We live and work 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. Her dedication to social justice, a guiding principle in the College of Science, reflects her perception that enhancing inclusion is not merely a social concern but also a scientific one. She makes her commitment clear: “Advancing knowledge and technology must go hand in hand with promoting equity — in alignment with the university’s plan for shared prosperity. I see no purpose in dedicating my life to advancing technology if it doesn’t improve the well-being of as many people as possible,” she said. Her research focuses on the genetics of cleft lip and palate, Alzheimer’s disease and the interaction between environmental contaminants and reproductive processes in women. She is also passionate about teaching, especially data science and science communication, and improving student success and science education. “Improving STEM education is so critical in the world right now, and many creative initiatives are happening here. I am excited about what OSU is doing in those areas and the opportunities to be a part of it,” she said. Feingold began her academic journey at MIT, where she designed her own major by integrating writing, mathematics and public policy. She then pursued a Ph.D. in statistics at Stanford — an educational path driven by her dedication to bridging knowledge and real-world change. She is fascinated by the College’s wide-ranging research, which spans from fundamental inquiries about how life and the universe work to community-engaged research addressing immediate and future challenges. The College inspires solutions to society’s greatest challenges — creating climate change solutions, improving animal and human health through data science, developing sustainable materials, and creating new insights and tools to improve learning. Feingold is passionate about collaborating with the faculty and students at Oregon State to harness science as a force for good. “At the grassroots level, we aim to ensure that technological and scientific progress aligns with ethical and egalitarian goals. This involves education and pursuing research that has a positive impact on both individuals and communities,” she said. Dean Eleanor Feingold has joined Oregon State University at a time filled with possibilities, bringing significant leadership experience and a passion for creating positive change in the world. Starting her tenure as College of Science dean at the launch of “Prosperity Widely Shared: The Oregon State Plan,” Feingold plays a vital role in realizing the university’s vision to create big solutions from big discoveries. Working together with scientists, entrepreneurs and our community, she aims to harness the power of Team Science to make the world a healthier and more equitable place. A statistical geneticist, Feingold understands the power of science to shape a better future for individuals and communities. At the University of Pittsburgh, she played a key role in building new degree programs in high-impact scientific and public health fields. Meet the Dean Eleanor Feingold: A new leader to steward Science IMPACT FALL 2024 1
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTcxMjMwNg==