{"id":2086,"date":"2025-12-15T20:57:17","date_gmt":"2025-12-15T20:57:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/science\/?p=2086"},"modified":"2025-12-18T20:32:37","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T20:32:37","slug":"december-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/science\/newsletter\/december-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"December 2025"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignfull are-vertically-aligned-center has-primary-background-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-618b26797370d14c13bb4407df7085dc is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-fdf86e34 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\" style=\"padding-top:10px;padding-right:20px;padding-bottom:10px;padding-left:20px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:220px\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full is-resized wp-duotone-default-filter\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2023\/05\/cos-logo-bw.png\" alt=\"College of Science logo\" class=\"wp-image-707\" width=\"200\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns are-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:102px\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left has-link-color wp-elements-70ae1beb24ab5ab75616a030263f9d3b\"><a href=\"#research\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#research\">Research<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:85px\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\"><a href=\"#honors\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#honors\">Honors<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:94px\">\n<p><a href=\"#visibility\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#visibility\">Visibility<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:73px\">\n<p><a href=\"#news\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#news\">News<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-vertically-aligned-center is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:81px\">\n<p><a href=\"#events\" data-type=\"internal\" data-id=\"#events\">Events<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-ad9073ae wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-light wp-duotone-default-filter\" style=\"margin-bottom:0rem;min-height:700px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2560\" height=\"1236\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-1581\" alt=\"Smiling headshot of Dean Feingold in front of a campus walkway\" src=\"https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2023\/11\/feingold-2023-beavs-edit-scaled.jpg\" style=\"object-position:55% 36%\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" data-object-position=\"55% 36%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2023\/11\/feingold-2023-beavs-edit-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2023\/11\/feingold-2023-beavs-edit-800x386.jpg 800w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2023\/11\/feingold-2023-beavs-edit-1280x618.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2023\/11\/feingold-2023-beavs-edit-500x241.jpg 500w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2023\/11\/feingold-2023-beavs-edit-768x371.jpg 768w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2023\/11\/feingold-2023-beavs-edit-1536x742.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2023\/11\/feingold-2023-beavs-edit-2048x989.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2023\/11\/feingold-2023-beavs-edit-1250x604.jpg 1250w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2023\/11\/feingold-2023-beavs-edit-400x193.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2560px) 100vw, 2560px\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(97deg,rgb(0,0,0) 0%,rgba(0,0,0,0) 66%)\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column d-xs-none d-lg-block is-layout-constrained wp-block-column-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"flex-basis:50%\">\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-foreground-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:57px\"><strong>Words from the Dean<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-foreground-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-size:35px\">December 2025<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:8rem\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer d-xs-none d-lg-block\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading d-xs-block d-lg-none has-primary-color has-text-color\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--30);padding-right:0;padding-bottom:0;padding-left:0;font-size:40px;font-style:normal;font-weight:500\"><strong>Words from the Dean<\/strong><br>December 2025<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:35px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer d-xs-block d-lg-none\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Dear College of Science community,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With fall term behind us, I want to wish everyone a good holiday season. Thank you for all of your hard work this term \u2013\u2013 we have collectively accomplished so much. I hope everyone is able to rest and recharge over winter break.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This fall was an especially intense term for me personally. I taught a section of the Transitions course (shout-out to Devon Quick and the Transitions Ecampus group for getting me up to speed on all things Ecampus and Canvas!). I also began analyzing an exciting new dataset on the genetics of human female reproductive traits \u2013\u2013 while trying to ensure my Ph.D. student reaches the finish line before her funding runs out. At the same time, I jumped into a host of new OSU initiatives to increase student success.<br><br>I especially appreciate all of the help many of you have provided on the student success work \u2013\u2013 educating me and brainstorming about where you think the opportunities are and what the resource needs are so that I can carry those messages back and help set priorities. I\u2019m excited to be doing this work, and hopeful that we can continue it with some well-thought-out and well-executed interventions that will really help students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Our commitment to students and to science is highlighted across the items in this newsletter: science students taking on childhood disease and climate challenges (including OSU\u2019s first Marshall Scholar!), faculty innovation and entrepreneurship, interdisciplinary research that connects fundamental science with real-world systems, and a community that shows up for students in tangible ways.