Biochemistry & Biophysics

Department of Biochemistry & Biophysics

Every summer, Oregon State’s Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) in the College of Science empowers students to turn curiosity into discovery, and in many cases, personal experiences into purpose. Backed by funding that allows them to fully immerse in research, students step into labs across campus to pursue projects that shape their future. From cancer biology to nutrition science, their journeys are defined by mentorship, resilience and the chance to see themselves as scientists.

For Jordan Indrawan, it meant channeling his own battle with cancer into studying the proteins linked to the disease. For Ashley Tran, it was finding a sense of belonging in a lab led by women of color. And for Matthew Hines, it was discovering a passion for research he once thought was out of reach.

Turning personal experience into purpose

At 16, Jordan Indrawan faced a life-changing diagnosis. During his junior year of high school, doctors discovered a germ cell tumor pressing against his lung. After months of chemotherapy and surgery, Indrawan survived the ordeal with a new perspective. “That experience was life-changing, of course, and made me realize that I want to contribute in some way to finding a cure,” he said.

That determination followed him to Oregon State University, where he found a home in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics. Originally a bioengineering major with an interest in prosthetics, Indrawan realized during organic chemistry that his true passion lay elsewhere. Encouraged by a friend, he switched majors and eventually joined the Accelerated Master’s Platform in biochemistry and biophysics.

“I’ve read research papers all the time, but I never thought I would be in one — at least at this stage."

A man in a white shirt walks across campus

The Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) gave Jordan Indrawn the chance to work in biochemist Colin Johnson's lab.

The Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) gave him the chance to fully immerse himself in lab work. Indrawan joined the research group of biochemistry and biophysics professor Colin Johnson, whose lab studies a family of proteins called Ferlins, which play a role in cell communication, growth and repair. Misregulation of these proteins is linked to conditions ranging from hearing loss to cancer. “Our goal is to understand how these proteins work in the first place,” Indrawan explained. “By knowing how they function, we can hopefully contribute to further research on diseases like cancers, muscular dystrophy and hearing loss.”

SURE funding made a critical difference in his ability to focus on research. Instead of splitting his time between lab and a job, Indrawan was able to spend the summer mastering experimental techniques — from purifying proteins and DNA to cloning cells and running anisotropy experiments on a fluorometer. Ainsotrophy tracks how molecules move and interact.

“All of the different skills I learned can be applied to any molecular laboratory, so it’s very much universal,” he said.

The summer also brought a milestone Indrawan never expected so early in his career: authorship on a scientific paper. After contributing to experiments on otoferlin binding partners, he saw his name included among the authors. “I’ve read research papers all the time, but I never thought I would be in one, at least at this stage,” he said. “Seeing my name felt unreal and rewarding.”

For Indrawan, SURE confirmed his commitment to cancer research. Whether in graduate school or the biotech industry, he hopes to continue contributing to discoveries that will help patients facing the diseases he once fought himself.

Finding inspiration in mentorship

Walking into the lab of Emily Ho, director of the Linus Pauling Institute, Ashley Tran immediately saw something that reshaped how she imagined her future. She found herself among a research team full of accomplished women, led by Ho, an Asian American principal investigator. For Tran, it was a sense of belonging she had never experienced before.

“It really shows that there’s a place for everyone,” Tran said. “I think it’s truly empowering to work in that environment.”

Ashley Tran, a junior biochemistry and molecular biology major, joined a research project investigating how eating walnuts might benefit memory, brain function and gut health in older adults.

A third-year biochemistry and molecular biology major from Tigard, Oregon, Tran was hesitant to try research. “I was a little nervous and definitely intimidated,” she admitted. The STEM Leaders Program, which serves a diverse group of first and second-year students, encouraged Tran to reach out to faculty, which led her to Ho’s health and nutrition lab.

Tran joined a project that was unique for undergraduate lab work, contributing to a clinical trial. Ho and her team are investigating how eating walnuts might benefit memory, brain function and gut health in older adults. Tran prepared walnut and control kits for participants, assembled urine collection supplies and processed samples of blood, stool and urine. “I am proud that I got over the fear of working with human samples,” she said. “At first the idea was shaky, but after a while it gets destigmatized and easier.”

A woman in a lab coat works with a pipet.

Ashley Tran pipets plasma samples after centrifuging the blood from a participant in the walnut study.

The SURE program made it possible for her to commit fully to the project this summer. Commuting between Corvallis and her family in Tigard made unpaid lab work unrealistic. Without SURE, she would have missed more than just hands-on experience; she would have missed the power of mentorship.

Throughout the summer, Tran became close with Laura Beaver, a co-investigator on the study, who helped her find her confidence. “It was intimidating because they’re all incredible people who are very accomplished,” she said. “But once I got over that, it was all fine. You can ask questions because ultimately they want things to run smoothly and for students to succeed.”

That mentorship helped her navigate the challenges that came with the territory and experience personal growth as a scientist. Mistakes in processing samples or timing tasks were a part of the learning process. Tran also noticed how participants interpreted instructions differently, teaching her how variable human data can be.

Two women pose for a selfie holding ice cream.

Tran and her cousin (left) pose for a selfie with ice cream from the on-campus creamery.

Though research isn’t her long-term career path, Tran gained skills and perspectives that will support her future in medicine. She plans to continue shadowing neurologists and applying to medical school while holding on to the lessons she learned from her SURE summer. “Take note of opportunities. Even if you are scared, do it.”

From uncertainty to confidence

A year ago, Matthew Hines couldn’t see himself doing research. A BioHealth Sciences and BioResource Research double major from Tualatin, Oregon, Hines envisioned a career in healthcare but doubted he had the skills or confidence to thrive in a lab.

That changed thanks to the STEM Leaders Program and SURE. The STEM Leaders Program helped Hines connect with Bo Sun, a professor in the Department of Physics, while SURE allowed him to fully devote his summer to research.

“SURE gave me the chance to fully commit to the lab and prove to myself that I could do difficult things,” Hines said.

A man poses for a photo with a mountain in the background.

Matthew Hines poses for a photo while camping in Lost Lake, Oregon.

Sun’s lab is researching multifocal breast cancer metastasis, a form of cancer in which multiple tumors arise in the same breast, and cancer cell invasion. Hines developed numerous wet lab skills, including making his own breast cancer tumors (spheroids), which are clusters of breast cancer cells used to make samples and replicate actual tumors. He then imaged these samples over several days to track the invasion patterns of the cells using confocal microscopy to look for any persistence and/or biased invasion.

Finally, he performed data analysis by processing the images through a machine learning program that highlighted different phenotypes of the cells and created stacked images of the spheroids to visualize them in 3D.

“It is important to understand how invasion happens, how fast, where it goes, because that knowledge can help healthcare professionals better diagnose and treat cancer,” Hines explained. “It feels good knowing the work could have a real impact.”

