Kieran King’s interest in physics started with the big, cinematic side of the field — rockets, astrophysics and the growing clutter of satellites orbiting Earth. But as he explored new coursework and research opportunities, he became increasingly drawn to the physics behind solar cells, semiconductor materials and clean-energy technology.
McKenna Crise graduated from Oregon State in winter term with a degree in biochemistry and molecular biology and a minor in chemistry. She is now beginning her career at CCRM Fertility in Denver, where she hopes to make the world of genetics less intimidating and more approachable for patients and families.
In the 2025-2026 academic year, graduate students in the College of Science received notable recognition through a variety of competitive fellowships, scholarships and professional development awards. These honors support students at critical stages of their graduate education, helping fund research, conference travel, tuition and other opportunities that contribute to academic and professional growth.
Kasey Ingram, a third-year student specializing in marine biology, brings a deep and rich cultural understanding to her work in the waters. As an indigenous person of the Navajo tribe, Ingram is building a future career that connects her work to the people and cultures that have taught her what it means to be a steward of land.
This spring, Ingram was named a Udall Scholar in the tribal policy category for her work, which will help shape environmental decisions affecting Indigenous communities.
Warren Johnson is a husband, father and a transfer student from Linn-Benton Community College, already working on his accelerated master’s degree. He is also a top scorer in the William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition, one of the most difficult undergraduate math exams in North America.
One might think Oregon State senior Riley Whisler has more than 24 hours in a day. Her schedule reads like someone determined to use every precious second.
Minot, who has served as interim head since September 2025, is a leading researcher in quantum materials and nanoscale systems with applications in semiconductors and emerging technologies.
Juliana Betancourt has been using chemistry to dive into the secrets of nanoplastics, taking part in crucial research well before she finishes her undergraduate studies.
For Dale Comstock, mathematics opened doors far beyond the classroom, leading to research collaborations, government service and teaching opportunities across the world. Now, he is helping encourage future Oregon State researchers through a new endowed dissertation award for doctoral students in mathematics.
