect and apply knowledge gained through my degree in the field. There I conducted surveys of coral reef transects, constructed coral nurseries, laid new transects and cleaned artificial reefs. In addition to studying reef ecology there, I also worked on community projects and English teaching in nearby villages. I learned to speak Malagasy, and made lifelong friends. ” Jonathan, Microbiology
“Conducting fieldwork at the Hatfield Marine Science Center and working in state-of-the-art labs, including achieving a lab job, have allowed me to apply my knowledge practically and gain hands-on experience. I am extremely grateful for these opportunities and excited for what the future holds.” Ollie, Marine Biology
“I have had so many great experiences at OSU. I landed my current job giving tours for the College of Science, and it’s rewarding every day. I’ve taken challenging classes that have made me feel like I earned a good grade. I’ve also participated in scavenger hunts, talked with professors and made new friends. Every day at Oregon State has felt like a highlight so far.” Paige, Biology
“Before I decided to commit to Oregon State, many people told me that my dreams of being a Division I athlete were not reasonable. They told me I was not good enough to be a D-I athlete. They told me I was not good enough to compete in a competitive conference. I turned their doubt into fuel. Through my accomplishments and education of the younger generation, I want to inspire them to become the best possible versions of themselves. Even if people doubt them.” Sydney, Microbiology
“I’ve enjoyed many leadership and community service opportunities through my membership in Sigma Delta Omega, OSU’s science interestbased sorority. A highlight of my SDO experience has been serving as a volunteer mentor for Advocates for Women in Science, Engineering, and Math, facilitating STEM-related activities and discussion for femaleidentified and non-binary middle school students interested in STEM topics and fields.” AnaKarinn, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
“When coming into college I really thought of math as a black and white subject because either you get it or you don’t. Yet, in being here the past year my eyes have been opened to so many things about the world of math, and I am beyond excited to continue my education here.” Reagan, Mathematics
“I love that I can go from a German class straight to Organic Chemistry straight to a Medical Humanities class. Every professor loves what they do and wants their students to enjoy it too.” Codi, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
“This summer, I have been participating in the College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences Research Experience for Undergraduates program. I am working with Dr. Kim Bernard and the Zooplankton Ecology Lab to investigate the interactions of climate variability and the spatial distribution of krill off the Oregon Coast.” Matoska, Biology
“The major development opportunity I have had here at Oregon State is working for the university Craft Center. As the lead of the collab team I have set up and run hundreds of events with different organizations throughout campus. I have met thousands of students on campus and made meaningful connections with many of them.” Emma, Zoology
“In my research position I helped design growth experiments for different cultivars of olives and strawberries. This was a hands-on experience, often having to think out of the box and construct apparatuses ourselves to achieve the goals we had. I then moved into research in the veterinary field, where I worked to identify a protein present in equine ovaries...to quantify protein expression and use it as a potential target for a contraceptive vaccine. I have also worked in the veterinary diagnostic laboratory.” Mikaela, Microbiology
“My top highlights would be my internship with the College of Science and joining Ocean11 Marine Club. I have met so many incredible people from these areas and I have been able to do things I never would have imagined myself doing.” Emily, Biology
“This past year I participated in a Spanish internship where I co-taught Spanish to kindergartners at a lowerincome dual-lingual school. This was a great opportunity to challenge myself and connect with the greater Corvallis community. This coming fall I will embark on my thesis and conduct research centered around ACL injuries and gathering data to gain insights for preventative measures.” Samantha, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
THIS IS WHAT
a scientist does.
Science is diverse and so are scientists. College of Science grads have gone on to become surgeons, engineers, veterinarians, teachers and researchers. But they are also business owners, inventors, consultants and administrators. And we have illustrators, videographers, talent agents, writers and musicians, too.
A science degree sharpens your ability to think critically and solve problems creatively. With that training, you can tackle any challenge, no matter where your future takes you.
Here’s a small sampling of where our alumni have built their careers — we hope it inspires and excites you!
Our STEM educators teach future scientists
WEST OF THE ROCKIES
University of Washington, Arizona State University, UC Davis, Oregon Health & Science University, National University of Natural Medicine, Stanford, University of Alaska Fairbanks, Gonzaga University University of Hawaii at Manoa
EAST OF THE ROCKIES
Columbia University, West Virginia University, Alma College, Colgate University, Howard University, Duke, University of Louisville, University of Texas, Illinois State University, Laval University, University of New Orleans, University of the Virgin Islands, Bates College, Case Western
IN THE ROCKIES
Colorado Mountain College
AND BEYOND
Seoul National University, Swiss Federal Technology Institute of Lausanne, Singapore University of Technology and Design, United Arab Emirates University, University of Liverpool, University of Bergen, Fuzhou University
Román Hernández (’92)
GENERAL SCIENCE
Partner, Cable Huston, LLP; Board of Trustees, Oregon State University
Science grads strengthen service and utilities sectors IN FINANCE
Investment Banking Analyst, Financial Advisor, Actuary, Business Executive, Regional Account Manager, Accountant, Anti-Money Laundering Investigations Analyst, Tax Accountant, Financial Aid Advisor, Account Manager, CPA, Asset Product Manager, Tax Preparer, Treasury Management Executive, Broker, HR Director, Revenue Agent, Risk Analyst
AS LEGAL EXPERTS
Law Clerk, Attorney at Law, Law Librarian, Unlawful Practice of Law Committee Member, Legal Interpreter, Secondment Legal Counsel, Paralegal, Legal Intake Specialist, Mediator, Partner, Patent Attorney
WITH POWER COMPANIES
Systems Analyst, Thermal Hydraulic Analyst, Programmer, Load Forecast Analyst, Manager of Transmission Projects, Electrical Engineer, Director of Compliance Hydro Resources, Regulatory Analyst
Grads dedicated to health make an impact WITH PATIENTS
Orthopedic Surgeon, Occupational Therapist, Nurse Practitioner, Pediatric Spine Surgeon, Phlebotomist, Allergist, Optometrist, Psychiatrist, Radiologist, Physical Therapist, Vascular Surgeon,
Phlebotomist (n.)
