Science students learn by doing. IMPACT VOLUME 11 • FALL 2026 COLLEGE OF SCIENCE
On the cover Contents Best and Brightest Students and faculty shaping the future. 2 Creating Pathways How Oregon State is transforming the way students learn, discover and contribute 6 Making Us Proud See where our alumni are making a difference. 12 Impact Online Find these stories and many more online at the College of Science website: 2 6 12 Students get hands on and hands dirty in the Introduction to Biology Stream Lab. Oregon State University offers students myriad hands on experiences, both inside and outside the classroom. See how OSU transforms the learning experience of science students on page 6. Photo by Aiden Burgess. Editor Tamara Cissna Writers Hannah Ashton Kaitlyn Hornbuckle Erica Martin Elana Roldan Designer Sharon Betterton College of Science Eleanor Feingold, Dean Publisher College of Science 128 Kidder Hall Oregon State University Corvallis, OR 97331 FALL 2026
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. By now, you have probably heard about Oregon State University’s vision of Prosperity Widely Shared — its commitment to creating economic, social and environmental well-being for all — expressed through its strategic plan. But what does prosperity widely shared mean in the College of Science? It means that in every aspect of our mission we aim to improve people’s lives in the state of Oregon and the world beyond. That is what stood out to me about OSU three years ago when I first visited Corvallis, and what I have continued to love, build and celebrate in my three years as Dean of the College of Science. In this issue you will read about some of the things I am most proud of in our College — in the education we provide, the discoveries we make, and the partnerships and engagement that extend our impact beyond campus. The College of Science has over 4,000 students, including over 3,500 undergraduate majors in the physical, quantitative and life sciences. Stories in this issue feature some of the unique experiences of these students, including undergraduate research projects in cutting-edge labs and course-based research experiences in which a whole class takes on a real research project. The College also provides the core math and science education for every student at OSU. Whether students go on to become engineers, teachers, veterinarians, business leaders or scientists, many of their foundational courses begin here, and those courses incorporate experiential learning at every level. This issue includes a feature on the Learning Assistants program, which brings undergraduate peer mentors into classrooms to engage students in active learning instead of listening to lectures. Our innovative approaches to undergraduate education are driven by a cadre of faculty whose research is devoted to pedagogy — to understanding how students learn best. Their research is transforming how science is taught, improving student success and influencing classrooms well beyond Oregon State. You’ll read stories in this issue about math, physics and anatomy faculty who are developing innovative classroom approaches and implementing them in our classrooms, often with national funding. And don’t miss the stories on other research and engagement that have regional and international impact, from science that supports new methods for manufacturing chips and electronics to biomedical applications of nanoparticles. I hope you’ll enjoy these stories as much as I enjoy watching them evolve. They leave me optimistic about the future of our College and about the many ways our students, faculty and alumni improve lives through science. Eleanor Feingold IMPACT FALL 2026 1
Protecting communities through conservation science Marine biology student Kasey Ingram, a member of the Navajo Nation, was named a Udall Scholar, one of the nation’s most prestigious awards for students committed to environmental leadership, public service and Tribal issues in 2026. Ingram came to OSU determined to use science in service of Indigenous communities. A biology major with a marine biology and ecology focus and a minor in Indigenous Studies, she has built an academic path that connects conservation, research and Tribal stewardship. Her experiences include studying salmon behavior in Oregon State’s Fish Behaviorscapes Lab, launching autonomous ocean gliders with the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission and conducting research on environmental DNA as a tool for monitoring fish pathogens. She continued that work over the summer through a NOAA Hollings Scholarship at Mote Marine Laboratory in Florida, where she studied how warming nest temperatures affect sea turtle hatchlings. Beyond research, Ingram serves as president of the Native American Student Association and an officer in the American Indian Science and Engineering Society at OSU. She hopes to help ensure Indigenous perspectives are represented in conservation decisions. “To protect Indigenous cultures, you also have to protect the lands that they come from,” she said. Turning a cancer diagnosis into discovery When Jordan Indrawan was 16, doctors discovered a germ cell tumor pressing against his lung. After months of chemotherapy and surgery, he survived cancer with a renewed sense of purpose. “That experience was lifechanging,” he said. “It made me realize that I want to contribute in some way to finding a cure.” At Oregon State, that goal led him to the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and eventually to the College of Science’s Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE), which supports students pursuing summer research. Working in biochemist Colin Johnson’s