IMPACT Magazine, Fall 2025 – Student, Faculty, Alumni and Research News

COLLEGE OF SCIENCE

VOLUME 10 • FALL 2025

Accelerating science with AI

Can AI help Oregon farmers?

Find out on p. 8

FALL 2025 Editor Tamara Cissna Writers

Contents

Hannah Ashton Kaitlyn Hornbuckle Elana Roldan Designer

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Best and Brightest

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Seeing Science Differently

Student and faculty news

Sharon Betterton College of Science Eleanor Feingold, Dean

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Art brings discoveries to life

Publisher College of Science 128 Kidder Hall Oregon State University Corvallis, OR 97331

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On the Cover Oregon State University researchers are hard at work on a tool that will allow Oregon seed growers to differentiate quality crop seeds from weed seeds before sending out to their customers. This prototype was made by engineering and agricultural science students.

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Read more about this multidisciplinary project on p. 8.

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Amplifying Discovery How AI is accelerating science at Oregon State

Making Us Proud Updates from our alumni

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the way for better diagnosis and care. They’re also applying deep learning to study ocean microbes that regulate carbon and nitrogen, strengthening our understanding of climate systems. In biomedicine, they’re decoding how RNA controls gene expression, supporting new approaches to detecting diseases like cancer. And alumni entrepreneurs are building tools to make AI more trustworthy, ensuring greater safety and reliability in industry and healthcare.

Eleanor Feingold

I’m proud that these scientists are thinking deeply about who benefits from their work and how to make a real difference. Advancing knowledge and technology should always go hand in hand with promoting equity and benefit for everyone.

One of the things I appreciate about Oregon State’s strategic plan, Prosperity Widely Shared, is its broad, justice-minded vision of economic, social and environmental well-being for everyone. It reinforces the values that guide how the College of Science thinks about science and its role in the world.

Our faculty are making incredible groundbreaking discoveries across climate and oceans, sustainable energy and materials, data and AI, health and biotechnology, and pedagogy and learning.

Throughout every distinct pursuit, there’s a constant thread: doing science that helps people. This is grounded in our belief that everyone, across all backgrounds,

identities and life experiences, deserves the chance to participate in and benefit from science.

Our approach to advancing new technologies is grounded in these values. In this issue, you’ll find stories about how our artificial intelligence research is helping people live healthier lives, supporting local economies and contributing to a more sustainable future.

College of Science faculty are using AI to modernize seed testing in Oregon’s grass seed industry, helping farmers reduce waste and improve crop quality. They’re uncovering gut microbiome patterns linked to autism, paving

This same commitment shows up in other ways too. As you’ll read, College of Science students are delivering care where dental services are out of reach, using art to communicate science more clearly and applying scientific training to public health, policy and environmental protection.

Our faculty are advancing climate science, deepening our understanding of autoimmune disease and reshaping how we teach foundational math to students across the university. All of the work highlighted in this issue, and throughout our research, expands the reach and impact of science in ways that matter.

Please read on to see how College of Science students, alumni and faculty are working to meet real needs. I hope you’ll be as inspired by them as I am.

We live, work and learn on ancestral land. Oregon State University in Corvallis, Oregon is located within the traditional homelands of the Marys River or Ampinefu Band of Kalapuya. Following the Willamette Valley Treaty of 1855, Kalapuya people were forcibly removed to reservations in Western Oregon. Today, living descendants of these people are part of the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon and the Confederated Tribes of the Siletz Indians. Indigenous people are valued, contributing members of the OSU community and represent multiple sovereign tribes among students, faculty, staff and alumni.

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Undergraduates Estifanos Berhe (left) and Emily Self (above top). Graduate student Kelly Shannon (above).

STUDENT AND FACULT Y NEWS Advancing understanding of autoimmune diseases Estifanos Berhe, a biochemistry and molecular biology and bioresource research double major, is passionate about understanding and improving human health through biomedical research. In Associate Professor Nathan Mortimer’s lab, Berhe uses fruit flies as a model to study autoimmune diseases, focusing on how immune cell communication breaks down and causes the body to attack itself. This work aims to uncover the underlying mechanisms that lead to these complex conditions, which could ultimately help develop better treatments.

