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Integrative Biology

Fieldwork, internships and study abroad: Oregon State biology student expands career path

From coastal field stations to a pharmaceutical oncology lab, Isabel Planken followed their curiosity across disciplines and continents. Each experience expanded their confidence and sense of possibility.

Ocean underwater image with sharks and coral reef.
Climate and Oceans

Historic ocean treaty underpinned by Oregon State University science takes effect Jan. 17

Less than two years after OSU scientists led the publication of a landmark marine protected area guide in Science, the United Nations in June 2023 adopted the text of the treaty.

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Alumni and Friends

Research opportunities lead science student to become first OSU Marshall Scholar

Giulia Wood has been named one of 43 Marshall Scholars in 2026, a prestigious scholarship offered by the United Kingdom to a select group of Americans to study at graduate level in a UK institution of their choice for up to three years.

Image of a brick building with a sign that says Nash Hall.
Microbiology

New faces in the College of Science: Nick Pokorzynski and Alice Naftaly join the Department of Microbiology

Meet a two new members of the Department of Microbiology, one who studies how pathogens survive and cause disease and the other loves teaching students how molecular mechanisms connect to evolutionary patterns.

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Alumni and Friends

Recognizing excellence at 2025 Alumni Awards

Meet the six 2025 Alumni Award recipients who made important discoveries, dedicated their time to others and improved the world through science.

2024 cyanobacterial bloom at Detroit Reservoir, photo by Elijah Welch, city of Salem.
Microbiology

New analysis yields clearer picture of toxin-producing blue-green algae blooms

A long-term analysis shows that a major Oregon reservoir abruptly swapped one type of toxic algae for another midway through the 12-year study period, absent any obvious cause.

A woman with a backpack stands in front of a lake.
Alumni and Friends

Predicting the next outbreak: Disease ecologist wins 2025 Emerging Leader Award

From frogs to global health, Barbara Han’s journey reveals how curiosity can lead to groundbreaking science. Her innovative research uses AI and machine learning to predict and prevent future epidemics around the world.

Young adult ochre sea stars
Climate and Oceans

As ochre sea star ‘baby boomers’ grow up, species showing signs of recovery

The “baby boom” of ochre sea stars that followed a population crash a decade ago is enabling the species to recover on the Oregon Coast.

Diver underwater.
Research

Internal funding boosts research in AI-powered ecology and immune system regulation

This round of funding supports biologist Mark Novak and biochemist Adrian Gombart, whose work addresses urgent global questions from climate-driven shifts in marine food webs to the genetic underpinnings of immune system function.

Jason Podrabsky in cap and fish shirt smiling in front of river
Integrative Biology

Researcher and alumnus Jason Podrabsky to head integrative biology at OSU

Podrabsky, an OSU alumnus with deep roots in Oregon, returns to Corvallis after serving more than 20 years at Portland State University, where he built a globally recognized research program and held several senior leadership roles.

A close-up of a chinook salmon at a hatchery in washington.
Climate and Oceans

Salmon face hidden threat from changing diets, new study finds

Researchers in the College of Science, including faculty member Chris Suffridge and graduate student Kelly Shannon, uncovered how shifts in salmon diets may be fueling thiamine deficiency and widespread fry mortality.

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Integrative Biology

Marine biology student wins national Udall Scholarship for environmental leadership

Junior Natalie Donato earns national recognition for her dedication to marine conservation and science communication.