College of Science shines with nine awards at University Day

OSU alumni Association Distinguished Professor Award

Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics Head Elisar Barbar received the OSU Distinguished Professor award for her exceptional scholarship, innovative teaching and leadership in diversity and inclusion.

A leading expert in the study of intrinsically disordered proteins, Barbar has made pioneering contributions that have significantly advanced the field of structural biology. One colleague described her as a “transformative and influential” scientist whose work has far-reaching implications in understanding the role of proteins in human health and disease. Over her two-decade career at Oregon State, she has authored 90 refereed papers and reviews, 77 as the senior author, and secured nearly $10 million in research funding. Her lab’s research has pushed the boundaries of scientific inquiry, including recent structural studies on the SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid protein.

Beyond her scholarly achievements, Barbar’s commitment to teaching and mentoring has earned her widespread admiration from her students. One former student shared how her support during financial hardship in medical school was pivotal, crediting her with helping fundraise and guide them through difficult times. Another student praised her approach to teaching that emphasizes the importance of being able to communicate your ideas effectively.

As department head, Barbar has been instrumental in advancing OSU’s biophysical research infrastructure, securing an 800 MHz nuclear magnetic resonance machine that positioned the university as a regional leader in the field. Her leadership has fostered a collaborative and inclusive academic environment. A strong advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion, she has been instrumental in promoting opportunities for women and underrepresented groups in science.

“I can see that many of my most important scientific contributions germinated directly from knowledge Elisar shared with me,” one previous Ph.D. student wrote.

OSU Impact Award for Outstanding Scholarship

Bert and Emelyn Christensen Professor Xiulei (David) Ji received the OSU Impact Award for Outstanding Scholarship. This award recognizes faculty who have demonstrated outstanding scholarship in a specific project or activity resulting in substantial impact beyond the university setting.

Part of the Department of Chemistry, Ji is responsible for groundbreaking work in battery science, particularly in sustainable battery and energy storage techniques. His work has not only advanced scientific understanding but has also had a profound impact on the broader scientific community, both within and outside the academic sphere.

Nominators noted he has consistently introduced innovative approaches, particularly in battery chemistry. His recent studies on zinc and iron metal batteries have fundamentally shifted how scientists approach energy storage, offering the potential to transform the industry by utilizing more abundant and cost-effective materials. These advancements, published in high-impact journals like Science Advances, have positioned Ji at the forefront of global battery research. His work is widely recognized, as evidenced by his impressive citation record of over 39K citations and an H-index of 87. This metric is exceptional and exceeds typical values, indicating his position as a leading expert in his field.

“Dr. Ji’s scholarly achievements represent the highest level in terms of creativity and productivity in the energy storage field around the globe,” one nominator wrote.

In addition to his research, Dr. Ji is deeply committed to public engagement and the dissemination of knowledge. His ability to communicate complex scientific concepts in accessible terms has earned him significant media attention, with features in outlets such as the Associated Press, Oregon Public Broadcasting and Science Daily. His leadership also extends to shaping the future of energy research. He serves as an Associate Editor for Carbon Energy and is a fellow of several esteemed scientific organizations.

Outstanding Diversity Advocate Award

Ecologist Francis Chan from the Department of Integrative Biology received the Outstanding Diversity Advocate Award for his commitment to fostering diversity, equity and inclusion in all aspects of marine science research and education.

Colleagues noted that Chan’s influence extends not only across Oregon State University and Hatfield Marine Science Center but also regionally and globally.

As Director of NOAA’s Cooperative Institute for Marine and Ecosystem Resources Studies, Chan has been resolute in creative inclusive pathways for underrepresented students in STEM. His efforts include expanding partnerships with programs such as the Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Partnership and NOAA’s Inclusive Fisheries Internship Program, which have successfully recruited and retained minority students in marine sciences. Chan has also been instrumental in supporting tribal students through the New Beginnings for Tribal Students program, providing additional resources and mentorship to encourage their participation in marine science careers.