Berhe’s journey began when he immigrated from Ethiopia to the United States at age 12. Facing cultural differences and language barriers, he relied on the support of his family and community to navigate new challenges. Their sacrifices inspired him to fully embrace educational opportunities and work hard toward his goals.

Although he originally planned to pursue mechanical engineering, a transformative biology course opened his eyes to the intricacies of the human body and shifted his focus toward the life sciences.

Outside of the lab, Berhe is actively involved in campus life.

He contributes through leadership roles at the Ettihad Cultural Center, which supports students from diverse backgrounds, and serves as a diversity learning assistant, helping create inclusive learning environments. These experiences have strengthened his commitment to using science to improve health outcomes, especially for underserved communities.

With his dedication to research and community, Berhe hopes to make meaningful advances in understanding autoimmune diseases and inspire others facing similar challenges to pursue their passions in science.

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ROTC cadet leads dramatic avalanche rescue While skiing in the backcountry near Whistler, British Columbia, Oregon State sophomore Emily Self found herself caught in an avalanche. A biochemistry and molecular biology student and Army ROTC cadet, Self was buried up to her waist in snow — the only one in her group still visible.

share nitrogen, a nutrient that fuels bloom growth. He’s also exploring how vitamin B1 and a natural toxin may shape interactions between different algae species.

He will conduct his research at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory under the mentorship of microbial ecologist Xavier Mayali, with guidance from Oregon State microbiologists Rick Colwell and

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Chris Suffridge. His work aims to uncover hidden microbial processes that drive harmful algal bloom development and toxicity.

Shannon earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in microbiology from OSU. He called the award “an absolute honor,” adding that the opportunity to work at a national lab with expert mentorship means the world to him.

Drawing on an avalanche safety course completed earlier that day, she quickly switched her transceiver to search mode and began rescuing the others. She first freed a 16-year-old girl, then helped revive the girl’s brother, who had been buried face down and wasn’t breathing at first. After freeing their guide, she reached her own brother, who had been trapped under the snow for about 15 minutes.

Miraculously, all five skiers survived without serious injuries.

Self credits her ROTC training for keeping her calm and focused under pressure. The experience reinforced her confidence in handling high-stress situations — skills she’ll continue to build as she pursues both her science degree and her future military career.

A prestigious DOE research fellowship to uncover what fuels toxic algae Kelly Shannon, a Ph.D. student in microbiology, was awarded a prestigious U.S. Department of Energy Office of Science Graduate Student Research award — one of only 79 granted nationwide. The award provides funding and access to national laboratories for research aligned with the DOE’s mission.

Shannon studies harmful algal blooms caused by cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae. These blooms can release toxins that threaten drinking water, wildlife and recreation. His research focuses on how cyanobacteria access and

Pre-dental students organized this outreach event to connect community members in need with dentists (left) while building their own experience with patients (right).

Students help provide free dental care to local underserved communities Oregon State University students, led by the Pre-Dental Club, hosted an annual “Impact Your Health Clinic” to provide free dental care to underserved populations.

Organized in partnership with Caring Hands Worldwide, the event helps overcome barriers that low-income and homeless individuals face in accessing dental services. Many patients, often without dental insurance or regular care, come from Corvallis and surrounding areas.

Biohealth sciences senior and former club president Anika Phuvasate emphasized the importance of creating a welcoming, nonjudgmental environment for patients who

frequently experience stigma due to poor oral health. The clinic offers cleanings, extractions and fillings to restore dental health and dignity.

For students, the clinic is also an invaluable learning experience. Vice President Yasmeen Koborsi said it strengthened her commitment to dentistry and inspired her to pursue further education at Oregon Health & Science University. Corvallis dentist and clinic advisor Dr. Cam Little guided students through hands-on patient care, enriching their practical skills.

The clinic shows how accessible, compassionate dental care can improve lives, boosting both health and confidence for those in need.

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compartments. These proteins help cells replenish lipid membranes around organelles like mitochondria and nuclei, membranes that are constantly changing due to cellular transport processes.

