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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.

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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

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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

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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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.

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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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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.

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Physics

Driving smaller, faster and greener technology with quantum materials

Physicist Ethan Minot and his laboratory are unlocking the potential of quantum materials to revolutionize technology. Their groundbreaking research is not only pushing the boundaries of science but also paving the way for student careers in the tech industry.

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Biochemistry & Biophysics

GCE4ALL leads global advancements in genetic code expansion for advanced therapies

For billions of years, all life on Earth, from tadpoles to humans, have relied on the same 20 amino acids to build proteins — the fundamental building blocks of life. But what if that list of fundamental amino acids was expanded to include any chemical ability of our choosing? What new potential could be unlocked?

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Biochemistry & Biophysics

From Ethiopia to Corvallis: Graduating senior's vision for healthcare

Six years ago, Bereket Berhanu arrived in the United States knowing two words in English: ‘No’ and ‘Yes.’ This June, Berhanu will be graduating with a major in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, along with two minors.

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Teaching Innovation

Black holes devour light — except when they create it, finds physics undergrad

When physics senior Phia Morton flew to Italy to do research, she couldn’t have imagined what she’d find hidden in the stars: the first strong candidate of a black hole merger emitting light. This discovery deepens knowledge on the cosmic structures and may even give a new opinion on how quickly the universe is expanding.