College of Science

2015–2017

Transforming the world through science.

College of Science highlights for the fiscal years beginning July 1, 2015 and ending June 30, 2017. TAKING SCIENCE OUT THERE

Faculty and student travel for research, outreach, and collaboration 2015–2017 Departments of Biochemistry/Biophysics, Integrative Biology, Mathematics, Microbiology, Physics and Statistics OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 2015–2017 ANNUAL REPORT

1–4 5–20 21–30 31–38 39–42 43–52 53–56 57–60 PREFACE RESEARCH STUDENTS OUTREACH HONORS OUR COLLEGE FACULTY ALUMNI

1 7 23 33 40 45 55 59 OneScience Warm oceans need Opening doors for Harnessing a Faculty and student Science for the Faculty highlights Living legends cool science student success global network honors and awards 21st century 3 From the Dean 9 27 35 47 Leading change Diversity makes for Enlightening Facilities that with sustainable excellence science conversations: accelerate materials Distinguished discovery 29 Science Lectures 11 Graduate students 49 Big data, bold who go beyond 37 Board of advisors insights Spreading science to communities 51 13 everywhere Gaining Deconstructing momentum disease with biohealth 15 Preserving coral reefs for healthy oceans 17 Revolutionizing health through microbiomes 19 Stepping up and speaking out

Cover image copyright Science Photo Library / Offset.com 1 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 2015–2017 ANNUAL REPORT / ONESCIENCE 2

Oregon State Science is a strong, diverse community that is committed to working collaboratively to achieve a set of common goals that foster the academic, personal and professional growth of all its members.

In the College of Science, diversity is much more than a concept that we aspire to. It is in our DNA. Diversity makes science better. It helps us achieve excellence and defines who we are. It is the foundation of the world-leading science that happens here.

Great science is not just the facile product of a routinely applied scientific method: it is the creative, determined, and unpredictable pursuit of inquiry across boundaries, whether those boundaries occur among disciplines, nationalities or people. Boundaries are drawn around the known for a purpose, but science ultimately pursues the unknown. It crosses boundaries, even sacrosanct ones, to deliver the dreams of the future.

One of the ways we work across boundaries to discover new knowledge and solutions to society’s most pressing problems is to begin with a diverse team of thinkers and doers. As our 2017 Spring Distinguished Lecturer, renowned physicist Sylvester James “Jim” Gates, Jr. remarks, “Diversity makes for excellent science.” Diversity and equity “provide our field with the greatest possible opportunity to draw individuals who can bring that vitally important, distinct set of perceptions and abilities to the scientific effort.” Diversity is the catalyst for our inspiration.

People, not colleges, perpetuate change and progress. From the different backgrounds and talents of our 200 faculty, 3,600 students and 28,000-plus alumni to our collaborators around the world and the thought leaders we bring to campus, diversity is key to the teamwork and open-minded inquiry that thrives here across a broad spectrum of disciplines, from biology, biochemistry and biophysics, biohealth sciences, microbiology, zoology and chemistry to physics, mathematics and statistics.

Diversity is the catalyst for our inspiration and our potential.

The College of Science is an inclusive, welcoming and intellectually stimulating environment to a diverse community. Working together, the College is a nucleus of learning, societal engagement, achievement and discovery. 3 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE

Science is at the heart of the modern university. For Oregon State University to promote economic, social, health, cultural and environmental progress for the people of Oregon, the nation and the world, it must have a strong College of Science. In the past two years, our faculty, staff, students and alumni have made significant progress delivering on our core mission of advancing science and building FROM global leaders.

A global center of excellence in research and pedagogy, the College of Science is known for its LOOKING BACK, strengths in ecological and quantitative sciences THE that inform public policies on climate change; MOVING AHEAD materials science to identify cost-effective sources of renewable energy and sustainable technology; biological sciences to advance understanding of Sastry G. Pantula disease mechanisms to improve animal and human Dean of the College of Science from DEAN health; and data science to enhance the quality 2013-17, Dr. Sastry Pantula launched of our research and spur economic development. our first strategic plan and established Our strategic goals reflect our commitment to the initiatives in the areas of student and success of our people — our faculty, our students, faculty success, innovative programs our alumni and friends and our communities — to and outreach and engagement. He is build a diverse and inclusive science community credited with significantly enhancing focused on excellence, to be a global leader in diversity among faculty and leadership, scientific research and scholarship for a better world advocating for women in science, creating and to excel in outreach, engagement, visibility and a Board of Advisors, building a science economic development. communication team, launching a Science Success Center and recruiting exceptional As scientists, we are driven to understand how the faculty and staff. He worked tirelessly world works. Through fundamental and curiosity- to raise the visibility of science across inspired research, we create knowledge and enable campus, Oregon and beyond. solutions to major societal problems, making our communities and our world better. This report Dr. Pantula remains grateful to many highlights the incredible accomplishments of our alumni and supporters for their personal strong science community. We are thinkers and friendships and increased investment in doers who value diversity of thought, strive for scholarships, teaching and research. He excellence and welcome inclusivity and difference. continues to be an enthusiastic cheerleader Together, we can make the College of Science at for our OneScience community of students, Oregon State University the best ever. faculty, staff and alumni.

Roy Haggerty Dean, College of Science 5 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 2015–2017 ANNUAL REPORT / RESEARCH 6

We are driven by our core mission: OUR RESEARCH To advance science.

Research fuels our core mission: To advance science and build global leaders for a healthy people, living on a healthy planet, in a healthy economy. That is why we seek out the most promising minds who embrace our values, have the tenacity to tackle the toughest problems, engage in leading research and are Biochemist Viviana Perez dedicated to inspiring and teaching our students. (top left) uncovered a second anti-aging mechanism of the compound rapamycin, a Collectively, our research plumbs a vast breadth of topics, discovery which opens up new from supernovae to superbugs. But we bring unique talent and therapeutic approaches to resources to the table in marine, materials, biohealth and data neurologic disease, including science. We are leaders in microbiome research: in 2017 Oregon dementia and Alzheimer’s. State University was named one of eight centers for a $14 million Rapamycin acts directly to improve the toxic, inflammatory National Science Foundation program to study and develop environment created by improved genomics tools. aging cells, helping to protect fibroblasts (left) and neurons Our internationally recognized faculty were awarded over $18.7 (top right) from damage. This million in research funding in FY17, an increase of 54% from the enables people to live longer, previous year. Our three-year moving average of research funding healthier lives. shows a continued upward trajectory over the last three years. State-of-the art facilities, such as the Linus Pauling Science Center, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Facility and more than 100 research laboratories, serve as the crucibles for new discoveries and the proving grounds for the next generation of scientists.

