Microbial communities, with their complex interactions and diverse species, play crucial roles in both human health and environmental sustainability. Gore's research aims to predict how these communities initially assemble and how they change due to stressors, using experimentally tractable approaches to discern the rules governing microbial community assembly and function.

By employing innovative techniques, Gore and his team have demonstrated the predictive power of simple theoretical models in understanding how microbial communities respond to environmental stressors.

Gore's expertise is evidenced by his groundbreaking research on transient invaders and their impact on ecosystem dynamics. Through experiments with bacterial populations, Gore and his colleagues have elucidated how even short-lived species can trigger profound shifts in community structure, offering valuable lessons for understanding and managing complex ecosystems.

This engaging and thought-provoking lecture will expand your understanding of microbial communities and their implications for our world. Don't miss this opportunity to hear from one of the leading minds in the field.

Gore joined the MIT Physics Department as an Assistant Professor in January 2010 after spending the previous three years in the department as a Pappalardo Fellow working with Alexander van Oudenaarden. With the support of a Hertz Graduate Fellowship, in 2005 he received his Ph.D. from the Physics Department at the University of California, Berkeley. His graduate research in single-molecule biophysics was done in the laboratory of Carlos Bustamante, focusing on the study of twist and torque in single molecules of DNA. The Gore Lab studies how interactions between individuals determine the evolutionary and ecological dynamics of multi-species microbial communities. Of particular focus are alternative stable states, community assembly, cross-feeding, and the emergence of "cheater" strategies.

Outstanding Faculty Research Assistant Award

Jenna Sullivan-Stack received the Outstanding Faculty Research Assistant Award for her remarkable contributions in research, service and equity.

Acknowledged as a “talented scientist, effective communicator and trusted collaborator,” Sullivan-Stack has contributed to national policy level complications of ocean research and conservation. She co-authored a Science paper that was downloaded nearly 28,000 times and ranked in the top 5% of research outputs scored by Altmetric.

She actively engages with international collaborators and effectively coordinates communication with diverse co-authors. Her participation in the United Nations Indigenous Dialogues underscores her respected position, where she co-organized a panel on ocean conservation, showcasing her ability to navigate sensitive and diverse collaborations. Her nominator emphasizes, “This speaks volumes about the respect she has from our colleagues.”

In addition to her research prowess, her commitment to service and equity is exemplified through her involvement in departmental committees and initiatives. She serves on the Integrative Biology Department’s Committee on Equity, Justice and Inclusion and contributes to the Inclusive Internationalization Committee. Jenna’s dedication extends beyond academia; she actively participates in the Skype a Scientist Program, virtually visiting elementary classes nationwide to share her research and inspire the next generation.

In the words of her nominator, “Jenna is a true asset to OSU. Her expertise is supporting a thriving research group to make local to global scientific impacts that are truly transdisciplinary.”

Dean’s Early Career Achievement Award

Assistant Professor Maude David received the Dean’s Early Career Achievement Award for her outstanding contributions across research, mentorship and innovation. Notably, David’s research on the gut-brain axis and application of deep learning to neurological diseases, particularly autism, has earned international reputation.

Her impressive CV includes 13 manuscripts in esteemed journals and securing approximately $9.5 million in funding from diverse sources. A fellow colleague from Stanford wrote, “In my estimation, Dr. David’s early academic achievements are among the most impressive I have seen in my entire career.” Her pioneering efforts extend beyond academia, as she has initiated companies like NeuroBiome LLC and Microbiome Engineering LCC, aligning with the College of Science’s mission for community health.

Industry partners in the biotechnology sphere commend David’s deep commitment to open and collaborative science. “She has shared all data, metadata and analytical pipelines with the scientific community: as a result, this dataset has already been used by many researchers, and part of it has been published in Nature Neuron.”

David has become a leader in her field elevating Oregon State’s distinction in the area of biomedical research and biocomputing. Faculty describe her as a devoted community member with an astonishing work ethic.

Marilyn Mackiewicz received the Dean’s Early Career Achievement Award for her exceptional contributions in research, teaching and service. Her research focuses on safe nanomaterials, and she and her group have developed a unique protocol for controlled nanoparticle production, allowing groundbreaking applications in bioimaging and therapy. The nominations from fellow colleagues highlight her “commitment to advancing the field” and call her a “rising star in nanomaterials.”

In the teaching domain, Mackiewicz’s impact extends beyond traditional classrooms. She is commended for her teaching approach in courses like CH220 and Ch320, combining her personal experience with research-based practices for career development. Her dedication to student success is evident in her creation of a new bioinorganic chemistry class, filling a significant gap in the chemistry curriculum. In addition, her mentorship qualities are highlighted in a peer-reviewed article published in the Journal of Chemical Education, demonstrating her dedication to supporting students’ success and building their self-advocacy.

As chair of the Equity, Justice and Inclusion committee, she has transformed the appearance of Gilbert Hall into an inclusive space, showcasing diverse faculty members and the student body. Marilyn's leadership role in the college's Strategic Planning Committee, including leading the development of a goal as the only assistant professor, underscores her impactful service. She organized the first Industry-University Collaborative Conference Program, which received positive feedback, and played a significant role in rewriting OSU's NSF Research Traineeship grant.

“A trailblazer in inclusive research, teaching and service leadership,” Mackiewicz is an accomplished, dedicated and pioneering member of the College of Science.

