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.

The skills participants learn extend beyond the sciences. “Even their ability to ask questions grows. I know it's difficult to ask questions but by the end of the camp, these students are conversing with us and just ready to ask questions and learn,” said Patton.

The camp was created to remove barriers for students to experience a new side of science. Not the traditional stereotypical image of a scientist, but diverse individuals who collaborate, work in the field and are passionate about their research.

Scholarships distinguish the camp. Out of 20 students, 15 students have received scholarships in each of the past two years.

The camp is organized through STEM Academy, an OSU program that engages K-12 youth in programs designed to increase college attendance and participation in STEM fields. “Their baseline for a week of camp is $300. That’s not a reasonable expense some students or their parents can justify during summer months,” Leidholt said.

Because one of their main sources of funding is running out this year, camp leadership is working hard to fundraise to continue offering scholarships that cover the cost of attendance and transportation.

“This camp costs $20,000 to put on because of all of the scholarships that we built in to make it more accessible. Right now, we have a quarter of that,” Leidholt said. “Without support on Dam Proud Day, we’re going to have to find ways to cut costs, and that would most likely be coming out of the amount of scholarships we give out. And that, in itself, is not what we stand for.”

Patton and Leidholt pour their hearts and souls into creating something magical each summer. “The first year, from January until July, this was a part-time job for me. I’m a full-time graduate student, but I was taking on at least 15 to 20 extra hours a week planning every component of the camp,” Leidholt said.

She watched her efforts blossom into something she never imagined.

“I just feel so excited and hopeful of where this camp is going because I see the effort that our department, the College of Science and individual graduate students like Sunni are taking. They ensure this is a lasting camp, not a one-and-done,” she said.

One student memory sticks out in her brain from last year’s camp, and it highlights just how powerful the experience can be.

“I planned a game of Jeopardy and I had made the questions fairly easy in case students retained less from the beginning of the week,” Leidholt said. “They were all so mad at me and giving me so much shade because they said ‘The questions are too easy.’ It was a nice moment for me because we had a good rapport for them to tell me. I also felt pride because they remembered above and beyond what we expected them to.”

The Pernot Microbiology Camp is an investment in the future of STEM, a testament to the power of diversity of science, and a place for students with stories yet to unfold.

For more information about the camp, check out their website and this IMPACT article.

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 (Graduate)

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 (Undergraduate)

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 Whitely 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.”

Matthew Bacho '92

The Matthew A. Bacho Scholarship in Microbiology provides scholarships for microbiology and biohealth sciences graduate and undergraduate students with demonstrated financial needs.

Recipients can thank a National Geographic article.

"When I was in high school in Eugene, I was thinking about what I would study after graduation," said Bacho, B.S. '92. "History was kind of my favorite subject, but I wasn't sure what I would do with a degree in history. I wasn't keen on teaching."

Then he chanced across a National Geographic article about the pathogenesis of HIV/AIDS. "They had a pretty good background section on human immunology," he said. "I thought that was cool. I quickly found out it's a subdiscipline of microbiology."

It gave his undergraduate years at Oregon State a distinct focus. "A lot of freshmen don't know what they want to do, but I had a decent idea, and I stuck with it," he said.

Bacho found more than an academic focus at Nash Hall. He also found affordable living at Heckart Lodge, a co-op just down the street. "Many of the friends that I made there are still friends to this day," he said.

After graduation, he began working for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. His main focus was on HIV/AIDS. "The highlight of my time in the lab was that one of the compounds we looked at actually went on to be approved by the FDA for HIV," he said.

The compound prevents HIV from entering cells. His subsequent work included the regulatory management of immunosuppressive drugs like cyclosporine (used to treat patients if their bodies reject an organ transplant).

His final job at the FDA was helping enforce laws regulating clinical trials. He retired in 2021 after more than 28 years with the agency. Although only 51 years old at the time, Bacho said his lifelong struggle with retinitis pigmentosa was a deciding factor. The genetic disorder causes loss of vision, including trouble seeing at night and decreasing peripheral vision.

