Sharina Ridzuan, Biomolecular Science: Plant Biotechnology – Oct 1, 2025
Morning at Tebeau Hall
Every morning, as I step out of Tebeau Hall, a cool Oregon breeze greets me. Coming from Malaysia, where mornings are hot and humid, this simple moment feels almost magical. The crisp wind brushes my face, and I inhale the fresh scent of pine and grass. I pause for a moment to take it all in—the tall green trees, the quiet hum of the campus waking up—and feel a thrill in knowing that this is my new world, far from home.
By 9:00 a.m., I make my way to Marketplace West Dining Center for breakfast. Sitting at the wooden tables surrounded by indoor plants and soft morning music, I savor my drinks and a warm breakfast. The gentle chatter around me, mixed with the aroma of fresh bread, creates a cozy sense of belonging. It’s a small ritual, yet it grounds me, reminding me: I am exactly where I need to be.
Entering Peavy Hall
At 10:00 a.m., I arrive at Peavy Hall, the heart of the College of Forestry. Sunlight pours through the large windows, casting a golden glow across the floors. The doors slide open with a wave of my hand, and I chuckle, remembering a friend’s TikTok joke: “technologiaaa~~” Little moments like this make me smile, reminding me how fascinating it is to live and learn in a new country.
Inside, I greet the Strauss Lab team—Cathleen, Colette, Parker, Carter, Daisy, Dr. Greg, Dr. Chris, Henry, Catherine, James, Zach, and more. The atmosphere is warm, buzzing with energy and curiosity. Everyone is passionate about their work, yet welcoming and encouraging, always ready to share stories or lend a helping hand. As an international student, I often feel nervous stepping into new spaces—but here, I feel like I truly belong.
Science in motion
Working in plant biotechnology at OSU has been life-changing. Some days, I spend hours in the growth room, tending to young plants. I feel a quiet pride watching “my babies” grow, their tiny leaves reaching toward the light as if responding to my care.
Then I begin working on my lab projects and other tasks. Subculturing explants and handling delicate experiments require patience, precision, and focus, but I strive to do my best. Every careful movement, every small observation, feels meaningful, and I take pride in knowing that even tiny steps in the lab contribute to the bigger picture of our research.
Afternoons often mean greenhouse visits with mentors like Dr. Greg Goralogia. I still remember the first time I saw Eucalyptus plants glowing with a vibrant purple hue. My eyes widened, and I couldn’t help but laugh with excitement, completely amazed: “Usually all Eucalyptus plants are green, but this one the whole plant turned purple! This is mad scientist!” Back home, I had only read about such possibilities, but here I was, seeing them alive and tangible. It made me realize the incredible power of plant biotechnology—not just for advancing science, but for shaping a sustainable future.
The Greenhouse: My Favorite Place
The greenhouse has quickly become my favorite place. I’ve always loved working with soil, carefully planting seeds, and nurturing the plants to grow strong and healthy. Surrounded by lush greenery, the humid air, and the fresh, earthy scent of eucalyptus, I feel completely at ease. The gentle rustle of leaves and the soft sunlight filtering through the glass remind me why I fell in love with plant biotechnology in the first place. Every moment there feels meaningful, and I’m genuinely grateful to be part of this journey.
4 Comments
Add Yours →Loved reading about your campus journey! Keep up the good work Sharina.
I’m beyond proud of you, my dear sister. Keep glowing, my pearl!
Amazing journey. so proud of you.
Sharina,
Thank you for sharing your campus and biotechnology impressions and experiences. OSU is a great university made so in part by students like yourself.