The experience wasn’t always easy. To analyze his results, Hines had to learn coding from scratch, something that felt overwhelming at first. “If you mess up one character in your code, it doesn’t work. It was frustrating,” he said. “But focusing on the bigger picture kept me motivated. Every figure I produced showed me I was making progress.”

Four men pose for a photo wearing pacific islander clothing.

Matthew Hines (far right) poses for a photo before Pasifika Fest 2025. The event celebrates the richness and diversity of Pacific Islander cultures.

Beyond technical skills, Hines credits SURE with helping him see failure in a new light. In science, failure is common. “It made me more creative in problem solving and gave me confidence I didn’t have before.”

Mentorship was another defining element. Hines built a stronger relationship with Sun and the graduate students in the lab, who guided him through challenges and encouraged him along the way. “The environment and the people you work with are one of the most important parts of any job,” he said. “Without that mentorship, I don’t think I’d be as motivated to keep doing research.”

Now, Hines plans to continue in Sun’s lab as he works towards his BioResource Research thesis. The experience confirmed his passion for healthcare and sparked a deeper interest in research, something he once thought was out of reach.

A man in a backwards hat works at a lab.

Hines monitored the development of his spheroids, clusters of breast cancer cells used to replicate actual tumors.

Since 2015, the Summer Undergraduate Research Experience (SURE) has funded more than 300 College of Science students to spend their summers immersed in discovery. Undergraduate research is a hallmark of science at Oregon State, with about half of students participating annually through programs like SURE, the Launching Undergraduate Research Experiences (LURE) program during the academic year, discovery-based projects embedded in courses and mentorship in faculty labs. Together, these multiple pathways to hands-on learning prepare students to explore their curiosity and build successful futures in science.

To learn more about undergraduate research opportunities in the College of Science click here.

Auria Lee plans to go to medical school, but her training as a physician truly began as an undergraduate Honors biochemistry major at Oregon State.

Driven by a deep curiosity and commitment to service, Lee has made the most of her undergraduate years. She co-founded a chapter of an international medical humanities group, interned in cardiovascular research at Michigan Medicine, taught paramedics in India, and climbed Mount Hood through a leadership program—all while completing the Accelerated Master’s Platform in public health. Her wide-ranging experiences have shaped her into a resilient, compassionate and globally minded future physician.

From the forests of Oregon to a hospital in India, these opportunities — made possible through the College of Science — have already done a lot to make her a better future physician. Along the way, she’s built a strong foundation in science, public health and cross-cultural communication that will serve her in medical school and beyond.

"I knew I wanted to be a medical doctor from a young age and was excited to study biochemistry so I could have an in-depth knowledge of how the body works, how it interacts with the environment and how it interacts with medications and treatments I might be prescribing as a doctor someday," Lee said.

"I was curious to know how life works on a deep level and wanted to be able to provide quality care for my future patients," she said.

Auria Lee is graduating with an Honors degree in biochemistry.

A lifelong calling

Lee, who grew up in Montana and Oregon and graduated from South Eugene High School, said she developed her interest in medicine on her own.

"I always had a sense that I was going to be a doctor, even though I didn't have any doctors in my family or around me," she said. "As I got older, I realized more and more how medicine aligns with who I am. You have the ability to significantly affect patients' lives and play a leadership role in their care, and health care is something that everybody in the world needs."

Medical care is particularly important in rural areas like Montana, she added. "There's a lot of need for medical doctors,” she said. “I was excited to make a difference in communities like mine. I'm interested in living there when I finish medical school."

Lee said she had few interactions with health-care providers until coming to the Honors College at Oregon State. "The dean helped connect me with some Honors College alumni," she said. "They really helped show me what practicing medicine looks like. They're absolutely amazing physicians, so being able to shadow them was definitely influential."

She chose Oregon State over a small private school in Texas.

"Oregon State had so many opportunities," said Lee. "Just the size of the school, being so big, really attracted me. I just thought with so many opportunities at Oregon State that I would be really happy in Corvallis. I found it easier to focus on my studies because I have the support I need here."

A group of students post in medical scrubs.

Auria Lee (second from right) and her lab mates in anatomy pose for a photo.

Growth through outdoor leadership

Although she served as a learning assistant in advanced anatomy and physiology, it was a Wilderness First Aid and Mountaineering course that proved most influential. It led to her involvement in Oregon State's Adventure Leadership Institute. The 78-year-old institute provides students with outdoor adventures and leadership education.

"It made me realize how much the outdoors could add to my own personal growth and the relevance it has to my future career as a doctor and a scientist," said Lee, who also earned a certificate in Adventure Leadership.

"I leaned into that and took an awesome class called Principles in Adventure Leadership with Sheila Evans," she added. "I learned about facilitation of adventure, risk management and other paradigms. It was cool to see the parallels between that and how it will look to walk a patient through a challenging or scary time and have that deeper level of presence."

It also helped her overcome her own fears and be more mentally grounded, she added.

"I was scared and so much was unfamiliar, but learning to navigate that made me a lot more resilient," she said. "I even climbed to the summit of Mount Hood. That shows a lot of growth as a result of what I've learned from the Adventure Leadership Institute."

A woman on a stage teaching students in India.

Auria Lee acts as a volunteer teacher in India while completing a medical observership.

Global experience, local impact

Lee spent August and September of 2023 as an observer and teacher at Ramaiah Medical College in Bengaluru, India. She taught English, anatomy and CPR at the school's program for paramedics.

"I learned a lot from the culture," she said. "I learned how to deliver information across language and culture barriers, just some very important communications principles. I also made some significant connections.

"One of the things observing at the medical school taught me was the importance of community-based care and an expanded health-care model," she added. "The United States is lacking in that regard. We're pretty centered on doctors. However, as more and more scarcity makes it harder to see doctors, I can see those concepts becoming important to apply.

"Overall, I learned how to be extremely adaptable and see through other people's points of view," she said.

The experience also inspired her to pursue becoming a birth doula and provide physical and emotional support and information to parents during the birth process.

A group of student pose for a photo in a classroom.

Auria Lee poses for a photo with her learning assistant team in anatomy.

A leader on campus and beyond

Back in Corvallis, Lee co-founded the Oregon State chapter of Students for Health Humanities, an international group. Chapter members worked with local nonprofits, hosted speakers and generally explored the holistic and humanities side of medicine.

Lee was in the Accelerated Master’s Platform for public health during her senior year. Part of her summer plans include finishing her master's degree in public health online. She also plans to return to Michigan Medicine, the academic medical center of the University of Michigan, where she pursued an internship in cardiovascular medicine last summer.

She conducted registry-based medical research, resulting in a project on the practical and ethical considerations in non-surgical management of acute Type A aortic dissection (where the inner layer of the main artery carrying blood from the heart tears and creates a new channel between the layers of the aorta).

The program emphasizes medical decision-making. This year, she will help manage the program.

Then there is the matter of medical school. She is still deciding between programs.

"I love emergency medicine and family medicine," Lee said. Then again, she added, she won't really know until she gets to medical school. "I can't know what will be the best fit," she said.