Bacho said he is glad to still be young enough to meet the recipients of his scholarship.

"I had a great experience at Oregon State," he said. "I began thinking about starting a scholarship a few years ago in microbiology, partly as a way to give back."

He received a Mark H. Middlekauf Scholarship during his senior year at Oregon State. The scholarship was created by Ruth Tyson to honor her brother, who received his degree in bacteriology at Oregon State in 1916 before dying in World War I.

Bacho decided he wanted to create a scholarship while he was still relatively young so he could meet the recipients.

"A lot of people start scholarships when they're older and have more financial means," he said. "The cool thing is that I had financial means and was still young enough and could still enjoy seeing people receive that money. I'm pretty happy about that."

Bacho said he hopes the students who receive his scholarship enjoy Oregon State as much as he did. "I really treasured my experience there at Oregon State. It led me to my career."

Debbie Bellinghausen '79

The Debbie S. Bellinghausen Microbiology Student Support Fund supports undergraduate or graduate students in financial need. Support can include, but is not limited to, travel for professional development, collaborative research projects and scholarship support.

"Like a lot of students back then and now, I paid my way through school through loans, savings, work/study money during graduate school from my professor," said Bellinghausen, M.S. '84 and B.S. '79. "We have a strong belief that getting an education is very important, and if there's any way to pay that forward and help someone along the way, that's the best way I can show my appreciation."

Bellinghausen has strong family connections to Oregon State. She met her husband Mike when he was a microbiology student. He was getting his master's degree under Raymond Seidler while she was working in the lab as a research assistant. Bellinghausen continued in the department, receiving her master's degree in 1984.

The couple's daughter Stephanie majored in biology at Oregon State and went on to veterinary school in Scotland where she now practices.

Bellinghausen traces her professional roots to her childhood as part of a farm family in Ontario, Oregon. "I've always loved biological sciences," she said. "Oddly enough, I started off as a pre-pharmacy major. I realized it wasn't really my thing. I took a microbiology course as part of my curriculum, and that's when I fell in love with it."

There is a natural connection to microbiology and food, she added. "There's a lot of interaction between the microbiology department and the food science department so it was easy to fall in love with microbiology," she said.

With an interest in dairy microbiology, her main professor in microbiology was William Sandine. Sandine taught in the department from 1959 to 1996. He became known for his research on fermentation, leading to improvements in cheese and other dairy products.

"Getting to work in his lab and getting to know some of the grad students and some of the work they were doing in Tillamook and later the wine industry, it was just a fun place to be," Bellinghausen said.

Her own career took her to Seattle where she worked for a company that researched animal probiotics. When she supervised the lab dealing with periodontic diseases, she was introduced to clinical research.

"It opened a whole new world that I hadn't thought about and enabled me to use my background in microbiology," she said. "I worked in clinical research both in diagnostic medical devices and small molecules and biologics."

As she nears retirement, Bellinghausen loves the thought of helping students. "It's great to see all the kids excited about their careers,” she said. “It made me pleased and happy to know that I could help them continue with their education.”

Paul Kenis '67

The Paul and Judith Kenis Student Travel Endowment Fund in Microbiology supports travel expenses for professional development for undergraduate or graduate microbiology students.

Although he studied microbiology at Oregon State, Paul Kenis, M.S. '67, is known for his work with much larger organisms. He and his wife Judy started the California Wolf Center in Julian in 1977 and ran it for the next 20 years.

Starting with just two North American gray wolves, the couple set about teaching people about the importance of wolves in the ecosystem. They also bred endangered Mexican wolves to return the wild wolves to their natural habitat.

"I kind of got away from microbiology to play with the wolves for a few years," Kenis explained.

Meanwhile, he also put his education in microbiology in service to the U.S. Navy as a civilian researcher for 27 years. He started working for the Navy shortly after receiving his master's degree in microbiology in 1967.

The Navy gave him a solid professional home, he said. "I lived happily ever after, and I didn't have to go to Vietnam."