Our work is collaborative, interdisciplinary and global, reflecting the complex and worldwide problems we wrestle with everyday. Our curiosity-driven research plays a foundational and pivotal role – laying the chemical or biological groundwork for tomorrow’s new touchscreen or cancer drug – as well as its immediate applications, such as making better batteries or novel radiation clean-up technologies. Since 2011, our faculty produced 48 new technologies and secured 18 U.S. patents. 7 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 2015–2017 ANNUAL REPORT / RESEARCH 8

The College of Science forms the intellectual core Protecting the ocean floor of OSU’s Marine Studies Initiative, a campus-wide effort to address the threats facing our oceans The oceans also house vast reservoirs of methane, with world-leading research and teaching, global a greenhouse gas whose warming effect is 25 times

leadership, and pioneering collaboration with stronger than CO2. In 2016, Andrew Thurber and government and industry partners. With access a coalition of 14 scientists were the first to survey to the Pacific and OSU’s world-class research research on the hydrothermal vents and methane facilities on the Oregon Coast, the College pursues seeps on the ocean floor, first discovered by OSU fundamental understanding and practical solutions researchers 40 years ago. These habitats have for today’s challenges, from climate change and surprised the world with their bizarre ecosystems, WARM ocean acidification to disease, biodiversity loss and including hot oozing gas, sulfide chimneys, bizarre pollution. Our research, teaching, advocacy, and tube worms and giant crabs and mussels that eat collaboration will help lead us towards healthier, methane and toxic sulfide. Thurber discovered more resilient and productive ocean ecosystems that the influence of these habitats extended far OCEANS and “blue” economies. beyond their immediate zones to have an ocean- wide and global impact. Smarter models of climate change “We had no idea at first,” Thurber said. “Through NEED COOL Accurate models of climate change are taking a methane consumption, these life forms are literally giant leap forward thanks to Stephen Giovannoni’s saving the planet. There is more methane on the research on microscopic plankton. Plankton ocean floor than there are other forms of fossil dynamically alter earth’s chemistry and have an fuels left in the oceans, and if it were all released it SCIENCE outsize influence on our atmosphere. Giovannoni would be a doomsday climatic event.” was the first to discover the smallest and most abundant plankton, SAR11 bacteria. These tiny but As these methane seeps and hydrothermal vents ubiquitous organisms are so dominant that their are currently under threat by deep sea mining and combined weight exceeds that of all of the fish in bottom trawling, it is critical that we enact global the world’s oceans, and they produce enough sulfur policies to preserve them before it’s too late. gases to play a major role in cloud formation and climate models. In 2017, Thurber published research warning that thermal stress and acidification caused by climate Understanding the deep ocean is change could trigger extinctions in the seafloor by critical the year 2100, an area that covers over 63% of the globe. This potentially massive biodiversity loss Plankton research also sheds light on the vast and die-off on the deep ocean floor would result in amounts of carbon stored in the ocean in the fewer nutrients and oxygen returning to the surface form of dissolved organic matter (DOM), a food from the deep sea, depleting sea life and starving source for micro-organisms. Giovanni applied the coastal communities so familiar to us. genome sequencing to the abundant microbial Just two years after one of the most severe marine ecosystem “dark matter” far below the ocean’s surface, Towards a more sustainable future epidemics in recorded history discovering the deep-ocean SAR202 plankton and nearly wiped out the population the role it plays in metabolizing harder-to-digest Giovannoni and Thurber’s work is critical to of West Coast sea stars, forms of DOM ignored by surface species. Even understanding the risks facing our oceans and to marine biologist Bruce Menge SAR202 leaves behind refractory forms of DOM, creating smarter policy for a healthier future. As discovered a starfish baby carbon-rich matter that collects in the ocean former NOAA Administrator and the nation’s first boom: “The number of juveniles was off the charts…300 times in staggering amounts, up to 615 Pg of carbon U.S. Science Envoy for the Ocean, Jane Lubchenco normal.” If we can slow or globally. This is roughly equivalent to the amount has written, “If we harness human ingenuity and stop global warming, ocean of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide (CO2) in recognize that a healthy ocean is essential for ecosystems can respond with our atmosphere today. If SAR202 ever evolved to long-term prosperity, we can tackle the enormous incredible resilience. tap into this latent food source, it could release threats facing the ocean and we can make a

disastrous amounts of CO2 into the atmosphere. transition from vicious cycles to virtuous cycles.” 9 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 2015–2017 ANNUAL REPORT / RESEARCH 10

The College of Science is a leader in the race to “We’re trying to turn this industry into a truly zero- discover sustainable materials, contributing the waste proposition while improving performance,” research behind next-generation electronics says Keszler, a principal scientist at Oregon State’s and cutting-edge techniques for clean energy Center for Sustainable Materials Chemistry. “We’d generation, storage and conservation. Our work like to do electronics the size of a wall. The question ranges from fundamental science to applied is: How do you do that efficiently without producing research in new technologies and startup even more waste?” companies to the training of the next generation of LEADING environmentally conscious innovators. Abundant metals for a greener future Seizing opportunity On another greening front, chemist May Nyman is exploring new cluster chemistries to harness Breakthrough innovation in material science often some of the most Earth-abundant and least CHANGE happens at the crossroads of serendipity, experience corrosive metals to build transformative energy and and sudden insight. When chemists Doug Keszler, environmental technologies for a healthy planet. Art Sleight, physicist Janet Tate and Her research has led to new, greener engineer John Wager set out to test materials to clean up radioactive WITH a class of materials known as p-type “We’re pushing waste, safely degrade chemical transparent semiconductors in the late warfare agents like nerve gas and 1990s, they discovered a powerful the boundaries support sustainable methods for new application for these materials: of science and nuclear fuel processing. She invented SUSTAINABLE transparent electronics. Over the next seeing things a process to capture highly stable, decade, Keszler and Wager’s work non-reactive metal oxides in water, on new semiconductor materials for no one has ever something scientists had struggled transparent transistors and flat-panel seen before.” with for decades. Metal oxides help displays received national attention degrade air and water pollutants, MATERIALS Douglas Keszler, Distinguished and formed the basis for Apple’s Retina and Nyman’s breakthrough research Professor of chemistry display monitor. allows industry to produce them with the absolute control needed In the last two years, Tate and Keszler for high-performance materials in have harvested more discoveries from this original electronic circuits. research. Tate, a Dr. Russ and Dolores Gorman Faculty Scholar, has created semiconductors to Powering up with next-gen batteries solve pressing problems like the efficient conversion of solar energy. She has collaborated with scientists There is a worldwide race to develop the next- from the National Renewable Energy Laboratory generation energy storage devices, and chemist and several universities on a new Energy Frontier David Ji is a frontrunner. Last year, he received the Research Center, sponsored by the Department of National Science Foundation CAREER Award— Energy, to design and make metastable materials NSF’s most prestigious honor for outstanding young with new and interesting properties. scientists— to support research that will broaden the field of battery chemistries by introducing Keszler’s work has led to multiple patents for potassium-ion batteries as an alternative to environmentally friendly building materials for new expensive lithium-ion batteries. generations of semiconductor and solar-energy devices. He and his team have made significant Since then Ji and his team have accelerated the contributions to the liquid crystal display industry pace of innovation in new battery technologies. and new aqueous-based, green-chemistry platforms They have revealed materials chemistry for new that show promise for new high-performance potassium-ion and hydronium-ion batteries holding Chemist May Nyman’s electronic and energy devices and coating. In the promise for more sustainable energy storage, research has led to newer, future, windows, mirrors, walls and counters could potentially for microgrids, solar-powered devices greener ways to clean up display messages and harvest solar energy. and more. radioactive waste. 11 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 2015–2017 ANNUAL REPORT / RESEARCH 12

