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News

How our scientists are working for a sustainable future

With expertise spanning marine ecology, biofuel development, new modes of energy capture, evolutionary genetics and the microbiomes of coral reefs, OSU is committed to research that puts the environment first.

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Graduate students

Biology students win 2021 NSF Graduate Research Fellowships

Two Ph.D. students in the College of Science have been selected for the prestigious National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship Program.

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OSU Press Releases

Marine ecologist Jane Lubchenco joins White House to lead climate and environment initiatives

One of the most highly cited marine ecologists in the world, Distinguished Professor Jane Lubchenco, will lead climate and environmental science efforts in the White House as the new deputy director of climate and environment.

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Alumni and Friends

Marine biology alumna develops tool to improve care for the giant Pacific octopus

Meghan Holst, a 2014 marine biology graduate and a biologist at the Aquarium of the Bay in San Francisco, co-developed a tool to help aquarists make end-of-life decisions for the giant Pacific octopus, a popular species in aquariums across the U.S.

Science students doing field research
Integrative Biology

Researching intertidal communities ecosystems: Ecology fellowship supports student fieldwork

For Lily Miksell, the Alexei Lubchenco Menge Undergraduate Research Fellowship presented an exciting opportunity to pursue her interests in ecology and conservation.

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Marine Science

Sea star listed as critically endangered following research by OSU marine ecologist

The iconic sunflower sea star has been listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature following a groundbreaking population study led by Oregon State University and The Nature Conservancy.

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Marine Science

Leadership by Oregon State helps 14 nations commit to sustainable ocean management by 2025

Leaders of 14 major maritime nations announced their commitment to achieve 100% sustainable ocean management of their national waters by 2025, acting on recommendations of a group of global experts co-chaired by OSU marine ecologist Jane Lubchenco.

Corals along seafloor in Lizard Island.
Research

Scientists awarded grant to investigate how microbiomes can help species withstand climate change

A pivotal National Science Foundation award will enable Oregon State scientists to investigate how microbes influence their wildlife host’s sensitivity and resilience to disruptive changes in the natural environment.

Diseased and healthy corals sitting in bins.
Marine Science

Coral researchers find link between bacterial genus and disease susceptibility

Corals that appear healthy are more prone to getting sick when they’re home to too many parasitic bacteria, new research at Oregon State University shows. “The clear relationship we’ve discovered between this kind of bacteria and disease resistance in Caribbean staghorn coral is a crucial piece of the puzzle for coral restoration efforts in that region,” said study co-author Becca Maher, a Ph.D. candidate at Oregon State.

Aerial shot of coral reef.
Marine Science

Oregon State University scientists shed new light on viruses' role in coral bleaching

Scientists at Oregon State University have shown that viral infection is involved in coral bleaching – the breakdown of the symbiotic relationship between corals and the algae they rely on for energy.

Rebecca Vega Thurber
Marine Science

Pioneering 'coral doctor' named Pernot Distinguished Professor

The endowed professorship recognizes Rebecca Vega Thurber’s distinguished contributions to several fields of microbiology that encompass coral reef ecology, virology, marine disease ecology and metagenomics.

Aquaculture in Maine, courtesy of Costello Lab, UCSB
News

Seafood could account for 25% of animal protein needed to meet projected increases in demand

As the world's population continues to grow, new research from OSU marine ecologist Jane Lubchenco predicts that the ocean may hold solutions.