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Students

Oregon native – and role model to young girls – carves her own path in mathematics

Jennifer Smucker, mathematics senior, heads to Virginia Tech in the fall to pursue a Ph.D. in math. She hopes to be a role model for other women in STEM.

Blonde woman with clear eye protection smiling in a laboratory setting
Students

Pivoting a career to become a physician and give back along the way

Kendra Krebs's interest in science started when she worked as a hair stylist in a salon. Now, this microbiology senior has her sights set on medical school.

Ilana Gottfried in the field
Students

‘Fearless’ biochemistry and molecular biology senior works at the cutting edge of cell evolution

Ilana Gottfried-Lee has spent the past two years performing cutting-edge research in the Unnatural Protein Facility - diving headfirst into a project that has never been attempted before.

Linus Unitan is a drum major and sousaphone player in Oregon State's marching band.
Students

A love for science and marching band shapes chemistry grad's path towards medicine

As a senior in Honor's chemistry, Linus Unitan hopes the leadership skills he fostered at Oregon State will make him a strong candidate as he begins applying for medical school this spring.

Oregon State zoology senior
Students

Zoology senior merges cultural identity and scientific curiosity

A graduating senior in zoology at Oregon State University, Devonte Casey has been deeply inspired by the synergy between his academic pursuits and his identity as a Native American.

Oregon State physics graduate with daughter amid tulips.
Students

From a construction job to Hewlett Packard, a physics major takes an unconventional path to reach his goals

Rohal Kakepoto valued the expertise of the faculty and the intimate and supportive atmosphere of the physics department. Like many of Oregon State physics graduates, Kakepoto landed a job as an engineer at Hewlett Packard in Corvallis, which he will start right before graduation.

A young man in a lab coat and face mask leaning over a counter with test tubs
Students

Research opportunities led Eugene native to Oregon State

Biochemistry and biophysics senior Seth Pinckney chose Oregon State for the research opportunities. He wasn't disappointed.

Simone Burton facing away from the camera, holding her scuba fins and wearing her decorated grad cap that says "Honorary Mermaid".
Students

A dream that won't be squelched: Protecting marine life and inspiring the next generation

Simone Burton, an Honors biology major with an option in marine biology, has pushed through more obstacles than she could have imagined only four years ago. Now, she is confident that she will find a powerful way to protect marine life through a career in conservation, science communication and outreach.

Portrait of Gabriela Cortes Cortes in front of green shrubs
Microbiology

First-gen biohealth grad achieves 'next step' toward career as a dentist

Gabriela Cortes Cortes is proud not to have let any obstacle, including a pandemic or the challenges of a first-generation student, hold her back from earning a four-year degree in the College of Science.

Three graduates smile together during graduation.
Students

The class of 2020 finishes strong!

Congratulations to the Oregon State College of Science class of 2020! Despite massive challenges, our Science students have shown incredible resilience, grit and determination to succeed in their courses and complete their degrees.

Jessica Scotten in front of Kidder Hall
Students

Microbiology senior’s quest for challenge leads to space research

Jessica Scotten found her dream major. Now she is preparing for a career in space research.

Rachel Legard in front of Kidder Hall
Students

Math senior will use data to increase efficiency of governments and the private sector

For Rachel Legard ('19), a mathematics and business double major, participation and involvement in student and campus organizations has always been a priority.