With demand for statisticians projected to grow Restrepo is also leading a team of statisticians, 34% between 2014-2024, the science and art engineers and social scientists to formulate of mining and distilling useful information from adaptive response strategies to disasters such vast datasets has never been in greater demand. as flooding, wildfires and hurricanes. They are The College of Science is doing its share to meet taking advantage of physics models, disaster this surging need for computational skills in an response protocols, sensor data, and citizen era of data explosion. We have hired some of cellphone reports/locations to coordinate faster the top minds in mathematics, statistics and and more efficient recovery efforts. This initiative BIG DATA, bioinformatics, launched a new online in resilience exploits the talent, masters degree program in data research strengths and collaborative science analytics, and we are training “Data science is working style of Oregon State’s graduate students how to work with scientists and engineers. BOLD large data sets, a skill essential for the heartbeat their future career success. of 21st Smarter disease century global prevention In addition to these quantitative leaps, Big Data is increasingly driving economies, and Big data can inform better policies INSIGHTS breakthroughs and shaping new innovations and strategies for global health and thinking across a wide range of in sciences, disease response and prevention. topics at the College. From climate For example, population biologist change to the stock market, from engineering, and mathematician Benjamin personalized medicine to precision business and Dalziel analyzed medical data agriculture, data science enables from the 2014 Ebola epidemic and scientists to identify the key signals education are discovered that “superspreading” and trends from a noisy torrent becoming events accounted for almost two- of data to make more accurate increasingly thirds of all infections. With greater predictions and to inform smarter understanding of superspreading policy. Data science provides an computationally events, we can help design better immense opportunity for the College and data- control strategies and public to align our expertise with market enabled” awareness campaigns to reduce the and national needs, federal priorities spread of epidemic disease. and funding opportunities, while Sastry G. Pantula, professor positioning the University as a leader of statistics and former dean Bioinformatics hire David Hendrix in the statistical, mathematical and of the College of Science in the biochemistry and biophysics computational sciences. department uses genome-wide sequence analysis and deep Predicting extreme weather sequencing data to explore gene regulation, with a focus on the role of noncoding RNAs. Mathematician Juan Restrepo, former chair of the Previously thought of as “junk,” noncoding “OSU is a perfect research American Physical Society’s Focus Group on Climate, RNAs are gradually being understood as key environment for developing former vice chair of the Society for Industrial and to gene regulation and expression. Hendrix’s better disaster response strategies, which require input Applied Mathematics/Geosciences and winner of research has revealed that important non- from diverse experts and build the 2017 Geosciences Career Prize, has probed big coding RNAs can be activated or suppressed upon many of our research data and models for better analyses of climate. He in reaction to influences such as aging and strengths, like data analytics. has contributed to the understanding of subjects oxidative stress, micronutrients such as It’s also locally relevant, given as far ranging as ocean dynamics and sandbar sulforphane from broccoli, and environmental that we live in the Cascadia formation, oil-spill and pollution modeling, acoustics toxins. Hendrix’s lab is also using deep learning Zone.” —Juan Restrepo and voting theory. He is currently developing more to identify gene expression important for accurate estimates of hurricane landfall. cancer detection. 13 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 2015–2017 ANNUAL REPORT / RESEARCH 14