healthcare worker who draws blood from patients and prepares it for testing
Speech Language Pathologist, Genetic Counselor, Emergency Medicine
Physician Assistant, Neurophysiologist, Anesthesiologist, Retinal Laser Surgeon, Pain Specialist, NICH Interventionist, Podiatry Chief, Oncologist, Operating Room Aide, Pulmonologist, Infectious Disease Physician, Dentist
BEHIND THE SCENES
Blood Bank Supervisor, Biomedical Ethics Program Manager, Patient Relations Representative, Director Emergency Services, Medical Transcriptionist, Patient Access Specialist, Histocompatibility Tech, Pathologist , Biostatistican, Senior Editor & Grant Writer, Medical Scribe,
Histocompatibility (n.)
how similar donor tissue is to a recipient’s, reducing the risk of transplant rejection
Clinical Research Coordinator, Chief Medical Officer, Prosector, Laboratory Scientist, Medical Technologist, CEO Preventative Health, Senior Analyst
Our industry-driven grads power innovation in IN TECHNOLOGY
Risk Manager (Microsoft), Programmer (Sony), Software Engineer (Intel), Design Technician (Hewlett Packard), Test Technician (Oracle), Software Consultant, Full Stack Engineer
GAMES AND ENTERTAINMENT
International Data Platform Engineer (Pokemon Company), Infrastructure Engineer (Bethesda), Firmware Engineer (International Game Technology)
PHARMACEUTICALS AND BIOTECH
Research Biologist, Clinical Research Associate, VP Global Medical Affairs, Pharmacist, Biomechanist, Facilities Compliance Specialist, Project Packaging Engineer, Clinical Pharmacology Modeling and Simulation, VP of Corporate Marketing, Formulation Research Associate, Portfolio Development Manager, Analytical Chemist, Head of Clinical Operations, Pathologist, Medical Science Liaison
MANUFACTURING
Aerospace Engineer, Physics Engineer, Scrum Master, Director of Commercial Operations, Automation Engineer, R&D Manager, Chemical Technician, Unit Processing Engineer, Validation Lead Engineer, Etch Sustaining Engineer, Fault Isolation Engineer, Space Mission Program Manager, Radio Frequency System Engineer
Megan Tucker (’20)
MATHEMATICS
Technical Writer, Amazon Web Services
Scott Clark (’08)
PHYSICS AND MATHEMATICS
Co-Founder, Distributional and SigOpt, Inc.; Board of Advisors, College of Science
Grads with entrepreneurial spirit founded Panda Express, Teapresso Bar, Vilafonté, Columbia Mushroom Company, PHC Global, Shooter’s Pub and Grill, Abeja Winery, The Toy Factory, Hedgerow Farms, US BioTek, Truckstop.net
Scrum (n.)
an evidence and fact-based process to solve complex problems and deliver projects
Creative grads translate cross-disiplinary skills as DESIGNERS
Graphic Designer, Interior Design Consultant, Web Designer, Sportswear Technical Designer, Interaction Designer, Remodeling Contractor, Art Director, 3D
Print Designer, Landscape Designer
ARTISTS AND WRITERS
Glass Artist, Watercolorist, Screenwriter, Woodworker, Photographer, Painter
COMMUNICATORS
Digital Marketer, NFL Social Media Manager, YouTube Strategy and Content Creator, Advertising Copywriter, Digital Strategist, Ad Operations Manager
Our civic-minded graduates shape the future in STATE & U.S. GOVERNMENT
Senator, State Representative, District Court Judge, Department of Agriculture Chemist, Civil Engineer, Department of Ecology Toxicologist, Environmental Health Specialist, Migrant Health Policy Coordinator, Data Strategist, Wildlife Specialist Supervisor, Epidemiologist, Health Authority Specialist, Food and Drug Specialist, Clinical Psychologist,
Epidemiologist (n.)
public health worker who studies how diseases spread, and how to prevent or control them
Industrial Hygiene Officer, Assistant Medical Examiner, Fisheries Biologist, Game Warden, Paramedic, Water Quality Manager, Department of Transportation Database Admin, Resource Protection Analyst
NATIONAL AGENCIES
FBI Special Agent, DOD Chief Medical Officer, Government Accountability Office Investigative Research Analyst, FEMA Program Delivery Manager, CDC Research Microbiologist, Park Ranger, NOAA Biologist, U.S. Forest Service Forest Technician, Sandia R&D Manager, EPA Biological Oceanographer, USGS Geographer, U.S. Navy Physicist, FDA Mathematical Statistician, Army Chief Tech Inspections Division, Food Safety Specialist, Fish Health Specialist, Strategic Communications Specialist, MQ-9 Mission Commander
NON-PROFITS
Independence Blue Cross, Audubon Nature Institute, Wildlife Conservation Society, Pan African Sanctuary Alliance, Nature Conservancy, San Diego River Park Foundation, Ocean Conservancy
INTERNATIONALLY
Kuwait Government Programmer, Australia Government Senior Regional Officer, New Zealand Ministry for the Environment Data Engineer, Thailand Government Fishery Science Director
Corvallis, OR 97331
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