Connecting students to global science in coastal Aruba Itchung Cheung, a marine scientist and instructor at Hatfield Marine Science Center, connects students to real-world marine science through an immersive study abroad course in Aruba. Co-leading the course alongside sociologist Dwaine Plaza, Cheung brings together students from Oregon State and the University of Aruba to explore sustainability challenges in island and coastal environments. Through field-based activities like sea floor mapping by kayak and cultural experiences such as visiting historic monuments, students gain a global perspective and see firsthand the impact of grassroots science.

The course deepens students’ understanding of marine ecosystems while fostering collaboration across cultures and disciplines. For Cheung, it’s about helping students see how science operates beyond the classroom — and equipping them with the skills to address global challenges as both scientists and engaged citizens.

Groundbreaking cell transport research picked up by Nature Biochemist Sarah Clark led a groundbreaking study published in Nature revealing how cells transport lipids — essential fats — between membranes, a process essential for brain health, metabolism and immunity. Her team revealed the detailed structure of the protein LPD-3, which forms a tunnel to move lipids efficiently between cellular

supplies. Schools are never asked to pay. Haak’s mission is simple: make science accessible, exciting and something kids want to share with their families.

Her team also discovered a new helper protein, Spigot, that guides lipids into the tunnel.

Understanding how lipid transport works could clarify the causes of certain neurodevelopmental disorders linked to mutations in lipid transport proteins. The study included key contributions from Maria Purice, assistant professor, and Hannah Long, a graduate student in Clark’s lab.

Elementary outreach ignites STEM passion Senior Chemistry Instructor Margie Haak has spent nearly two decades bringing science to life for Oregon families through Family Science & Engineering Nights.

Held in elementary schools across western Oregon, the events are designed to ignite curiosity through hands-on activities — like dry ice experiments, cryogenics and slime making. Haak leads a team of volunteer scientists, students, and faculty who travel to rural and under-resourced schools, reaching thousands of families each year.

Over the years, the program has grown significantly. Requests from schools quickly fill up open slots, and many schools ask to host the event annually. Donations help cover transportation costs and

Mathematician wins presidential award for improving student learning Professor of Mathematics Elise Lockwood received the 2025 Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers — the highest U.S. honor for earlystage researchers. Recognized for her groundbreaking work in mathematics education, Lockwood studies how college students learn combinatorics, the mathematics of counting and patterns.

Unlike solving a calculus equation, which often seems like following a well-lit trail with a pre-existing path to reach an answer, combinatorics problems can feel like they are all unique. Lockwood has discovered that students want more structure, and she has accomplished this by helping them focus on the nature of what they are trying to count instead of focusing on applying a formula.

By focusing on how students conceptualize and reason through combinatorial problems, she has redefined traditional approaches to teaching this foundational area of mathematics. Her work integrates deep theoretical insights with practical applications, enabling educators to move beyond rote memorization and formulaic problem-solving to foster genuine mathematical understanding.

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Advancing shark science through digital art Natalie Donato uses digital art to illuminate the anatomy and ecology of some of the ocean’s most misunderstood creatures — sharks.

A junior Honors biology student and 2024 Goldwater Scholar, she works in Taylor Chapple’s Big Fish Lab, where she uses 3D photogrammetry to create accurate and detailed digital models of shark heads, mapping the electroreceptors that help them navigate their environment. By understanding where the pores sit, scientists can link that to how sharks capture prey, their habitats, head shape, evolutionary lineage and more.

Donato’s art is also making waves outside the lab. She is the creative mind behind Oregon’s new “Vibrant Ocean” license plate, featuring salmon, thresher and blue sharks, to raise awareness and support for shark conservation. By merging science and art, she makes marine biology more accessible and memorable. “The ocean is this underwater forest that’s shrouded under waves,” she said. “It’s an alien world we don’t get to experience as often as on land.”

Art brings discoveries to life Art by Natalie Donato, Nilanjana Das and Vaishnavi Padaki Photography by Aiden Burgess, Jason St. Clair, Faith Schell and Erica Martin

Inspiring better pathways for AI, clean energy and the environment Two College of Science faculty members — Maude David and Oksana Ostroverkhova — helped bridge science and art in FutureFarmers: Silicon Forest, a thought-provoking exhibition examining the complex relationship between ecology, technology and human agency.