He has leveraged his professional roles to advocate for diversity in marine science on a national level, integrating DEI components into research proposals to ensure that diversity remains a constant priority.

“One very key point to raise is that these efforts taken by Francis are innate. He does it because he believes it, not because it is part of his job, or an expectation from society,” one nominator wrote.

OSU Academic Advising Award

Cody Duncan received the OSU Academic Advising Award for his exceptional dedication to student success, commitment to equity and inclusion and transformative contributions to the university’s advising programs.

Since 2016, Duncan has been a vital part of the Department of Integrative Biology. Colleagues describe him as humble, dedicated and approachable. They praise his collaborative approach, dedication to improving advising resources and his commitment to professional growth. His attitude and personal experiences as a first-generation college student inspire his advising philosophy, which emphasizes open communication, vulnerability and trust.

A former student, now a family medicine resident, remarked, “I would not be here without Cody Duncan… What will always stand out was how human, personable and accessible he was despite the road to medicine being one of the most complicated scholastic endeavors possible.”

Duncan’s contributions to the university community include redesigning the medical preceptorship program in collaboration with the Office of Institutional Diversity, which led to a threefold increase in participation from underrepresented students. He also participated in various professional development activities, including leadership roles in national advising organizations and serving on committees focused on diversity, equity and inclusion.

OSU Faculty Excellence in Online Teaching Award

Assistant Professor Staci Bronson received the OSU Faculty Excellence in Online Teaching Award for her outstanding contributions to online science education. Part of the Department of Integrative Biology, Bronson has played a pivotal role in creating and continuously improving the Human Anatomy and Physiology online course series. Her innovative approach includes the use of a home lightboard studio for video lectures, the development of interactive tools such as a virtual “bone box” and simulations that replicate the in-person lab experience.

Her colleagues note that her courses are meticulously designed to meet the high standards required for students aiming to enter professional health programs, incorporating rigorous assessments that build critical thinking skills. Her dedication to student success is evident through her efforts to foster a strong sense of community in her online courses, including personalized interactions and active discussion boards.

Bronson’s influence extends well beyond her impact on students and colleagues at Oregon State. She served as a co-editor on an open-source Human A&P textbook which has been accessed by 1.3 million people in the 23-24 academic year alone, including users in Nigeria, the Philippines, the UK, India and Australia.

“Personally, I can say that after every conversation with Staci, I am energized to try new online techniques, have learned a few new content connections and am overall thrilled that students have the experiences her courses offer,” one colleague wrote.

Outstanding Faculty Research Assistant Award

Dana K. Howe received the outstanding Faculty Research Assistant Award for her scientific expertise, mentorship and commitment to mentorship, collaboration and community engagement in the Department of Integrative Biology and beyond.

As part of Dee Denver's lab, colleagues praised her expertise in areas ranging from molecular biology to bioinformatics. Another nominator described Howe as “a central and essential force” who not only advances scientific research but also serves as a “role model for women in science.” Having mentored more than 100 students, her guidance has shaped the careers of many future scientists and healthcare professionals. Denver noted her pioneering work with DNA sequencing technologies, which has positioned OSU at the forefront of genomic research.

Her research has also made a significant impact on Oregon’s agriculture, with her innovative work on plant-parasitic nematodes providing crucial insights to help mitigate the effects of these pests on crops.

In addition to her research contributions, Dana is deeply involved in community service, volunteering in various capacities, including providing free tax services and financial coaching to underserved communities.

“I have frequently reached out to Dana for help solving my lab’s problems, or engaged her to help with departmental needs –– she is always willing to help. Her commitment and ability to lift up the whole community is so evident. She is the sort of FRA we would all dream of having,” one nominator wrote.

Postdoctoral Excellence Award

Department of Chemistry Postdoctoral Scholar Taylor Krueger earned the Postdoctoral Excellence Award for his exceptional contributions to research, mentorship and outreach.

