F.A. Gilfillan Award for Distinguished Scholarship in Science

Davide Lazzati, from the Department of Physics, has received the F.A. Gilfillan Award for Distinguished Scholarship in Science.

Lazzati’s scholarly achievements place him among the most influential astrophysicists of his generation. With more than 190 peer-reviewed publications, over 11,000 citations and an h-index of 57, his work has shaped high-energy astrophysics and multi-messenger astronomy for more than two decades. His research spans theory, computation and observation, and many of his papers are regarded as foundational benchmarks in gamma-ray burst physics, compact-object mergers and the emerging field of gravitational-wave astronomy.

A leader in multi-messenger astrophysics, Lazzati was among the first to predict the electromagnetic signature of a binary neutron star merger — insight that proved essential to interpreting the historic 2017 GW170817 event. His modeling of structured relativistic jets and off-axis emission provided the conceptual framework that allowed scientists to connect gravitational-wave detections with their electromagnetic counterparts. His work continues to guide the field as new detectors expand the frontiers of discovery.

Lazzati’s scholarship is marked by sustained creativity and rigor, supported by a strong record of competitive NASA and NSF funding. He is also a dedicated mentor and leader. Lazzati has advised 10 graduate students, mentored postdoctoral researchers, and guided 28 undergraduate researchers, several of whom have published first-author papers. His early adoption of a formal mentoring compact, now increasingly recognized as a best practice, reflects his commitment to transparency, equity and student success. His leadership as department head further strengthened the inclusivity and effectiveness of the graduate program.

One nominator wrote, "Professor Lazzati’s record of scholarship is nothing short of extraordinary — marked by sustained excellence, transformative impact and remarkable breadth. His work often anticipates new discoveries, redefines longstanding problems and helps set the direction for future studies.”

Milton Harris Award for Basic Research

Thomas Sharpton, professor in the departments of Microbiology and Statistics and the Burgess and Elizabeth Jamieson Chair in Healthspan Research, received the Milton Harris Award for Basic Research.

Sharpton is a pioneering microbiome scientist whose work has fundamentally advanced the basic biological understanding of how host-associated microbial communities function. Since joining Oregon State University in 2013, he has built an interdisciplinary research program that integrates computational biology, statistics and molecular microbiology to uncover the mechanisms by which microbiomes influence health, development and disease. His analytical frameworks, statistical models and experimental systems have become foundational tools used across the field.

His research has produced major insights into how the gut microbiome contributes to inflammatory bowel disease, neurobiological function and parasite infection, among other complex conditions. Sharpton has published more than 100 peer-reviewed papers, including in Nature, PNAS and Nature Communications, and his work has been cited over 23,000 times. He has secured more than $24 million in research funding from agencies including the National Institutes of Health, National Science Foundation, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Department of Defense and the Moore Foundation, and has developed widely used open-source software and databases that have accelerated microbiome research worldwide.

Sharpton’s leadership has also strengthened OSU’s research ecosystem. As founding director of OSU Microbiome Initiative and director of the OSU Microbiome Core, he has catalyzed interdisciplinary collaborations and expanded access to cutting-edge microbiome technologies. He is a dedicated mentor and educator, having guided more than 40 trainees and co-developed influential courses in microbial bioinformatics and quantitative genomics. His commitment to equity and inclusivity is reflected in his work on NIH and USDA diversity programs and his efforts to improve departmental monitoring practices.

Nominators emphasized both his scientific impact and his collaborative leadership. As one wrote, “His innovative approaches and unwavering commitment to scientific rigor make him an exceptional scholar and an indispensable collaborator.”

Dean’s Early Career Achievement Award

Katherine McLaughlin from the Department of Statistics, received the Dean’s Early Career Achievement Award.

McLaughlin is an internationally recognized expert in developing statistical methods for studying hard-to-reach and hidden populations, including victims of human trafficking and communities at high risk for HIV. Since joining Oregon State University in 2016, she has published 19 peer-reviewed papers in top journals, delivered talks at venues including the CDC and the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, and helped bring approximately $3.4 million in research funding to OSU.

Her work has had a major global impact. McLaughlin developed the “Visibility SS-PSE” model, now one of the main methods used to estimate population sizes in the UNAIDS Key Population Atlas, helping guide international HIV prevention and treatment policy. She also serves as an advisor to the U.S. Department of State-funded Prevalence Reduction Innovation Forum, helping shape how human trafficking is statistically measured worldwide.

At OSU, McLaughlin played a critical role in the TRACE and PIPP pandemic response projects, designing and analyzing large-scale community COVID-19 surveys and helping integrate wastewater data into public health decision-making.

“My first reaction upon a careful read through her materials is to wonder whether Prof. McLaughlin lives within the same 24-hour day that the rest of us do,” wrote a colleague who nominated McLaughlin. They added that she is “a rare case of ‘the complete package’” whose contributions are “uncharacteristically comprehensive.”

His research focuses on harmful algal blooms (HABs) caused by cyanobacteria, or blue-green algae, and how they acquire and share nitrogen, a key nutrient needed by all life. These freshwater HABs can produce toxins that threaten wildlife, drinking water and recreational areas worldwide.

Shannon is studying how cyanobacteria pull nitrogen from the atmosphere and make it available to other algae. Some cyanobacteria can “fix” atmospheric nitrogen, converting it into a form that can be used by living organisms. This process not only fuels their own growth but may also support other algal species in the bloom. Because HABs often consist of several interacting species, understanding how nitrogen moves between them may reveal new insights into how these blooms form and persist in nature.

He is also exploring the role of vitamin B1 and a natural toxin in this nutrient exchange. Vitamin B1, or thiamin, is essential for all microorganisms, including algae. He will test how the availability of thiamin, and a naturally occurring compound that interferes with thiamin use, affects nitrogen transfer between species. This could shed light on hidden chemical interactions that influence the development and toxicity of HABs.

Shannon earned both his bachelor's degree (2020) and master’s (2022) in microbiology from Oregon State. He is now pursuing his Ph.D. as a member of the Colwell Lab in the College of Earth, Ocean and Atmospheric Sciences.

In addition to the DOE award, Shannon was selected as Oregon’s young ambassador for the American Society for Microbiology in 2024.

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.

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.

Building solutions from the ground up for the big data challenge

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Gallion’s game-changing professional journey

Gallion’s career journey was not a straight line.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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