From every major, stories worth celebrating

For BioHealth Sciences senior Samantha LeFore, Oregon State has been a balancing act between the football field, the research lab and urgent care. A captain on the OSU cheer team, she has spent her undergraduate years studying calcium detection methods, caring for patients as a medical assistant and preparing for medical school. Discover how leading from the sidelines helped shape her future as a physician.

Chemistry senior Juliana Betancourt is already tackling big scientific questions. After transferring from Chemeketa Community College, she joined a research team developing new ways to track nanoplastics in the human body, presented her work at international conferences and earned a spot in a Ph.D. program at the University of Michigan. Learn how a future pianist found her passion in chemistry instead.

Microbiology senior Riley Whisler packed a remarkable amount into her time at Oregon State. Between competing in triathlons, performing with a symphony orchestra, volunteering with hospice patients and supporting people with Parkinson’s Disease, she found her calling in medicine. Read how her grandfather’s story inspired her honors thesis.

Mathematics senior Warren Johnson has balanced coursework, research and one of the toughest undergraduate math competitions in North America while raising a young family. A transfer student from Linn-Benton Community College, he is already working toward an accelerated master’s degree and hopes to become a professor. Learn what he finds beautiful about mathematics.

Zoology senior Sophia Jones discovered much more than wildlife during a five-month study abroad experience in New Zealand. The experience deepened her passion for conservation, introduced her to some unforgettable animals and inspired plans to work abroad after graduation. Find out which rare bird became one of her favorite animals.

Biochemistry and biophysics senior Jessica Chavez Chairez transformed opportunities into impact during her time at Oregon State. From neuroscience and cancer research to mentoring underrepresented STEM students, she built a strong foundation for a future in science while helping others do the same. Read how a childhood conversation with a Spanish-speaking neurologist inspired her journey.

Biochemistry and molecular biology graduate McKenna Crise has been fascinated by genetics since a seventh-grade science project brought inherited traits to life through Muppet characters. At Oregon State, she paired that interest with research, clinical volunteering and career exploration before landing a position at a fertility clinic in Denver. Discover the classroom activity that first sparked her passion for genetics.

Physics senior Kieran King came to Oregon State planning to study political science, but a single calculus class shifted his path toward physics. Through undergraduate research on organic semiconductors and work as a learning assistant, he discovered a passion for clean-energy materials and teaching. Read how he found physics in materials that could power the future.

Maria Ruiz Cortes, a first-generation biology student, found inspiration for her future career while shadowing a gynecologic oncologist in the operating room. Alongside the pre-med track, she took on leadership roles in multiple student organizations, helping build community and support for fellow students. Read about how she found her path to medicine.

Sharing the joy of math

Samantha Hubbard, a mathematics major with a studio art minor, explores the playful side of math through her PRAx Fellowship project Hyperbolic Blend, now on display at PRAx. Inspired by Non-Euclidean geometry and artist M.C. Escher, Hubbard worked with faculty mentors to turn abstract math into a vibrant mixed-media artwork. Hear from her on how she brought math to life through art.

National honors, from salmon streams to Antarctic seas

Congratulations to marine biology junior Kasey Ingram, who was named a Udall Scholar, a national award recognizing students committed to leadership, public service and environmental stewardship. An Indigenous student of the Navajo Nation, Ingram has focused her undergraduate work on salmon research, coastal ecology and community-centered conservation at Oregon State’s Hatfield Marine Science Center. Her work reflects a strong commitment to connecting marine science with Indigenous knowledge and environmental protection. Read how she is bringing Indigenous perspectives into marine science.

Senior biology student Matoska Silva is a Fulbright finalist. Working with researchers in Chile, he will study whether krill abundance in the Nelson Strait is linked to predator foraging behavior and ocean transport processes. The project will help inform management of the Antarctic krill fishery and the ecological value of a proposed Marine Protected Area. After his Fulbright year, he plans to pursue a Ph.D. in marine ecology and a career in polar resource management.

In the 2025-26 academic year, graduate students in the College of Science received recognition through a variety of competitive fellowships, scholarships and professional development awards. These honors support students at critical stages of their graduate education, helping fund research, conference travel, tuition and other opportunities that contribute to academic and professional growth. See the awardees.

Graduate student Olivia Noonan received $3K from the American Ornithological Society for her project titled, “Behavioral responses to molt timing and environmental variation in a montane passerine, the Mountain White-crowned Sparrow.”

Do you have good news to share?

We’d love to celebrate it! Send submissions or links to your department Impact stories to ashtonh@oregonstate.edu by the 10th of each month. Please include “For DNL” in the subject line.

The faculty behind discovery, learning and leadership

Please join us in celebrating College of Science faculty members who earned promotion and/or tenure for the 2025–26 academic year. These milestones reflect years of dedication to innovative research, excellence in teaching and service to the Oregon State University community. View the university-wide list of promotions and tenure awards, including College of Science faculty, below.

Newly tenured faculty

• Francis Chan — Integrative Biology
• Tim Zuhlsdorff — Chemistry

Promoted to professor

• Paul Ha-Yeon Cheong — Chemistry
• Mark Novak — Integrative Biology
• Kyriakos Stylianou — Chemistry

Promoted to associate professor

• Richard Cooley — Biochemistry and Biophysics
• Tim Zuhlsdorff — Chemistry

Promoted to Senior Instructor I

• Farid Bouya — Mathematics
• Casey Schafer — Statistics

Promoted to Senior Instructor II

• Samantha McGee — Mathematics
• Lauren Dalton — Biochemistry and Biophysics
• Cassandra Siler — Chemistry
• Lou Wojcinski — Chemistry

Promoted to Senior Faculty Research Assistant I

• Yujuan Song — Biochemistry and Biophysics

Promoted to Senior Faculty Research Assistant II

• Stephanie Bollmann — Integrative Biology

Chong Fang lands a beaver on the cover of Precision Chemistry

A study from chemist Chong Fang’s laboratory was featured on the cover of the latest issue of Precision Chemistry. The research introduces a new statistical framework that helps scientists measure uncertainty in ultrafast spectroscopy analyses, strengthening confidence in studies of molecular processes that occur in trillionths of a second. The interdisciplinary project brought together expertise in chemistry, mathematics, statistics, physics and biology, and the journal selected beaver-inspired artwork by doctoral candidate Logan Lancaster and Fang for the cover. Check out the cover.

2026 College of Science Graduation Ceremonies

Friday, June 12
Valley Library Quad/Kidder Lawn

• Noon, Microbiology and BioHealth Sciences
• 1:30 p.m., Chemistry, Math, Physics, Statistics and Data Analytics
• 3:00 p.m., Biochemistry & Biophysics and Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
• 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. (two ceremonies), Biology, Zoology and Integrative Biology

Celebrate your students! Join us for the College of Science graduation ceremonies in the Valley Library Quad in front of Kidder Hall. More information is available on our Graduation 2026 page.

For faculty who are participating “on stage” during your ceremony: We recommend more formal-than-usual attire, and especially regalia if you can! We’ve heard from graduates that they enjoy seeing their professors and instructors celebrating this accomplishment alongside them, especially when faculty choose to wear regalia.