Highlights

BioHealth Sciences senior Qiying Ma participated in an eight-week internship at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) focused on addiction science and computational research. Building on his work in the BEAVERS Lab, Ma used bioinformatics and large-scale data analysis to study how biological and environmental factors influence alcohol-associated gene expression, contributing to ongoing research in substance use and brain science. The experience connects his undergraduate research training with real-world biomedical applications and future goals in pharmacy. Read how data-driven research is shaping addiction science.

Funding

Jessica Siegel received $450K from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust for her project “Partners in Science at Oregon State University: Innovative Research Collaboration for Science Teachers and Scientists.”

Dee Denver received $34K from the International Rhino Fund for his project “Greater One-Horned Rhinoceros Conservation in Nepal: Advancing Population Monitoring Through Portable Nanopore DNA Sequencing Technology.”

PhysicistEthan Minot has been appointed permanent head of Oregon State’s Department of Physics, a department known for pairing internationally recognized research with bold approaches to physics teaching and an unusually collaborative culture. A leading researcher in quantum materials and nanoscale systems, Minot sees growing opportunities for Physics to strengthen both experimental and theoretical research while increasing student success across STEM fields at OSU. Read more about Minot’s vision for the Department of Physics.

Two mathematics Ph.D. students received funding to attend two Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics (SIAM) meetings in July 2026 in Cleveland, Ohio. Stefanie Fazekas will present at the poster session at the annual meeting and give a talk at the SIAM Conference on Mathematics of Planet Earth (MPE). She received full funding from the Association of Women in Mathematics. Praveeni Mathangadeera will present at the MPE conference with funding from SIAM. Congratulations!

Senior Instructor Lauren Dalton in biochemistry and biophysics was part of a collaborative team that received the 2026 University of British Columbia Open Educational Resources Excellence and Impact Group Award, announced in April, for their work on Fundamentals of Cell Biology. Developed with Robin Young of the University of British Columbia Okanagan and illustrator Heather Ng-Cornish of Thompson Rivers University, the open textbook is used at Oregon State, UBC Okanagan and more than 20 institutions worldwide, expanding access to foundational biology while reducing costs for students and emphasizing inclusive, student-centered design. Read more about the award here. 

Evolutionary biologist and emeritus professor Stevan J. Arnold was elected to the National Academy of Sciences, one of the highest honors in U.S. science, recognizing sustained, field-defining research in evolutionary biology and quantitative genetics. Arnold’s work has shaped how scientists understand evolutionary processes, earning him recognition among a select group of researchers elected by their peers for exceptional scientific impact. Explore the full IMPACT feature on his career and this national honor.

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.

Three College of Science students are presenting exhibitions as part of the 2025-2026 Art Science Fellowship. The exhibition is on view through July 6. Learn more about the exhibition.

• Physics Ph.D. student Roshell Lamug is presenting “Encounter the Perceptual Weight of Light,” an exhibition exploring the intersection of art and science through holograms, caustic lenses and optical materials Lamug designed and fabricated. Her work investigates ambiguity and clarity of perception through motion, light and time. 
• Undergraduate Samantha Hubbard’s project explores the rigid world of math through the largely interpretative world of visual media by visually translating the hyperbolic space within non-Euclidean geometry. 
• Integrative biology Ph.D. student Kenneth Glynn’s project combines his passion for music and science via musical compositions detailing his personal experiences as a scientist, a neurodivergent individual and an avid bird lover.

Materials chemist Mas Subramanian’s work was featured in a National Geographic article covering the history of cerulean blue. Blue pigments are among the rarest and most challenging to design, requiring precise control of how materials interact with light. The article traces this journey from ancient Egyptian blue to modern-day discoveries, including the 2009 discovery of YInMn Blue. Learn why The Devil Wears Prada is mentioned. Subramian also did an interview with Radio New Zealand on his quest to find a billion dollar vibrant and lasting red pigment. Listen to the radio segment.

Zoology graduate Alex Carbaugh-Rutland was featured in University of Miami news for his interdisciplinary work at the intersection of marine science, environmental law and policy as he completed a joint Ph.D. and J.D. program. With a background in whale biology and conservation, Carbaugh-Rutland’s research focuses on how federal wildlife protection laws, including the Endangered Species Act and Marine Mammal Protection Act, are applied in practice, alongside broader efforts to connect scientific understanding with environmental policymaking. His work has included published research in both scientific and legal journals, as well as participation in international climate negotiations and federal judicial internship experience.  Follow his journey from OSU zoology to the front lines of conservation law.

Materials scientist Marilyn Rampersad Mackiewicz presented at the Oregon State Bioengineering Symposium on her lab’s work engineering hybrid-lipid-coated silver nanoparticles for precision imaging of triple-negative breast cancer. This specific type is one of the most aggressive and difficult-to-treat breast cancers. She also co-led a discussion on “Designing BioE technologies to address health disparities.” The symposium brought together students, researchers, clinicians and industry leaders from across Oregon and the surrounding region to explore innovations in biomedical engineering with a focus on advancing health equity.

From international mathematics research to global leadership and back to Oregon State, alumnus Dale Comstock (M.A., Ph.D. Mathematics ’64) has built a career spanning more than 70 countries while staying closely connected to the university where it began. A new IMPACT feature highlights how the OSU mathematics graduate is now giving back through an endowed dissertation award that supports graduate students at critical stages of their research. Learn how his support helps prepare future mathematicians. 

A childhood spent tagging along on veterinary calls sparked Oregon State chemistry alum Thomas Webb’s (Chemistry ’68) early curiosity about how the world works, setting him on a path to a career in chemistry and a lifelong connection to discovery. That early curiosity grew into a decades-long academic career and ultimately led Webb to support the next generation of students. Discover why equipment is his funding focus.

On Dam Proud Day, Team Science came together with 160 gifts, raising $38,463 for the College of Science — fueling scholarships and real-world learning experiences for Science students. We’re so grateful to everyone who gave and supported department efforts to get the word out. Your support is opening doors and helping students pursue their dreams with confidence.

Berg Lecture

Thursday, May 21 
5:15 p.m., Reception to follow
LaSells Stewart Center, Construction & Engineering Hall

The Department of Microbiology will host the Berg Lecture this spring. The speaker will be Vincent Racaniello, professor of microbiology and immunology at Columbia University. His research focuses on poliovirus and viral pathogenesis. Racaniello is a recipient of honors from the American Society for Microbiology recognizing his contributions to virology and science communication. Learn more Berg Lecture details on our newsroom.

Lonseth Lecture

Thursday, May 28
LaSells Stewart Center, Construction & Engineering Hall
3:30 p.m. Department awards ceremony
4 to 5 p.m. Lecture, with reception to follow in Myrtle Tree Alcove

The Department of Mathematics will host its 41st annual Lonseth Lecture this spring. The speaker will be Laura P. Schaposnik, professor of mathematics at the University of Illinois Chicago. Her research sits at the intersection of geometry, topology and mathematical physics. Schaposnik is a recipient of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers, as well as NSF CAREER, Simons and Humboldt fellowships. Learn more Lonseth Lecture details in our newsroom.

Bettye Maddux Retirement Celebration

Tuesday, June 9
3 to 5 p.m
Kidder 128

Please join us for an informal celebration honoring Bettye Maddux as she prepares to retire after more than 20 years of supporting research and faculty success in the College of Science community. Feel free to stop by anytime between 3 and 5 p.m. as your schedule allows. Please RSVP by June 2. The RSVP form also includes an opportunity to share a note or memory with Bettye, whether or not you’re able to attend.

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. Learn more and encourage your graduating students to register 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.