Krueger has demonstrated remarkable scholarly achievements. His research, particularly in ultrafast laser spectroscopy for bioimaging, has resulted in 17 journal publications, showcasing his innovation and productivity. One nominator emphasized Krueger’s status as “a highly innovative and prolific postdoc in the field,” underscoring the significant impact of his work on the scientific community. This impact has been recognized by him winning the 2023 CGS/ProQuest Distinguished Dissertation award, the sole recipient in Biological/Life Science at Oregon State.

His leadership and mentorship further distinguish him as a standout postdoc. He was one of the two recipients of the 2023 Oregon State University Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring by Postdoctoral Researcher award. He has excelled in mentoring lab members and organizing educational workshops, setting “exemplary routes for others” and enhancing student learning outcomes.

Since 2017, Krueger has played a pivotal role in the OSU Juntos Chemistry Camp and its evolution into Academia Juntos, a program aimed at inspiring underrepresented youth in STEM. One nominator praised his ability to engage students “in a fun, encouraging, and educational manner,” highlighting how he helps them envision a future in higher education and STEM fields.

Postdoctoral Excellence Award

Department of Chemistry Postdoctoral Scholar Andrzej Gladysiak earned the Postdoctoral Excellence Award, for his outstanding contributions to the field of chemistry and his exemplary leadership and collaborative skills.

Gladysiak completed his Ph.D. at the Ecole Polytechnique Fédérale de Lausanne in Switzerland. His research focused on the design and characterization of metal-organic frameworks for gas separation and sensing, where he demonstrated exceptional proficiency in crystallography.

As a postdoctoral scholar at Columbia University and later at Oregon State, Gładysiak has continued to excel, integrating his crystallography expertise with chemical engineering to address global challenges like carbon capture. He has co-authored more than 10 scientific articles at Oregon State and has taken on a mentorship role, guiding undergraduate and graduate students with his research acumen and critical thinking.

Gładysiak's communication skills are also noteworthy; he has significantly contributed to grant applications, scientific presentations, and outreach activities, including plans to become an ambassador for the Oregon Museum of Science and Industry. His dedication to fostering an inclusive environment and supporting marginalized students at OSU further highlights his commitment to excellence in both science and mentorship.

“His exceptional intellect, strong interpersonal abilities, and unwavering enthusiasm position him as a standout scientist capable of effectively leading multiple projects or a research group in the near future,” the nominator wrote.

Herbert F. Frolander Graduate Teaching Assistant Award

Steven Tran received the Herbert F. Frolander Award for Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistants. Since joining the Department of Chemistry graduate program in Fall 2019, Tran has demonstrated remarkable abilities as both a teacher and researcher. He has maintained a near 4.0 GPA and shown research abilities close to the level of a postdoctoral fellow.

Tran's teaching style is highly valued by both students and colleagues. He is known for his conscientiousness, fairness and inclusivity in the classroom, and his students appreciate his organization, promptness in grading and constructive feedback. Despite being a physical chemistry graduate student, he has also taught a broad range of chemistry courses, demonstrating his versatility and exceptional command of chemistry content. His willingness to help, even at a moment's notice, has been crucial to avoiding lab cancellations. One faculty member said he embodies the ideals that the Oregon State community aspires to, “a strong desire to help others learn, a fantastic contagious positive attitude, a welcoming demeanor that immediately makes all students feel comfortable and respected, and a desire to make things better for students, the Department, OSU and beyond.”

As a first-generation student from a single-parent household, Tran planned to enter the workforce directly after high school to support his family. However, his passion for learning and curiosity about the world led him to pursue higher education. As Tran himself reflects, "I realized that school was not just a free daycare center or a place where I was sent to learn English; it was a place where I could be curious about how the world worked." His experience as a first-generation college student allows him to connect deeply with students, inspiring them to overcome their challenges and succeed.