Wherever her medical education and career take her, Lee said she laid a solid foundation for it all during her undergraduate years in Corvallis.

"Every step along the way, Oregon State has had so many opportunities for me," she said.

Auria and her siblings in their home state of Montana.

Graduate Research Showcase

Graduate students at the College of Science are conducting crucial research that addresses critical challenges and benefits both local communities and the broader world.

To celebrate their accomplishments, the College will be hosting the inaugural Graduate Science Research Showcase from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025 in the Memorial Union Horizon Room.

Click here to RSVP!

This event offers a glimpse into the future of science featuring graduate research presentations, a poster session and a keynote address from renowned alumnus Jonathan Gallion, vice president of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for OmniScience.

Gallion, recipient of the College's 2024 Early Career Award, earned dual Honors bachelor's degrees in biochemistry and biophysics, and microbiology in 2012. His career began with an internship at SIGA Technologies, where he programmed robots to screen chemical compounds for antiviral medicines. At OmniScience, Gallion and his team utilize large language models to enhance clinical trial outcomes and improve human health. Their work accelerates decision-making and transforms data analysis in biotech, medtech, pharmaceutical and preclinical innovation. Rather than replace human expertise, their AI tools are designed to compliment it.

Schedule of Events

12 p.m.

Lunch

12:20 p.m.

Welcome from Executive Associate Dean Vrushali Bokil and Dean's Remarks from College of Science Dean Eleanor Feingold.

12:30 p.m.

Keynote speech from alumnus Jonathan Gallion, V.P. of Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning for OmniScience.

Keynote Talk Title - Beyond Automation: Agentic AI and the New Frontier of Life Science Innovation

Abstract: Artificial intelligence in the life sciences is moving beyond automation into a new frontier defined by agentic systems—AI tools capable of reasoning, planning, and autonomous action. As these AI agents continue to evolve from tools to collaborators, life scientists will need to rethink how we generate hypotheses, design experiments, interpret data, and generate insights. This keynote will examine how agentic AI is already transforming decision-making and accelerating innovation within clinical trial development and offer a perspective on how domain experts can adapt and lead at the intersection of scientific expertise and intelligent automation through AI.

1 - 2:30 p.m.

Five minute research presentations and dessert, followed by a poster session, showcasing the diverse research conducted across the seven departments in the College of Science. The session will highlight how Science graduate students are participating and contributing to this valuable research.

Presenters include:

Oluwasen Adu (Integrative Biology)
Advisor: Michael Blouin
Talk title: Genome Wide Association Study of Biomphalaria glabrata snail and its Schistosome Parasite

Vera Alenicheva (Chemistry)
Advisor: Vincent Remcho
Talk title: A Microfluidic Paper-Based Assay for the Quantification of CBD and THC

Lucas Allan (Chemistry)
Advisor: Tim Zuehlsdorff
Talk title: FC2DES: Modeling 2D Electronic Spectroscopy for Harmonic Hamiltonians

Hallee Boyd (Chemistry)
Advisor: May Nyman
Talk title: Characterization of Trivalent Lanthanide Keggin Phosphomolybdate Sandwich Clusters

Daniel Malone Buoy (Statistics)
Advisor: Claudio Fuentes / Sarah Emerson
Talk title: Representative Sampling Methods for K-Fold Cross Validation

Olivia Burleigh (Integrative Biology)
Advisor: Virginia Weis
Talk title: Transcription Factor-targeted ChIP-Seq for Smad3-mediated TGF-β Signaling in Heat-stressed Aiptasia

Jun Cai (Integrative Biology)
Advisor: Virginia Weis
Talk title: Effect of Sphingolipid Metabolic Pathway Inhibition and Knockdown on Cnidarian-Algal Symbiosis

Giovanni Crestani (Integrative Biology, Ph.D.)
Advisor: Molly Burke
Talk title: Genomics of experimentally-evolved postponed reproduction in Drosophila melanogaster

Ushasi Datta (Chemistry)
Advisor: Marilyn Mackiewicz
Talk title: Unveiling the Hidden Properties: How Nanomaterial Surface Chemistry and Biomimetic Systems Shape Reflectance and Contrast

Konstantin Drallios (Chemistry)
Advisor: Thomas Osborn Popp
Talk title: 3D Printable Radiofrequency Coils

Rudranil Dutta (Chemistry)
Advisor: Claudia Maier
Talk title: Identification and Quantitation of Bioactive Alkaloids in Withania Somnifera

Arpa Ebrahimi (Chemistry)
Advisor: Claudia Maier
Talk title: Characterizing the Lipidomic and Proteomic Profile of the 5xFAD Alzheimer’s Disease Mouse Model: A Comparative Study Using MALDI Imaging Mass Spectrometry

Jessica Etter (Chemistry)
Advisor: Claudia Maier
Talk title: LC-QTOF and LC-TIMS-qQTOF MS Analysis of Fecal Inoculum Biotransformation Products and LC-MRM-MS Analysis of Human Withanolide Pharmacokinetics of an Ashwagandha Supplement

Caroline Hernandez (Microbiology)
Advisor: Maude David
Talk title: Whole-Cell Crosslinking Reveals Direct Lactobacillaceae and Rhizobiaceae Interactions with Host Duodenal Neuropods

Esteban Hernandez (Chemistry)
Advisor: Jennifer Field
Talk title: Experimental pKa Values of Substituted and Unsubstituted Perfluoroalkyl Sulfonamides via 19F NMR

Lucas Kolanz (Physics)
Advisor: Davide Lazzati
Talk title: Cosmic dust bunnies

Weiqi ‘Grace’ Li (Statistics)
Advisor: Yuan Jiang
Talk title: Reframing spatial transcriptomics prediction: From regression to classification

Sarah Louie (Biochemistry & Biophysics)
Advisor: Richard Cooley / Ryan Mehl
Talk title: Optimizing genetic code expansion technology to access post-translationally modified proteins

Praveeni Mathangadeera (Mathematics)
Advisor: Małgorzata Peszyńska
Talk title: Computational Modeling of the Nonlinear Heat Equation in Frozen Soil and Snow

Anshika Nagar (Chemistry)
Advisor: Marilyn Mackiewicz
Talk title: Shielded Nanoparticles: Advancing X-Ray Fluorescence Microscopy with Oxidant-Resistant Nickel and Cobalt

Luke Nearhood (Physics)
Advisor: Patti Hamerski
Talk title: Computing the Tension

Joline Nguyen (Biochemistry & Biophysics)
Advisor: Sarah Clark
Talk title: Isolation of Scarce Membrane Protein Complexes from C. elegans

Victory Chiamaka Obieke (Mathematics)
Advisor: Vrushali Bokil
Talk title: Compatible Energy Preserving Discretizations for Nonlinear Optical Wave Propagation: The Maxwell-Duffing Approach

Emily Palmer (Statistics)
Advisor: Yuan Jiang
Talk title: A Group Penalization Framework for Detecting Time-Lagged Microbiota-Host Associations