During its stop at the Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts, the exhibit invites visitors to reflect on the hidden costs of data usage

These glowing shark pores make for artistic macro photos, but they also reveal much about the species’ habits.

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and the ethics of our digital future.

Visitors move through conceptual installations — data records, water samples, wood chips and more — that challenge assumptions about clean technology and offer a space for reflection on our increasingly digital world.

Natalie Donato’s digital art hopes to create better appreciation for our often misunderstood oceanic neighbors, the sharks.

Ostroverkhova contributed insights from her research on fungi-derived pigments such as xylindein, a substance used in Western European art since the 1400s and now explored as a sustainable material for electronics. She is collaborating with colleagues in the colleges of Forestry and Engineering to investigate how the blue-green color has held up to prolonged exposure to heat, ultraviolet light and electrical stress.

David’s installation raised critical questions about the environmental costs of data centers and AI’s growing energy demands. “AI is needed and it’s useful. In fact, I use it for my research. But what is the cost for our children?” she said. “More than 10% of the energy consumption in Oregon is just for data centers.”

Nilanjana Das creates beautiful sculptures to recontextualize aquatic parasites like Trichodina (right) and Salmincola californiensis (below).

Bringing hidden aquatic threats into view Microbiology graduate student Nilanjana Das is using art to give the invisible world of fish parasites new visibility — and new meaning. Through ethereal, cloud-like sculptures made of tracing paper and reed, she brings public attention to the microscopic organisms threatening aquatic ecosystems. Her work lives at the intersection of science, art and advocacy. Her exhibit has been on display at the Joan Truckenbrod Gallery in Corvallis and the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport.

By combining scientific research with a visual language that invites curiosity and contemplation, Das hopes to make complex ecological issues more accessible to the public.

She was one of 13 students who

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received a fellowship from the Patrician Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts to start her project.

“I tried to figure out how I could illustrate this world of microscopic pathogens that are in rivers and lakes all the time to an ordinary viewer who would never interact with them unless they had a microscope,” said Das, who works in microbiologist Sascha Hallett’s lab.

Connecting art and science to illuminate the ocean’s role in climate change Vaishnavi Padaki, a Ph.D. candidate in Microbiology, brings together scientific inquiry and creative expression to explore the subtle forces driving Earth’s

climate. Her research focuses on volatile organic compounds — tiny chemical messengers produced by marine algae that influence ocean chemistry, nutrient cycling and cloud formation. In the College of Science, Padaki works in Kimberly Halsey’s lab, drawn by a shared interest in the intricate relationships within marine microbial communities.

Beyond research, Padaki is a dedicated artist. A lifelong illustrator and recent glass artist, art allows her to visualize scientific data creatively. She transformed her Ph.D. research findings into illustrations and glass sculptures, which were displayed at the Strand Gallery on the Corvallis campus.

Volatile organic compounds are tiny products of marine algae with big impacts on ocean chemistry and atmospheric gases. Vaishnavi Padaki’s art helps to visualize these microscopic influencers.

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How AI is accelerating science at Oregon State Photography by Karl Masdaam and Hannah O’Leary

machine learning → learning from data to make decisions without explicit instructions neural networks → learning models inspired by the brain, made of layered nodes that find patterns

artificial intelligence → technology that simulates human intelligence

Yanming Di (opposite, in orange) places a seed into the Ergo Vision to take its photo.

The AI used by the team must be trained on high-quality images to differentiate between species of seeds. Human beings are still needed at every step as the neural networks learn, but the ultimate goal is a portable tool farmers can use on site (like the prototype on this page).

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“I don’t really think too much about whether it’s AI or statistics. We just focus on solving the problem.”

Artificial intelligence is reshaping the frontiers of science. In the College of Science, researchers are applying AI in bold, creative ways — not to replace scientific inquiry, but to amplify it.

Across disciplines, our scientists are using artificial intelligence to tackle urgent questions in health, agriculture and the environment.

Their work contributes to Oregon State’s broader goal to apply AI in ways that are ethical, responsible and transformative. From decoding the mysteries of the gut-brain axis to improving farming techniques, AI is accelerating the pace of discovery.

By integrating machine learning with core scientific expertise, our researchers are uncovering new insights, enhancing the reliability of data and scaling up solutions to complex global problems. At its best, AI doesn’t replace human judgment — it expands what’s possible when thoughtful scientists and powerful tools work together in pursuit of impact.

