IMPACT

If you ask student-athlete and biology senior Vivian Light to share a fun science fact, she will likely tell you something fascinating about fish

For the second time, a three-week study abroad opportunity in Nepal is available for students to experience. Led by Dee Denver, head of the Department of Integrative Biology, the Intersections of Biodiversity and Buddhist Cultures in Nepal course promises a trek through the Himalayas, excursions in lowland jungles, and time spent in centuries-old monasteries.

Natalie Donato, a third-year honors biology student, is submerged in the thrilling world of sharks. On a typical day at Oregon State University, this nationally recognized Goldwater scholar can be found creating 3D models of shark heads in a research lab and recently designed Oregon’s new shark license plate.

Biology student Micah Rogers (biology, '07) crouched by the edge of a vibrant tide pool, captivated by the swirl of colorful slimy critters swimming in slippery grasses against wind-carved rocks. It was along the Oregon coast, in 2007, that she realized her passion for marine biology fieldwork was just beginning.

As an undergraduate in the College of Science at Oregon State, Bauer was surrounded by opportunities to do science. Now he is pursuing his Ph.D. in integrative biology here as well.

A study by College of Science researchers says the ecosystems at our shores may face greater danger in a changing climate.

Many people grow up with a fear of bugs, and above all else, a fear of spiders. Oregon State biology senior Catherine Raffin was just the same. The sight of eight spindly legs and a pair of fangs made her skin crawl, so she did the only logical thing: purchased a pet tarantula. “From a young age I was always morbidly fascinated with the insects everybody fears,” she said. “I thought it was crazy how something so small can be so terrifying.”

Meet Stephanie, 2009 Biology grad and Injury Prevention Manager at the Vermont Department of Health

Meet Sasha, 2008 Biology grad and research director at Insmed Incorporated.

After graduating with a degree in biology and a certificate in medical humanities, Abigail LaVerdure has moved to Henderson, Nevada to begin her doctorate in occupational therapy (OT) at Touro University.

Research from the Department of Integrative Biology has uncovered the first fossil evidence of a botanical condition known as precocious germination in which seeds sprout before leaving the fruit. The embryonic plants, growing from a pine cone of an extinct tree species, are encased in amber from the Baltic region.