<br><br>The best of our College is also highlighted in a star-studded lineup of winter and spring events. On Jan. 15, David Ji will present the annual <a href=\"https:\/\/oregonstate.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_dp2WpMVrndFcvKC\">Gilfillan Lecture<\/a>. On Feb. 17, we\u2019ll come together for the <a href=\"https:\/\/oregonstate.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_8uHNu2xzYXH1zGm\">Faculty and Staff Awards<\/a> to recognize colleagues whose research, teaching, advising and commitment to inclusive excellence strengthen our mission. I am also excited about our spring Inclusive Excellence Lecture on March 17 that will bridge science and art. Hannah Stuwe, a Ph.D. candidate in biochemistry and biophysics, will present a multimedia presentation featuring live music, exploring what the sciences can learn from DIY counterculture.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On April 2nd (time TBD) we will hold a town hall with Provost Roy Haggerty and President Jayathi Murthy, followed by a showcase of faculty research. And finally, in May we will reprise last year\u2019s incredibly successful graduate student research showcase (date TBD). I hope that all of these events will be opportunities to celebrate our colleagues, but also to come together, socialize, maybe even meet new people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Go Beavs!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Eleanor Feingold<\/strong><br><small>Dean, College of Science<\/small><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-background-color has-tertiary-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color wp-elements-ddd26f17680a66af2c361a1e8e826456 is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:6rem;margin-bottom:0;padding-top:6rem;padding-bottom:6rem\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-background-color has-text-color\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:700\">All the news that&#8217;s fit to print.<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"has-black-color has-text-color\">Please submit news, honors and awards, discoveries, events, research funding, student news, alumni updates and more. Just send us a&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"mailto:impact@messages.science.oregonstate.edu\">quick email<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;by the end of the month.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b25d146d wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" id=\"research\" style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;padding-bottom:7rem\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6590d3d3 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-light wp-duotone-default-filter\" style=\"min-height:700px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1887\" height=\"1110\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-2087 size-full\" alt=\"Imagining showing neuron spheroids on a chip designed to control the communication channels between the neuron cells\" src=\"https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2025\/12\/nuron-spheroids-on-chip-header.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2025\/12\/nuron-spheroids-on-chip-header.jpg 1887w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2025\/12\/nuron-spheroids-on-chip-header-800x471.jpg 800w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2025\/12\/nuron-spheroids-on-chip-header-1280x753.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2025\/12\/nuron-spheroids-on-chip-header-500x294.jpg 500w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2025\/12\/nuron-spheroids-on-chip-header-768x452.jpg 768w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2025\/12\/nuron-spheroids-on-chip-header-1536x904.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1887px) 100vw, 1887px\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(90deg,rgb(6,61,10) 27%,rgba(33,87,59,0.51) 81%)\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-foreground-color has-text-color\" style=\"letter-spacing:8px;text-transform:uppercase\">Research <br>updates<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-32f8cf227d26aa5c6da63d25ef4a945e is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"color:#4a4a4a;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:8rem\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\">Neuron spheroids on a chip designed to control the communication channels between the neuron cells. Color shows the firing activity of the cells.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Research Funding<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Four College of Science interdisciplinary research teams have been awarded funding through SciRIS stage 2 and stage 3 categories. Their projects span quantum materials, nanotechnology, spectroscopy and cell-based computing \u2014 exploring spin waves for future computing, tracking nanoplastics in living systems, developing single-pixel spectrometers, and advancing cell-based artificial intelligence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Transforming computing through spintronics (Stage 3):<\/strong> A cross-disciplinary team of Oksana Ostroverkhova (physics), Axel Saenz Rodriguez (mathematics) and Chong Fang and Tim Zuehlsdorff (chemistry) is designing and controlling spin waves (magnons) for faster, more energy-efficient computing technologies.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cell-based artificial intelligence (Stage 2):<\/strong> Bo Sun\u2019s (physics) team, in collaboration with Patrick Chappell in the College of Veterinary Medicine, is developing computing systems based on engineered biological cells that can process information, sense environments and respond to inputs, offering energy-efficient and self-repairing alternatives to traditional computing.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Using machine learning to develop single-pixel spectrometers (Stage 2):<\/strong> Ethan Minot (physics) and electrical engineering professor Xiao Fu are combining atomically thin semiconductor photodetectors with machine learning to create ultra-compact spectrometers for applications ranging from environmental monitoring to wearable health sensors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Labeling nanoplastics (Stage 2):<\/strong> Marilyn Mackiewicz (chemistry) and Stacey Harper (Colleges of Agricultural Science and Engineering) are working on metal nanoparticle tracers to visually track nanoplastics in cells and zebrafish models, improving understanding of nanoplastic uptake, toxicity and environmental health impacts.