Helping Oregon farmers with smarter seed-testing solutions Statistician Yanming Di is working to modernize an outdated system for seed purity analysis.

The Willamette Valley, known as the “grass seed capital of the world,” produces more than 90% of the grass seed used in the United States and a significant portion of the global supply. Managing the

region’s 500 million pounds of grass seed annually presents challenges — especially outdated testing methods and tools.

A multidisciplinary research group is combining expertise in robotics, artificial intelligence, computer science, statistics and crop science to create a modern solution for an old system. Their goal: a system for real-time, onsite seed purity analysis that could reduce waste and improve seed quality for growers.

Determined by the amount of weed seeds, unwanted crops and inert materials, seed lot quality impacts every stage of agriculture.

Currently, trained technicians spend years learning to identify up to 200 seed species and growers must constantly pause operations to test seed lots, balancing quality control and profitability.

Supported by $255K of grants from the USDA, the Oregon Grass Seed Commissions and the OSU College of Agricultural Sciences, the team is working to automate this process.

The first challenge is capturing highquality images of seeds to train the computer to see the differences.

Next, it’s figuring out how to maintain consistent conditions while they’re training and testing because if those conditions change, what’s used for training may not apply to testing. Statisticians like Di are needed to calculate levels of uncertainty, while computer

scientists will provide feedback on the neural networks used by AI to perform tasks that typically require human intelligence.

In the 21st century, the boundary between statistics and AI has started to blur, with both fields analyzing data and trying to make sense of it. “I don’t really think too much about which area I’m working on, whether it’s AI or statistics,” Di said. “I believe on this team, we just focus on solving the problem.”

By applying cutting-edge science to the needs of local stakeholders, the team is turning a centuries-old challenge into an opportunity for multidisciplinary innovation.

“A land grant university is bringing together people with diverse backgrounds and skills to help the people within Oregon. And that is essentially the entire mission of land grant universities,” said OSU Director of Seed Services and collaborator Dan Curry.

This collaborative effort underscores the power of science and highlights the commitment of Oregon State to helping Oregonians thrive.

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Hendrix’s interdisciplinary expertise has sparked meaningful collaborations across OSU. Some of the techniques the Hendrix Lab has used to build a more complete understanding of gene regulation include convolutional neural networks and gated recurrent units.

data mining → finding patterns, trends and relationships in large datasets

deep learning, machine learning and data mining, the team reveals new mechanisms of gene regulation while also validating known biology.

AI uncovers biological rules to advance medicine Computational biochemist David Hendrix is pioneering the use of artificial intelligence to advance RNA biology. RNA, or ribonucleic acid, is a crucial molecule in all living cells that plays roles in protein synthesis and gene regulation. His research focuses on noncoding RNAs that regulate genes rather than code for proteins.

To study these complex molecules, Hendrix’s lab develops advanced AI models and architectures that classify RNA transcripts, analyze protein-coding potential and uncover the biological rules that govern RNA structure and function. By combining

A central goal of their work is not only to improve the accuracy of predictions, but to interpret what the models have learned and extract meaningful biological insight. Hendrix’s interdisciplinary expertise has sparked meaningful collaborations across the university, strengthening research at the intersection of computation and life sciences. Among his notable innovations, he was an early leader in applying deep learning to cancer detection using gene expression data, an approach that has gained wide adoption.

Hendrix has made a GRU model for transcript classification publicly available through his GitHub (@hendrixlab) as part of the mRNN project.

the gut and the central nervous system. While scientists have long known about this pathway, only in recent years have they begun to understand how trillions of microbes in the human digestive system can influence brain function and behavior.

“I am fascinated by the complex relationship we have with our microbiome,” David said. “I work specifically on this pathway where the microbes could potentially modulate sensory cells, that’s two synapses in your brain. So, in a millisecond, the bacteria or their metabolites can ‘touch’ your brain.”

Exploring the gut-brain axis and deep sea ecosystems Maude David’s research sits at the crossroads of microbiology, neuroscience and artificial intelligence — an intersection that may hold the key to understanding some of the most complex disorders affecting the human brain and unlocking the secrets of deep-sea ecosystems.