F.A. Gilfillan Award for Distinguished Scholarship in Science

Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics Department Head Elisar Barbar received the F. A. Gilfillan Award for Distinguished Scholarship in Science.

Barbar is a pioneering leader in the biophysical characterization of protein complexes involving intrinsically disorders proteins, a field that few researchers venture into. Throughout her 25-year tenure at Oregon State, she has built an impactful scholarly program. One nomination letter describes her as an “international leader” who has shaped the field of biophysics and structural biology, producing “deep mechanistic understanding.”

Her career has resulted in numerous quantifiable accomplishments and indicators of her scholarly excellence and impact. She has 90 refereed papers in strong journals, primary investigator on grants totaling more than $10 million in external funding, and 18 active international collaborations with researchers from 13 countries. She has received the Milton-Harris Basic Research Award, a French university’s honorary “Chaire” award, and a New Zealand university’s Erskine Fellow award.

Barbar is the perfect example of striving to define success not by how elite or exclusive she is, but by who she includes and helps achieve their academic, career and life goals. She demonstrates this commitment in her research lab through her inclusion of diverse students and other advisees who were not accepted in or were not successful in other research groups. She helps these individuals cultivate their talents and interests and find success in the department and beyond.

Her unwavering commitment to groundbreaking research, exemplary mentoring and tireless advocacy for equity in science is remarkable and highly commendable.

Milton Harris Award for Basic Research in Science

Professor Christopher Beaudry received the Milton Harris Award for Basic Research in Science. Endowed by G. Milton Harris, a Portland native who received his bachelor's degree in 1926 from OSU. He was a pioneer in polymer, fiber and textile science. Dr. Harris and his family were and are devoted supporters of higher education, supporting numerous scholarships, awards and faculty positions in science and engineering at OSU.

The purpose of the Milton Harris is to recognize exceptional achievement in basic research by honoring an outstanding faculty member in the College. Special consideration is given to recent research that was carried out at OSU and that will have a significant impact on its field.

Beaudry is known for his significant contributions to organic chemistry, recognized as a top authority in the chemical synthesis of natural products, particularly in the exploration of molecular chirality.

“Professor Beaudry’s scholarly endeavors represent the very essence of basic research. His achievements include the conception of numerous unprecedented chemical reactions, marking a series of ‘firsts’ in the scientific community,” one nominator wrote.

His research has garnered widespread recognition, both within Oregon State and the broader scientific community. He recently received the OSU Impact Award for Outstanding Scholarship. A leading chemistry publication distinguished his work as a ‘Very Important Paper’ and he secured ‘most downloaded’ accolades from the esteemed journal Angewandte Chemie.

Promotion of equity, justice and inclusion has been an integral part of Chris’s career. Through his lived experiences, including being a first-generation college student, he understands students may experience “imposter syndrome” and he is committed to creating an inclusive laboratory environment.

“Overall, Prof. Beaudry has amassed a unique portfolio of synthetic chemistry that marks him as one of the best in our field, and positions him beautifully for continued contributions not only in the heart of organic chemistry, but also in the field of medicinal chemistry,” one colleague wrote. “I hope it is evident that I think the world of Prof. Beaudry’s science.”

Olaf Boedtker Award for Excellence in Academic Advising

Cody Duncan, academic advisor in the Department of Integrative Biology, received the Olaf Boedtker Award for Excellence in Undergraduate Advising.

Duncan was praised by students for being an outstanding advisor, even when he was not their primary advisor.

One student commends Duncan for being the best advisor they’ve had at OSU, stating, “He is thoughtful, kind and cares about students.” Others highlighted his responsiveness in addressing schedule and planning issues, always providing helpful options for meeting forward.

His influence has had a lasting positive impact. A student recalls their first meeting with Duncan, emphasizing his kindness and understanding of their goals upon entering college. Even amid changing academic interests, Cody’s support remains unwavering. A student shares, “He helped me navigate a shift from pre-vet to pre-med during my senior year, providing knowledgeable advice on next steps in terms of shadowing or exploring human medicine.”

What sets him apart is his enduring support. He is known for mentioning to students that they can contact him even after college if they need help or direction. This long-term commitment underscores his genuine care for students.

Loyd F. Carter Award for Outstanding and Inspirational Teaching in Science (Undergraduate)

Senior Instructor I Amila Liyanage received the Loyd F. Carter Award for Outstanding and Inspirational Undergraduate Teaching in Science. Liyanage teaches Experimental Chemistry.

Students unanimously commended Liyanage’s impactful teaching style, especially in lab settings, where he stands out for being incredibly hands-on and focused on students’ needs. One student notes, “He takes the time to connect with students. He listens to concerns with an open mind and takes the time to help the students solve the problem at hand.”

Beyond the classroom, his proactive dedication is evident as he takes time to review student’s lab reports before deadlines, providing valuable feedback and help to succeed. He is described as “outgoing and respectful to lab attendants and faculty.”

In the Experimental Chemistry Honors series, students appreciate Liyanage’s kindness, detailed explanations and clear directions. One student emphasizes, “Liyanage was so supportive and helpful when I had a question or if I was struggling.”

Students value his recognition of their lives outside academia, citing instances where he granted extensions due to external circumstances. “He is an incredible teacher and mentor, and I can’t think of anyone truly more deserving of this award,” one student wrote.

