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Ella Bailey wearing gloves and a mask, working with a teeth model, in a dental simulation lab at the OHSU Summit Program.
Microbiology

Ella Bailey, Class of ’25: BioHealth sciences major trains to be a dentist

After growing up in Fairbanks, Alaska, Ella Bailey answered a calling that made others smile: training to be a dentist. But after her mother received a breast cancer diagnosis, Bailey wanted to drop out.

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Physics

Kyle Gourlie, Class of ’25: Small-town student to space-time researcher

There’s the store, the gas station and fields that stretch to the hills. Describing his home in Scio, Oregon, physics senior Kyle Gourlie emphasizes its small-town lifestyle. Getting access to science in his rural community, however, proved to be a challenge.

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Chemistry

Mitchell Kenny, Class of ’25: Pursuing chemistry around the world

With a meaningful summer abroad and years of undergraduate research under his belt, chemistry senior Mitchell Kenny is heading into his Ph.D. with a strong foundation from Oregon State.

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Mathematics

Roan Luikart, Class of ’25: Mathematics major finds the equation for success

At Oregon State, Roan Luikart was able to bring his passion for math to life. He studied abroad in England, conducted two undergraduate research projects, served as a resident assistant and helped grow the Math Club.

Emily Kaneshiro smiles in front of flowery bushes.
Biochemistry & Biophysics

Emily Kaneshiro, Class of ’25: From studying abroad to tackling smoke in wine

Wine science changed Emily Kaneshiro’s life. From riding bikes in the Netherlands to landing a summer internship at a small, family-owned winery in France’s Loire Valley, she fell in love with fermentation science

People on top of a mountain.
Biochemistry & Biophysics

Auria Lee, Class of ’25: Adventure, research and leadership shape future doctor

Auria Lee plans to go to medical school, but her training as a physician truly began as an undergraduate Honors biochemistry major at Oregon State.

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Integrative Biology

Vivian Light, Class of ’25: Senior balances biology and volleyball at Oregon State

If you ask student-athlete and biology senior Vivian Light to share a fun science fact, she will likely tell you something fascinating about fish

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Teaching Innovation

How the Learning Assistant Program transforms big classes — and boosts student success

A decade ago, the College of Science launched the Learning Assistant Program at Oregon State. Students reap the benefits from STEM courses that are increasingly personal, inclusive and effective.

An OSU student smiles widely at the child in front of them. She holds a baggie of yellow liquid that the child is using a syringe to extract and place into a cup in front of her.
Chemistry

Family Science and Engineering Nights ignite STEM passion across Oregon schools

Since the early 2000s, Family Science and Engineering Nights have brought science and discovery to elementary schools across western Oregon. With bubbling beakers, cryogenic demonstrations and gooey gel beads, these interactive evenings make STEM come alive for countless families — thanks in large part to longtime co-organizer Margie Haak.

Two male students sit at a table with notebooks working in a classroom.
Teaching Innovation

Course-based undergraduate research at OSU is is expanding access to hands-on learning

As part of the College of Science's innovative course-based undergraduate research experiences (CUREs), students aren’t just learning about science — they’re doing authentic science. CUREs are an innovative pedagogical model where students engage in original research within the context of a regular course. This offers a research-intensive learning experience that is more accessible than research opportunities outside the classroom.

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Integrative Biology

New Nepal Study Abroad: Explore the interweaving of culture and biology

For the second time, a three-week study abroad opportunity in Nepal is available for students to experience. Led by Dee Denver, head of the Department of Integrative Biology, the Intersections of Biodiversity and Buddhist Cultures in Nepal course promises a trek through the Himalayas, excursions in lowland jungles, and time spent in centuries-old monasteries.

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Students

Goldwater scholar modernizes shark research with digital art

Natalie Donato, a third-year honors biology student, is submerged in the thrilling world of sharks. On a typical day at Oregon State University, this nationally recognized Goldwater scholar can be found creating 3D models of shark heads in a research lab and recently designed Oregon’s new shark license plate.