For more than a century, the College of Science has human body — was first related to anatomical expanded its world-class leadership in fundamental, evidence of motor neuron death in 1869 by the quantitative and applied research to fight disease founder of modern neurology, Jean-Martin Charcot. and promote health. The rise of biohealth, an interdisciplinary effort to understand and treat the But why the motor neurons were dying in ALS underlying mechanisms of disease, is an opportunity remained a mystery for another 100 years, until for the College to accelerate discoveries through 1993, when the first gene mutation associated with the breadth and depth of its research. Across seven ALS was discovered, raising hopes that scientists departments and many interdisciplinary centers could understand the mechanism behind the and institutes, faculty and students collaborate to disease and how to treat it. It was at this point that pursue new understandings of our most intractable Beckman unexpectedly entered the scene. diseases, drawing upon human biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, mathematical and statistical The genetic mutation associated with ALS DECONSTRUCTING modeling and environmental science. Biohealth, and encodes the same protein, SOD1, that Beckman, the College of Science, promise to blaze a path of a distinguished professor in biochemistry and innovation throughout the 21st century. biophysics, was studying for a different purpose: how to protect the brain from stroke and oxygen DISEASE Chemist Sandra Loesgen is pursuing the radicals. When the genetic link to ALS was revealed, development of “drugs from dirt,” based on the Beckman’s work took on a new urgency and anti-viral, antibiotic, and anti-tumor properties of dimension. He began testing his theory of how metabolites produced by certain fungi and bacteria. and why SOD1 could go rogue and cause neurons WITH BIOHEALTH to die, exploring a possible cure for ALS and other Biochemist/biophysicist Ryan Mehl has won two progressive neurologic diseases, like Parkinson’s. prestigious NSF and NIH grants to expand his Unnatural Protein Facility, the first of its kind in Beckman’s lab made slow but sure progress. They the world. His lab uses genetic code expansion, discovered that in ALS in mice, the SOD1 protein the insertion of non-canonical amino acids into was deficient in copper, a critical micronutrient for cell DNA, potentially allowing for the production healthy brain cell function. The copper deficiency of hundreds of new proteins and chemical abilities. posed a tantalizingly clear experiment: deliver The technology has the potential to engineer gene- copper to the brain. But in practice this was difficult based cures for diseases like atherosclerosis, cancer, as loose copper is toxic and the brain works hard chronic pain, neurodegeneration, stroke and more. to keep concentrations very low. So Beckman’s Lab Through annual conferences and workshops, Mehl used a small molecule, Copper-ATSM, that helps is educating scientists around the world about how deliver copper specifically to cells with damaged genetic code expansion can improve human health. mitochondria and that reaches the spinal cord where it’s needed to treat ALS. Colin Johnson recently won a five-year, $1.7 million NIH grant to support his pioneering work exploring For 25 years, no one had been able to extend the the role that the protein otoferlin plays in human life of the most widely used mouse model of ALS by hearing and potentially devising a gene therapy cure even a month. The results from using Copper-ATSM, Bruce Geller developed a new for deafness. published in 2016, were unprecedented: Copper- weapon in the battle against ATSM could extend the life of these mice by 18 antibiotic-resistant germs—a molecule that neutralizes the Persisting towards a cure months, approaching their normal lifespan. bugs’ ability to destroy the antibiotic. The 2016 discovery Joseph Beckman’s 24-year pursuit of a cure for Copper-ATSM is currently in clinical trials to received worldwide attention amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) exemplifies the evaluate its safety in humans. Beckman’s work has and media coverage given its value of persevering despite setbacks on long- opened many doors on other neurodegenerative potential impact on a looming term basic research. The baffling pathology of ALS mechanisms affecting Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s health crisis. ­— the gradual and fatal progressive paralysis with and multiple sclerosis and establishing new the eventual wasting of every single muscle in the therapeutic opportunities. 15 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 2015–2017 ANNUAL REPORT / RESEARCH 16

Our coral reefs are dying. Not only is just partnership in a healthy coral reef functions on the coral reef itself being lost, but also whole a genetic, cellular and molecular level. The new ecosystems, a symbiotic “web of life” whose reach understandings and genetic techniques that her extends far beyond the oceans and touches human team is developing can be used by scientists across health as well. We do not yet understand all the a vast field of health and biological research. PRESERVING intricacies of this web of life. With a backdrop of climate change where many species and entire By understanding the basic workings of coral- ecosystems like the coral reefs are under threat, algal symbiosis, we can understand how and if researchers in the College of Science are urgently corals can survive and adapt to a rapidly changing CORAL REEFS seeking to enhance understanding of the reefs to planet. The longterm survival of reefs is vital for prevent further loss. healthy fisheries, storm barriers, ecotourism and more. They also For nearly three decades, marine hold promise for bioprospecting, biologist Virginia Weis has or finding compounds that are FOR HEALTHY studied coral reefs to pursue these useful to humans as medicines, as potentially life-saving “known our immune systems share some unknowns.” Corals comprise of the same molecular biology that interconnected animal hosts called corals do when it comes to stress. OCEANS polyps that house microscopic algae In helping save these “rainforests inside their cells. The coral-algal of the sea,” Weis’s research could symbiosis, or partnership, is the spawn potential cures for some of foundation of the entire coral reef our most serious ailments as well ecosystem; the polyps receive food as preserve a global treasure for from the algae, and the polyps in future generations. Virginia Weis, Director of turn provide nutrients and protection the School of Life Sciences to the algae. Weis’s research (2014–17) and Chair of the On another coral front, is revealing how the symbiotic Department of Integrative Microbiologist Rebecca Vega- creatures that form the backbone Biology, has devoted Thurber and her team lead an NSF- of a healthy coral reef communicate her career to exploring funded Global Coral Microbiome and how this communication breaks symbiotic relationships, Project that seeks to document which form the backbone down during environmental stress. of a healthy coral reef. and analyze the macrobiotic diversity in coral reefs around Weis’s recent National Science the world, collaborating with Foundation (NSF) award will explore researchers at Australia’s Great this and more. She is one of eight researchers Barrier Reef and Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea coast. across the country selected for a new $14 million NSF program to develop enhanced genomic The goal of Vega-Thurber’s research is clear: tools for more precise insights into how genetic To understand how their unique and makeup affects an organism’s form and function. underexplored microbial communities can help Building upon her earlier work in 2016 to identify coral reefs withstand and recover from stress or the molecular and cellular interactions that disease in order to help mitigate their worldwide occur during coral bleaching, Weis is leveraging decline due to overfishing, pollution, acidification a lifetime of research to map how the symbiotic and climate change. 17 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 2015–2017 ANNUAL REPORT / RESEARCH 18

A palpable urgency is driving microbiome research coordinate research to understand microbiomes globally. With chronic diseases on the rise, ever- and restore damaged ones, and Sharpton, a increasing ecological disruptions, and a mounting nationally recognized microbiome expert, is need to improve plant and animal playing a key role. agricultural productivity, more and more scientists are looking to “There’s a The NMI is channeling its $121 microbiomes for answers. While growing million through various federal tiny in size, these communities of agencies, including approximately microscopic organisms have profound awareness of $16 million to NSF to fund effects and may hold the key for an the importance microbiome research that spans REVOLUTIONIZING improved understanding of animal, of the bacteria the spectrum of ecosystems, plant and ecological health. species and biological scales. In in our gut early 2017, Sharpton received The term “microbiome” worked microbiome for $520,000 from these NSF grants HEALTH THROUGH its way into the nation’s dialogue human health. to develop computational methods 10 years ago and settled into the to identify which specific members public’s consciousness. Since then, There are of the microbiome are important support and funding for microbiome consequences to ecological and human health. MICROBIOMES research has grown substantially. to constantly Sharpton’s Lab is exploring how changes in the operation of the gut An assistant professor with joint trying to kill the microbiome broadly influence human appointments in microbiology and bacteria in the and animal health and evolution. statistics, Thomas Sharpton brings world around expertise in these two symbiotic This year Sharpton launched areas that give him an edge and us, aspects we’re the Oregon State University a wholly unique perspective on just beginning Microbiome Initiative (OMBI), microbiomes. a virtual center for microbiome to understand.” research and education, that In May 2016, Sharpton was invited Thomas Sharpton, assistant plays a key role in supporting the to the White House for the launch of professor of microbiology National Microbiome Initiative’s its Office of Science and Technology and statistics mission to foster the integrated Policy’s National Microbiome and interdisciplinary study of Initiative (NMI), a new $121 million microbiomes across different federal program to maximize $500 million in ecosystems. As a focal area of research, OMBI will philanthropic support from private foundations help attract sustained external funding to OSU in order to study the microbes in humans, crops, faculty, who have received $10 million in grants for soils, oceans and more. The initiative aims to microbiome studies since 2015.