lab, Indrawan studied ferlins, a family of proteins involved in cell communication, growth and repair. Better understanding those proteins could help researchers investigate diseases ranging from hearing loss to muscular dystrophy and cancer. The experience allowed him to master lab techniques, contribute to ongoing research projects and achieve an unexpected milestone: scientific authorship. “I’ve read research papers all the time, but I never thought I would be in one,” he said. “Seeing my name felt unreal and rewarding.” The experience confirmed his desire to pursue a future in cancer research through graduate study or the biotechnology industry. STUDENTS AND FACULTY SHAPING THE FUTURE. Best and Brightest Kasey Ingram (left) and Jordan Indrawan (right) each channeled their lived experiences into research efforts that will have positive impact on the health of people and the planet. 2 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE
From tide pools to biotech When Dorian Planken arrived at Oregon State, they were certain their future was in marine science. Four years later, they have discovered a much wider range of possibilities. What began as a singular interest in marine science has evolved into an appreciation for the many directions a biology degree can lead. An Honors biology major with a marine biology and ecology concentration, Planken immersed in fieldwork through BI 450, Oregon State’s intensive marine biology residency at Hatfield Marine Science Center. There, they conducted an original research project studying a bright red sea slug and the sponge species it feeds upon. Planken also spent nearly five months studying abroad at James Cook University in Australia, one of the world’s leading marine science institutions, where they completed coursework and explored the Great Barrier Reef. A summer internship at Pfizer added yet another dimension. Working in an oncology research group, Planken gained experience with cancer cell lines, laboratory assays and industry research. The combination of laboratory research, field science and international study broadened both career possibilities and confidence. “It made me way more confident in my ability to be a good scientist,” Planken said. Learning medicine from the operating room Biology student Kennedy Duff spent part of her senior year observing surgeries, patient appointments and medical teams through a College of Science medical preceptorship at Good Samaritan Regional Medical Center. Mentored by orthopedic surgeon Dr. Nicholas Tedesco, Duff shadowed procedures like joint replacements and orthopedic oncology surgeries while gaining firsthand insight into clinical decision-making and patient care. The experience reinforced a long-standing interest in medicine that grew from her own childhood experiences receiving treatment for a rare orthopedic condition. In addition to observing surgeries, Duff followed patient appointments, learned about medical charting and saw how physicians, nurses, technicians and other professionals work together to support patients. “The teamwork ... ensured that each and every patient received amazing medical care,” she said. After graduation, Duff plans to spend a gap year working in health care before pursuing her goal of becoming a physician assistant. Decoding addiction For BioHealth Sciences major Qiying Ma, a volunteer role helping Chinese-speaking community members access COVID-19 vaccines sparked an interest in health care that continues to shape his future. As an undergraduate researcher in OSU’s BEAVERS Lab, Ma studied stress responses and addictionrelated behaviors. That experience helped him earn a place in the competitive OHSU Equity Research Program, where he spent eight weeks conducting bioinformatics research at the Oregon National Primate Research Center. Working with large genetic datasets, Ma investigated how alcoholrelated changes in gene expression differ between blood and brain tissue. His findings suggested that blood-derived factors play a larger role than previously understood, highlighting the importance of distinguishing between the two sources when studying addiction. The internship introduced him to bioinformatics, strengthened his research skills and connected him with mentors across the health sciences. Ma is now in pharmacy school, carrying forward a commitment to both scientific discovery and patient care. Dorian Planken (left), Kennedy Duff (center) and Qiying Ma (right) deepened their science journey with hands-on experiences in their local communities and beyond. IMPACT FALL 2026 3
A champion of science and scientists Elisar Barbar, head of the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, received the 2026 Outstanding Oregon Scientist Award from the Oregon Academy of Science, one of the state’s highest scientific honors. The award recognizes achievement, leadership, mentorship and contributions that advance science in Oregon and beyond. For decades, Barbar has combined internationally recognized scientific discovery with a deep commitment to mentorship. Her groundbreaking research has transformed understanding of how proteins function within living cells, helping scientists better understand the molecular systems that underpin health and disease. The academy also recognized Barbar’s longstanding commitment to education and mentorship. Throughout her career, she has helped train and inspire students, postdoctoral scholars and emerging faculty members, extending her impact far beyond the laboratory. The honor comes as Barbar launched a $1.3 million National Institutes of Health-funded training program in molecular biophysics. The highly competitive program supports doctoral students studying