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/science.oregonstate.edu\/impact\/2025\/12\/from-nanoplastics-to-quantum-magnets-four-teams-selected-for-sciris-awards\">Read more about these interdisciplinary SciRIS-funded projects.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Daniel Liefwalker<\/strong> received $50K from the Medical Research Foundation for his project titled \u201cKDM5B is a barrier to MYC-dependent cancer progression.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b25d146d wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" id=\"honors\" style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;padding-bottom:7rem\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6590d3d3 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull wp-duotone-default-filter\" style=\"min-height:700px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1067\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-1831\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2024\/06\/glitter-celebration.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2024\/06\/glitter-celebration.jpg 1600w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2024\/06\/glitter-celebration-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2024\/06\/glitter-celebration-1280x854.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2024\/06\/glitter-celebration-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2024\/06\/glitter-celebration-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2024\/06\/glitter-celebration-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2024\/06\/glitter-celebration-1250x834.jpg 1250w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2024\/06\/glitter-celebration-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1600px) 100vw, 1600px\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-60 has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(0,0,0,0.41) 31%,rgb(0,0,0) 49%,rgba(0,0,0,0.38) 67%)\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-foreground-color has-text-color\" style=\"letter-spacing:8px;text-transform:uppercase\">Congratulations<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-01297e22ad3b3f080431d5d5546f581d is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"color:#4a4a4a;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:8rem\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">National Honors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Giulia Wood<\/strong> (\u201923 biochemistry and molecular biology &amp; environmental sciences) has been named a 2026 Marshall Scholar, the first in OSU history.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Marshall Scholarship is one of the world\u2019s most prestigious fellowships for postgraduate study. Supported by funding from the U.K. government, Wood will pursue a Ph.D. in marine sciences at the University of Liverpool, investigating Antarctic krill physiology and their role in biogeochemical cycling in the Southern Ocean. <a href=\"https:\/\/science.oregonstate.edu\/impact\/2025\/12\/science-alumna-giulia-wood-selected-for-2026-marshall-scholarship\">Learn more fun facts about Wood, including her love of art.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">University Honors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Congratulations to Rich G. Carter, professor of chemistry and faculty lead for innovation excellence, who has received the 2025 OSU Faculty Innovator Award. Carter co-founded Valliscor, an Oregon-based chemical manufacturing company expanding into the semiconductor sector with a 12-acre manufacturing campus in Albany. He also leads Promotion and Tenure \u2013 Innovation and Entrepreneurship (PTIE), an OSU coalition supported by the National Science Foundation that is reshaping how faculty innovation and entrepreneurship are recognized and valued. <a href=\"https:\/\/science.oregonstate.edu\/impact\/2025\/11\/rich-carter-recognized-with-faculty-innovator-award-as-osu-spin-off-valliscor-grows\">Read more about his impact here.<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b25d146d wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" id=\"visibility\" style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;padding-bottom:7rem\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6590d3d3 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-light wp-duotone-default-filter\" style=\"min-height:700px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1280\" height=\"854\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-1312 size-large\" alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2023\/07\/blue-3-1280x854.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2023\/07\/blue-3-1280x854.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2023\/07\/blue-3-800x534.jpg 800w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2023\/07\/blue-3-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2023\/07\/blue-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2023\/07\/blue-3-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2023\/07\/blue-3-1250x834.jpg 1250w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2023\/07\/blue-3-400x267.jpg 400w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2023\/07\/blue-3.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1280px) 100vw, 1280px\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-40 has-background-dim\" style=\"background-color:#351a47\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-foreground-color has-text-color\" style=\"letter-spacing:8px;text-transform:uppercase\">Visibility<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-667f0092216964cfcb5b0ce0eb615eca is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"color:#4a4a4a;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:8rem\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p class=\"has-small-font-size\"><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Explore the fascinating story of how color pigments are made. This video traces the history of pigments used in clothing, when they were rare, difficult and often dangerous to create. The video also shows how color shaped trade, culture and identity across civilizations. It concludes with materials scientist Mas Subramanian (chemistry), whose work continues that quest today to develop a durable, non-toxic red pigment. