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Chemistry

Shedding light on molecular mysteries: Physical chemist wins CAREER Award

Light is more than just illumination – it’s the energy that makes life possible. Physical chemist Tim Zuehlsdorff is using his coveted National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award to study what happens when molecules interact with light in dynamic environments, such as solvents or proteins.

The lower Colorado River in the Grand Canyon is a rich environment
Research

Transforming river health, ecology, seaweed, and pest control: Revolutionary SciRIS research

Founded in 2018, SciRIS funds interdisciplinary research projects that aim to create meaningful societal impact. This year, biologist David Lytle’s project focuses on understanding the complex interactions between multiple biotic components, including food base, disease landscape and microbiome in the lower Colorado River, including the Grand Canyon.

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Students

Undergraduate researcher studies autoimmune disease to improve lives

To say the least, Estifanos Berhe knows how to multitask. From working at the Ettihad Cultural Center to researching autoimmune diseases, he juggles dual majors with many extracurriculars. His drive? Uplifting his communities and honoring his family's sacrifices.

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Events

Celebrating excellence in research: 2025 College of Science Awards

The College of Science gathered on Feb. 26 to recognize and celebrate our high achieving faculty and staff at the 2025 Combined Awards Ceremony. The evening celebrated the very best in the College, from teaching, advising and research to inclusive excellence, administration and service. The following faculty and staff received awards in research.

Intrinsically disordered proteins
Biochemistry & Biophysics

2025 Gilfillan Lecture: "Beyond the fold: How disordered proteins control movement, viruses and gene expression"

Join us for the 2025 F.A. Gilfillan Memorial Lecture, featuring Dr. Elisar Barbar, a pioneering researcher challenging traditional views of protein structure.

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Faculty and Staff

OSU astrophysicist Xavier Siemens wins coveted Bruno Rossi Prize for gravitational wave discovery

Xavier Siemens, a renowned astrophysicist and professor at Oregon State’s College of Science, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Bruno Rossi Prize, one of the highest international honors in high-energy astrophysics, for his groundbreaking work uncovering evidence of binary supermassive black holes.

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News

New nanocrystals a key step toward more efficient optical computing and memory

Scientists including an Oregon State University chemistry researcher have taken a key step toward next-generation optical computing and memory with the discovery of luminescent nanocrystals that can be quickly toggled from light to dark and back again.

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Chemistry

New chemical structures developed by OSU chemist show vastly improved carbon capture ability

College of Science researchers have synthesized new molecules able to quickly capture significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the air, an important tactic in climate change mitigation.

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Students

Perseverance and photovoltaics: Goldwater Scholar paves future in nanoscience

Physics senior Madalyn Gragg was named a 2024 Goldwater Scholar, the nation's top STEM award for undergraduates. Being recognized from more than 5,000 applicants, she hopes her success inspires others to break down their own barriers into science.

Micah Rogers analyzing samples beneath the microscope.
Alumni and Friends

Meet the marine biology alumna that specializes in shellfish poisoning prevention

Biology student Micah Rogers (biology, '07) crouched by the edge of a vibrant tide pool, captivated by the swirl of colorful slimy critters swimming in slippery grasses against wind-carved rocks. It was along the Oregon coast, in 2007, that she realized her passion for marine biology fieldwork was just beginning.

Under a cloudy sky, snow covers the ground of a small factory exterior as the building emits a long plume of smoke.
Research

Chemical structure’s carbon capture ability doubled by COS-led research

Oregon State University scientists have found a way to more than double the uptake ability of a chemical structure that can be used for scrubbing carbon dioxide from factory flues.

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Statistics

Merging statistics and the environment: Science alumni gives back

Statistics alumnus Steve Stehman honors his roots by giving back to Oregon State. His contributions recognize the invaluable education he received and pay tribute to one very special faculty member.