In the 2023-2024 academic year, the Department of Microbiology demonstrated a strong commitment to science outreach. It hosted a professional development workshop for K-12 and OSU instructors, as well as the third annual Impact Your Health Clinic, which provided free dental care to people experiencing poverty.

A stand-out success from the department’s outreach was its efforts to promote quality education in and outside of Oregon State. Department volunteers went to numerous elementary and high school science fairs, introducing many students to the field of microbiology and discussing related careers.

The department also worked to bring non-college students to Oregon State to engage in science. The several-day Pernot Microbiology Camp brought 20 local high school students into labs to conduct experiments, attend field trips and hear from diverse speakers about opportunities in STEM.

After a successful year of giving back to people across the state, the Department of Microbiology has cemented its reputation as a leader in community outreach.