Her lab is particularly interested in what role this communication network may play in neurological disorders like autism spectrum disorder (ASD).

Using crowdsourced data, David and collaborators discovered that children with ASD have distinct differences in the composition of their gut microbiota compared to their neurotypical siblings. The researchers recruited 111 families that each have two children — one with autism and one without — born within two years of each other and aged two to seven years old.

At the center of her work is the gut-brain axis, a complex, two-way communication network between

The researchers collected stool samples from the children at three different time points, two weeks

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apart. They found eight bacterial genetic sequences that were more likely to be present in the guts of children with autism than in their non-autistic siblings, and three sequences that were less likely.

A follow-up study releasing later in 2025 found further interesting results linked to metabolites, small molecules produced during metabolism. These new findings are exciting because understanding the specific metabolic pathways altered in developmental and neurological disorders could pave the way for novel therapies targeting the gut microbiome.

To uncover patterns in these vast datasets, David turns to artificial intelligence. Her lab trains machine learning models on large collections of microbial sequences to detect subtle associations between microbial communities and human health. This data-driven approach helps researchers classify conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer with greater accuracy.

Now, David is extending her AI work from the human body to the deep sea. With a $540K NSF grant, her team is applying deep learning to analyze methane seeps, areas where gas escapes from the ocean

floor, off the coasts of Oregon and Washington. These habitats are home to methane-consuming microbes that play a critical role in regulating the global carbon and nitrogen cycles, yet many of the genes that drive these processes remain unidentified.

To address this, David’s team is developing two deep learning models: one to group genes based on how they appear together in microbial communities, and another to use generative AI to predict gene functions from protein sequences and scientific literature. Together, these tools could dramatically improve our understanding of how microbial life shapes the planet’s climate systems.

Alumni use AI to improve healthcare and safety Scott Clark (’08) is pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence through innovative optimization technologies. After co-founding SigOpt, a startup that helped some of the world’s largest companies fine-tune complex machine learning models and was acquired by Intel for $30M, Clark launched a new venture: Distributional Inc. This latest company focuses on reliability, helping organizations test, calibrate and monitor AI systems — ensuring they behave as expected and can be trusted in real-world use.

Jonathan Gallion (’12) wants AI to help modernize human health. As vice president of AI/ ML at OmniScience, he and his team harness large language models and machine learning to modernize clinical trials, accelerate drug discovery, optimize data analysis, and improve decision-making across biotech, medtech, and pharma.

His work tackles the explosive growth of healthcare data and ensures AI tools meet real-world requirements — balancing innovation with regulatory and security needs.

“I am fascinated by the complex relationship we have with our microbiome.”

Maude David (pictured above with beneficial probiotic Lactobacillus bulgarius and left with members of her research group) is pioneering a datadriven approach that could transform neuroscience and microbiology alike.

deep learning → neural networks with many nodes

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UPDATES FROM OUR ALUMNI Advancing environmental science through statistics Steve Stehman (Statistics, ’82) blends statistical expertise with environmental problem-solving, using data to better understand how landscapes change over time.

He first encountered statistics while studying biology at Penn State, where analyzing diatom samples sparked curiosity about extracting meaning from complex datasets.

That interest led him to Oregon State, where mentorship from W. Scott Overton and the department’s emphasis on environmental applications shaped his path.

Now a distinguished teaching professor at the State University of New York College of Environmental Science and Forestry, Stehman integrates statistical methods with environmental research, focusing on land cover mapping and ecological monitoring. His work helps agencies like the EPA and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service monitor ecosystems over vast, often remote areas, providing the

evidence needed to make informed conservation decisions.

This ’62 alumna left a lasting legacy Eleanor Ford (Microbiology, ’62) exemplified resilience and dedication throughout her life. As a first-generation college student from rural Oregon, she overcame significant challenges to pursue her passion for science.

Ford’s career spanned continents and disciplines: she served in the Peace Corps, establishing a tuberculosis research program in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia; advanced to become the lab safety director for all 26 state labs in California; and contributed to public health microbiology education.