Loyd F. Carter Award for Outstanding and Inspirational Teaching in Science (Graduate)

Assistant Professor Jamie Cornelius received the Loyd F. Carter Award for Outstanding and Inspirational Graduate Teaching in Science. She teaches environmental physiology and behavioral neurobiology.

Students describe Cornelius as an outstanding scientist and teacher, with a teaching approach that prioritizes engaging with students rather than relying on traditional success metrics. According to one student, “The content she teaches is challenging, yet she makes it accessible to all students and will go out of her way to ensure student success.” Known for her kindness, empathy and fun attitude, she is regarded as an inspirational figure in the natural sciences, leaving students with “a newfound sense of wonder and excitement.”

Conrnelius is lauded for fostering an inclusive environment, breaking down the intimidating professor stereotype by sharing personal experiences. A student notes, “She breaks up lectures by bringing in her guitar to play science songs that she wrote which are always so enjoyed.” Her commitment to accessibility is evident as she is “never too busy for a student,” and she actively seeks feedback. “Her visible excitement and enthusiasm for the material is contagious.”

Fred Horne Award for Sustained Excellence in Teaching Science

Shawn Massoni, senior instructor I in the Department of Microbiology, received the Frederick Horne Award for Excellence in Teaching Science. Since joining Oregon State in 2018, Massoni has demonstrated engaging pedagogical methods, an emphasis on inclusivity and a commitment to creating an engaging and equitable learning environment.

Massoni is dedicated to student growth and his lessons continue to impact students years later. A former student praised his ability to make science accessible and instill a love of learning. “In my opinion, this might be the most profound impact a teacher can have on a student because it seeps into every part of a person’s life,” the alumnus wrote.

He is known as a genuine, authentic human who made the intimidating world of science feel accessible. Using a combination of short lectures and in-class collaborative learning assignments as his primary pedagogy, Massoni engages students in the learning process. He has worked diligently to develop and implement inclusive learning environments, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject matter. He is pushing pedagogical boundaries and always striving to improve.

“He exemplifies an instructor for whom every course, assignment, assessment and activity is rooted in his concern for equity, inclusion and access,” one nominator wrote. “His commitment is powerfully demonstrated by his participation in multiple study sessions, including Jane Waite’s Social Justice Education Initiative workshops, Career Champions, and faculty workgroups on systemic whiteness in higher education, among others.”

Overall, he is an exceptional educator, combining effective teaching strategies, commitment to inclusivity and a genuine passion for fostering student success in the field of microbiology.

CoS Faculty Scholar Award

Kyriakos Stylianou, assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry, received the College of Science Faculty Scholar Award, for his contributions to teaching, research and mentorship. This award was created to support teaching and learning innovation that advances Oregon State University’s retention and completion goals.

In spring 2022, Stylianou approached the general chemistry laboratory instructors with a novel proposal to create a new lab incorporating his research into metal-organic frameworks. As a first-generation scientist himself, Stylianou is acutely aware of the importance of early-career development of a scientific identity. He created a personal goal to revise Gen. Chem. labs and shift their focus to research-focused interdisciplinary experiments.

His project helps students with experimental and communication skills in the classroom and nurtures a curiosity-driven mentality in students. Through hands-on learning, students practice critical thinking and problem-solving skills that mimic research experiences. The project will culminate in the development of a 300-level chemistry course that will specifically target science identity development and hands-on research skills.

“Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive, both initially and when the project was implemented again the following year in the spring of 2023. Students were excited to learn that they were participating in a new activity involving modern research, and furthermore, a project that no other students across the nation–or the world for that matter–were doing. Stylianou’s efforts with his MOF project have helped OSU Chemistry to stand out as truly unique in its general chemistry program,” one grateful nominator wrote.

“He is a talented and energetic educator who is committed to advancing new teaching strategies to engage students and strengthen our curriculum,” another nominator wrote.

Whiteley Faculty Scholar Award for Teaching Excellence

The College of Science Mentoring Community, including Mary Beisiegel, Lauren Dalton, Elizabeth Gire, Erin Howard, Nathan Kirk, Shawn Massoni and Louis Wojciniski, received the Whiteley Faculty Scholar for Teaching Excellence Award.

In 2017, the Ben and Elaine Whiteley Faculty Scholar Fund for Teaching Excellence was established through Ben Whiteley’s estate to support great teachers who are advancing teaching and learning excellence in support of increased student success.

Acknowledging the importance of effective peer mentoring for university faculty to succeed in various aspects of their roles, this group of faculty proposed a plan to create a mentorship program in the College of Science. Focused on addressing teaching excellence, the group will use triads, training, classroom observations, reflective artifacts and peer reviews.

The overall goals include building community, supportive effective peer review, recognizing diversity and inclusion and collaborating with the Oregon State Center for Teaching and Learning. The program’s three-year plan includes curriculum development, a pilot program, participant recruitment and expansion.

This initiative aligns with university and college-wide strategic goals, emphasizing teaching excellence, mentorship and inclusivity. The program is designed by a diverse committee representing all the departments within the College of Science, ensuring a comprehensive and sustainable approach to faculty development in teaching.

Jo-Ann Leong is an outstanding microbiologist with a long history of aquaculture discoveries at Oregon State University and around the world. After obtaining her Ph.D. in microbiology and virology at the University of California, San Francisco, she became the only female professor in Nash Hall to help run one of the first virology labs at Oregon State in 1975. Throughout her life, Leong made breakthrough discoveries that inspired faculty members, future scientists and the world we live in today.