TO SEE THE UNSEEN. A 2017 exhibit at The Arts Center in Corvallis was the culmination of a year’s collaboration between microbiologists and artists, part of SPARK, a year celebrating art and science at OSU. A detail from Oregon fiber artist Linda Reichenbach’s quilt, left, titled “Beyond the Naked Eye 1” depicts her love of diatoms.

lindareichenbachartquilts.com 19 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 2015–2017 ANNUAL REPORT / RESEARCH 20

Scientists have often been reluctant to speak out ocean acidification and hypoxia, or extremely low and to step into politics, believing perhaps that oxygen levels. The report urges the governments it is better to let research speak for itself. But in of Oregon, California, Washington and British an era of accelerating climate change combined Columbia to take immediate action to offset and with “alternative facts,” many feel an urgent need mitigate the effects of global carbon dioxide to move beyond their comfort zone and find emissions, which are all too rapidly changing ocean their voice to speak out about the public value chemistry along the West Coast. of research as well as the value of science itself. Chan’s recommendations were STEPPING “We must grave but hopeful, offering a variety Our scientists are also stepping engage more of highly do-able ways to remedy out of the lab and into the public ocean acidification, from planting sphere. The College of Science held vigorously kelp and eel grass, which remove UP AND a “Science worth Spreading” public with society carbon dioxide, to exploring better outreach event, a TED-like series to address the breeding techniques for shellfish and of talks by OSU scientists on life- cleaner resource management. changing research to elevate the intertwined SPEAKING importance and value of science. environmental Marine biologists Jane Lubchenco and social and Kirsten Grorud-Colvert Our scientists are leaders in an ever- are important voices in the evolving movement. Skilled advocate problems that international ocean conservation OUT and MacArthur genius award winner many have community. Lubchenco, the U.S. and marine scientist Jane Lubchenco, ignored, to find State Department’s science envoy a marine biologist who recently won on ocean policy issues and former the National Academy of Science’s solutions, and NOAA Administrator, and Grorud- Public Welfare Award, wrote an to help create a Colvert published a paper in the influential editorial urging all scientists journal Science that highlighted the to stand up and use lay-friendly, non- better world.” need for greater ocean protection to scientific language to champion the Jane Lubchenco, support fish stocks and to be better merits of science to the general, voting Distinguished Professor of stewards of our oceans. public. Lubchenco uses her trademark integrative biology optimism and candid manner rather Microbiologist Jerri Bartholomew than an all-too-common “imperious, is changing policy at the local threatening or doom-and-gloom” tone to broadcast level. A long-term project in the Klamath River successful solutions and ways to scale them, as integrates monitoring and research to develop well as to train the next generation of scientists to recommendations for fishery management by engage positively with the public. providing real- time data on parasite densities and their predicted effects on juvenile salmon. When When scientists act collectively, there is a much parasite levels and water temperatures exceed set better chance that relevant research will cross thresholds, this triggers river managers to release a the desks of policymakers and industry leaders pulse of water from the reservoir to reduce disease to inform change. Biologist Francis Chan co- risk. Models developed by her team link areas of chaired a 20-member panel of leading West Coast high disease risk with physical parameters, such ocean scientists who developed a comprehensive as water flows and temperature, and forecast how report outlining recommendations to decrease climate change might alter future infection rates.

Jerri Bartholomew, left, Emile F. Pernot Distinguished Professor and director of the Fryer Aquatic Health Center, collects samples from the Klamath River. 21 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 2015–2017 ANNUAL REPORT / STUDENTS 22

“Coming from a small town, even going to university seemed extraordinary. Research seemed an impossible dream. But here I am pursuing my dream.”

Their passion and dedication OUR STUDENTS continually inspire us.

Our faculty are internationally recognized for their life-changing research. But it is our 3,600 students who will become the next- generation of leaders in science, leaders who will be called upon to solve our most pressing problems and expand our fundamental Microbiology major Christina understanding of the universe and our place in it. Their passion Moody (above right) worked in and dedication continually inspire us. Bruce Geller’s Lab, contributing to groundbreaking research on Nearly 25% of our students are the first in their family to go to the construction of a powerful college, bringing rich perspectives and unique life experiences, molecule that can inhibit deadly and often a deep commitment to make a difference. They are antibiotic-resistant bacteria. drawn to Oregon State’s reputation for providing transformative Left, students get hands-on opportunities to “get their hands dirty” early on their education, marine science experience at by working in one of more than 100 research labs, collecting Hatfield Marine Science Center. data out in the field, gaining valuable experience through an internship, volunteering in the community, studying abroad or collaborating with peers in the physics Worm Hole, a study and tutoring spot on campus.

Whether they pursue fundamental or applied research in academia, industry or non-profits or embark on a meaningful career in health care, actuarial science or education, our students will become tomorrow’s leaders working towards a healthy, sustainable future for our planet, people and economy. 23 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 2015–2017 ANNUAL REPORT / STUDENTS 24

