Das has always been fascinated by tiny details. She spent her childhood exploring the beaches of the Jersey Shore. Her family lived an hour away but took frequent trips to the seaside. They often strolled along the boardwalks and made a day of it. Her siblings were more interested in swimming.

"Oddly enough, I had a little bit of fear of the unknown when the water was cloudy," Das said. "I find I prefer the water to be clear so I know what's around me. Instead of swimming, I spent most of my time looking at the shell piles during low tide to see what I could find.

"You can find quite a bit, she said — provided you look closely enough. I was introduced to marine biology through beachcombing," said Das. "I remember just collecting shells, finding different shells fascinating and exciting. There's a dopamine rush that comes with finding something beautiful on the beach."

She eventually started looking under the microscope.

"There's this huge diversity of organisms that you can explore. They look like intricate, ornate aliens. They're beautiful. I love that about Oregon."

"I've always been someone who likes to collect things or go beachcombing or look at the diversity of life," she said. "Seeing this whole other realm under the microscope and also knowing these microbes are everywhere in aquatic environments and pose this risk to fish populations made it really fascinating to study."

Her first-grade teacher helped her explore further, answering all her early questions. From that point on, she said, she knew she wanted to be a marine biologist.

"It was an inherent interest that I followed," said Das. "I could never imagine myself doing anything else all through elementary, middle and high school and college. I was hyper-fixated on becoming a marine biologist, and it ultimately worked out."

After receiving her bachelor's degree in marine sciences from Stockton University, she worked as an assistant aquatic disease marine biologist for the New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife. She solved the mysteries behind dying fish populations in hatcheries, backyard ponds and fishing holes. "That was the first time I interacted with fish pathogens," she said. "We did investigative work to narrow down the possibilities of what they could have died from."

There were plenty of suspects with a wide variety of bacteria, viruses, parasites and fungi.

"Looking at some of these organisms under the microscope was fascinating for me because they are just so diverse in their morphology but also the impacts they can have," Das said. "Knowing that there are so many unknowns in terms of different pathogens, I figured out that's what I wanted to do in graduate school.”

Coming to Oregon State, she began working in the PHIn (Parasite-Host Interactions) Lab. Jerri Bartholomew was the principal investigator of the PHIn Lab at the time, a prolific glass artist in addition to being a distinguished microbiologist.

"I was inspired by her ability to translate her work on fish parasites to art for the general public," Das said. "She helped start the PRAx fellowship, funded by many different departments on campus."

Blending art and science was not new for Das. "I've always really enjoyed sculpting on a very small scale — like figurines of animals that I like," she said. She creates her parasite models with tracing paper and reed, the same material used for weaving baskets. "That was extremely helpful in trying to figure out how to make them light weight enough to suspend from the ceiling," she said.

"With the tracing paper being so translucent, it's exactly how these microorganisms appear under the microscope," she added. "They're too small to have any color most of the time. However, they often have extremely unique reflective structures inside."

Using tracing paper and trying to illustrate some of the organelles and internal structures of the parasites was a fun challenge, Das said. "I also wanted to show people how cool and intricate they look under the microscope," she added.

"I start by playing around with the reed," said Das. "These forms often have a lot of curvature, and the reed can be a little bit brittle at times. It's a matter of running your hands along the length of this reed and making little bends and curving it over time. It can take hours to get a straight piece of reed to curve into the simplest circle."

She used hot glue to join pieces of reed together. That had its pros and cons, she said. "It doesn't always hold the wood together very well. However, it also means that if I didn't like the way I joined a piece, I could take it apart easily."

After she created this structure, and decided it reflected the shape of the microbe, she solidified the joints with an epoxy adhesive.

Tracing paper is extremely fragile and creases easily. However, she coated both sides with a layer of polyurethane varnish to enhance the translucency and make it more resistant to tearing or creasing.

She then cut each piece to the exact shape to fit the reed framework. Each piece averages more than 50 sheets of paper. She worked on nine of them simultaneously.

"If I sat down in one place to do one piece, it would probably take me something like 30 hours," Das said. "It was a process that took more than six months."

She completed all the work in her livingroom. "I took over the space, and there were these piles of giant reed structures in one corner that often got in the way of my roommates, who were extremely flexible," she said.

The pieces now sit in an office in Nash Hall, waiting for their next exhibit.

She basically created the process for building the models as she went along, Das said. "That's been exciting. I don't feel I'm following any rules or historical traditions of art, just finding whatever materials I think will work well. It's fun to experiment and discover new methods."

Oregon offers a wealth of artistic inspiration, she said, especially in its tide pools. "It's another world where you'll never know what you'll find. There's this huge diversity of organisms that you can explore. They look like intricate, ornate aliens. They're beautiful. I love that about Oregon."

