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
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