Madison Phelps (Mathematics)
Advisor: Małgorzata Peszyńska
Talk title: Nonlinear Solvers in Permafrost applications

Kevin Rice (Microbiology)
Advisor: Maude David / Kenton Hokanson
Talk title: Electrical Characterization of Primary Enteroendocrine Cells: Developing Tools to Screen Novel Microbial Neuroactive Compounds

Casey Rummelhart (Chemistry)
Advisor: Addison Desnoyer
Talk title: Frustrated Lewis Pairs Ligand for the Transformation of Carbon Dioxide to Chemical Feedstocks

Pavel Sengupta (Chemistry)
Advisor: Dipankar Koley
Talk title: Quantifying Dissolved Oxygen in Biofilms with Non-invasive Flexible Amperometric Oxygen Sensors

Michael Sieler (Microbiology)
Advisor: Thomas Sharpton
Talk title: Modeling the zebrafish gut microbiome’s resistance and sensitivity to climate change and parasite infection

Gavin Tovar (Statistics)
Advisor: Robert Trangucci / Sarah Emerson
Talk title: Sequential Approach to K-Fold Cross-validation---Computational Reduction Technique

Hao Yue (Chemistry)
Advisor: Marilyn Mackiewicz
Talk title: Targeted X-ray Imaging Agents for Visualizing Triple-Negative Breast Cancer

Sima Ziyaee (Chemistry)
Advisor: Claudia Maier
Talk title: Exploring Cellular Heterogeneity through Single-cell Proteomics

Join us to celebrate the future of science — and the graduate students who are making it happen.

The College of Science Research and Innovation Seed (SciRIS) Program continues to drive groundbreaking research by fostering collaboration and innovation. Founded in 2018, SciRIS funds interdisciplinary research projects that aim to create meaningful societal impact. This year, Stage 2 awardees are working to revolutionize our understanding of river health, ecological communities, sustainable seaweed cultivation and insecticide resistance.

There are two tracks through the program: SciRIS team awards (Stages 1-3) and the SciRIS individual investigator award (SciRIS-ii). SciRIS Stages 1-3 funds teams in three stages to support training, research, and capacity-building, accelerating work toward external funding opportunities. SciRIS-ii funds individual faculty to establish research relationships with external partners, enabling them to demonstrate the feasibility of their ideas and quickening the pace of scientific discovery.

Four teams received SciRIS Stage 2 awards.

Bioinformatics for integrated river health

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. Lytle will be working with three Oregon State colleagues, along with collaborators at the United States Geological Service and the National Parks Service. The project aims to develop diagnostic tools that can identify fish parasites and diseases at a molecular level and provide preliminary data on how these parasite, microbial and invertebrate communities change over time.

Oregon State Collaborators
David A. Lytle, Integrative Biology
Justin Sanders, Microbiology, (College of Science and Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine)
Anna Jolles, Integrative Biology (College of Science and Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine)
Claire Couch, Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Sciences (College of Agricultural Sciences and Carlson College of Veterinary Medicine)

Government Collaborators
Ted Kennedy, Kim Dibble, Charles Yackulic, Kate Behn, Jessica Anderson, Bridget Deemer, U.S. Geological Service
Emily Omana, Brandon Holton, National Parks Service

Ripening Oregon blackberries, one of the crops at risk from Spotted wing drosophila

Spotted wing drosophila are an invasive pest that attack several crops essential to Oregon farmers, including ripening blueberries, blackberries, apples and stone fruit. Fruit fly populations evolve rapidly and the Patel and Vrailas-Mortimer group seek to understand the risks of resistance evolution before they adapt to local pesticides.

Insecticide resistance in spotted-winged drosophila

Geneticist Alysia Vrailas-Mortimer's project addresses the significant agricultural threat posed by spotted-winged drosophila (SWD), an invasive pest species. The research aims to advance understanding of the genetic basis and evolution of insecticide resistance in these pest populations through experimental work, genetic techniques and mechanistic mathematical modeling. The project involves collaboration with experts from UC Davis and focuses on developing sustainable control methods. Directly connected to the needs of the Oregon agricultural community, this project is a prime example of OSU’s strong community engagement initiatives as a land grant institution. By learning more about the mechanisms of insecticide resistance in spotted-winged drosophila, growers will be better able to plan and prioritize their insecticide applications to mitigate resistance.

Oregon State Collaborators
Alysia Vrailas Mortimer, Biochemistry & Biophysics
Swati Patel, Mathematics
Serhan Mermer, Environmental and Molecular Toxicology (College of Agricultural Sciences)

Analytical Tools to Understand Ecological Communities

Statistician Yuan Jiang’s SciRIS project aims to create novel analytical tools for assessing how organisms in complex ecological communities like microbes and parasites interact and affect each other over time. The research will leverage long-term community datasets from wild vertebrate host populations with improved data techniques that allow these large complex data sets to be analyzed more efficiently and with environmental conditions factored in. In addition to improve our ecological understanding of these communities, Jiang's project seeks to extend the accessibility of these analytical tools to diverse scientific audiences through summer camps, workshops and online tutorials. The project will also involve collaboration with colleagues and students at the Universidad of San Francisco de Quito in Ecuador to build capacity in data analytics.

Oregon State Collaborators
Yuan Jiang, Statistics
Lan Xue, Statistics
Anna Jolles, Integrative Biology
Claire Couch, Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Sciences (College of Agricultural Sciences)

Seaweed morphology and chemical makeup can vary dramatically depending on environmental factors like seawater composition and sunlight exposure, making it a challenge to nutritionally analyze consistent materials. James Fox and his contributors have developed a system for growing seaweed on land under consistent conditions for analysis.

Unlocking the potential of seaweed

Algal physiologist James Fox’s project explores the chemical composition and potential applications of Pacific Dulse, a protein-rich seaweed native to the Pacific coastline. The team will create a special growth chamber to cultivate seaweed on land under controlled conditions. This allows researchers to maximize the production of important compounds found in Pacific Dulse, which can be used in nutrition and medicine. The project also emphasizes community outreach and inclusive excellence by engaging diverse student populations and partnering with outreach programs. Additionally, the project will investigate the impact of different processing methods on the nutritional quality of seaweed extracts.

Oregon State Collaborators
James Fox, Microbiology
Myriam Cotten, Biochemistry and Biophysics
Ford Evans, Hatfield Marine Science Center
Evan Forsythe, Integrative Biology
Scott Geddes, Chemistry Program Coordinator OSU-Cascades
Jung Jwon, Department of Food Science & Technology (College of Agricultural Sciences)
Christopher Suffridge, Microbiology

These projects highlight the innovative and impactful research being conducted by the 2025 SciRIS awardees. Each project not only advances scientific knowledge by also emphasizes collaboration, community engagement and inclusive excellence.

Admissions representatives from more than seventy health professions programs across Oregon and the United States will travel to Oregon State to meet with students at the Health Professions Fair.