Das, now in the third year of her doctoral program, works primarily with salmon and trout hatcheries on the McKenzie River and other Oregon waterways. As part of the Hallett Lab, she diagnoses the range of pathogens hatcheries are facing instead of one specific parasite. The lab focuses on one particular group of microscopic obligate parasites, myxozoans. Over 2000 of these metazonas are found in fish world-wide and although most do not harm their hosts, there are several that cause serious diseases in the Pacific Northwest.

When she completes her doctorate, Das said she could work as a research biologist at a state or federal agency or continue in academia. "I'm not entirely sure, but I'm interested in continuing to research fish ecology and doing diagnostics, which is what lets me interact with all these different microbes," she said.

Das hopes to see continued investment in science that represents all communities and identities — and support for researchers tackling the world’s most pressing challenges through inclusive, equitable approaches.

“Programs that support equity have made it possible for people like me to pursue science that matters — both to our communities and to the environment,” she said. “They open the door for innovative ideas and for scientists from all backgrounds to make a difference.”

Das said she’ll continue doing her part — blending art and science in ways that reflect her values. Her work may be displayed soon in some galleries in Bend.

In addition, she and a group of artists in Washington state and a deep-sea coral and sponge biologist in Sweden are hoping for a group exhibit on deep-sea organisms.

She also participates in the OSU club Seminarium. During the COVID pandemic, students started Seminarium for students, faculty, staff and community members to discuss and celebrate art and science.

Although the times are scary, Das said, they're also wonderful. "It's exciting to know there's interest in seeing more of the microbial world."

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

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

Click here to RSVP!

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

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

Schedule of Events

12 p.m.

Lunch

12:20 p.m.

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

12:30 p.m.

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

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

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

1 - 2:30 p.m.

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

Presenters include:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Microbiome of the deep sea

Beyond her hands-on lab work, David is pioneering artificial intelligence applications in microbiome research. By training machine learning models on massive datasets, her team is discovering how to predict patterns and identify microbial signatures linked to different conditions.

Her AI approach functions similarly to how a person might read thousands of books to develop a deep understanding of a subject before applying that knowledge to something new. Instead of analyzing each microbiome sample from scratch, her team feeds AI models vast amounts of microbial sequencing data, allowing the system to learn and recognize relationships between the different microbes. These models can then be applied to help classify conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease or colorectal cancer with greater accuracy.

“It is awesome, because the model can remember relationships that us humans might not. It’s finding these complex patterns,” David said.

One of the major challenges in microbiome research is the sheer volume of data involved. Each individual has a unique microbiome comprising thousands of different microbial species, each interacting in complex ways. Traditional methods of analyzing these communities can be time-consuming and require extensive resources. AI provides a way to quickly process and interpret large datasets, identifying patterns that can reveal valuable insights.

Her latest National Science Foundation study continues to push the limits of what AI can do. With a $540K grant, David is applying deep learning to analyze oceanic microbial ecosystems, an extension of her expertise in microbiome research.

The deep sea is a crucial, yet poorly understood driver of global biogeochemical cycles, the movement of essential elements like methane and nitrogen. These cycles regulate ecosystem function, influence climate and support life.

“We are looking at microbes in the ocean and researching how we can use AI to discover what role unknown genes play in methane seeps off the coast of Oregon and Washington,” she said.

Methane seep habitats, areas where methane gas escapes from the sea floor, are unique, diverse areas nourished by methane-consuming microbes. However, many of the genes involved in these deep-sea cycles remain unidentified, limiting our understanding of how these ecosystems function and their impact on global biogeochemical processes.

To analyze these complex environments, researchers will develop two AI models designed to decode gene functions. The first model will categorize genes into pathways by studying how they appear together in microbial communities. The second will use generative AI to predict the functions of unknown genes based on protein sequences and text-based data. Together, these models will help scientists identify genes responsible for each of the cycles identified.

The main outcome will be a scalable approach to artificial intelligence that will advance key questions in earth system science. Understanding the genetic mechanisms behind biogeochemical processes is crucial for predicting how ocean ecosystems respond to environmental changes.

The results of this study will include exhibits by artists involved in the research as well as a documentary about how AI can harness big data to help advance the understanding of earth systems.

As science continues to reveal the hidden influence of the microbiome, one thing is clear: critical solutions lie in understanding the powerful role microorganisms play in our bodies and our environment. David’s research has us on the right path to new understandings.

Insecticide resistance in spotted-winged drosophila

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

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

Analytical Tools to Understand Ecological Communities

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

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

Unlocking the potential of seaweed

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

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

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

What is the most exciting or interesting thing you’ve learned as you’ve studied marine microbiology?