complex biological systems at the intersection of biology, chemistry and physics. Designed to prepare the next generation of structural biologists and biophysicists, the program strengthens Oregon State’s capacity for interdisciplinary research and graduate education in the molecular sciences. A rising leader in environmental science Alison Bain, assistant professor of chemistry, received a National Science Foundation CAREER Award, the foundation’s most prestigious honor for early-career faculty. The $75K award will support research on how microscopic plastic particles in the atmosphere influence airborne droplets that affect clouds and climate. Micro- and nanoplastics are increasingly being detected in atmospheric samples around the world, yet scientists know little about how they affect aerosol chemistry and cloud formation. Bain and her students will investigate how environmental aging changes the surface chemistry and structure of common plastics, including polyethylene, polystyrene and nylon, and how those changes influence interactions with water and other atmospheric molecules. The project will also develop new tools to study individual aerosol particles, helping researchers determine how plastics behave within atmospheric droplets and affect properties linked to cloud formation and climate. Because aerosols remain one of the largest sources of uncertainty in climate models, the findings could improve understanding of how plastics move through the atmosphere and interact with the environment. The award also supports educational initiatives connecting research, computing and environmental science for students across Oregon. Listening to the gut microbiome Trillions of microbes live in the human gut, influencing everything from how we process food and medications to how our bodies respond to environmental pollutants. Microbiologist Thomas Sharpton is working to understand how these microscopic communities shape health and disease. Sharpton leads interdisciplinary research exploring the gut microbiome’s role in behavior, cognition and the body’s response to its environment. Using zebrafish, mice and human studies, his team investigates how microbes interact with the brain and other biological systems. In one study, researchers found that removing the microbiome changed how a pollutant affected zebrafish behavior, highlighting the microbiome’s role as a biochemical mediator between the environment and the body. Sharpton also helped establish the Oregon State University Microbiome Initiative, which connects researchers studying microbial communities across disciplines, from human health to agriculture and ocean science. His work aims to move microbiome research beyond simply identifying which microbes are present to understanding what they do and how that knowledge can improve human health. Ultimately, the research could help scientists develop new approaches to preventing, diagnosing and treating chronic disease. 4 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE
Designing molecules for future microchips As semiconductor manufacturers push the limits of how small microchips can become, chemistry is playing an increasingly important role in the future of computing. In the Department of Chemistry, materials scientist May Nyman and doctoral student Esther Julius design metal oxide clusters, tiny molecular structures that could help create the intricate patterns used to manufacture nextgeneration semiconductor chips. Supported in part by industry partners such as Intel, the research focuses on developing new molecules for lithography, the process used to create microscopic circuits on semiconductor wafers. As chip features shrink to the nanometer scale, traditional manufacturing approaches are reaching their limits, increasing the need for chemistry-based solutions. Julius explores how metal oxide clusters can function as advanced lithography materials while simplifying the way they are produced. Her work has reduced some synthesis processes from complex, high-temperature procedures to reactions that can be completed in minutes at room temperature. The project is part of Oregon State’s broad effort to strengthen semiconductor research and workforce development, helping prepare students and technologies for the next generation of computing. From fungi to future electronics While some researchers focus on making smaller microchips, physicist Oksana Ostroverkhova is exploring new materials that could transform how electronic devices are designed and used. Her research centers on organic semiconductors, carbon-based materials used in technologies such as OLED displays. Unlike traditional silicon semiconductors, organic materials can be flexible, lightweight and manufactured at lower temperatures, making them attractive for wearable devices, sensors and other emerging technologies. Ostroverkhova also investigates naturally occurring pigments produced by fungi. One promising material, a blue-green pigment called xylindein, forms durable, flexible crystals that can guide light and change color in response to electronic signals. The work could help create more sustainable electronic materials inspired by nature. She also researches spintronics, an emerging field that uses spin waves rather than electrical current to process information. By studying how light and matter interact at the molecular level, Ostroverkhova and her students are laying the foundation for future technologies that are more efficient, adaptable and environmentally sustainable. SEMICONDUCTOR RESEARCH From Molecules to Materials Left: Nyman and Julius inspect a solution containing tiny metal oxide clusters. Right: Ostroverkhova’s lab investigates and tests organic materials’ electronic potential. IMPACT FALL 2026 5