In the 1980s, Leong helped discover a new vaccine for salmon that died from IHNV, a disease that killed millions of fish and affected their migrations across the Columbia River. She also collaborated to help found the Center for Salmon Disease Research, which continues to find vaccines and solutions to fish diseases today.

After becoming a distinguished professor and spending more than 25 years in Corvallis, she moved on to be a director of the Marine Institute at the University of Hawaii at Manoa.

Read more about her transformative work that advanced aquaculture globally.

Parisa Khosropour encourages a pursuit of personal excellence over conventional markers of success. Advocating for doing what one loves and working hard, she views success as an ongoing process rather than a final destination.

Khosropour, a former president of the transplant diagnostics division at Thermo Fisher Scientific, now channels her expertise into angel investing, supporting healthcare startups with transformative potential. Her philosophy of “paying it forward” has inspired her to mentor and advise startups, emphasizing the importance of thorough research and aligning goals with investing groups.

She graduated with her undergraduate degree in chemistry from Oregon State and then transitioned from clinical pharmacology research at Stanford to industry, where she excelled in cellular immunology and assay development.

Read more about her career advice and dedication to healthcare innovation.

Simon Johnson spearheaded a novel approach to researching mitochondrial diseases that has reshaped his field’s work.

For many years, scientists speculated on the pathway from which these diseases arise, primarily focusing on the mitochondria's role in generating energy to find an answer. However, Johnson reasoned that an energetic explanation wouldn’t account for how infants with the disease commonly survive through development.

With this in mind, his laboratory instead examined the structure’s origins as a remnant of ancient bacteria within our cells. Certain bacterial components remain intact as parts of the mitochondria and, as Johnson’s lab discovered, could trigger innate immune responses if they were to leak out of the cell. These pioneering findings create a much clearer picture of the diseases than ever before, and Johnson is now focusing his efforts on specifying what particular bacterial aspect of the mitochondria could be at fault. He currently runs his laboratory in the U.K. at Northumbria University and is eager to continue exploring this mystery.

Read more about Johnson’s groundbreaking work in mitochondrial diseases.

Enjoy some photos from the event below. Click here for the full gallery of photos.

“Medical schools are set up so that you can just call down and have the medium made for you because they were organized for that kind of stuff,” Leong said. It turns out that working in higher education was different. “I remember struggling because I had never made media before. I had to make it myself at Corvallis,” she said.

Media is a substance typically put on Petri dishes to provide nutrients to microorganisms and help them grow. Leong enforced sterile conditions to make the lab a safe and successful environment. But it wasn’t easy.

Four decades ago, research techniques looked very different. “In California, we had Petri dishes and plastic growth chambers that you threw away when you were done. I came to Corvallis and saw they were using glass bottles instead. It was just different,” she said.

Leong challenged her graduate students to make enzymes and other materials from scratch. Everyone learned how to manually analyze samples–a notably more difficult task before the advent of automated gene sequencers.

Leong’s lab used DNA techniques to detect evidence of endogenous retroviruses in fresh placentas soon after women gave birth in the hospital. For Leong, this meant transporting placentas to the lab at 3 or 4 a.m. with her sleeping daughter in her arms.

“If I didn’t have those students and a really supportive Chair, I don’t know if I would have survived,” she said.

The long hours and enthusiasm for virus research did not go unnoticed. From gigantic genomes to viruses with only a limited set of genes, the research opportunities are endless. “You know what I find fascinating about a virus?” Leong said. “You can do all kinds of things with five genes and if you want to use them to begin to understand how the cell works, therein lies a whole wealth of studies you can do.”

Lethal disease leads to uncharted waters

Fast forward to the 1980s, when a sudden virus rocked the Pacific Northwest. Millions of fish suddenly dropped dead in the Columbia River from the Infectious Hematopoietic Necrosis Virus (IHNV), a disease researchers knew little about. Mysteriously enough, the virus only affected steelhead trout and salmon, leaving other fish unharmed.

Every year, salmon and trout frantically traverse the Columbia River, racing upstream and back to their birthplace. There, they spawn offspring that eat and live their busy lives downstream.

This sudden increase in deaths caused a serious problem resulting in millions of dollars in losses annually in the U.S. If these die-offs continued, even non-seafood lovers would notice the impact on the ecosystem.

The Columbia River serves as the largest concentration of hydroelectric power in the U.S., generating 40% of the total hydroelectric generation in 2012. However, there’s a catch—the fish need to succeed.

“The movement of water over those dams along the Columbia River is controlled by the salmon and their return, so the generation of power is an important component,” Leong said.

To preserve the ecosystem, one strategy is to raise more fish to make this journey. In the 1980s, the cost to raise one Chinook salmon capable of surviving the trip was approximately $670. “The cost is a tax on all of us that we pay for in many respects. And it’s a creature that we need to preserve,” she said.

Salmon not returning home has monumental ecological consequences. The entire ecosystem relies on the successful movement of fish back and forth along the river. The river’s health and vitality are sustained by what the salmon consume and their activity, impacting energy usage, food availability, species conservation, and overall ecosystem health.

For Leong, this presented a new avenue for exploration and opportunity. Through this research, she helped discover a new genus of the virus, new treatments, and a recombinant DNA vaccine for salmon.