April 22, 2025
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
OSU Dixon Recreation Center Lower Gym.

According to U.S. News and other surveys, healthcare is one of the fastest-growing industries. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that employment growth in this sector will be much quicker than the average for all jobs by 2026.

Students interested in this industry can connect with professional schools and graduate programs with specializations in the health-care industry while also learning about graduate education and careers. The Fair hosts schools representing health professions programs in medicine, osteopathy, dentistry, pharmacy, chiropractic medicine, nursing, physical therapy, public health, health management and administration, biomedical sciences and several others. More than 500 students attend the Health Professions Fair each year.

Students are welcome to stop by anytime during the Health Professions Fair, which is free and open to all majors. Volunteers will be on hand with a list of participating schools and a map of their table locations. Students can visit a school’s table to pick up information materials and speak with admission representatives.

Something for everyone

The health fair is open to all undergraduates and alumni.

First and second year students can explore health professions options, build networks and get tips from admission representatives on undergraduate preparation and co-curricular activities.

Juniors, seniors and alumni will have opportunities

to learn about specific programs from admissions representatives of various universities,
collect application materials and obtain financial aid information, and
get tips on writing a personal statement, application, and letters of reference.

Preparing for the Fair

Students can connect with representatives of graduate health programs from schools such as Oregon Health and Science University, University of Southern California, Tufts University, Pacific University, Idaho College of Osteopathic Medicine and many more.

See a list of participating schools

Prioritize your list of schools and brainstorm questions for admissions representatives to make the most of your Fair time. Here are a few ideas to get started:

What is unique about program X at your university?
What types of courses would I take in program X?
What hands on components does program X offer (internships, rotations, etc.)?
What does your admissions committee look for in an applicant?
I read about X on your website. Can you tell me more about that?

For more information, please visit the Health Professions Fair event page.

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 Inclusive Excellence, Administration, Service and Performance.

Congratulations to all the awardees!

Hannah Stuwe, graduate student in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, received the Inclusive Excellence Award.

College of Science Inclusive Excellence Award

Hannah Stuwe, graduate student in the Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics, received the Inclusive Excellence Award.

Department Head Elisar Barbar, who nominated Stuwe, said she has engaged in a wide-ranging set of service, outreach and training that is truly impressive. First, Stuwe conducted a GFP protein purification activity for middle and high school students from the Chemawa Indian School, Jewell High School (Seaside), and visited groups of black and Latinx students from the Portland area.

She planned, wrote and edited a handbook of science experiments geared towards middle school aged students, their parents, and teachers to fill the void of not having a BB summer camp. This handbook now serves as a free and open access resource for community members.

Stuwe is the founder of the non-profit organization Corvallis Music Collective. They have engaged in community service and activism by providing live music for events and rallies. Recent events include the Basic Needs Center Fall Welcome Party, the Disabled Students Union Disability Justice Rally and Jackson Street Youth Services National Runaway Prevention Month “Skate Park After Dark” Show.

Amy Timshel, assistant to the department head in the Department of Microbiology, received the Gladys Valley Award for Exemplary Administrative Support.

Gladys Valley Award for Exemplary Administrative Support

Amy Timshel, assistant to the department head in the Department of Microbiology, received the Gladys Valley Award for Exemplary Administrative Support.

Her colleagues describe her as proactive, always seeking ways to improve processes and deeply committed to making the department a better place for everyone. She is highly regarded by students, faculty and staff for her professionalism, broad knowledge and ability to get things done. In fact, Department Head Anne Dunn noted that when she polled faculty on department strengths during strategic planning exercises, Timshel's critical role in the department was consistently highlighted.

"Her ability to provide a wealth of information on a variety of administrative issues is unparalleled, and she approaches each interaction with a warm smile and an eagerness to assist," said a Ph.D. candidate nominator.

She has a deep understanding of university policies and constantly looks for ways to improve them. She listens, advocates for students and colleagues, and takes initiative to make the department more inclusive and equitable. For example, her work on the Core Values Committee led to the addition of gender-neutral restrooms in Nash Hall and improvements to scholarship and travel fund policies.

Beyond her administrative role, Timshel actively fosters a sense of community within the department. She organizes fundraisers and charity events and regularly attends student events to show her support.

A woman in a red top poses in front of plants.

Elaine Cozzi, assistant head and associate professor in the Department of Mathematics, received the Distinguished Service Award for her impactful service to her department, the College and the broader mathematics community.

Distinguished Service Award

Cozzi served as interim associate dean of academic and student affairs for the College in Spring of 2024, managing various projects, including the university’s revision of its undergraduate advising system, assessing teaching resources and addressing countless student issues. She was overwhelmingly generous with her time in responding to the many challenges and the needs of her colleagues.

Before and after serving as associate dean, Cozzi served as assistant department head for mathematics, responsible for scheduling upper-level courses and ensuring adequate staffing for the Department’s teaching mission. This affects the hiring of instructors, graduate students and undergraduate graders.

Jon Kujawa, Department of Mathematics head and Cozzi’s nominator, noted, “It is hard to overestimate the impact of Elaine’s planning on the smooth operation of the teaching side of the department. And she readily pivots when unexpected events disrupt the plans.” Additionally, Elaine led the assessment of the Mathematics undergraduate program for several years, playing a crucial role in student success, he shared.

Cozzi also contributes significantly to the mathematics profession as Associate Editor for the American Mathematical Monthly – the most widely read mathematics journal in the world. She is also an active member of SIAM, a professional society for applied mathematics, where she helps organize meetings and contributes to administrative efforts and regularly serves as a grant evaluator for the NSF and the Simons Foundation, helping to shape the future of mathematical research.

Virginia Lesser, Department of Statistics Head, received the Champion of Science award.

Champion of Science Award

Virginia Lesser, Department of Statistics Head, received the Champion of Science award for her significant contributions to the field of statistics and to Oregon State University throughout her distinguished career. After earning her Ph.D. in Biostatistics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, she joined OSU’s Department of Statistics in 1992.

A year later, she became Director of the Survey Research Center, a role she held until her retirement in December 2024. Lesser's expertise in probability sampling, survey design and data collection methods ensured that the center upheld the highest standards. Under her leadership, the center became a premier institution, offering expertise in survey methodology, sampling and data analysis – supporting projects that inform policy, environmental monitoring, economic studies and public opinion research. Its work has helped agencies such as the Oregon Department of Transportation, the Oregon State Marine Board and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife make data-driven decisions, not to mention numerous initiatives within the University.

Lesser's groundbreaking research in survey methodology, environmental statistics, applied statistics and ecological monitoring has advanced the field and influenced practice. She has authored over 55 journal articles and conference proceedings, earning national and international recognition – including being named a Fellow of the American Statistical Association and an elected member of the International Statistical Institute.

Lesser's leadership also transformed the statistics department and elevated Oregon State University’s role in the field as department head from 2011 to 2018.