Her commitment to fostering future scientists led her to establish the Eleanor G. Ford Memorial Scholarship, benefiting over 25 microbiology students, including Amber Leis, now a division chief of plastic hand surgery and

residency program director at UC Irvine. Ford told her brother, it’s a remarkable thing to live a life that leaves a legacy. And Eleanor Ford did just that.

Applying analytics to improve lives and industries Jon Francis (M.S. Statistics, ’96) has navigated a dynamic career across various sectors, including healthcare, technology, retail and automotive.

Beginning at Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, he contributed to the Women’s Health Initiative, focusing on post-menopausal women’s health issues. Transitioning into the tech industry, Francis held roles at Amazon, Expedia, T-Mobile, Microsoft, and Nike, where he advanced data science initiatives and cloud analytics.

Currently, as chief data and analytics officer at General Motors, he oversees enterprise data stewardship and applies machine learning and AI to

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enhance vehicle diagnostics and customer engagement. Francis attributes his versatility to the strong statistical foundation and mentorship he received at the College of Science, emphasizing the broad applicability of statistical skills across industries.

Safeguarding public health from shellfish toxins Micah Rogers (B.S. Biology, ’07) has dedicated her career to preventing shellfish poisoning along the Pacific Northwest coast. After earning her degree from the College of Science, she worked in diverse biological fields, including sea turtle research and wildlife rehabilitation.

In 2017, Rogers returned to the region, applying her biology background to monitor harmful algal blooms (HABs) with the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

Her expertise led to a position as a coastal HAB specialist with the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife. Her job includes conducting phytoplankton cell counts and seawater toxin tests to proactively prevent shellfish poisoning, protecting thousands of residents. Rogers emphasizes the importance of acquiring transferable

skills — like Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and statistics — for building a resilient, adaptable career in marine science.

Alumnus leads life-saving research at the frontlines Steve Bjornson (Microbiology, ’96) played a pivotal role in developing Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine. As vice president and chief operating officer of Pfizer’s vaccine research and development organization, he led a team working tirelessly — 18hour days, seven days a week — to create a vaccine in record time.

When the Phase 3 trial results confirmed the vaccine’s efficacy, Bjornson said he cried tears of joy, calling it one of the most meaningful moments of his career.

Reflecting on his journey from Alaska to Oregon State University, he credits his microbiology degree for providing the foundation that enabled him to contribute significantly to global health during a critical time. Initially planning to attend medical school, he pivoted to biopharmaceuticals, drawn by the potential to impact millions. His first job in biomanufacturing set the stage for a career dedicated to global health, where he continues

to develop life-saving medicines and vaccines.

Alumna applies ROTC and scientific training to regulatory consulting Lia Murty (B.S. ’08, M.S. ’12) leveraged her chemistry background and ROTC experience to become a senior regulatory consultant at Compliance Services International.

She specializes in ensuring biologically based products, like pesticides, comply with regulatory standards, bridging the gap between science and regulation.

Murty’s journey began with a high school interest in chemistry, leading her to Oregon State University, where she joined ROTC and pursued an immersive chemistry major.

Her undergraduate research with Professor Fred Stevens was pivotal, providing early exposure to research and valuable connections. Postgraduation, Murty served as a Navy officer before returning to Oregon State for graduate studies.

Murty encourages the next generation of innovators to take risks and embrace challenges, emphasizing that starting is often the most crucial step.

“There’s a sense of adventure [in science] and not being satisfied with an answer. You have to go figure it out.”

Lia Murty (B.S. ’08, M.S. ’12)

(Opposite, L) Steve Stehman’s OSU Statistics mentor had a profound influence on his scientific career.

(Opposite, R) Avid traveler Eleanor Ford in Japan.

(Left) Steve Bjornson relied on a strong science foundation to support his critical work during COVID. (Above) After OSU, Lia Murty went on to earn a Ph.D. in plant pathology and microbiology from Texas A&M.

Support science students with a gift to the Finish in Four Scholars Fund Science students at Oregon State are preparing to tackle critical challenges, from climate change and public health to sustainable energy. But for many, the path to a degree is uncertain.

student short of graduation. The program also provides mentoring, academic support and a sense of belonging — key to helping Oregon students stay on track and finish strong.

A gift to the Finish in Four Scholars Fund helps close financial gaps that might otherwise stop a

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