In a physics classroom at Oregon State, students debate why objects of different masses fall at the same rate as peer learning assistants circulate, asking questions and guiding discussion. In an online anatomy course, students explore a virtual bone box, manipulate 3D models and investigate human structures through interactive learning tools. In the Mole Hole tutoring center, chemistry students work through organic chemistry problems. Scenes like these play out every day at Oregon State. They reflect the College of Science’s longstanding approach to teaching and learning, built around the idea that students learn science best by actively doing science. Across classrooms, laboratories, field sites and communities, students solve problems, test ideas, analyze evidence and contribute to discoveries that matter beyond campus. Teaching is approached with the same rigor, creativity and spirit of inquiry that define scientific research. By studying how students learn science and applying the same evidence-based mindset that drives scientific research, faculty have reimagined introductory courses, research experiences and student support systems. The result is a culture where more students gain the skills, experience and confidence to contribute in research settings, workplaces and communities before they graduate. Creating Pathways How Oregon State is transforming the way students learn, discover and contribute
electronic materials. Her work led Ostroverkhova to nominate her for a prestigious Goldwater Scholarship, which she received. Faculty actively encourage undergraduate involvement in research. “Undergraduate students can attend a lecture from someone who’s an absolute leader in what they’re doing, approach them after class, say, ‘I’d like to learn more about this. I’d like to work with you.’ And the answer, much of the time, will be yes,” said ecologist Ben Dalziel. Where coursework meets discovery Course-based undergraduate research experiences, or CUREs, help students who juggle jobs, athletics and other responsibilities participate in research. By embedding original research into regular courses, CUREs offer a structured and accessible alternative to traditional laboratory positions. Unlike many universities that reserve CUREs for small upperdivision courses, Oregon State offers research experiences at scale in lower-division classes. Lori Kayes and Carmen Harjoe, co-coordinators of the Principles of Biology series in the Department of Integrative Biology, have incorporated CUREs into the BI22x sequence, a three-course series taken by all life science and pre-professional majors. Launched in 2021, the program connects students directly with faculty research. In the first course, students study molecular biology through research on nematodes with evolutionary biologist Dee Denver. In the second, they investigate coral-algal relationships with marine biologist Nate Kirk and marine physiologist Virginia Weis. In the third, they participate in citizen science projects focused on ecology with ecologist Lori Kayes. “We’re scaffolding our students into OSU’s research. They are part of OSU’s research mission, and that is what I think is so exciting about what we are doing,” said Kayes, professor of teaching. Kirk said the program also expands research capacity. Undergraduate participation helps generate samples At Oregon State, students do not have to wait until graduate school to contribute to scientific discovery. About half of College of Science students participate in undergraduate research each year through laboratory positions, course-based research experiences and funded summer programs. Microbiology student Catherine Sterrett joined microbiologist Ryan Mueller’s laboratory after meeting him at a research mixer. Mueller studies the ecology of microbiomes found in diverse environments. Sterrett developed a cost-effective method for creating anaerobic media for bacteria that would otherwise die in the presence of oxygen. Madalyn Gragg reached out to materials scientist Oksana Ostroverkhova after learning about Ostroverkhova’s work on organic materials through the university’s online faculty directory. Gragg joined Ostroverkhova’s research group and studied organic molecular materials, which are gaining attention for their highly tunable properties and potential as environmentally friendly Students gain the deepest understanding of science when they move beyond studying discoveries and begin contributing to them. “We’re scaffolding our students into OSU’s research. They are part of OSU’s research mission.” CREATING PATHWAYS Learn by Doing Madalyn Gragg (left) and Catherine Sterrett (right) found research opportunities as undergraduates by reaching out to faculty whose work they found interesting. IMPACT FALL 2026 7
and data, increasing output in his laboratory from about 60 to nearly 900 samples. “We’re showing them how to do tasks in the lab, use statistical software and develop other skills that they can then put on their CVs and résumés,” Kirk said. Funding discovery The Summer Undergraduate Research Experience, or SURE, is a competitive scholarship program that allows students to pursue fulltime summer research. Since 2015, the program has funded more than 300 College of Science students. Through SURE, biochemistry and molecular biology student Ashley Tran joined University Distinguished Professor Emily Ho’s laboratory, where she contributed to a clinical trial investigating how walnuts may support brain and gut health in older adults. Along the way, she found mentors who inspired confidence and belonging. “It really shows that there’s a place for everyone,” she