Across the country, universities and colleges difficulty till mastery is achieved. Face-to-face time are making sweeping changes in response to with peers and instructors keeps students engaged multiple challenges. Key drivers of this change are and on track. technology, funding challenges, falling numbers of high-school students and the needs of non- Math instructor Sara Clark redesigned our traditional students, whose enrollment is predicted developmental math sequence, transforming OPENING to rise more than twice as fast as traditional the courses from a traditional lecture-style to an students through 2022. adaptive learning online platform. The new format saved students time and money, improving DFW Oregon State’s unique mission as a land, sea, (D-grade, F-grade or Withdrawal) rates by 30%. In DOORS FOR space and sun grant university has always been 2016 she won a Digital Learning Innovation Award to broaden access to our world-class teaching, from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation that research and outreach. Today’s national effort in provided seed funding to share her success with higher education to better recruit and support non- other universities. STUDENT traditional, underrepresented and first-generation students has always been our main focus. The ESTEME@OSU: Supported by a $2 million NSF College of Science is deeply committed to student grant, Enhancing STEM Education (ESTEME@ success, a major focus of our 2015-2020 strategic OSU) has continued over the last two years to SUCCESS plan. Using evidence-based strategies, adaptive transform calculus-based freshman and sophomore- learning technologies and innovative pedagogy, we level courses in biology, chemistry, engineering, are attracting high-achieving students, expanding mathematics and physics with evidence-based access to non-traditional students, and improving innovations. Capacity in our studio-based Physics both first-year retention and graduation rates. for Scientists and Engineers course sequence has increased by 50%, with nearly 600 students Our student success initiatives have been building participating in active learning in small groups. momentum over the last two years. From bold experimental pilots to evidence-based innovations Active Learning: In instructor Devon Quick’s large with a clear track record of success, effective introductory biology course, up to 300 students sit programs for our students are being scaled to serve in a circular arena classroom equipped with wall- Lectures are highly interactive in the Learning many thousands more, on campus or online. We to-wall screens. Ten well-trained undergraduate Innovation Center, a have also strategically invested in a strong team student learning assistants circulate and work 600-person, theater-in- of advisors. To enhance student success, advisors with students on assigned questions, engaging the-round smart arena have helped implement a system of predictive them through questions and dialogue to probe the equipped with wrap- analytics from the University Innovation Alliance, a conceptual thinking behind their answers. around screens. consortium of 11 large public research universities, including OSU, dedicated to improving educational VividScience: Biology instructors Lesley Blair outcomes and degree attainment for all students and Mark Lavery teach their popular general regardless of socioeconomic background. biology courses to 1,000 undergraduates each year through the medium of “VividScience,” which Flexible, adaptive learning: anytime, teaches science through art and design principles anywhere and materials. Students move through “object assemblages” including activity stations, exhibits, Hybrid classrooms that combine online learning interactive manuals and lecture performances. components that can be done “anytime, anywhere” with in-class instruction open up highly effective Project Boxsand: instructor KC Walsh is alternate pathways for students. Our online learning researching how students interact with online platforms give students instant, personalized physics content. His “flipped” classroom (hence the feedback and continuously adapt content based name ‘boxsand’ instead of ‘sandbox’) has students on a student’s evolving competency, eliminating engaging with course content online and using class needless repetition and circling back to areas of time for problem solving and critical thinking. 25 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 2015–2017 ANNUAL REPORT / STUDENTS 26

Fortifying the STEM pipeline Science Success Center to accelerate improvements in student advising and engagement and to boost Across the nation, too many students entering retention and graduation rates within the College of two- and four-year colleges require remedial Science. courses in math. Oregon ranks 40th among all states for academic achievement, and our National Stronger Advising Bench: A new STAR advisor “I GAINED Assessment of Educational Progress scores have (Students Taking Academic Responsibility) and stagnated for decades while most other states have career development advisor for science students recorded significant progress. In response, our enhance our existing support team. They allow us outreach programs seek to improve K-12 math and to increase touchpoints with students; strengthen SO MUCH MORE science education for greater student equity and our freshman orientation START program; integrate success at the college level and beyond. smarter, data-centric advising tools; and employ predictive analytics. The College is currently The Ambitious Math and Science Teaching Fellows improving advising for the roughly 30 percent of its THAN A DEGREE.” project, funded by a six-year NSF Noyce Teaching students who transfer from community colleges. Fellows grant and co-led by mathematics faculty and OSU’s College of Education, is training and Peer Advisors: Obtaining immediate help on how —Yuriyah Reed-Harris (’18), Biology supporting 16 teaching fellows to complete the to prioritize course work, where to find academic master’s degree program in secondary mathematics resources, and from-the-trenches advice on who to Peer Advisors like Reed-Harris and or science education. talk to is invaluable to students. Peer Advisors are Andrew Lam (below left) provide unparalleled support for other science students and a available 24/7 by text and on a drop-in basis. personal point-of-contact for parents. Mary Beisiegel, professor and national leader in mathematics education, uses the Mathematical Peer Mentors: Upperclassmen provide guidance, Quality of Instruction instrument to give teachers support and encouragement for new students to scores on multiple dimensions of their teaching. help them navigate the landscape at OSU. She won a five-year 2016 NSF grant to support her work on curriculum renewal in lower division Science Clubs: From bioethics to investigative mathematics courses, collaborating with a diagnosis to women in mathematics, more than 25 consortium of 11 institutions and the Mathematics student science clubs provide community and an Association of America. Collectively, their work will organizational hub for study groups, outreach and impact more than 52,000 students and 200 faculty. career networking and advice.

High-impact, transformative experiences

Students are drawn to the hands-on, transformative experiences in the College of Science, from working in a research lab, winning a SURE (Summer Undergraduate Research Experience) scholarship, studying abroad or serving as a leader in one of our 25 science student clubs. In 2016, our College launched an Integrated Professional Development program to accelerate career preparation as well as training and internship opportunities for students.

The human touch Advisor bots and e-classes may be on the rise, but face-to-face contact remains a powerful influence on students’ success. In 2017, we launched a new 27 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 2015–2017 ANNUAL REPORT / STUDENTS 28

DIVERSITY

Great science always has great people behind it. Louis Stokes Alliance for Minority Participation Our science community is committed to our core (LSAMP), funded by the National Science MAKES FOR values of excellence, diversity and harmony. We Foundation, LSAMP is dedicated to increasing the continue to strengthen outreach and support for number of traditionally underrepresented students minority students, women and first-generation who successfully complete a STEM baccalaureate college students through academic advising and degree program. Connecting students immediately EXCELLENT mentorship programs. We strive to represent to a warm, welcoming community of support where the diverse fabric of our nation in our faculty, they often make friends for life, LSAMP brings guest speakers and special events. The best ideas students to campus for 1-2 weeks before classes evolve in a context with multiple perspectives and begin for a residential academic bridge program. SCIENCE mutual respect. Every member of our community Programming continues with exclusive access to contributes to that richness. Below are initiatives mentors, tutors, workshops, a student center and and organizations we invest in to advance undergraduate research funding. excellence through diversity in our College. SURE Science Thanks to the generosity of our OSU STEM Leaders Program is an NSF-funded alumni and friends, the College has expanded initiative designed to increase the success of support for underrepresented minorities in our historically underrepresented undergraduate SURE Science program. Undergraduate students students in STEM fields at the university. First-year received stipends of $5,500 for a summer research students participate in a year-long orientation experience that complements their academic course, cohort-based workshops, peer mentoring experience and education and opens doors to with upper division STEM students, and a paid, a meaningful career path. Students spend their faculty-mentored undergraduate research summer actively engaged in research while working experience culminating in a public symposium alongside faculty for an engaging, hands-on learning where students present their research to the experience. In 2017, 65% of the 31 SURE students community. were from underrepresented minorities and non- traditional backgrounds, versus 25% in 2015. Mi Familia Weekend has a mission to make Oregon State University accessible to Spanish- OSU ADVANCE This NSF-funded program is aimed speaking families, recognizing that the success of at increasing the participation and advancement students in school is strongly linked to support of women in academic science and engineering from family and role models. The College of careers in order to develop a more diverse STEM Science hosts a special session so families can take workforce. Our College has had high participation pride in their student’s achievements. from faculty since this program began in 2014.