As I investigate deeper into marine microbiology, I find myself with even more questions than before. I am fascinated by the metabolic processes occurring in the environment. What excites me most is not just understanding how algae grow and produce these organic compounds, but also learning about the dynamics and fates of these compounds. My research focuses on a subset of these organic compounds called volatile organic compounds (VOCs). VOCs are released by algae, which have three important fates in the ocean: biological, chemical oxidation and sea-air emission. VOC sea-air emission plays a significant role in cloud formation and climate regulation. One of the most intriguing insights I gained from my program is understanding the dynamics of this VOC microbial cycling.

What makes you passionate about higher education?

My passion lies in grasping the basics of science, which fuels my creativity. I maintain that participating in scientific endeavors is vital for awareness of our environment and understanding sustainability. Thus, pursuing higher education has strengthened my beliefs. It has not only enhanced my critical thinking skills but also deepened my understanding of others.

How does your love of art enhance your skills as a researcher?

My passion for art stems from the ability to create works with a theme. I have been practicing zentangle art for over 15 years, where you draw structured or repeating patterns to produce detailed artwork; it serves as a meditative outlet. Since 2022, I have also been studying glass art under the guidance of Jerri Bartholomew. Art allows me to visualize scientific data creatively. For example, I often depict my scientific findings as puzzle pieces, connecting them to various scientific concepts. I applied this concept to develop an exhibition that transformed my PhD research findings into illustrations and glass sculptures.

Read the full article on OSU Today.

College of Science Inclusive Excellence Award

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

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

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

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

Gladys Valley Award for Exemplary Administrative Support

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

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

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

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

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

Distinguished Service Award

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

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

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

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

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

Champion of Science Award

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

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

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

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

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

Olaf Boedtker Award for Excellence in Academic Advising

Eric Cole, academic advisor in the Department of Integrative Biology, received the Olaf Boedtker Award for Excellence in Academic Advising.

Students state that Cole is encouraging and relatable, and he helps students confidently navigate their academic and career paths. Cole shows an exceptional level of empathy and consistency in his advising, and he takes the time to understand student’s unique challenges, offering personalized support and consistent follow-up.

“I am glad to say he is my advisor, and everyone needs someone like Eric,” one student nominator wrote.

Cole is a dedicated, empathetic and reliable advisor who consistently goes the extra mile for his students. His students appreciate his down-to-earth nature, including his famous flip flops.

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

Malcolm Lowry, assistant professor (senior research) in the Department of Microbiology, received the Loyd F. Carter Award for Outstanding and Inspirational Undergraduate Teaching in Science.

Lowry is known for his engaging teaching style that is highly contemporary to current events in the world. Specifically, students noticed his excitement for teaching and passion for class materials.

“Dr.Lowry is by far the best professor I’ve had in my educational career. He encourages students to reach out for issues and I’ve never felt so safe in a classroom before. He connects with us and treats the classroom like home,” one student nominator wrote.

Students also appreciated his use of attention-grabbing moments and explanations during lectures, which are strengthened by his use of new technologies and current research in the field.

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

Denis Drolet, senior instructor I and advisor in the Department of Chemistry, received the Loyd F. Carter Award for Outstanding and Inspirational Graduate Teaching in Science.

Drolet is an exceptional educator whose dedication and passion leave a lasting impact. He is known for making learning both interesting and entertaining, effectively conveying complex concepts in a relatable and engaging manner. Drolet goes above and beyond to support his students, showing genuine care for their success. His passion for teaching is evident in his ability to make learning fun and engaging, while simultaneously creating a positive and stable learning environment.

“He is an exceptional professor,” one student nominator wrote. “He is extremely down to earth, demonstrates clear passion towards his teachings and sincerely cares about his students on a personal level, despite having thousands of them. I was extremely sad when I couldn’t sign up for his class next term due to how fast they filled up, which demonstrated just how great of a professor he is.”

Fred Horne Award for Sustained Excellence in Teaching Science

Margaret (Margie) Haak, senior instructor II and head advisor in the Department of Chemistry, received the Fred Horne Award for Sustained Excellence in Teaching Science.

To quote her nominators, Haak has given her heart and soul to the Chemistry Department” over the past 30 years. Her innovative teaching methods have transformed learning experiences for countless students. She was the first to introduce electronic homework platforms in Chemistry courses and created the "Atoms First" approach in general chemistry, significantly improving the flow and understanding of the course material.

Haak also pioneered the use of computers in chemistry labs and integrated active learning strategies into the general chemistry sequence long before active learning was a common practice. She worked to introduce the flipped classroom model for the introductory general chemistry sequences, creating the foundation of the curricular model that supports the course, and thousands of OSU students, today.

The student nominator mentioned how much Haak helps students feel like they belong in science and like they are visible people in a huge class of many students. This student states “I have always felt a bit out of place, but she made me feel at home. I knew in her class I would be seen as myself and not judged for my disabilities. She did everything she could to provide me with a successful learning experience.”