She didn’t do this alone. Collaborating with John Fryer, the Chairman of Microbiology, she helped found the Center for Salmon Disease Research at Oregon State, where the first work on vaccines for fish took place. At the time, there was no other facility of this type and complexity in the county – specifically the clean water, disease-free conditions, and quarantine capabilities. Finding vaccines and other solutions for fish diseases continues at the center to this day.

After spending more than 25 years at Oregon State, Leong rose through the ranks. When named Distinguished Professor, her jaw dropped and she nearly fell off her seat at the faculty meeting.

She proceeded to serve on Search Committees for University Presidents, assumed roles on National Committees and took on various additional responsibilities.

Leong shared her expertise globally, presenting her work to professionals worldwide, including the European Fish Association in Spain and aquaculture farms in Japan, Norway, China, and Chile. Due to limited resources, some of these farms practiced diverse ways to treat fish diseases.

“Salmon lice is a huge problem, and they couldn’t use some of the anti-lice compounds,” she said. Given that some of the salmon were raised for human consumption, alternative measures were sought. “Sometimes they would bring out a bag of rotting onions from the tank because they were hoping it would keep the lice away. It was the only thing they had at the time.”

A vaccine could change that. Numerous farms sought to develop and use antiviral vaccines for their struggling marine life, which Leong’s work made possible.

Moving forward and across the ocean

After her time at Oregon State, she returned to Hawaii to help take care of her family, including her now 101-year-old mother and 103-year-old father. Departing from Oregon State meant she had to drop her virology research.

She landed a new position as director of the Marine Institute at the University of Hawaii at Manoa. The problem was she is a microbiologist – not a marine biologist.

When she arrived, the lab needed a microbiology background in aquaculture, especially in fish rearing and coral disease research. With 17 other faculty members, Leong led the Hawaii Institute of Marine Biology, including more than 50 graduate students.

Despite being an ocean away, she aimed to maintain her strong Oregon roots. “I used my own funds to bring some of the faculty over. I tried very hard to keep those friendships very strong because I didn’t want to leave them.”

Leong's leadership roles grew including serving as the chairman of the Board of Directors for the Center for Tropical and Subtropical Aquaculture, the president of the National Association of Marine Laboratories, and on the executive secretariat for the National Advisory Committee on Development and Assessment of Climate. When she retired, she thought about stopping science but when her friends kept calling her up to edit new books, she couldn’t resist.

When recalling her wild water adventures, she offers advice for aspiring scientists. “When I was young, I wish I knew to choose subjects and people not because they make you feel good, but because they are doing wonderful things for science and society,” Leong said. “Look to the future and decide what it is that you want, short and long-term, and then make the decision.”

Currently, she enjoys painting, playing piano, growing tomatoes, embarking on boat trips to Indonesia, and engaging in things she didn’t have time for before. Not to mention creating more memories with her husband in a marriage of 57 years and counting.

Even though many years have come and gone, she doesn’t forget the people who supported her through the struggles and the triumphs.

“I grew up as a scientist, teacher, and communicator at Oregon State,” Leong said. “My colleagues have been supportive and the College of Science administration as well as the College of Agricultural Sciences were so helpful as I was struggling as a young professor.”

Beaver Champion Award

Professor Jerri Bartholomew from the Department of Microbiology earned the Beaver Champion Award for her pivotal role in integrating the arts and sciences across Oregon State University.

The Beaver Champion Award is a recognition by the university’s president which commends individuals for their tremendous efforts and accomplishments. Bartholomew has spent years bridging the rich scientific research of Oregon State to the creative mindset of the arts as a founding member of the Arts-Sci collective, which explores this intersection through galleries and courses among other events. Additionally, her grassroot efforts aimed at students include discretionary funds towards arts-integrating fellowships that support interdisciplinary projects.

Both the Director of the J.L. Fryer Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory and a glass artist herself, Bartholomew has been a leader in advocating for more integrative approaches to science. Her continual work has been key in developing PRAx, the Patricia Valian Reser Center for the Creative Arts, which will be a linchpin in the university’s creative community.

“Professor Bartholomew has been a leader in the OSU community whose years of effort paved the way for PRAx to advance a vision of an OSU campus in which art and creativity drive science even as science inspires art and creativity,” one nominator wrote.

Teaching excellence

Senior Instructor Nathan Kirk in the Department of Integrative Biology received the OSU Faculty Teaching Excellence Award. An instructor at Oregon State since 2013, Kirk’s scope of biology teaching extends to not only introductory and writing-intensive courses, but also to Ecampus courses and experiential learning classes.

Kirk constantly strives for students to retain valuable knowledge as well as have the opportunity to engage in scientific exploration, which is most evident in the two course-based undergraduate research experiences he co-created. One of these programs, called CUREs, was integrated into the introductory Principles of Biology series and serves more than 800 students on average.

Keeping material relevant and dynamic can be a daunting task, but Kirk’s successful use of contemporary research and articles paints an exciting picture of modern science in his classrooms. He welcomes improvements in methodology, as well, regular engagement with regional societies such as the Society for the Advancement of Biology Education Research in order to learn new teaching strategies. He is driven by the desire to enable student success in any way he can.

“The amount of consideration, time and care that he puts into making sure the class and his students' needs are met amazes me. I truly believe that Dr. Kirk goes above and beyond to help his students succeed,” one nominator said.

