Words from the Dean
January 2026
Words from the Dean
January 2026
Dear College of Science community,
I am finding it difficult to write cheerful words while worried about everyone living through natural and unnatural disasters this week. But I do get joy (and I hope you do too) from the impact that our faculty, staff and students are having. There are so many ways that we as scientists help make the world a better place, from using data to understand exactly what the problems are, to advancing climate and ecosystem science, to identifying new materials that can be used to solve important challenges.
Another way to fuse science and joy is through art. An outing I’m looking forward to soon is the exhibition that opened last week through the PRAx Collaborative Faculty Fellowship. Currents: Experiments in Art-Science Collaboration, running through March 7, features work by College of Science researchers Dee Denver and Jeff Hazboun created in collaboration with artists. Dee’s project weaves together biology and textile art to explore patterns of life, while Jeff’s work transforms cosmic physics into immersive sound.
Then on March 17, we will have the College’s annual Inclusive Excellence event, which also has an artistic twist this year. Hannah Stuwe, a Ph.D. candidate in biochemistry and biophysics, will explore what science can learn from DIY counterculture in the College’s first live event at PRAx. Drawing on her research on SARS-CoV-2 and her experience as a musician and community organizer, the event will include live music and reflections on practices that strengthen how science is done and shared. Details are below.
Later in this newsletter, you’ll also find announcements of faculty and staff awards that recognize the remarkable impact and contributions of our colleagues across the college, including teaching, research, mentoring and service. Come celebrate your colleagues at the awards event on February 17!
Finally, read on to learn about recent research discoveries, including work influencing environmental policy, and the launch of our new data science major.
Go Beavs – stay well, and do good.
Eleanor Feingold
Dean, College of Science
All the news that’s fit to print.
Please submit news, honors and awards, discoveries, events, research funding, student news, alumni updates and more. Just send us a quick email by the end of the month.
Research
updates
Bloom-forming cyanobacteria are genetically equipped to synthesize their own vitamin B1, making them resistant to bacimethrin
Research Highlights
A research team including members of the College of Science has discovered a previously unknown chemical mechanism that may explain why harmful algal blooms are so persistent in nutrient-polluted lakes and reservoirs. The study was led by microbiologists Christopher Suffridge and Kelly Shannon. Find out what their Upper Klamath Lake analyses uncovered.
Marine ecologists Kirsten Grorud-Colvert and Jenna Sullivan-Stack’s research into marine protected areas plays a crucial role in the historic “High Seas Treaty” that went into effect Jan. 17. Less than two years after OSU scientists led the publication of a landmark marine protected area (MPA) guide in Science, the United Nations adopted the text of the treaty in June 2023. The treaty’s aim is to safeguard and sustainably use the high seas, the two-thirds of the ocean not under individual nations’ control. Hear from OSU Distinguished Professor Jane Lubchenco on what this means for the future of our planet.
Research Funding
May Nyman received $150K from Intel Corp. for a project entitled “Tin (IV) oxoculster-molecule dynamics in photolithography.” She also received a $25K award from the Department of Energy for her project,“Transforming Critical Materials Separations through Metal-Oxo Cluster Chemistry.”
Steve Giovannoni, Jeff Hazboun, David Ji, Marilyn Mackiewicz and Mark Novak all received $100K from the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation for Postdoctoral Scholar Fellowships.Kathryn Everson received $21K from RE:WILD for her project,“Uncovering Madagascar’s Hidden Tenrec Diversity: New Species Discovery and Description.”
Congratulations
National Honors
Biophysicist Elisar Barbar has been named the 2026 recipient of the Outstanding Oregon Scientist Award from the Oregon Academy of Science. The award is one of the state’s highest honors and recognizes scientific achievement, leadership, mentorship and contributions that advance science in Oregon and beyond. The recognition comes as she is leading a new 1.3 million NIH-funded training program to prepare the next generation of molecular biophysicists. Explore the broader impact of her work.
