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Teaching Innovation

Course-based undergraduate research at OSU is transforming science education

As part of the College of Science's innovative course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs), students aren’t just learning about science — they’re doing authentic science. CUREs are an innovative pedagogical model where students engage in original research within the context of a regular course. This offers a research-intensive learning experience that is more accessible than research opportunities outside the classroom.

A paper sculpture of a fish parasite hangs from a ceiling.
Microbiology

Blending art and science: Microbiologist illuminates the hidden world of fish parasites

A graduate student in Oregon State University’s Department of Microbiology, Nilanjana Das is using art to give the invisible world of fish parasites new visibility — and new meaning. Through large, glowing sculptures made of tracing paper and reed, she brings public attention to the microscopic organisms threatening aquatic ecosystems.

Computer designed image representing quantum entanglement
Physics

Marking 100 years of quantum physics — with Oregon State at the forefront of entanglement research

As we mark the 100th anniversary of quantum mechanics and recognize World Quantum Day on April 14, it’s the perfect moment to spotlight Oregon State’s connection to this revolutionary science. Carl Kocher, now professor emeritus of physics, conducted the world’s first experimental observation of quantum entanglement in the 1960s — work that helped lay the foundation for decades of breakthroughs in quantum research.

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Events

College of Science hosts Graduate Research Showcase

The College of Science is hosting a Graduate Research Showcase from 11:30 am till 2:30 pm on Friday, May 16, 2025 in the Memorial Union Horizon Room. Applications are open for first consideration until April 25.

Two women in lab coats work with a sample in a tube in a laboratory.
Microbiology

Microbiome scientist uses AI to redefine the gut-brain axis and deep-sea ecosystems

Maude David’s research sits at the crossroads of microbiology, neuroscience and artificial intelligence — an intersection that may hold the key to understanding some of the most complex disorders affecting the human brain and unlocking the secrets of deep-sea ecosystems.

The lower Colorado River in the Grand Canyon is a rich environment
Research

Transforming river health, ecology, seaweed, and pest control: Revolutionary SciRIS research

Founded in 2018, SciRIS funds interdisciplinary research projects that aim to create meaningful societal impact. This year, biologist David Lytle’s project focuses on understanding the complex interactions between multiple biotic components, including food base, disease landscape and microbiome in the lower Colorado River, including the Grand Canyon.

Black and white photo of a man with a streak of light across his face.
Chemistry

Shedding light on molecular mysteries: Physical chemist wins CAREER Award

Light is more than just illumination --- it’s the energy that drives life itself. Physical chemist Tim Zuehlsdorff is using his coveted National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award to study what happens when molecules interact with light in dynamic environments, such as solvents or proteins.

An undergraduate researcher wears an Oregon State lab coat in the lab, surrounded by equipment including a microscope and vials.
Students

Undergraduate researcher studies autoimmune disease to improve lives

To say the least, Estifanos Berhe knows how to multitask. From working at the Ettihad Cultural Center to researching autoimmune diseases, he juggles dual majors with many extracurriculars. His drive? Uplifting his communities and honoring his family's sacrifices.

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Events

Celebrating excellence in research: 2025 College of Science Awards

The College of Science gathered on Feb. 26 to recognize and celebrate our high achieving faculty and staff at the 2025 Combined Awards Ceremony. The evening celebrated the very best in the College, from teaching, advising and research to inclusive excellence, administration and service. The following faculty and staff received awards in research.

Intrinsically disordered proteins
Biochemistry & Biophysics

2025 Gilfillan Lecture: "Beyond the fold: How disordered proteins control movement, viruses and gene expression"

Join us for the 2025 F.A. Gilfillan Memorial Lecture, featuring Dr. Elisar Barbar, a pioneering researcher challenging traditional views of protein structure.

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Faculty and Staff

OSU astrophysicist Xavier Siemens wins coveted Bruno Rossi Prize for gravitational wave discovery

Xavier Siemens, a renowned astrophysicist and professor at Oregon State’s College of Science, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Bruno Rossi Prize, one of the highest international honors in high-energy astrophysics, for his groundbreaking work uncovering evidence of binary supermassive black holes.

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News

New nanocrystals a key step toward more efficient optical computing and memory

Scientists including an Oregon State University chemistry researcher have taken a key step toward next-generation optical computing and memory with the discovery of luminescent nanocrystals that can be quickly toggled from light to dark and back again.