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=Cn7K27gqahM\">See Mas featured in \u201cThe Most Dangerous Colors of the Ancient World &#8211; Ranked.\u201d<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<span class=\"embed-youtube\" style=\"text-align:center; display: block;\"><iframe loading=\"lazy\" class=\"youtube-player\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/Cn7K27gqahM?version=3&#038;rel=1&#038;showsearch=0&#038;showinfo=1&#038;iv_load_policy=1&#038;fs=1&#038;hl=en-US&#038;autohide=2&#038;wmode=transparent\" allowfullscreen=\"true\" style=\"border:0;\" sandbox=\"allow-scripts allow-same-origin allow-popups allow-presentation allow-popups-to-escape-sandbox\"><\/iframe><\/span>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A recent report on the WAMC public-radio program Earth Wise highlights hopeful news for ochre sea star populations along the Oregon Coast. Alongside researchers from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, Oregon State marine biologists Sarah Gravem and Bruce Menge reported that a post-crash \u201cbaby boom\u201d has produced enough young sea stars for many populations to rebound to pre-disease levels or higher. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.wamc.org\/show\/earth-wise\/2025-12-08\/ochre-sea-stars-recovering\">Listen to the full findings here.<br><br><\/a>An OregonLive article highlights BioHealth Sciences junior <strong>Riitvek Baddireddi<\/strong>, whose journey from immigrating from India to surviving a rare childhood disease inspired his path toward a career in healthcare. At Oregon State, he conducts research on venom proteins as potential cancer therapeutics in Nathan Mortimer\u2019s lab and on renewable energy electrochemical cells in Xiulei \u201cDavid\u201d Ji\u2019s lab, while also leading campus efforts to expand hands-on learning experiences for pre-med students and stem cell and marrow donor registration. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.oregonlive.com\/living\/2025\/11\/osu-student-to-present-cancer-research-at-international-conference.html\">Read the full feature on this dedicated pre-med student.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Follow along<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Visit the College of Science instagram page<\/strong> for student happenings and science-related fun. This month&#8217;s fun highlights: &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DR3A61EEs64\">Little bits of wisdom from lab equipment<\/a>&#8221; and &#8220;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/p\/DSLL5odksqZ\/\">Wishing you a season of joy<\/a>.&#8221;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Do you have an idea for a social media post or video, or a research reel to share? Contact <a href=\"mailto:erica.martin@oregonstate.edu\">erica.martin@oregonstate.edu<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b25d146d wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" id=\"news\" style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;padding-bottom:7rem\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6590d3d3 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-light wp-duotone-unset-1\" style=\"min-height:700px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1800\" height=\"1200\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-680\" alt=\"Two students on bikes whiz past each other\" src=\"https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2023\/05\/OSU-Campus-Bikes-Lo-Res.jpg\" style=\"object-position:50% 33%\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" data-object-position=\"50% 33%\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2023\/05\/OSU-Campus-Bikes-Lo-Res.jpg 1800w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2023\/05\/OSU-Campus-Bikes-Lo-Res-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2023\/05\/OSU-Campus-Bikes-Lo-Res-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2023\/05\/OSU-Campus-Bikes-Lo-Res-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2023\/05\/OSU-Campus-Bikes-Lo-Res-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2023\/05\/OSU-Campus-Bikes-Lo-Res-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2023\/05\/OSU-Campus-Bikes-Lo-Res-1250x833.jpg 1250w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2023\/05\/OSU-Campus-Bikes-Lo-Res-400x267.jpg 400w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1800px) 100vw, 1800px\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-background-dim-40 has-background-dim wp-block-cover__gradient-background has-background-gradient\" style=\"background:linear-gradient(180deg,rgba(255,203,112,0.16) 11%,rgb(58,36,21) 49%,rgba(214,0,132,0.14) 86%)\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-foreground-color has-text-color\" style=\"letter-spacing:8px;text-transform:uppercase\">College News<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-01297e22ad3b3f080431d5d5546f581d is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"color:#4a4a4a;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:8rem\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p>Oregon State&#8217;s <strong>Honors College<\/strong> gives science students early research experience and the opportunity to complete an honors thesis; students also earn a separate degree, unlike many honors programs. The research-driven program enables students to work closely with faculty mentors, gaining skills that set them apart for graduate school or careers in science. <a href=\"https:\/\/science.oregonstate.edu\/impact\/2025\/12\/osu-honors-college-degree-for-science-students-built-around-undergraduate-research\">Read a new IMPACT article exploring the Honors College distinctions.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From OSU to Barcelona, <strong>Sahana Shah<\/strong> (\u201924, Honors biochemistry and biophysics) is making strides in autism research through her 2025-26 Fulbright U.S. Student Program grant. At the Institute for Research in Biomedicine Barcelona, she is studying a protein linked to autism spectrum disorder. The National &amp; Global Scholarships Advising office recently spoke with her \u2014 <a href=\"https:\/\/topscholars.oregonstate.edu\/all-stories\/scholar-stories-sahana-shah-and-journey-fulbright\">see what insights she has gained along the way.