Lesser has also been a dedicated mentor and advocate for students and colleagues. Over the course of her career, she guided more than 220 graduate students and fostered a welcoming, supportive community within the department. Her colleagues regard her as an exceptional mentor and an inspiring leader, someone who consistently goes above and beyond – whether leading major academic initiatives or simply making sure the department potluck had a home-cooked turkey.

Kameron Kadooka stands with Eleanor Feingold as they present the Inclusive Excellence Award to Hannah Stuwe.

Eleanor Feingold presents an award to Amy Timshel.

Eleanor Feingold presents an award to Elaine Cozzi.

2025 College of Science Faculty and Staff Award Ceremony

As a land grant institution committed to teaching, research, and outreach and engagement, Oregon State University promotes economic, social, cultural, and environmental progress for the people of Oregon, the nation, and the world. Oregon State University is deeply committed to the principle that every student we admit — in person or online — should achieve their goal to graduate, and awards of Scholarships and Fellowships contribute to this goal in an impactful way. The College of Science invests in the success of our graduate scholars by providing financial support to students that we recruit and students that are currently enrolled among other ways of supporting their development, progress and growth.

Graduate students in the College of Science earned notable recognition during the 2023-24 academic year, receiving a range of awards which highlight their achievements and contributions to Oregon State. Below, we highlight some of these noteworthy Graduate School Awards. From state specific honors like the ARCS Foundation Scholarship to institutional support through the Provost’s Distinguished Fellowship, these awards recognize graduate students who embody the values of Team Science.

ARCS Foundation Awards

ARCS (Achievement Rewards for College Scientists) Foundation, Oregon Chapter seeks to advance science and technology in the United States by providing financial awards to academically outstanding students who are U.S. students studying to complete Ph.D. degrees in science, engineering, mathematics, technology and medical research at Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon State University and the University of Oregon.

In 2023-2024, two College of Science graduate students were awarded ARCS scholarships. Karlie Wiese, doctoral student in Chemistry, received the ARCS Oregon 10th Anniversary OSU Scholar Award. Lucas Kolanz, doctoral student in Physics, received the Beth Ray ARCS Foundation Scholar Award. This award is funded through ARCS, the OSU Graduate School and by contributions from past OSU President Ed Ray in memory of his wife Beth.

Delson Bridge to the Future Fund

Pritha Biswas, doctoral student in Physics, is the recipient of the Delson Bridge to the Future Fund, designed to assist graduate students who are facing critical financial emergencies that could impede degree completion.

Dissertation Completion Award

Two doctoral students were awarded the Dissertation Completion Award. This award supports outstanding doctoral students who are in their final stages of their dissertations by offering an award to cover the cost of three graduate credits of tuition and mandatory fees for one academic term. The recipients are Adaline De Chenne from Mathematics and Njesa Totty from Statistics.

Graduate Dean’s Catalyst Fellowship

Two doctoral students, Theodore Bambakidis (Microbiology) and Jesse Howe (Biochemistry and Biophysics) were awarded the Graduate Dean’s Catalyst Fellowship. This award is a pilot program launched for the 2023-24 academic year to support graduate students nearing completion of their doctoral degrees.

Herbert F. Frolander Graduate Teaching Assistant Award

Steven Tran (Chemistry) received the Herbert F. Frolander Graduate Teaching Assistant Award, which recognizes outstanding and professional involvement with both faculty and students by a graduate teaching assistant at Oregon State University. This award is presented to one graduate student from across the entire university during University Day in the fall. Hear from faculty and staff who nominated Tran here.

Laurels Block Grant Program

The purpose of Laurels funding is to provide financial support to academic units so they may diversify and strengthen their graduate programs. This is achieved by providing tuition support to assist with the recruitment of new graduate students to OSU. Two College of Science students received funding in 2023-24, masters student Bailey Sharon (Mathematics) and doctoral student Courtney Clement (Microbiology).

Oregon Lottery Graduate Scholarship

Three doctoral students received funding from the Oregon Lottery Graduate Scholarship. Funds for this scholarship are provided through the Oregon State Lottery and are awarded on the basis of academic merit and financial need. The 2023-24 recipients are Matthew Nguyen (Chemistry), Steven Tran (Chemistry) and Kaitlin McHugh (Integrative Biology).

P.F. and Nellie Buck Yerex Graduate Scholarship

Nilanjana Das, masters student in Microbiology, is the recipient of the P.F. and Nellie Buck Yerex Graduate Scholarship. This scholarship is awarded to graduate students who are pursuing study in a scientific or technological field. It is awarded on the basis of academic achievement and promise for the future.

Prestigious Diversity Fellowship

Two doctoral students received the Prestigious Diversity Fellowship, intended to support the recruitment and retention of graduate students from historically underrepresented backgrounds who demonstrate scholarly promise at Oregon State. The recipients are Hallee Boyd (Chemistry) and Nyazia Sajdah-Bey (Integrative Biology).

Professional Development Award

The purpose of the Professional Development Award is to help cover costs for qualifying training, resources and activities that contribute to professional skills development. In 2023-24, the Graduate School funded the following students:

Alice Welch (Integrative Biology)

Olivia Burleigh (Integrative Biology)

Emily Taylor (Integrative Biology)

Pritha Biswas (Physics)

Kevin Dimmitt (Physics)

Provost’s Distinguished Graduate Fellowships and Scholarships

The purpose of the Provost’s Distinguished Fellowship and Scholarship program is to support programs in the recruitment of Oregon State’s most meritorious graduate students.Ian Clifford (Integrative biology) and Ben Daniels (Microbiology) received the distinguished Provost Fellowship award.

In 2023-24, the College of Science awarded Provost Scholarships to the following students:

Joline Nguyen (Biochemistry and Biophysics)

Emily Hiatt (Chemistry)

Sanpreet Hira (Chemistry)

Jack McLaughlin (Chemistry)

Gage Rios (Chemistry)

Rodrigo De Almeida Alves (Integrative Biology)

Brysyn Goodson (Integrative Biology)

Olivia Noonan (Integrative Biology)

Stefanie Fazekas (Mathematics)

Heather Fogarty (Mathematics)

Mansi Sanjay Mahajan (Mathematics)

Courtney Clement (Microbiology)

Lynn Kaneko (Microbiology)

Katelyn Spadavecchia (Physics)

Kalista Wayt (Physics)

Ian Moran (Statistics)

Scholarly Presentation Award

The Graduate School offers the Scholarly Presentation Award to provide graduate students with financial support to assist with certain costs associated with presenting their scholarly work at academic conferences and meetings. In 2023-24, the following College of Science students received this award:

Mona Khorani (Chemistry)

Nan-Chieh Chiu (Chemistry)

Anshika Nagar (Chemistry)

Ankit Yadav (Chemistry)

Jesse Laney (Integrative Biology)

Angelika Kurthen (Integrative Biology)

Jun Cai (Integrative Biology)

Erick White (Integrative Biology)

Jalyn Devereaux (Integrative Biology)

Jared Freedman (Integrative Biology)

Jesse Fritz (Integrative Biology)

Dorothy Zahor (Integrative Biology)

Jessica Karr (Integrative Biology)

Giovanni Crestani (Integrative Biology)

Kaitlin McHugh (Integrative Biology)

Kenneth Glynn (Integrative Biology)

Jazlee Joon Crowley (Integrative Biology)

Brenna Prevelige (Integrative Biology)

Jeremy Lilly (Mathematics)

Måns Mattsson (Physics)

Thurgood Marshall Graduate Fellowship

The Thurgood Marshall Graduate Fellowship is intended to support the retention of meritorious graduate students whose accomplishments and activities demonstrate leadership, service and commitment to fostering a just and equitable community. Val Sawiccy (Integrative Biology), currently an instructor at the University of Oregon, is this year’s recipient.

