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College of Science

Health and Biotechnology

Advancing human and animal health

Three biology researchers observe fruit flies under a blue light

The Jaga Giebultowicz lab discovered the damaging effects of daily, lifelong exposure to the blue light emanating from phones, computers and household fixtures by studying the impact on fruit flies.

Health and biotechnology in the College of Science are key research areas, encompassing interdisciplinary efforts to understand human health and disease and to develop health interventions that improve well-being and benefit society. Our faculty and students collaborate across seven departments, several colleges and multiple Oregon State research centers to deconstruct disease, explore the building blocks of human health, engineer genetic solutions and model public health interventions.

As demands in medicine, biotechnology and public health rise, this field continues to expand, driving the pursuit of innovative solutions and scientific breakthroughs in global health.

"Our goal of a healthier world relies on foundational discoveries that enable innovative therapies and revolutionize healthcare."

Elisar Barbar

 Department Head, Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics

Leaders in health and biotech discovery

Ryan Mehl sitting in office space

Using synthetic biology to expand the frontiers of medical technology

Ryan Mehl, Biochemistry and Biophysics
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Using synthetic biology to expand the frontiers of medical technology
Maude David smiles in a headshot, holding a fluffy stuffed microbe

Decoding the microbiome’s role in human health

Maude David, Microbiology
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Decoding the microbiome’s role in human health
Molly Burke smiling in the OSU Library Quad

Identifying the genetic roots of aging through evolution

Molly Burke, Integrative Biology
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Identifying the genetic roots of aging through evolution
Headshot of Swati Patel smiling on campus

Using data-driven models to combat infectious diseases

Swati Patel, Mathematics
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Using data-driven models to combat infectious diseases
Smiling headshot of Alysia Vrailas Mortimer in the Linus Pauling Science Center

Unraveling links between toxins and disease

Alysia Vrailas-Mortimer, Biochemistry and Biophysics
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Unraveling links between toxins and disease
Headshot of Bo Sun in the physics lab

Targeting the signals that help cancer grow

Bo Sun, Physics
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Targeting the signals that help cancer grow
Katherine McLaughlin and Ben Dalziel pose together, smiling

Modeling disease spread to prepare for future pandemics

Katherine McLaughlin, Statistics and Ben Dalziel, Integrative Biology
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Modeling disease spread to prepare for future pandemics
Photoshot of Jaga Giebultowicz smiling in her lab

Revealing blue light’s impact on aging

Jaga Giebultowicz, Integrative Biology
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Revealing blue light’s impact on aging
Headshot of Wei Kong in her Kidder Hall research laboratory

Revolutionizing imaging to accelerate drug discovery

Wei Kong, Chemistry
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Revolutionizing imaging to accelerate drug discovery

Bridging science and society

Aerial view showing that phytoplankton blooms are visible from space
TRACE workers standing in outdoor meeting space in Newport
A protein modified with a customized amino acid on a biological background
Fluorescence staining of zebrafish embryos showing skeletal muscle differences when Fer1l6 is introduced
Spotted wing drosophila are an invasive pest that attack several crops essential to Oregon farmers, including ripening blueberries, blackberries, apples and stone fruit.

Microbiologist Kimberly Halsey and statistician Duo Jiang are collaborating on groundbreaking research to address the environmental and public health threats posed by harmful algal blooms. Their work focuses on developing a novel technique to detect toxic algal blooms by identifying volatile compounds released into the air. This innovative approach allows for faster and more accurate detection, improving water quality monitoring and early warning systems. By combining Halsey’s expertise in environmental science and Jiang’s advanced statistical modeling, they are advancing solutions to mitigate the impacts of these blooms on aquatic ecosystems and communities.

Building on the success of TRACE-COVID-19 — which tested 80,000 people across Oregon through a combination of widespread testing, wastewater analysis, and random community sampling to track and contain the spread of the virus — biologist Ben Dalziel and statistician Katherine McLaughlin are leading a new multidisciplinary effort to stay ahead of future outbreaks. TRACE delivered timely, localized infection data that helped shape public health responses at a critical moment. Now, with support from the NSF Predictive Intelligence for Pandemic Prevention Program, their new center will integrate modeling, engineering, public health and community engagement to prototype city-scale systems that link environmental monitoring with epidemic forecasting and communication — laying the groundwork for immune systems for cities.

GCE4All advances genetic code expansion capabilities through a repetitive process of development and beta-testing which culminates in the release of GCE technology and tools to the broader community. Select biomedical researchers “road test” developing GCE technologies in the context of authentic, challenging problems in biomedical research. These collaborations provide the biomedical research community with the earliest possible access to emerging tools that can accelerate their research and promote breakthroughs.