said. The Launching Undergraduate Research Experiences program, or LURE, provides support for undergraduate research during the academic year. Like many students, Lexie Swisher faced a difficult choice between earning income and spending time in a research laboratory. LURE allowed her to continue her Honors thesis research on oyster disease ecology while balancing a demanding course load and a job. “Being in a lab meant I could engage in the topics I am genuinely interested in throughout the school year,” she said. Together, these programs help remove financial barriers to research, allowing more students to gain hands-on experience, build professional skills and contribute to scientific discovery. Students come to Oregon State for the opportunities of a world-class research university and the support to thrive. Learning assistants, advisors and peer mentors provide guidance every step of the way. Peer mentors boost success The Learning Assistant Program has nearly a decade-long history of improving student success and learning outcomes. One of only two programs of its kind implemented at such a large scale across a U.S. university, it recruits undergraduates to join teaching teams. Students who have successfully completed a course return to provide in-class support and individualized guidance. LAs attend class, help students with problem-solving during group work sessions, hold study sessions and communicate with instructors when gaps in understanding emerge. The results are striking. In OSU’s introductory biology series, the drop, fail and withdrawal rate fell from 33.6% to just 7%, well below national averages. In 2025 alone, learning assistants supported 25,000 students across campus. Physics graduate Jay BaranKamoura, a former LA in the 21X physics series, said the most meaningful part of the role was the humanity it brings into classrooms. “Students connect with students,” they said. “The LA program creates a sense of community and trust. So in the end, it’s not just that knowledge was beamed into students’ heads. It’s a friend helping them through a class.” Professor Devon Quick helped create the program with professor Lori Kayes and instructor Dennis Bennett to multiply the benefits of active learning. “Active learning is when students construct their own knowledge by interacting with the learning materials and often with other students, or in our case, with learning assistants,” Quick said. CREATING PATHWAYS Supporting Every Step From their first class to graduation, students are surrounded by people who help them navigate challenges and reach their potential. Advisors in the College of Science like Maureen Leong-Kee and Eric Cole comprise a critical part of the support structure students need as they navigate science. 8 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE
“The LA model takes power from the podium in the front of the room and redistributes it back among students.” Learning Assistants also complete a pedagogy course to better understand how students learn. As Quick noted, STEM learning can be a vulnerable process for students who feel pressure to always have the right answer. Beyond instructional support, LAs help students envision themselves as capable scientists. Advisors make a difference The College of Science also has a strong advising network that supports student success. According to Associate Director of Health Professions Advising Maureen Leong-Kee, Oregon State’s prehealth advising program is known for its strong structure and student support, helping many students gain admission to medical school. On average, 70% of OSU applicants who work with its pre-health advising committee were admitted to medical school, compared with less than 40% nationally. Prehealth advisors support students at every step of the journey, from first-year orientation to graduation and beyond. No matter the major, every Oregon State student with an interest in medical, dentistry, pharmacy and other health graduate programs can seek guidance from a pre-health advisor. Samantha LeFore, a 2026 BioHealth Sciences graduate, said the advising system was crucial on her path to medicine. “It’s a lot at first, but as I’ve kind of broken it down and been able to use the resources at Oregon State, it’s been super helpful,” she said. “We have great advisors here, like Maureen Leong-Kee. She has a pre-med Canvas page that lays out the entire application process and walks you through it.” Non-pre-health science students also benefit from personalized advising. Eric Cole, student head advisor, is a quintessential example of a College of Science advisor. He received the Olaf Boedtker Award for Excellence in Academic Advising in 2025. Students celebrated Cole for his exceptional level of empathy and consistency in his advising. One student wrote, “Everyone needs someone like Eric.” Learning assistants’ one-on-one interactions expand the reach of a course’s teaching team and provide special insights only a peer can offer. When LAs see students struggling, they can inform the team — who then provide extra support where needed. “The LA model takes power from the podium and redistributes it back among students.” IMPACT FALL 2026 9