BioHealth Sciences major Ido Almog found his STEM Leaders Program freshman seminars invaluable, giving him a “reality check on where I was and what I needed to do next.” As a sophomore, he is currently working in a research lab on human aging. 29 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 2015–2017 ANNUAL REPORT / STUDENTS 30

The College of Science graduate programs are despite obstacles and unexpected twists. In the last building the next generation of leaders in science, two years, eight graduate students in the College of producing top educators, researchers and doers Science have received the prestigious award. across a wide variety of in-demand STEM fields. GRADUATE Our graduation rates are trending up: in 2017, Becca Maher will use her NSF award to travel to we graduated a record-breaking 64 master’s and the Gump Research Station on Mo’orea, French 66 doctoral students, a 33% and 66% increase Polynesia to investigate how predation by parrotfish respectively over the previous year. and elevated nutrient levels affect coral microbiome STUDENTS and the rate of coral death. The project is a natural Attracting the best and the brightest continuation of Maher’s long-held passion for travel and regional conservation. She has participated in World-class faculty and facilities across seven eco-tourism and biodiversity conservation projects departments and 13 interdisciplinary programs in Latin America; directed a year-long Engineers WHO GO offer unparalleled and unique opportunities to Without Borders project to modernize a water pursue research with global impact, from studying distribution system in Nicaragua, conducted marine the evolution of plant viruses with Vrushali Bokil research in Honduras, and studied the impact of to evolving cutting-edge computational tools for endangered capuchin monkeys on a cloud forest BEYOND discovering sustainable materials with Paul Cheung. reserve in Ecuador.

Business opportunities abound in Corvallis, recently Claire Couch recently returned from an eight- voted the most innovative city in the United States month visit to Kruger National Park, one of the based on number of patents per capita. Student largest of South Africa’s game reserves, where entrepreneurs are drawn to this hub for start- she sedated highly dangerous African buffalos up industries from high tech to food and forest with tranquilizer darts to collect blood and tissue products, innovative materials and advanced samples. She then did lab tests to determine the manufacturing, energy/clean technology and more. sex, age, health, disease pathogens and nutritional status of the animal as well as other demographic Two NSF-funded programs targeting graduate and genetic data. Ultimately, she hopes her research students will have broader, long-lasting influence: will improve the tracking and management of African buffalo respiratory disease outbreaks, which A $3 million, five-year NSF Research Traineeship will have broad ecological and economical impacts. build cohorts of leaders trained in marine science, data analytics and policy in order to study, protect Nathan Waugh dropped out of high school at the and manage ocean systems. This innovative pilot age of 16 and worked in a number of low-paying, program can be applied to any program where big jobs. Six years later, “on a whim,” he enrolled in data competency enhances research. night classes at nearby Weber State University in Ogden, Utah, where, surprised by his aptitude for A 2017 NSF Research Traineeship in Innovations math, he graduated magna cum laude with a double in Graduate Education is helping develop STEM major in physics and mathematics. Claire Couch, an ARCS professionals skilled in bringing innovation to (Achievement Rewards for market thanks to Lens of the Market ™, a team- In OSU’s biophysics and biochemistry graduate College Scientists) scholar, did her doctoral research based, experiential curriculum that guides students program, Waugh finds his physics background helps at South Africa’s Kruger in designing research to address market needs while him to “tie things together in a mechanistic way.” National Park introduces honing their entrepreneurial skills. His award-winning NSF proposal, “Binding artificial novel ecological approaches amino acids to surfaces” addresses the problem of to study the transmission improper adsorption of proteins to non-biological of respiratory disease in Going wherever their passion leads surfaces that results in insufficient experimental African buffalo. Our NSF Graduate Research Program Fellows go results, wastage of surface area and the risk of wherever their research takes them, persisting cross-contamination. 2015–2017 ANNUAL REPORT / OUTREACH 32

Research that sits on a shelf helps OUR OUTREACH no one.

Advocacy and communication are the essence of science. Excelling in outreach, engagement and visibility is therefore an integral part of the College’s mission. From promoting scientific literacy and the value of science, to launching startup companies, influencing Our College hosted the Pacific Northwest chapter of the smarter policy and increasing public and private support, outreach American Physical Society ensures that the critical work we do achieves maximum impact. Conference for Undergraduate Women in Physics conference As part of its five-year plan, the College is deepening its in January 2016. The three- engagement with Oregonians and people around the globe day conference offered via online technologies, stories, events and calls-to-action. We undergraduate women in physics a unique opportunity are expanding partnerships to promote lifelong learning, civic to explore careers in science engagement and online degree completion near and far. We through panel discussions and continue to enhance engagement with alumni and friends to workshops by women physicists, advance and support our mission. Our connections across Oregon discussions about women and continue to deepen — from the coast with an expanded Marine underrepresented minorities Studies Initiative to new programs at the Cascades campus as well in physics, lab tours, poster sessions and opportunities for as Portland, home to 26 percent of OSU alumni. students to network with peers and professionals. Last but not least, the College of Science is driving economic development in Oregon and beyond by nurturing innovation and helping to build an ecosystem for successful translation of fundamental research into a wide range of societal benefits. 33 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 2015–2017 ANNUAL REPORT / OUTREACH 34

