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.

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.

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.

Read more about how he believes scientists can have client-facing careers.

Research funding propels Team Science forward

Oregon State University is focused on big discoveries that drive big solutions. Many science faculty received grants last year in support of discovery-driven science, applied and transdisciplinary research science education and innovation in OSU’s priority research areas of integrated health and biotechnology, climate science and solutions, robotics, data science and AI, and clean energy and solutions. Below are some of the highlights—not including multi-year projects started before 2023.

Faculty honors

Astrophysicist Jeff Hazboun received a $73K Faculty Early Career Development award from the National Science Foundation. This prestigious NSF early career award is highly coveted by faculty! Hazboun’s project includes curriculum development and the implementation of a summer workshop in astrophysics-themed data analysis designed to foster inspired teaching, stimulate excitement in pulsar timing array research, facilitate the learning goals of undergraduate and graduate students, and support the community college students’ transition into four-year schools.

Mathematician Christine Escher received a $50,397 award from the NSF to host the Pacific Northwest Geometry Seminar series over three years at various Pacific Northwest universities. Escher is the principal organizer of the conference. This award supports meetings of the Pacific Northwest Geometry Seminar (PNGS), a regional meeting for researchers and educators of geometry, to be held at the University of British Columbia (2025), Seattle University (2026) and Lewis & Clark College (2027).

Integrated health & biotechnology

Materials scientist Kyriakos Stylianou, along with members of the College of Pharmacy and the College of Agricultural Science, received $2 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to develop improved ways of preventing stored potatoes from sprouting, particularly in the organic sector. Stylianou’s team studied nearly 200 different plant essential oils for their anti-sprouting effects. Oregon, Washington and Idaho produce more than 60% of the potatoes grown in the United States, and Pacific Northwest potato cultivation is a $2.2 billion industry.

Microbiologist Maude David is part of a multi-institution research team to receive a $4.3 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to study European foulbrood disease (EFD) in honey bees. The group is investigating the factors contributing to the high incidence of infection, and will then share their findings with local beekeepers and growers to improve mitigation efforts. Beekeepers in Oregon typically pollinate about five different crops annually. If the colonies are weakened by EFD, this results in less pollination, which is a concern for blueberry and almond growers.

Evolutionary biologist Michael Blouin was awarded $1.86M over five years ($371K per year) from the National Institutes of Health for his project entitled, “Genetic mechanisms of snail/schistosome compatibility.” Schistosomes are water-borne blood-flukes transmitted by snails, which infect over 250 million people in more than 70 countries and cause severe and chronic disability. A debilitating helminth parasitic disease of humans, vaccines are available for schistosomiasis. This project will identify new genes that make some snails naturally resistant to infection by schistosomes, revealing potential new ways to reduce parasite transmission at the snail stage.

Statistician Robert Trangucci received $164K from the University of Michigan for his project entitled, “Data driven transmission models to optimize influenza vaccination and pandemic mitigation strategies.” Selection bias is common in infectious disease datasets due to complex observational and biological processes, and bias can arise from covariate data which is missing due to analytical limitations. The research team is addressing the concern by extending existing models to accommodate risk and data gaps over time for application in vaccination and other novel datasets.

Chemist Dipankar Koley received $542K from the National Institutes of Health for his project entitled, “Microenvironmental characterization and manipulation to prevent secondary caries.” A common reason for dental replacement is a recurrence of caries around existing restorations caused by microbial activity. The project seeks development of new and innovative materials to bias this microbial environment toward improved dental health, and the researchers are investigating the use of cations of magnesium and zinc applied with specialized release platforms.

Collaborative research at the interface of robotics, computer vision and AI

Statistician Yanming Di received $249K from the U.S. Department of Agriculture for a project entitled, “DeepSeed: A computer-vision network for onsite, real-time seed analysis.” The Willamette Valley is considered the “grass seed capital of the world.” Seed testing, used for determining seed lot quality and establishing seed value, is a fundamental phase of the agricultural marketing system. With recent advances in robotics, computer vision, and AI, an opportunity presents itself for a new wave of innovations. This project utilizes AI and robotics to innovate devices and protocols for sampling grass seeds and a computer vision system for automated seed analysis. The investigators consist of experts in seed services, computer vision, statistics, and mechanical engineering.

Climate science and related solutions

Materials scientist Kyriakos Stylianou received $689K from Saudi Aramco for a project entitled “New Generation of CO2 Capture Adsorbents: Synthesis, Performance under Humid Conditions, and Scaleup.” In this project, the Stylianou group aims to discover novel adsorbents for the selective capture of CO2 from diluted sources. Successful materials will undergo scaling up and evaluation for their efficacy in removing CO2 from air.

Marine ecologist Bruce Menge received $200K from the National Science Foundation for his project entitled, “RAPID: A subtle epidemic: unique mortality of Mytilus californianus on the Oregon coast.”

The research team is investigating the major changes occurring in the Pacific Northwest marine ecosystems, with evidence these communities exhibit low resilience to climate change. For example, sessile invertebrates (mussels, barnacles, etc) become more abundant while seaweed species (kelp, etc) decline.

Evolutionary biologist Kathryn Everson received two awards for $276K from the University of Kentucky Research Foundation for a project entitled, “The role of hybridization in generating biodiversity: Insights from genomics of Madagascar’s true lemurs (Eulemur).” This project is funded by the NSF to understand how new species form in the context of complex gene flow and to expose the genomic signatures of evolutionary processes. The researchers will characterize patterns of gene flow, selection, and genome architecture for a species of lemur to gain a genomic perspective on the evolution of species boundaries. In addition, the team will construct a hybridization model using data on geographic range, diet, and social behavior for this lemur.