Kenis was born in Portland but grew up in suburban Los Angeles. He went to Cal Poly Pomona near Los Angeles for his undergraduate studies after his parents moved to Covina, California.

"I was always interested in science," he said. "I had animals. I had pigeons. I had aquariums and everything. It was kind of natural for me, so I majored in biology and minored in chemistry at Cal Poly."

One of his professors at Cal Poly knew Richard Morita at Oregon State. Morita was a faculty member in microbiology and oceanography at Oregon State University from 1962 to 1988 and helped Kenis get a fellowship to cover his tuition and come to Corvallis for graduate work.

"Dr. Morita took good care of me," Kenis remembered. "He was a great man."

After graduation, Kenis began working for the Navy almost as a fluke. He thought about going into the public health service, but his parents saw in the phone book that the Navy had a microbiology lab in Pasadena.

The California Wolf Center was a nonprofit, and the Navy didn't pay him enough to start the endowment. Kenis said students receiving money from the endowment benefit from his decision to invest in apartments.

That money should keep flowing, he said. He has made provisions in his will for the endowment to continue even after he's gone. Oregon State deserves the support, he said.

"They were really just nice people," he said. "I never met any jerks. The campus was very beautiful. Corvallis is a unique place. It's so very positive. I just have wonderful memories from the experience."

Mary Ann Matzke

The Mary Ann and Gordon Matzke Endowed Pre-Health Scholarship Fund provides scholarships for undergraduate students majoring in biohealth sciences.

While many donors are inspired to give because of fond memories of being students at Oregon State, Mary Ann Matzke is different. While her memories are no less fond, they stem from being a staff member rather than a student.

She worked as an adviser, and later head advisor, at the College of Science from 1987 to 2012.

"As often happens, academic advising was a career that I fell into, but it became a calling for me as I felt like it used skills I’d been acquiring my entire life," she said.

Her life started in a small town in Oklahoma where her father was a local physician. She studied zoology and pre-med at Oklahoma State University. After meeting her husband Gordon, her plans changed.

"I went with him to Syracuse University where I earned my master’s in population biology and evolution," said Matzke. "We then went off to the Selous Game Reserve in southern Tanzania where I assisted him in his research for his Ph.D. in geography relating to the interaction of human populations and wildlife."

Returning to Oklahoma State University, she took an advising job in the College of Arts and Sciences. "I found that I really liked it," she said. "Upon our move to Corvallis, after spending a few years home with children, I saw an ad for an advising job in the College of Science at Oregon State University. I was fortunate enough to get that job."

She was equally fortunate, she said, to have Dean Fred Horne and Associate Dean Dick Thies as mentors.

"At that time, professional advisors at Oregon State were not common," she said. "The health professions advising center that Dean Horne established with Chere Pereira, chief premedical advisor, Shelly Murphy, and myself was a new idea in the college."

For the first 15 years of her career, she advised students planning to enter health professions. "Those fields always held interest for me due to the number of medical professionals in my family," Matzke said. "I thoroughly enjoyed seeing students develop throughout their careers at Oregon State and eventually achieve their dreams.

She also spent a couple of years advising College of Business students under Clara Horne, the head advisor in the college. "This cross-college experience informed my later advising in the College of Science," she said.

For the last 10 years of her career, she served as head advisor in the College of Science -- coordinating the advising, student recruitment and orientation services. She was also responsible for overseeing the scholarship program.

"This is where I saw the impact that a scholarship can make in a student’s life," Matzke said. "One of my mentors was Janine Trempy, professor in microbiology, and associate dean in the College of Science."

About the time she retired, a new major, biohealth sciences, was created in microbiology for students interested in entering a health profession.

"This seemed like a good place to establish a scholarship that would benefit the kinds of students I advised during my career," said Matzke.

Her husband Gordon was a faculty member, advisor and department chair in the geography department at Oregon State.

"He always supported my career and was a constant source of advice and encouragement," she said. "I’m happy that we could make this contribution in both of our names and that it will support students pursuing health professions for many years to come."