Dr. Linda Bruslind, Senior Instructor II in the Department of Microbiology, received the OSU Faculty Affordability Award in September 2023. This accolade is given to those who demonstrate commitment to providing affordable course learning materials to students, which Bruslind has done on an impressive scale.

According to the OSU Faculty Senate website, "this award recognizes demonstrated commitment to providing affordable course learning materials to students. This award recognizes full-time teaching faculty who use no-cost or low-cost course materials in their classes."

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

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

“Dr. Bruslind’s development of inclusive, accessible no- and low-cost materials for multiple classes and laboratories available to the global community showcase her dedication to affordability and equity in learning. Her work earns enthusiastic praise from students and colleagues alike,” a nominator said.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. Bruslind for demonstrating commitment and care in providing affordable course learning materials to our students!