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
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