Wei Family Private Foundation Scholarship

The Wei Family Private Foundation, a non-profit organization, was established to honor the memory of Dr. (Mrs.) Chung Kwai Lui Wei and Mr. Hsin Hsu Wei. Its purpose is to award scholarship grants to students of Chinese heritage with high academic credentials who are pursuing a degree in Science or Mathematics at Oregon State University or an Electrical Engineering graduate degree. In 2023-2024, the College of Science awarded three Wei Family scholarships to Ian Clifford (Integrative Biology), Ben Daniels (Microbiology) and Ifeoma Nwabufo (Mathematics).

Mark and Vicki Hehnen Veterans Science Scholarship

The Mark and Vicki Hehnen Veterans Science Scholarship supports science students who are veterans and provides financial support other than tuition. This award was established by Mark Hehnen (’78 Ph.D.). In 2023-2024, the College of Science awarded two scholarships to Ebony Stretch (Microbiology) and Angela Mellisa Thompson (Zoology).

Jesse A Hanson General Science Scholarship

The Jesse A Hanson General Science Scholarship is awarded to students who show high scholarship, potential for success, unimpeachable character and service to the university. Jesse Hanson was an OSU professor of poultry science from 1911-66. The following four students received this scholarship during the 2023-2024 academic year: Joshua Byrnes (Statistics), Jessica Etter (Chemistry), Elena Gasiorowski (Integrative Biology), and Mikaela Lee (Microbiology).

Fred W. Durbin and Helen E. Bette Pierce Durbin Endowment

Created by Fred and Helen “Bette” Durbin, this endowment supports graduate fellowships as determined by the Dean. Fred received a bachelor’s in general science from OSU and Bette graduated with a bachelor’s in home economics (now the College of Health). The College of Science awarded two Fred and Helen Durbin Scholarships to Ameh Benson Agi (Chemistry) and Jonathan Dutra (Biochemistry/Biophysics).

Science Graduate Fellowship

The Science Graduate Fellowship is to be used to support students enrolled in the College of Science with a preference for students in chemistry, biochemistry and the life sciences. The College of Science awarded one Science Graduate Fellowship during the 2023-2024 academic year to Emily Parker (Integrative Biology).

*When possible, links to students' directory profiles are included.

The College of Science is committed to making science accessible, engaging and relevant to people’s lives. Through outreach, we support science literacy, connect with communities and help students see themselves in STEM. From hands-on activities in classrooms to public science events and student-led programs, outreach is one way we ensure science makes an impact. Here are a few examples of 2023-2024 outreach from across our departments:

In Integrative Biology, faculty and students participated in events such as Science Nights at local schools, Discovery Days, and sea-themed summer camps, with activities ranging from avian behavior trials to DNA sequencing workshops in Nepal. The department also contributed to public presentations and fundraisers for undergraduate research.

The Mathematics department hosted significant events like the Lonseth Lecture and Math For All Conference, while also providing educational enrichment through math circles and problem-solving sessions. Faculty gave lectures internationally and led outreach programs in local schools, aiming to make math accessible to all.

Biochemistry and Biophysics highlighted women leaders in STEM, hosted symposia and webinars, and engaged the public through biophysics demonstrations. The department's outreach extended to local schools, community events, and artistic projects that made science more approachable.

In Physics, outreach efforts included attending elementary school science nights and giving tours to high school students. Educators can visit the physics website to schedule a classroom visit from an OSU physicist.

The Chemistry department’s outreach initiatives aim to broaden access to STEM education and inspire a diverse range of students to explore science. Through a variety of programs, the department offers hands-on experiences, community events, and immersive camps that connect underrepresented and local students with real-world science opportunities. Learn more about chemistry outreach.

The Microbiology department organized creative and educational events such as agar art, career panels, and science nights, while also hosting a microbiology camp for high school students to explore STEM careers.

The Department of Statistics held outreach activities focused on recruitment and research growth including a joint research forum with Shanghai University of International Business and Economics. The department also held two conferences in Corvallis during the 2024 summer.

In the Dean’s Office, the Science Success Center organized Discovery Days where OSU welcomed more than 1,300 elementary students to experience science outside the classroom. Discovery Days, a biannual outreach event, brimmed with activities for kids to enjoy while they met graduate and undergraduate students eager to share their enthusiasm for the inspiring field.

The Dean’s Office also did recruitment outreach, visiting community colleges and middle and high schools to promote STEM programs and science career paths, engaging over 300 students in total.

These collective efforts typify the College’s commitment to science education, community engagement and inspiring future generations in STEM.

The College of Science community recently gathered to celebrate this year's Alumni Award recipients. These individuals have enriched many lives through their professional achievements, impact and service. They embody our vision to extend the reach and impact of science by improving life for the people of Oregon and beyond.

Janet Tate, distinguished professor emerita, received the Lifetime Achievement in Science Award; Parbu Nambiar Ph.D. ('88), principal and founder of Syner-G BioPharma Group, received the Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award; and Jonathan Gallion ('12), vice president of artificial intelligence and machine learning at OmniScience, received the Early Career Award.

Lifetime Achievement in Science award winner Janet Tate stands with Dean Feingold.

Janet Tate blends scientific innovation with a passion for education, leaving a lasting impact on Oregon State University and materials physics. A University Distinguished Professor, Tate has spent over 35 years researching energy-related materials, including superconductors and thin-film semiconductors, which enhance renewable energy systems and electronics. Her work contributed to the development of transparent oxide transistors, a key component behind Apple’s Retina 5K displays.

Tate’s collaborative research with leading institutions such as MIT and the National Renewable Energy Lab has led to more than 30 peer-reviewed publications and $7 million in grant funding. Internationally recognized, she has earned numerous awards, including the Alexander von Humboldt Fellowship and APS Fellowship.

Read about her passion for diversity in physics and mentorship.

A man and woman stand next to each other in professional clothing.

Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award recipient Parbu Nambiar stands with Dean Feingold.