CREATING PATHWAYS The Science of Learning through these abstract challenges by analyzing classroom interactions and student thinking. Her work identifies where students struggle and which strategies improve understanding and confidence in mathematical reasoning. Her efforts earned the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, the highest honor bestowed by the U.S. government to outstanding early-career scientists and engineers. “I took a combinatorics class and was fascinated by these problems that were easy to state but kind of difficult to solve. I had a bad experience with them as an undergrad, and I realized I could study ways to improve how these problems are taught and understood by students. That became my passion,” she said. Unlike calculus problems that follow a clear path to a solution, combinatorics problems can feel open-ended and unfamiliar. Lockwood has found that students benefit from more structure and has accomplished this by helping them focus on what they are counting rather than relying on formulas. Alongside its leadership in scientific discovery, the College of Science has built a strong reputation for improving how science is taught. Faculty study how students learn and apply that evidence to transform teaching, redesign courses and strengthen student success. Solving the math puzzle In fields like data science, computer science and engineering, combinatorics — the mathematics of counting and arranging — is a foundational skill and often one of the most difficult to master. Mathematician Elise Lockwood studies how students reason eab eba eca eda efa eac ebc ecb edb efb ead ebd ecd edc efc eaf ebf ecf edf efd aeb bea cea dea fea aec bec ceb deb feb aed bed ced dec fec aef bef cef def fed abe bae cae dae fae ace bce cbe dbe fbe ade bde cde dce fce afe bfe cfe dfe fde The same research mindset that fuels discovery is also transforming classrooms through evidence-based teaching and learning. (Above) The math behind counting presents many pitfalls for students. Elise Lockwood studies learning in order to teach more effectively. (Below) Staci Bronson developed digital “hands-on” learning tools to make anatomy more accessible for online learners. 10 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE
By focusing on how students conceptualize and reason through combinatorial problems, Lockwood has helped reshape approaches to teaching this foundational area of mathematics, helping educators foster deeper understanding rather than rote memorization. A national blueprint for teaching physics The College of Science once followed a traditional model for upper-level physics. While students were accepted to leading graduate schools and secured jobs with top companies, many struggled with the jump from introductory coursework to the greater mathematical and intellectual demands of junior- and senior-level physics. With support from the National Science Foundation, the Department of Physics overhauled the curriculum and created a program that emphasizes how physicists actually think. The result was the Paradigms in Physics program, which reorganizes upperdivision coursework around core concepts rather than traditional subject boundaries. Instead of long, separate courses in areas such as classical mechanics or electromagnetism, students move through a sequence of shorter, intensive courses emphasizing unifying ideas and problem-solving approaches that cut across subfields. The program helps students build connections between topics and apply the same underlying principles in different physical contexts. Instruction emphasizes collaborative learning, discussion-based problem solving and developing mathematical and physical intuition alongside formal techniques. The program has received national recognition for its contributions to undergraduate physics education and has influenced curriculum reform efforts at other universities. Teaching anatomy through digital tools Online college courses are now common, but becoming a scientist online can seem unlikely. At Oregon State, students can complete rigorous online coursework in subjects such as organic chemistry, physics, anatomy and physiology, taught by the same faculty who teach on campus. What distinguishes Oregon State’s online science courses is the careful attention to both teaching approach and digital delivery. Offered through OSU’s top-ranked Ecampus, these courses combine research-based teaching with expanded access, making College of Science programs accessible beyond the Corvallis campus. The College of Science offers more than 115 online courses for students pursuing degrees, completing science prerequisites or gaining skills for professional advancement. Rather than replicate the classroom, Ecampus science courses provide learning experiences tailored to digital environments. Courses emphasize active learning and frequent feedback through discussion forums, peer review, virtual labs and simulations. For example, Integrative Biology Assistant Professor Staci Bronson developed an interactive virtual “bone box,” created video lectures using a home lightboard studio and incorporated simulations that replicate the in-person lab experience. This work earned her the 2022 Ecampus Innovation Award. All Ecampus classes are asynchronous, providing flexibility while maintaining regular instructor interaction. This structure supports students balancing coursework with caregiving, military service and other responsibilities. “Taking science classes online at Oregon State made going back to school possible.” Full time environmental inspector and father Esteban Contreras was able to get a degree at Oregon State and learn the why behind his on-the-job chemistry lab knowledge. IMPACT FALL 2026 11
