Words from the Dean
November 2025
Words from the Dean
November 2025
Dear College of Science community,
I’m thrilled to announce that after more than a year of hard work by the entire department, the Department of Statistics has received HECC approval to launch a new undergraduate degree in data science in early 2026 (pending NWCCU approval). The new major brings together math, statistics, computer science and social responsibility to prepare students to use data to address complex, real-world problems. It is intentionally designed to be flexible and not overloaded with credits, and it can serve as an ideal second major for students seeking broader preparation for the job market or expanded ability to bring data-intensive methods into other disciplines. Students can begin exploring the area as early as winter term through DS 201: Introduction to Data Science.
And more is coming! We expect the new data science B.S. to have an Ecampus version in fall 2026. Ecampus B.S. degrees in biological sciences (Integrative Biology) and in neuroscience (Biochemistry and Biophysics) are under development too, aiming for 2027 launches.
Other than that, I just have a few reminders about things I’m hoping folks will participate in:
- Submit your faculty and staff award nominations by Wednesday, Dec. 3. This is a chance to recognize colleagues whose work has made a meaningful difference in our community. If someone has stood out to you this year, please consider nominating them. Awards and deadlines.
- Applications remain open for the College’s Equity Projects Program for awards of up to $10,000. Academic, professional and research faculty are eligible to lead proposals, which are due by Friday, Dec. 12.
- The faculty senate is soliciting input on a proposed policy on Canvas usage and early alerts. Should you wish to comment, please complete this online form by Friday, Nov. 21 at 5 p.m. The survey is also available on the homepage of the Faculty Senate website. Gabs James, associate director of student engagement, has also welcomed comments by email (gabs.james@oregonstate.edu). I’ll pile on and say that I, too, would welcome your thoughts on this if you want to send them to me. I’m now serving on three (!) different central committees focused on improving student success, and there is no way that work will succeed unless ideas come from the faculty and staff working with students every day. I see the role of the committees as hearing what the good ideas are and figuring out how to bring financial or organizational resources to the table to make things happen.
Thank you again for your help in recognizing excellent work and working together on our shared priorities. The work we’re most proud of in the College of Science is community-led.
Go Beavs!
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
A Secchi disc measures water transparency. This concentration of algae results in a lower Secchi disk reading. Photo by Elijah Welch, city of Salem.
Research Highlights
Microbiologist and Professor Emeritus Theo Dreher discovered that toxin-producing algae in Detroit Reservoir shifted from one harmful strain to another around 2018. The finding underscores the need for continued monitoring to protect public health. Explore what this shift means for Oregon’s waterways.
Materials scientist Kyriakos Stylianou and his team have created a novel manganese-based metal-organic framework contrast agent. Dubbed BVR-19, the agent offers brighter imaging at lower doses, uses earth-abundant manganese instead of gadolinium and is synthesized under environmentally friendly conditions. See how this could change the future of diagnostics.
Congratulations
National Honors
Congratulations to mathematics Ph.D. candidate Madison Phelps and undergraduate Noah Unger-Schulz, who were selected to participate in the Numerical Analysis and Scientific Computing workshop at Rice University.
University Honors
The College of Science recently gathered to celebrate the 2025 Alumni Award recipients:
Heather Kitada Smalley (’14) received the Early Carer Award. A statistics alum and faculty member at Willamette University, Smalley is known for her innovative teaching and mentorships. Her research explores how data informs real-world decision making. Her passion for inclusive education is shaping the next generation of statisticians and data scientists. Learn more about her teaching philosophy.
Barbara Han (’09) received the Emerging Leader Award. An integrative biology alum and disease ecologist at the Cary Institute of Ecosystem Studies, Han uses data and machine learning to predict and prevent the next global outbreak. Her work bridges ecology and public health, connecting frogs, bats and mosquitoes to the bigger story of human health and climate change. Discover how Han’s research helps the world prepare for emerging diseases.
Eileen (’74, ’76) and Norbert Hartmann received the Distinguished Service Award. Eileen, a statistics alum and retired CPA, and Norbert, former adjunct faculty and president emeritus of the Oregon 4-H Foundation Board of Trustees, have dedicated decades to serving students and strengthening Oregon communities. Their commitment to mentorship, philanthropy and education has left a lasting mark on the College of Science and beyond. Learn more about this Beaver pair who continue to inspire.
Bill Skach (’79), received the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award. A biochemistry and biophysics alum, Skach dedicated his career to advancing treatments for cystic fibrosis, from early research in the lab to leadership at the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. His work has helped transform patient care and bring new hope to families worldwide. Discover how Skach turned scientific insight into lasting impact.