University Honors
Congratulations to the 2026 College of Science Faculty and Staff awardees! Here is a full list of recipients:
Teaching and Advising Awards
- Olaf Boedtker Award for Excellence in Academic Advising: Kari Van Zee, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics
- Frederick H. Horne Award for Sustained Excellence in Teaching Science: Devon Quick, Department of Integrative Biology
- Loyd F. Carter Award for Outstanding and Inspirational Teaching in Science (Undergraduate): Matt Waterhouse, Department of Integrative Biology
- Loyd F. Carter Award for Outstanding and Inspirational Teaching in Science (Graduate): Elaine Cozzi, Department of Mathematics
Excellence in Administration, Service & Performance Awards
- Champion of Science Award: Kari Van Zee, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics
- Distinguished Service Award: Paula Weiss, Department of Chemistry
- Inclusive Excellence Award: Louis Wojcinski, Department of Chemistry
- Gladys Valley Award for Exemplary Administrative Support: Bettye Maddux, Research and Development Unit
Research Awards
- Dean’s Early Career Achievement Award: Katherine McLaughlin, Department of Statistics
- Milton Harris Award for Basic Research in Science: Thomas Sharpton, Department of Microbiology & Statistics
- F.A. Gilfillan Award for Distinguished Scholarship in Science: Davide Lazzati, Dean’s Office
Visibility
Vitamin D supplementation is important for most Oregonians to protect bone and immune health, and plays additional roles in our gut microbiome.
An Oregonian article highlights a biochemistry alumna’s path from salt-sprayed shores to global impact. The story follows Giulia Wood, a Pacific Northwest student whose early connection to the sea sparked a passion for marine science. Along the way, her experiences have included Antarctic krill research and being named one of just 43 (and OSU’s very first) Marshall Scholars nationwide. What’s next for her? The University of Liverpool, to pursue a Ph.D. in marine sciences. Learn more about Giulia’s remarkable journey.
Emerging research indicates vitamin D plays a role in gut microbiome health by shaping the microbiome and immune function, while a healthy gut also improves vitamin D absorption. Biochemist Adrian Gombart spoke with MindBodyGreen about the underrated link between gut health and vitamin D, noting that genes regulated by the vitamin D receptor can influence the integrity of the gut barrier and the immune defenses. Check out the article to see his full insight.
Get social!
Do you have an idea for a social media post or video, or a research reel to share? Contact erica.martin@oregonstate.edu.
College News
Explore “Currents: Experiments in Art-Science Collaboration” at Stirek Gallery (Jan. 22 – March 7), an art-science exhibit featuring work by evolutionary biologist Dee Denver and astrophysicist Jeff Hazboun, who have paired with professional artists to bring their research to life through creative expression. Denver’s collaboration with Jovencio de la Paz uses weaving and biology to explore patterns of life, while Hazboun and Brian House transform cosmic physics into immersive sound as part of the PRAx Collaborative Faculty Fellowship.
Get a sneak peek of de la Paz’s work, then learn more about the exhibit and the fellowships that support these collaborations.
The College has launched a new undergraduate data science major, housed in the Department of Statistics, that reflects the growing importance of data skills across disciplines. Designed for flexibility, the program works as both a standalone degree and an accessible dual major, with pathways that connect data analysis to real-world problems in fields such as health, environment, business and public service. Students can pick one of four options to specialize their degree based on their interests: advanced data science, life science, economics, and environmental economics and policy. Learn more about the new major.
Events
Upcoming Events
Val Nereo Lecture
Monday, Feb. 16
3 to 5 p.m., Weniger 151
- 3 p.m. Reception (Weniger 245)
- 4 p.m. Lecture (Weniger 151)
Join the Department of Statistics for the inaugural Val Nereo Lecture, featuring Dr. Annie Qu of UC Santa Barbara. Qu’s lecture will describe how she and her research team are addressing the challenges of complex, heterogeneous datasets in order to improve the accuracy of machine learning modules and algorithms. Learn more about the lecture.
The Val Nereo Lecture series is dedicated to highlighting the work of leading women in statistics and data science, with the goal of inspiring students and scholars — especially women — in our statistics department and broader community.
Before the lecture, please join us for a reception upstairs in Weniger 245.
COS Faculty and Staff Awards
Tuesday, Feb. 17
4:30 to 6:30 p.m., MU Horizon Room
Please join us for the 2026 Faculty and Staff Awards, where the College will honor outstanding achievements in research, teaching, advising and inclusive excellence. This is our chance to celebrate our colleagues and acknowledge the work that strengthens our College community. RSVP here.
Inclusive Excellence Lecture
Tuesday, March 17
4 to 6 p.m., PRAx
What can science learn from DIY counterculture? Hannah Stuwe, a Ph.D. candidate in biochemistry and biophysics and co-founder of the Corvallis Music Collective, has the answers. In this year’s Inclusive Excellence lecture, you’ll explore the intersection of scientific research, community organizing and the DIY punk scene, as Stuwe draws on her work in both SARS-CoV-2 research and grassroots music culture. The lecture will also include live musical performances woven throughout.