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The <strong>Department of Integrative Biology<\/strong> donated a total of 164 pounds of food and 28 pounds of household items to the Basic Needs Center (BNC) during the month of November. The BNC provides resources for students facing financial challenges, focusing on food, housing and budgeting. Way to go, IB! We applaud your work to help all Oregon State students.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b25d146d wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" id=\"events\" style=\"margin-top:0px;margin-bottom:0px;padding-bottom:7rem\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-6590d3d3 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\" style=\"margin-top:0;margin-bottom:0\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-cover alignfull is-light wp-duotone-default-filter\" style=\"min-height:700px;aspect-ratio:unset;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2000\" height=\"1333\" class=\"wp-block-cover__image-background wp-image-2013 size-full\" alt=\"Students holding OSU colored bandanas walk through campus\" src=\"https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2025\/09\/pep-rally.jpg\" data-object-fit=\"cover\" srcset=\"https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2025\/09\/pep-rally.jpg 2000w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2025\/09\/pep-rally-800x533.jpg 800w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2025\/09\/pep-rally-1280x853.jpg 1280w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2025\/09\/pep-rally-500x333.jpg 500w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2025\/09\/pep-rally-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2025\/09\/pep-rally-1536x1024.jpg 1536w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2000px) 100vw, 2000px\" \/><span aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-cover__background has-primary-background-color has-background-dim-30 has-background-dim\"><\/span><div class=\"wp-block-cover__inner-container is-layout-flow wp-block-cover-is-layout-flow\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns alignwide is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-28f84493 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\" style=\"flex-basis:100%\">\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-foreground-color has-text-color\" style=\"letter-spacing:8px;text-transform:uppercase\">Events<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignfull has-text-color has-link-color wp-elements-01297e22ad3b3f080431d5d5546f581d is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"color:#4a4a4a;margin-top:1em;margin-bottom:8rem\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group alignwide is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\">\n<p><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Upcoming Events<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Gilfillan Lecture<\/strong><br>Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026<br>5:30 to 7 p.m., LaSells Stewart Center Construction &amp; Engineering Hall<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Mark your calendars! Chemist David Ji will present the annual Gilfillan Lecture. Ji is known as a leading scientist who pushes 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 study of batteries toward addressing the grid energy storage crisis and sustainable electric vehicles.&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/oregonstate.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_dp2WpMVrndFcvKC\">RSVP here.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>COS Faculty and Staff Awards<\/strong><br>Tuesday, Feb. 17, 2026<br>4 to 6:30 p.m., MU Horizon Room<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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. <a href=\"https:\/\/oregonstate.qualtrics.com\/jfe\/form\/SV_8uHNu2xzYXH1zGm\">RSVP here<\/a>.<br><br><strong>Inclusive Excellence Lecture<\/strong><br>Tuesday, March 17, 2026<br>Time TBD, PRAx<br>What can science learn from DIY counterculture? Hannah Stuwe, a PhD candidate in biochemistry and biophysics and co-founder of the Corvallis Music Collective, explores the intersection of scientific research, community organizing and the DIY punk scene, drawing on her work in SARS-CoV-2 research and grassroots music culture, with live musical performances woven throughout.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Words from the DeanDecember 2025 Dear College of Science community, With fall term behind us, I want to wish everyone a good holiday season. Thank you for all of your hard work this term \u2013\u2013 we have collectively accomplished so much. I hope everyone is able to rest and recharge over winter break.&nbsp; This fall [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6216,"featured_media":736,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2086","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dnl"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/osu-wams-blogs-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com\/blogs.dir\/1831\/files\/2023\/05\/december.png","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/p5vqws-xE","jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/science\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2086","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/science\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/science\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/science\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6216"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/science\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=2086"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/science\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2086\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2107,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/science\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2086\/revisions\/2107"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/science\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/736"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/science\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2086"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/science\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2086"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/blogs.oregonstate.edu\/science\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2086"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}