Clean energy and related solutions

Aerosol chemist Alison Bain received $284K from McGill University for her project entitled, “Single particle measurements.” This research aims to understand the optical properties of stratospheric aerosols. Using single particle experiments under environmentally relevant temperatures and humidities, the team will extend a wavelength-dependent refractive index model to include these conditions. They are also looking at how atmospheric aging impacts the optical properties of these materials.

Chemist Wei Kong received $110K from the American Chemical Society for her project entitled, “Superfluid helium droplets as microreactors for studies of photochemistry of fossil fuel hydrocarbons: polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and the corresponding endoperoxides.” The project will use superfluid helium droplets as microreactors to investigate the kinetics of the photooxidation process of a major component of petroleum (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, PAH). Using several analytical techniques, the team will test the hypothesis that supercooling the helium droplets will stabilize an excited state of the oxygen molecule and prevent further reactions.

Collaborative partnerships to fuel a thriving world

Biochemist Ryan Mehl received $234K from the NobleReach Foundation in partnership with the National Science Foundation. The project “Ideal eukaryotic tetrazine ligations for imaging protein dynamics in live cells” was selected as one of the first set of 11 national pilot projects to receive $234K from the NobleReach Foundation.The partnership seeks to identify and accelerate the translation of NSF-funded research into biotechnologies and bio-inspired designs with commercial and societal impacts. This pilot will help inform future translational funding opportunities along with enabling Professor Mehl and the other selected principal investigators to accelerate bringing their research to the market and society.

Biochemist Patrick Reardon received $500K from the National Science Foundation (NSF) Research Instrumentation Program for his project entitled, “MRI: Acquisition of Helium Recovery Equipment: An integrated system for helium capture and recovery for the OSU NMR facility.” This award supports the acquisition and installation of an integrated system for helium capture and recovery for the nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) facility. Helium is in high demand and is used for a wide variety of industrial and research applications, and it is a non-renewable resource which highlights the need for laboratories to capture and recycle this important gas. The NMR lab is supported by funding from the National Institutes of Health, NSF, M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, and OSU, and it is a core facility and cornerstone for groundbreaking research in interdisciplinary science and engineering, chemistry, biochemistry, and biophysics at OSU, throughout the Pacific Northwest, and beyond. The facility continually strives to enhance its state-of-the-art instrumentation for the highest levels of analytical performance.

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.

From the lab to the field

European foulbrood disease (EFD) targets and kills young larvae before they reach adulthood. After being fed infecting brood food, the larvae turn from pearly white to brown, forming a rubbery scale. The name “foulbrood” refers to the sour, rank and rotting smell that can result from secondary bacterial infections that co-occur.

Beekeepers in Oregon on average pollinate about five different crops in a year. If the colonies are weakened from EFD this means less pollination, worrying blueberry and almond growers.

Oregon grew 158 million pounds of blueberries in 2022, ranking it in the top 10 producing states in the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture Statistics Service. Researching how to keep hives safe has become a priority for local scientists.

Transitioning from studying the gut-brain axis in humans to the gut microbiota of honey bees, wasn’t a huge challenge for David. Her main research interest focuses on understanding how microbes can impact our behavior, specifically in Autism Spectrum Disorder and Anxiety.

The human microbiota is highly complex. Honey bees, on the other hand, are the opposite.

“The microbiology part is normal. I’ve done that before. What I love about bees is that you could say the gut microbiota could be considered a lot simpler than the human ones. And that makes it fun because you can study this a little bit more in-depth. It’s an ideal system to study,” David said.

A passionate Ph.D. student roped her into the world of bees and led her to Ramesh Sagili, a professor in the Department of Horticulture and EFD project director.

The agent of EFD is an anaerobic bacteria, meaning it does not grow well when oxygen is present. In humans, these bacteria are most commonly found in the gastrointestinal tract. The research team needed someone who could grow anaerobic bacteria in the lab – something David is familiar with.

“This project is very transdisciplinary. There are people who monitor the bee houses in the field and people like me who are more on the microbiology side of things. There is also an economist on the project,” she said. “I could tell you a lot about the bacteria, I could study this genome well, but I really need the field researchers who collect the data and provide a comprehensive story about the field samplings.”

The four-year project has several components. Researchers will follow honey bee hives as they are transported by commercial beekeepers to pollinate almonds and then blueberries across Washington, Oregon, California and Mississippi. They’ll tag more than 1,500 hives for ongoing observation, which includes checking the frames for signs of foulbrood, estimating colony populations and surveying the microbiota of bees and larvae–the last step is where David comes in.

"As a public land-grant university, we need to build this project and respond to the needs of people in the state.”

Researchers have more questions than answers about European foulbrood disease. How does the disease survive between outbreaks? Does it hibernate in the hive? How does each genetic variation differ? What are the best mitigation strategies?

"Of course, because it’s a bacteria, people try to pour antibiotics to treat it. But, as we all know: one, the bacteria is likely to eventually be resistant and two, it’s not great for everything else around it," David said.

The second and third year of the project will be focused on mitigation strategies. David and her collaborator will be testing a new novel probiotic that has shown promise for tackling EFB in the laboratory. After testing in a controlled environment, they will test the probiotic in the field.

Understanding the genetic variation of the disease is important because pinpointing if a specific strain can better survive winter, develop first, or figuring out which one is the most lethal would help with management.

“Right now, colonies management does not really exist. Our objective is to explain a little bit of everything we are doing to the beekeepers and try to deliver transparent knowledge,” she said.

The team is passionate about connecting with local stakeholders who face an uncertain financial future due to EFB. “It’s important that we keep in touch with the needs of the state. As a public land-grant university, we need to build this project and respond to the needs of people in the state.”

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.