SEE WHERE OUR ALUMNI ARE MAKING A DIFFERENCE. Making Us Proud “I hope to create opportunities for young women to get involved in marine science,” she said, “and to get out into the field to get valuable hands-on fieldwork experience.” What does an actuary do? When Erica Baird (Mathematics ’05, M.S. Mathematics ’09, Ph.D. Mathematics and Statistics ’13) first heard about actuarial science as an Oregon State mathematics student, she was skeptical. “I thought it was a scam,” she recalled. That skepticism disappeared as she learned more about a profession grounded in mathematics, statistics and real-world problemsolving. Today, Baird is a principal and consulting actuary at Milliman, where she leads research and development for a health care riskadjustment software product while advising clients across the industry. Taking krill research to the UK An undergraduate research expedition to Antarctica helped set the course for Oregon State’s first Marshall Scholar. Giulia Wood (Honors Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Environmental Science ’23; M.S. Ocean, Earth and Atmospheric Sciences ’26) earned the prestigious scholarship to pursue doctoral studies at the University of Liverpool, where she will continue investigating Antarctic krill and their role in the Southern Ocean. After working in labs at OSU and abroad, Wood found her focus in marine science and krill. Those tiny crustaceans are a cornerstone of the food web, sustaining species ranging from fish and seabirds to whales and penguins. Wood hopes to carry forward the mentorship she received. A lifetime of mathematics For Dale Comstock (M.A. and Ph.D. Mathematics ’64), mathematics has been a passport to a remarkable career. After military service in Germany, Comstock came to Oregon State, where he earned both his master’s degree and Ph.D. in mathematics. He later spent much of his career at Central Washington University, eventually serving as dean of the graduate school and dean of research. His work took him to more than 70 countries. Today, he is giving back through an endowed dissertation award supporting Oregon State mathematics doctoral students. “I’ve had a very successful life,” he said. “And I want to pay back what those institutions did for me.” Mathematics alumnus Dale Comstock (left) and Biochemistry and Molecular Biology alumna Giulia Wood (right) have taken what they’ve learned at OSU well beyond Corvallis. 12 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE
Her work ranges from pricing Medicare plans to helping hospitals understand payment models and evaluating whether medical interventions improve patient outcomes. “My days are never boring,” she said. “Clients bring us hard problems and we get to design studies, build models and really dig into whether something is working.” For Baird, actuarial science allows her to improve health care for patients and providers alike. Predicting the next outbreak As a child in Virginia, Barbara Han (Ph.D. Zoology ’09) stood at the edge of a stream staring at a frog floating belly up, wondering what had happened. That curiosity eventually led her to become a leader in disease ecology. Now an associate scientist at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Han uses machine learning and artificial intelligence to understand when zoonotic diseases are likely to emerge, and why. Her models compare traits of known disease-carrying animals with thousands of others to predict future carriers. Her work has informed studies involving diseases such as Ebola, Zika and COVID-19 and has led to collaborations with scientists at NASA, universities around the world and major public health organizations. “OSU let me mix the ingredients in a way that was most true to me and also take that research forward in new directions,” she said. For Han, scientific uncertainty is not a barrier but a motivation. “Science is supposed to feel hard,” she said. “Every question you’re asking is new — that’s the point.” Transforming cystic fibrosis treatment When scientists began studying how proteins misfold in the human body, few imagined the work would help transform treatment for nearly everyone living with cystic fibrosis. Bill Skach (Biochemistry and Biophysics, Crop Science ’79) helped make that breakthrough possible. After graduating from Oregon State, Skach attended Harvard Medical School and built a career as a physician-scientist. For decades, he treated cancer patients while conducting research on membrane protein folding. His work contributed to discoveries that ultimately led to therapies that dramatically improved outcomes for people with cystic fibrosis. Later, as vice president and chief scientific officer of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, he helped guide research and drug development efforts supporting hundreds of laboratories and companies worldwide. Skach credits Oregon State with helping launch a career defined by curiosity and opportunity. “I think the definition of success is having options,” he said. “Oregon State can open doors. It can take things that are out of reach and put them into people’s reach.” “Oregon State can open doors. It can take things that are out of reach and put them into people’s reach.” Bill Skach (B.S. ’79) Zoology alumna Barbara Han (left) and Biochemistry and Biophysics alumnus Bill Skach (above) were honored by the College of Science in 2025 for accomplishments in their respective fields: Han with the Emerging Leader Award and Skach with the Distinguished Alumni Award. IMPACT FALL 2026 13
@OSUScience @OSUScience @OSUScience company/osuscience science.oregonstate.edu job growth predicted from 2026 to 2034 34% 5 degree options to specialize in Easy to add as a dual major (and still graduate on time) beav.es/DataScience The College of Science is now offering a Data Science degree — on campus or online! Data is everywhere. No matter what you’re passionate about, data science skills give you the edge in your field. Get prepared to contribute meaningful insights, solve real-world problems and truly impact communities. Power solutions in any field with data science
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