Kenneth C. Walsh, College of Science Faculty Scholar, earned the OSU Faculty Excellence in Online Teaching Award for his large contributions to Ecampus learning.

Walsh spearheaded the development of an online physics course sequence prior to the pandemic. He took the pursuit in stride and noticed a disparity in quality between the virtual and in-person iterations at other institutions, and he set out to bridge this gap with his courses at Oregon State.

He then created an online algebra-based general physics course sequence that translates the rigor of traditional classroom settings into those on Ecampus. It was the first College of Science course to offer online students: live support from graduate TAs in the WormHole; supplemental instruction study tables; a dedicated team of Ecampus undergraduate learning assistants; and live-action engagement lectures that utilized a Lightboard.

Even with the course’s success, Walsh continues to search for improvements. He has since been asked by the Effective Practices for Physics Programs (EP3) initiative to provide his insights to the EP3 Guide section discussing virtual learning. He is recognized as a leader in online physics education by many.

“Dr. Walsh has spent a decade developing a complete ecosystem of online materials: labs, textbook, exercises, video lectures and live help that have proven to be highly effective. I can think of no one more deserving of this award, either at OSU or nationally,” a nominator wrote.

Bryan Lynn, a third-year Integrative Biology Ph.D. student, received the Herbert J. Frolander Award for Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistants, awarded for his teaching record and dedication to inclusive teaching practices in the Department of Integrative Biology.

As a first-generation transgender student who began his academic career at the age of 25, Lynn has prioritized creating inclusive scientific communities. “As a student I have experienced the feeling of being presented with course materials that feel alienating – and I don’t wish for any of my students to experience that,” he wrote.

Lynn exemplifies leading by example and leaving things better than he found them. His efforts have had an impact within his department, the College and the greater university community.

In 2019, he co-founded the popular student club Out in Stem that serves to increase the visibility of queer and trans people in science. For his work across the university, Lynn has earned numerous awards including two from The Pride Foundation and the Oregon State Diversity and Inclusion Champion Dam Distinguished award.

As part of his assistantship, Lynn spent last summer evaluating and modifying all of the Principles of Biology lecture materials to use language inclusive of non-traditional identities, specifically with respect to gender. Because this class is taught by six different faculty multiple times throughout the year, his work impacted thousands of Oregon State students. Faculty reported enjoying learning through the process and were eager to apply the language change to other courses.

“Bryan is one of the most thoughtful, impactful and engaged GTAs that I have worked with in the last 12 years of working with over 30 GTAs per year,” one nominator wrote. “Bryan brings something extra special with him to his class every single time he teaches it, from including pictures of his cat, Pancake, in every slideshow to redesigning our curriculum to be more inclusive.”

Professor Elizabeth Gire of the Department of Physics earned the Elizabeth P. Ritchie Distinguished Professor Award. This award is open to all teaching faculty across Oregon State and is given to someone who demonstrates outstanding commitment to undergraduate education.

Professor Gire’s research aims to understand how students learn physics content, which has enabled her to implement innovative strategies into her classes ranging from small whiteboard questions to kinesthetic activities. Gire has built an impressive collection of over 40 publications on the topic. Her evidence-based methods help her students earn high eSET/SLES scores, and her development of a second-year physics course has been a tremendous addition that helps students transition successfully into professional learning environments.

Gire’s ability to connect and empathize with undergraduates has made her a source of guidance for many, as seen in her role as a faculty advisor to several student clubs. She consistently strives to make a welcoming community through smaller ways, such as having students establish rules on how to treat each other in her classrooms, as well as in bigger ways, like her commitment to improving diversity in the physics department.

“She has made the largest impact on my learning out of any professor at OSU, and this is quite a common sentiment among the other undergraduates in physics. She continues to be a model for what physics teaching should look like,” wrote one nominator.

Excellence in mentoring and advising

Kari van Zee, lead advisor for the Biochemistry and Biophysics Department, earned the Dar Reese Excellence in Advising Award. She has not only achieved profound success as the biochemistry and biophysics (BB) lead advisor, but also as a pre-med advisor and BB undergraduate coordinator.

Van Zee is responsible for spearheading the modernization of the Biochemistry and Biophysics major. She additionally helped create the Biochemistry and Molecular Biology major while helping secure national certifications for both the new major and the Biochemistry and Biophysics major.

Her peers credit her with going beyond implementing programmatic benefits for students as an advisor; she greatly prioritizes supporting them on an individual scale. She fosters an encouraging atmosphere through celebratory gatherings and the orientation class she both created and teaches. Her constant drive to go the extra mile when assisting students has left a lasting impression on many.

“Through her utmost devotion to student growth and community building, undergirded by a compassionate heart for student well-being, Kari lives out all the best qualities of an excellent advisor and an amazing teacher,” one nominator wrote.

Patricia Valian Reser Faculty Scholar Chong Fang received the Excellence in Postdoctoral Mentoring Award for his dedication to assisting young scientists develop their careers.

Since joining the Department of Chemistry in 2010, Fang has trained five postdoctoral scholars in addition to more than 15 graduate students. His ability to foster a culture of enthusiasm drives those who work with him further along their career paths. Of the 27 papers published by the Fang lab since 2021, 10 were led by postdoctoral scholars within his group. His mentees credit Fang’s readily given feedback and support. By finding a balance in sharing his knowledge and providing his mentees space to grow, he has helped enable them to thrive as scientists.