Prabu Nambiar embodies the transformative power of education and perseverance, leading him to establish the successful consulting firm Syner-G BioPharma Group. Growing up in rural southern India, Nambiar’s early exposure to the world came through the radio, igniting a desire for greater opportunities. Encouraged by a professor to pursue his studies at Oregon State University, he moved to the U.S. in 1983, where he quickly adapted to a new environment while pursuing his Ph.D. in organic chemistry.

Nambiar’s career took him from academia to the pharmaceutical industry, starting at Bristol-Myers Squibb and later serving as vice president of regulatory affairs at Vertex Pharmaceuticals. Noticing a gap in the market for expert consulting during drug development, he took a bold leap to found his own company, which has since grown from 50 to nearly 500 employees.

Read about his company and passion for giving back to Oregon State.

A man and woman stand next to each other wearing professional clothing.

Young Alumni Achievement Award recipient Jonathan Gallion stands next to Dean Feingold.

Jonathan Gallion is making significant strides in emerging fields as the vice president of artificial intelligence and machine learning at OmniScience. His journey began in a laboratory filled with plates and pipettes, where he discovered a passion for biochemistry and biophysics. During an internship at SIGA Technologies, Gallion programmed robots to screen chemical compounds, an experience that set the foundation for his future career.

At OmniScience, he leads a team focused on leveraging data science and large language models to improve clinical trial outcomes and revolutionize medicine. His innovative work addresses the complex challenges of processing vast healthcare data, which is expected to grow significantly in the coming years. Gallion emphasizes the importance of building connections within the industry and encourages students to explore diverse career paths.

People pose for photo at Alumni Award dinner.

Surrounded by plates and pipettes in the lab, life scientist Jonathan Gallion (B.S. '12) envisioned a future that combined biology with technology. With only one year left until graduation, he landed an internship at SIGA Technologies — a global pharmaceutical leader in health security — where he discovered the power of automation.

At SIGA, Gallion programmed robots to screen a library of chemical compounds, helping his team find medicines for viral infections and defenses against bioterrorism threats. After graduating from Oregon State University in 2012 with dual Honors bachelor degrees in biochemistry and biophysics and microbiology, he pursued graduate school before launching a people-centered career at the forefront of innovation.

Now, Gallion is vice president of artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML) for OmniScience, a leading AI organization focused in life sciences and clinical research.

By leveraging the power of large language models, he and his team are transforming the biopharmaceutical (biopharma) industry. Their goal is to drive an industry-wide vision where AI/ML can modernize human health, enhance clinical trial outcomes, accelerate decision-making, and revolutionize data analysis for biotech, medtech, pharmaceutical and preclinical innovation teams – all while complementing human expertise and efforts instead of replacing them.

After driving major breakthroughs in life sciences for only a little more than a decade, the College of Science is proud to honor Gallion with the 2024 Early Career Award.

Jonathan Gallion at a table speaking with other industry leaders.

In 2023, Gallion discusses challenges in modern clinical trials with industry leaders in San Diego.

Building solutions from the ground up for the big data challenge

As biopharma data explodes in complexity, companies like OmniScience are stepping in to create AI powered solutions that meet diverse client needs and use cases. According to RBC Capital Markets, approximately 30% of the world’s data today was generated by the healthcare industry — a figure that’s expected to keep climbing.

In response, Gallion made strategic connections by networking and forming partnerships with leading life science innovators. These industry leaders develop new health technologies and manage vast data collections at biotech, medtech and therapeutic companies.

“Being a scientist, I never expected to be so client-facing when I first started, or that I would like it as much as I do. It’s funny how your career can evolve.”

The irony of innovation is that each new developed piece of technology generates more data, including wearables like Fitbits, new imaging techniques, health care app data and omic biomarkers (genes, proteins or metabolites).

And for clinical trials, capturing information on drug efficacy, safety, and tolerability, and understanding individual genetics, demographics, lifestyle and preferences is crucial to the impact of new pharmaceutical treatments. These processes tend to create sophisticated data sets that are difficult to analyze.

As noted by Gallion, drawing insights from these overwhelming, ever increasing, complex data sets within biopharma is impossible without the help of AI/ML automation. At the same time, he must consider how these models will eventually be deployed in the real world, where business objectives, data security and regulatory approval matter.

“Being a scientist, I never expected to be so client-facing when I first started, or that I would like it as much as I do,” Gallion said. “It’s funny how your career can evolve. The advice I always give when I'm talking to someone in undergraduate or graduate school is that you can't be afraid to explore new things in your career, you never know what you might discover.”

The best part of the job, according to Gallion, is tackling some of the most interesting problems facing mankind. The ability to build an equally passionate team of peers from scratch and collectively pursue change in real time makes the job more than worth it.

“I’ve really enjoyed the journey at OmniScience. As part of the founding team, I’ve seen us grow from just a few people around a coffee table to an abundance of people focused on revolutionizing the clinical trial industry,” he said. “And I get to help shape it with people I really respect, it’s incredible.”

Jonathan Gallion and the OmniScience team smiling and celebrating their successes in 2023.

Gallion (back right) celebrates making a difference with his team at OmniScience in 2023.

Gallion’s game-changing professional journey

Gallion’s career journey was not a straight line.

After working in a warehouse and mulling over the acceptance letters, he landed on the university far enough from home to give him some independence: Oregon State.

He hit the ground running by applying the pragmatic engineering mindset he learned initially to the biochemistry and biophysics and microbiology programs offered by the College of Science.

“I love the idea of borrowing ideas from nature: seeing how bats fly, how gecko's feet work, the tens of thousands of different proteins in jellyfish venom and then saying, ‘Oh, you could do something with that,’” he said.

From there, he dived deep into the microbial world of virology, where he learned how tiny virus structures interact with and affect the cells of living organisms. In one of his science courses, he met a representative from SIGA Technologies at their guest lecture.

Jonathan Gallion in a lab coat operating an Hamilton Microlab STAR.

Gallion smiles in the SIGA Technologies lab while operating the Hamilton Microlab STAR, an automated liquid handling system that handles processes including shaking solutions, DNA/RNA extraction and PCR setup.

Gallion coincidentally landed a part-time position that transformed into a full-time position as research associate at the same company, discovering a passion for computational sciences when he programmed his first liquid-handling robot for chemical screenings.

He is very thankful for the guidance and mentorship of Robbie Allen, the associate director of antiviral discovery in 2011. His time at SIGA taught him that science doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Successful scientific innovation requires the economic, societal and regulatory forces within industry.

At Oregon State, one of the most influential figures in his undergraduate experience was his thesis advisor Theo Dreher from the microbiology department. Dreher’s mentorship equipped Gallion with the skills to pursue strong, reliable research, preparing him for graduate school.

In his free time, Gallion learns about ant colonies for fun and is already a registered ant seller. He also embarks on hiking trips, produces watercolor and acrylic paintings and builds his own wooden furniture.

Despite the high stakes in biopharma, he’s not afraid to boldly tackle global health challenges early in his career. The College of Science is thrilled to honor Gallion at the Alumni Awards Ceremony at Oregon State in November for his unique and impactful contributions to global science.

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