Joe Nibler (’63) received the Lifetime Achievement in Science Award. A beloved chemistry professor and mentor, Nibler’s career has spanned more than five decades of teaching, research and service to Oregon State. His dedication to students — and his passion for making complex ideas clear and engaging — have inspired generations of Beaver scientists. Read more about his lifetime of scientific excellence and mentorship.
Visibility
Ochre sea stars are making a recovery on the Oregon coast a decade after they were nearly wiped out by a mysterious wasting disease. Photo courtesy of Sarah Gravem
Nuclear astrophysicist Sanjana Curtis was part of a video celebrating Dark Matter Day. Watch Curtis reflect on studying the cosmos — its origins, its elements and its mysteries. Check out the two-minute video above or on YouTube.
The Oregonian reports that OSU’s Bruce Menge, with Sarah Gravem, has found ochre sea stars rebounding along the Oregon coast after nearly a decade of decline from a wasting disease. A “baby boom” of new sea stars has helped populations return to near pre-crisis levels, letting them resume their role as keystone predators. Read more about the study.
USA TODAY highlighted the turnaround of America’s commercial fisheries and quoted Jane Lubchenco, University Distinguished Professor of Biology and former NOAA administrator. She described the “perverse economic incentives” that once pushed fishermen to race for the last fish, noting how evidence-based policy and unlikely partnerships have rebuilt sustainable fisheries nationwide.
Biology major Naomi Bailey was named 2026 Sisters Rodeo Queen. The 21-year-old Newberg native is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in biology with an emphasis in pre-veterinary medicine. She has an extensive background in equestrian sports and has been riding horses for her entire life. Watch a video from Central Oregon Daily news.
Are you following along? Visit the College of Science instagram page for student happenings and science-related fun. We recommend you start with: The Colors of Team Science, Lab Partner Ghosts and Night at the Museum. 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
The Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics has been awarded $1.3M in funding from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences. The award is for a training program in molecular biophysics of complex systems. Led by Elisar Barbar and Juan Vanegas, the program will support a new generation of scientists exploring the frontiers of molecular biophysics.
Ph.D. candidate Luke Allan received the Larry W. Martin and Joyce B. O’Neill Fellowship for his innovative work in spectroscopy and computational chemistry. Allan’s research uses advanced modeling to understand how molecules absorb and transfer energy, bridging theory and experiment to reveal new insights into molecular behavior. Read more about his journey and why he credits the College of Science.
Apply, or encourage students to apply, for the PRAx Student Fellowships by Jan. 31, 2026. These fellowships support Oregon State graduate and advanced undergraduate students in developing interdisciplinary creative projects connected to OSU research. Fellows receive $1,000, attend an immersive retreat at PLAYA in Summer Lake, and participate in mentorship and professional development throughout the year, culminating in a public exhibition. Learn more and apply on the PRAx Student Fellowship page.
Mathematics Ph.D. candidates Madison Phelps and Praveeni Mathangadeera attended the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics GeoSciences conference in Baton Rouge, Louisiana from October 14-17. Praveeni received a SIAM student travel award for this trip. Both presented invited talks at a minisymposium on “Cryosphere and environment.”
The Department of Statistics has introduced a new data visualization course that teaches students how to interpret and communicate complex datasets clearly and effectively. Designed by Senior Instructor Erin Howard, the class emphasizes visual literacy and hands-on practice, culminating in a public showcase of student projects. Check out what topics students chose to unveil.
Events
Upcoming Events
Responsible Conduct of Research Training Program
Friday, November 21, 2025 – 1 to 2 p.m., Memorial Union 104 (Journey Room)
Mark your calendar! Dean Eleanor Feingold will lead this month’s session of the Responsible Conduct of Research Training Program, focusing on “Research Misconduct: Impact on Science and Society.” The discussion will explore the responsibility of scientists as members of society, as well as policies and procedures for handling misconduct. The nine-month series, hosted by the College of Science and the Office of Research Integrity, fulfills part of the training requirement for NIH- and other agency-funded researchers. Learn more about the program.
Gilfillan Lecture
Thursday, January 15, 2026 – 5:30 to 7 p.m., LaSells Stewart Center Construction & Engineering Hall
Mark your calendars! Chemist David Ji will present the annual Gilfillan Lecture. Ji is known as a leading scientist who pushed the boundaries of fundamental understanding in emerging battery chemistry. His recent contributions to aqueous batteries and use of anions as charge carriers have advanced the battery field toward addressing the grid energy storage and sustainable electric vehicles.
COS Faculty and Staff Awards
Tuesday, February 17, 2026 – 4 to 6:30 p.m., MU Horizon Room
Join us for the 2026 Faculty and Staff Awards, where the College will honor outstanding achievements in research, teaching, advising and inclusive excellence. There is still time to nominate your colleagues by December 3!