Colin Johnson investigates how membrane-associated proteins shape human health and development. His research focuses on the ferlin gene family, revealing links between genetic mutations and conditions such as muscular dystrophy, deafness and breast cancer. His work on otoferlin has identified essential components for gene therapy, advancing efforts to restore hearing in people born deaf. In collaboration with the Colleges of Engineering and Agricultural Sciences, Johnson is leading the first study of the Fer1L6 gene, which has been linked to neural tube defects and ovarian failure. Using a zebrafish model, his team will investigate how this gene influences development — potentially uncovering new therapeutic pathways.

Mathematician Swati Patel is working with geneticist Alysia Vrailas-Mortimer to investigate the genetic basis of insecticide resistance in spotted-winged drosophila, an invasive pest that threatens Oregon’s agricultural industry. Through experimental research, genetic analysis and mathematical modeling, the researchers aim to uncover how resistance evolves and how growers can better manage pesticide use. This research supports sustainable pest control strategies, directly benefiting the agricultural community and reinforcing the College’s commitment to community engagement.

Driving breakthroughs in biomedical science

Related centers and facilities

  • John L. Fryer Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory
    The 9,000 square foot Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory supports the research of aquatic animal investigators across the state and nation by providing infrastructure and amenities, as well as technical, compliance and study design expertise from our experienced staff.
  • GCE4All Research Center
    The Genetic Code Expansion for All research center is dedicated to optimizing, disseminating and advancing genetic code expansion techniques. By incorporating non-canonical amino acids into proteins, the center’s work has the potential to revolutionize the fields of biotechnology, drug development and disease treatment. GCE4All fosters collaboration and provides resources to researchers worldwide, promoting the integration of these advanced techniques into a broad range of scientific research.
  • OSU NMR Facility
    Oregon State University’s Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Facility offers cutting-edge technology for researchers in biochemistry, biophysics and materials science to study the structure, dynamics and interactions of complex molecular systems. With its advanced equipment and expert staff, the facility supports a wide range of projects, including drug discovery, protein folding and materials development.
  • Electrophysiology Facility
    Led by neuroscientist Kenton Hokanson, the Electrophysiology Facility offers comprehensive support for electrophysiological experiments to neuroscience-related researchers all across Oregon State University. From our memory to our muscle movements, all human activity depends on the electrical activity of neurons. Electrophysiology is highly sensitive and helps scientists listen to the body’s electrical signals to better understand health, disease and how our cells communicate.
  • Mass Spectrometry Center
    The Mass Spectrometry Center is a pillar in a network of interdisciplinary research at Oregon State that supports and accelerates research in environmental health, biomedical and biological sciences and any research that depends on cutting-edge mass spectrometry. The center is a state and university-wide resource that also trains young professionals in mass spectrometry on the most modern equipment available. Services include analysis of large and small biomolecules, proteins and peptides, biopolymers and synthetic polymers and more.
  • Pacific Northwest Center for Translational Environmental Health Research
    Since 1967, the NIH-funded Center has been at the forefront of community-engaged research on environmental hazards people may be exposed to in their daily lives and what impact these exposures have on human health. The Center provides OSU scientists with an interest in environmental health access to state-of-the-art equipment, training, services and expertise in specific research technologies to measure health impacts and create partnerships to strengthen biomedical research.
  • Linus Pauling Institute
    Founded in 1973, the Linus Pauling Institute promotes optimal human health through cutting-edge research and trusted public outreach. The institute is home to numerous College of Science faculty whose research interests include basic mechanisms of aging and the causes of metabolic and age-related diseases; extending healthspan through diet, micronutrients, and phytochemicals; and promoting healthy living and aging principles to the public.

What’s the deal with all these fruit flies?

Fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster) may be small, but they play a big role in biological research. They’re inexpensive, easy to care for and reproduce quickly. But what really sets them apart is their genetics – about 60% of fruit fly genes have counterparts in the human genome, making them ideal for studying how genes work, how traits are passed down and how mutations can lead to changes in development, behavior or disease, according to a landmark study published in 2000. Their fully mapped genome gives researchers a reliable tool for tackling complex questions. Importantly, fruit flies also give our students more access to hands-on, meaningful research — connecting what they learn in the classroom with discovery in health and biotechnology.

Feeling inspired?

Oregon State University is the place to prepare for your future STEM career — a place to learn science by doing science. Graduates have gone on to careers in private medical practice, biotech development and beyond, thanks to innovative hands-on learning and unrivaled undergraduate research opportunities (more than any other university in Oregon). Explore genetic code expansion, the human microbiome, disease mechanisms and much more on your way to a career in health, medicine or biotechnology.

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