Fang has shown a commitment to creating and giving postdoctoral scholars numerous tools. Having presented seminars at about 70 different universities and by attending about 30 national and international conferences, his wide network is a significant resource for his mentees. Additionally, he wholeheartedly encourages them to pursue their own opportunities, such as engaging in grant proposals or attending scientific meetings. Those under his guidance enjoy a supportive and rewarding experience.

“Dr. Fang is a truly exceptional individual who embodies the qualities of a good mentor,

role model and great character. He inspires those around him with his dedication to work, passion for learning and his commitment to making a positive impact on the world,” one nominator wrote.

Taylor Krueger, a postdoctoral scholar in the Fang Research Group in the chemistry department, received the Excellence in Undergraduate Research Mentoring by a Postdoc Award.

Krueger excels as a mentor due to his accessibility, dependability, kindness and commitment to creating an inclusive and equitable research environment. In a femtosecond laser spectroscopy lab with a steep learning curve, he has remained committed to mentoring STEM learners at all levels.

“He was not afraid to admit the limits of his knowledge and he often taught through example,” one student nominator wrote.

Through his mentorship of four undergraduate students, he has helped achieve engagement of underrepresented students in the physical chemistry field and two of those students have gone on to pursue advanced degrees.

Beyond mentorship, Krueger has achieved personal success, leading a number of projects on elucidation of fluorescence and relaxation mechanisms in proteins, solutions and thin films. This work has resulted in eight first-author published papers, three second-author papers and one book chapter.

“I am in the process of becoming a mentor for an undergraduate researcher, and I definitely translate how Taylor mentored me to how I mentor my student; patience is a hard thing to have, but it is easier when you learn from one of the best,” one nominator wrote.

Excellence in service, commitment to students and teamwork

Linda Bruslind, full-time Senior Instructor II of the Department of Microbiology, received the OSU Faculty Affordability Award. This accolade is given to those who demonstrate commitment to providing affordable course learning materials to students, which Bruslind has done on an impressive scale.

To replace costly textbooks needed in microbiology courses, Bruslind authored the book General Microbiology and aided in developing the book Allied Health Microbiology. The former saved OSU students alone at least $172,500 and was used by 79,203 worldwide in 2022. Allied Health Microbiology also alleviated $33,000 from student spending. Her efforts in crafting thoughtful and innovative low-cost materials was estimated to save Oregon State students over $1 million over the course of 17 years.

Students have shown an appreciation for Bruslind’s skillful curation of materials that are both affordable and help strengthen their understanding of the coursework by not being bogged down by complicated jargon. Additionally, by studying a faculty-generated textbook and then learning from that same faculty in class, students experience greater clarity and a more cohesive experience in their microbiology courses.

“Dr. Bruslind’s development of inclusive, accessible no- and low-cost materials for multiple classes and laboratories available to the global community showcase

her dedication to affordability and equity in learning. Her work earns enthusiastic praise from students and colleagues alike,” a nominator said.

Department of Chemistry Administrative Assistant Paula Christie received the University Mentoring and Professional Development Award for her contributions to a welcoming department atmosphere and problem solving.

"Paula is the “mother hen” of the department: not only does she know about the ins-and outs of operation of the department, but also is she a confidant, a friend, and an informal mentor to the staff, undergrad and graduate students," one nominator wrote.

Colleagues value Christie's "can do" attitude and resourcefulness. She is known for looking out for others mental wellbeing and solving conflicts with grace.

When several staff members wanted to attend classes at Oregon State, Christie worked with them to ensure they could fulfill their work responsibilities and still enjoy the learning experience.

The Department of Chemistry is grateful to Christie for her guidance, kindness, respect and professionalism.

Patricia Valian Reser Faculty Scholar Chong Fang won a second award, the D. Curtis Mumford Faculty Service Award. His service to the faculty and to Oregon State involving several departments, disciplines and institutions highlights the core essence of this award.

Over his 13 years at Oregon State, Fang has served at every level of committee and been the chair of dozens. His work over the last decade in the Department of Chemistry’s graduate admission’s committee, which included arranging student-faculty interviews and nominating high-achieving students for fellowships and scholarships, has increased the program’s acceptance from about 30% to 60%.

He is passionate about diversity and equity, which has driven him to not only lead committees dedicated to these causes, but also to initiate the Junto’s weekend for Latinx Oregon high schoolers which he has funded and arranged every summer since 2017.

Fang has served science by establishing a large interdisciplinary network of collaborators with whom he and his research group study protein engineering and novel material synthesis. While simultaneously improving aspects of life at Oregon State in countless ways, he has achieved national recognition for his work as an ultrafast laser spectroscopist.

“I have witnessed him building a world-renowned research laboratory from scratch while training the next-generation of STEM leaders, and firmly believe that he is an indispensable asset to the department, College and university through his innovative and impactful development of cutting-edge, collaborative research across the globe,” a nominator wrote.

The Baccalaureate Core Reform Committee (BCRC) received the Faculty Senate Student Success and Teamwork Award. This honor is given to departments or interdisciplinary groups that have demonstrated exceptional teamwork in creating and sustaining an exemplary teaching and learning environment.

An interdisciplinary team of 30 academic and professional faculty members, the BCRC invested countless hours to reform Oregon State’s general education curriculum known as “Bacc Core.” Lori Kayes, associate department head and senior instructor II in the Department of Integrative Biology, served as the co-chair of the committee. Patrick Ball, program coordinator and senior biology instructor II on the OSU Cascades campus, also served on the committee.

“This committee has been involved in this process since 2020, and I can say, without a doubt, poured their hearts, souls, and emotional and physical labor into developing the new curriculum,” one nominator wrote. “I have never seen a group at OSU rally around something like this in the decade I have spent at the institution. I am forever proud and grateful for each person involved.”

The BCRC collectively spent 1,000 hours between October 2021 through June 2022 revising the curriculum to follow best practices, be student focused and provide a high-quality educational experience. They engaged with more than 400 stakeholders through 35 meetings to collect feedback and ideas to shape the final product. The new curriculum includes multiple modes of instruction, a focus on social and environmental justice and professional skills integral for joining the workforce. Several high-impact practices that promote equity, retention and increased graduation rates specifically for historically underserved students, were embedded in the curriculum. The group also focused on transfer students and structuring courses to meet the needs of this population.

The group aspired to not let budget or individual faculty expectations drive the work – but instead, they focused on student success as their North Star.

For one week, Leidholt led 20 local high school students through the Pernot Microbiology Camp. The immersion camp, funded by Rebecca Vega Thurber, introduced students to microbiology disciplines such as agricultural, food, medicinal and marine science.

The students learned how to use pipettes, the small glass or plastic tubes used in labs. They also collected cheek cell swabs, extracted DNA from potato salads, toured Corvallis’ wastewater facility and applied microbiology to arts and crafts.

The program was named after and funded in part by Vega Thurber’s endowed position in the department. Vega Thurber is the Emile F. Pernot Distinguished Professor in the microbiology department, a three-year professorship named after Oregon State University’s first bacteriologist and one of the founders of the Department of Microbiology at OSU.

“I know from my time as a McNair Scholar in undergraduate school that targeted programs such as the Pernot Microbiology camp can foster self-confidence in the sciences and increased interest in pursuing a career in STEM,” she added.

Participating students were primarily incoming juniors and seniors from Linn-Benton County and represented a variety of backgrounds in terms of race, ethnicity, gender and family income.

“I’m changing my major from general biology to microbiology when I go to orientation,” said a high school senior heading to the University of Oregon in the fall.

“I definitely am keeping my education path open to unplanned opportunities especially in regards to the field of microbiology,” another student said in a survey after the camp.

Leidholt said many of the students were able to attend because the microbiology department provided transportation.

“Undergraduate student Ellie Boryer and I did extensive research into similar STEM camps,” she said. “We found that the biggest inhibitors for students of color were transportation and financial costs. We chose to eliminate both by providing a ride to and from the camp as well as giving stipends to all targeted students.”

Several members of the microbiology department volunteered to not only transport the students, but also act as mentors to guide students through daily lab exercises, field trips and other activities.

Students are introduced to the diversity of the microbial world, learning how some microbes shape Earth’s habitability while others are used to ferment food and beverages.

They practiced how to probe microbial communities using cultivation- dependent techniques such as plate streaking as well as cultivation- independent techniques such as genome sequencing.

Volunteers at Oregon State University and Corvallis’ wastewater treatment plant showed students how these techniques are used daily in meat- processing facilities, medical labs and aquatic research labs.

Students were familiarized with microbiology and the wide range of potential career paths possible with a microbiology degree.

Whether the students ultimately major in microbiology or not, Leidholt said the camp succeeded in making microbiology more accessible and inclusive.

“This camp aimed to give students an opportunity to learn about the wide field of microbiology through a lived experience,” said Rebecca Vega Thurber. “We eliminated many financial, logistical and conceptual barriers young students (particularly students of color) face by providing transportation and student stipends.”

Vega Thurber credits the success of the STEM bootcamp to the hard work of the volunteers as well as the financial support she receives through the Pernot Fund, the microbiology department and other donors, such as $3K they received from the Marine Studies Award Initiative at OSU.

“These early experiential learning programs can make a huge difference in the lives of early career scientists,” Vega Thurber said. “I’m looking forward to continuing and ideally expanding the program in the future.”

Several students expressed that they found the experience life-changing.

“I would love to get a master’s or even doctorate degree in microbiology, whether that is while I am in med school or completely change my career path to just wanting to work as a full-time microbiologist,” said one such student.

“After this camp, a career as a researcher in microbiology seems more appealing than ever.”

“I am definitely more interested and educated about the options that I can pursue with science, so I think I am more likely to try something with a science degree,” said the student.

Handelsman is the author of several books, a leader in education and a champion for increasing diversity in STEM. Since receiving her Ph.D. at the University of Wisconsin-Madison in molecular biology, she has authored over 200 scientific research publications, 30 editorials and 29 essays. In 2019, she was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

This lecture series was endowed by College of Science alumni Ron and Ann Berg. The couple met while they were both graduate students in the Department of Microbiology. After graduating, they moved to Ohio where Ron had a 34-year career with Procter & Gamble and Ann had careers as a substitute teacher and trust banker.

"The generous gift from Ron and Ann Berg has enabled the Department of Microbiology to host Dr. Handelsman, an inspirational leader in microbial ecology, having forged inroads into understanding complex microbial communities through their underlying genetics, communication, and environmental impacts,” said Kimberly Halsey, associate professor of microbiology. “Her dedication and impactful contributions to science, education, and inclusivity exemplify the qualities we value and aspire to nurture in our community."