To advance knowledge and innovation in these in what promises to be a biennial event. Nearly critical times, science must reach a global audience 100 scientists from industry, academia and other HARNESSING quickly. Even before it leaves our campus, much of research institutions converged to discuss the our research has gone viral, a tribute to its relevance latest GCE techniques and approaches applicable and our collaboration with colleagues around the to drug discovery efforts, material science, world to get things done. Our 28,000 bioorganic chemistry within cellular A GLOBAL alumni and more than 100 students and molecular processes, the who travel and study abroad every development of interdisciplinary year help us distribute science more research tools and probes and more. broadly. Each year we welcome The conference was chaired by Ryan NETWORK scientists from across the country Mehl, director of OSU’s Unnatural and around the world to present Protein Facility, the first laboratory ideas and learn in our state-of-the-art of its kind providing researchers laboratories and conferences. around the world with full access to current non-canonical amino acid The 2016 International Indian protein production capability. Statistical Association Conference (IISA), a unique, landmark event The conference was preceded by in the field of statistical sciences in Physicist Davide Lazzati a weeklong GCE workshop for Oregon, attracted 200 participants in organized FOE Fifty-One researchers around the world to Erg in 2017, an international academia, industry, government and bring their experiments to the lab to workshop featuring research institutes from around the nearly 30 astrophysicists collaborate, problem solve and resolve world. With a theme of “Statistical presenting their research challenges that may have stumped and Data Sciences: A Key to Healthy on supernovae, supernova them back in their home labs. People, Planet and Prosperity,” the remnants and other cosmic conference featured more than 50 explosive phenomena. The inaugural 2017 Biological award-winning speakers and panel Nuclear Magnetic Resonance discussions on statistical innovation (NMR) Symposium drew over and applications in areas ranging from big data 100 participants across the Pacific Northwest to to genomics, climate science, public health and understand how NMR is illuminating biology and biomedical science. how OSU’s expanded NMR facility can accelerate their research. The facility includes a new 800 A 2017 International astrophysics conference MHz Macromolecular Nuclear Magnetic Resonance on the physics and observations of supernovae, instrument, the highest field NMR in Oregon and supernova remnants and other cosmic explosive one of only 50 nationwide. The facilty offers state- phenomena drew nearly 30 astrophysicists from of-the-art spectroscopy resources for advancing seven different countries, including Denmark, Japan, research on protein folding, gene discovery and Ireland, Britain, Italy and the United States. The biochemical structural informatics used to treat speakers discussed topics ranging from neutrino diseases, such as Alzheimer’s and cancer. emission to gravitational waves and gamma-ray bursts. In addition, there were 50 contributed talks In 2016 the Department of Mathematics hosted by physicists from a wide variety of universities and the Computational Representation Theory in research institutes as well as a poster session. Number Theory Conference, with 35 invited speakers and participants from universities across The first-ever Genetic Code Expansion (GCE) the United States as well as from the United Conference was hosted at OSU in August 2016 Kingdom, Canada and Switzerland. 35 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 2015–2017 ANNUAL REPORT / OUTREACH 36

The College of Science Distinguished Lecture Series Taking a scientific approach to learning and brings fresh perspectives, pioneering research and teaching science (and most other subjects) impactful innovations to stimulate conversations on The 2016 Fall Distinguished Lecture with Nobel campus that are incredibly important for us to have Laureate Carl Wieman, a Stanford physicist and as we reflect on the value and future of science. The Corvallis native, examined why science education ENLIGHTENING dialogue and learning inspire small-to-large shifts has remained largely “medieval” even while science in how we think, educate and advance science to itself has advanced rapidly in the past 500 years. improve our people and planet. Wieman shared his research and ideas on how “active learning” is dramatically more effective than CONVERSATIONS: Why diversity makes for excellent science a more traditional lecture-based approach. Our 2017 Spring Distinguished Lecture featured Sylvester James “Jim” Gates, Jr., a National Medal Diversity and Inclusion: Grand Challenges of Science recipient and physics professor at the for Science and Engineering The 2016 Spring DISTINGUISHED University of Maryland. Gates, the first African Distinguished Lecture featured Shirley Malcom, American to hold an endowed chair in physics at Head of Education and Human Resources Programs a major research institution in the United States, for the American Association for the Advancement explored the importance of diversity to scientific of Science and an international leader in opening SCIENCE progress and achievement. Gates employed STEM pathways to women. Malcom explored how scientific and historical perspectives to illuminate enlarging and diversifying the STEM talent pool, how fostering racial diversity and closing the both across our country and around the globe, equity gap in STEM fields are essential for scientific are urgent considerations as we prepare the next LECTURES excellence and social harmony. generation of leaders in science.

Sylvester James Carl Wieman Shirley Malcom “Jim” Gates 37 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 2015–2017 ANNUAL REPORT / OUTREACH 38

Deeply enriching and consequential: our local The College of Science hosted the statewide outreach continues to expand. Investing in our local Science Olympiad, “the nation’s most exciting and regional community enables us to cultivate local K-12 science competition” in April 2017. Middle- friends and supporters to help us spread the word school and high-school students who won regional about our research and the value of science, seed championships earlier in the year competed in excitement in elementary-, middle- and high-school one of 23 categories across STEM disciplines, students, partner with educators to strengthen the ranging from “Astronomy” to “Robot Arm,” K-12 STEM pipeline and influence smart policy at “Hydrogeology,” and “Food Science.” state and federal levels. More than 1,500 elementary The 72nd Northwest Regional students flock to campus twice Meeting of the American Chemical a year for one of our most Society was hosted by the College popular and beloved traditions, in June 2017 with featured speakers Discovery Days. The outreach addressing topics ranging from program immerses students green chemistry, nanotechnology, in a wide variety of hands-on biotechnology and biomedicine to learning exercises such as trying SPREADING environmental, atmospheric, polymer, chromatographic tie dying, industrial, and nuclear chemistry. Also exploring dry ice experiments, on tap was the chemistry of Oregon’s observing a live juvenile alligator, famous beers and wine. experiencing static electricity and Professor of Statistics and visiting dozens of stations that former Dean Sastry G. SCIENCE TO Beakers and bunks! Eighteen Latino showcase chemistry, zoology, Pantula makes friends with high school students across Oregon an alligator during Discovery physics, marine science and enjoyed the first overnight chemistry Days, a beloved campus engineering. Rich and dynamic camp on campus in June 2017 as outreach tradition for K-12. exposure to science at the middle- COMMUNITIES part of the OSU Juntos Program, and high-school levels has been which educates and empowers Latino shown to influence interest in families around education and college-readiness. pursuing a STEM career in college.

EVERYWHERE More than 50 Oregon math and science teachers, Science worth spreading involved a series teacher candidates, and education leaders flocked of powerful, stimulating 7-minute talks from to campus for the inaugural Ambitious Math scientists in our own backyard at Oregon and Science Summer Institute in June 2017, co- State followed by a mind-bending community sponsored by the College of Science, the College conversation about science was held on Earth Day of Education and the Oregon Department of 2017. The free public talks, with topics ranging Education. Ambitious teaching aims to support all from our changing oceans to discovering drugs students—across ethnicity, race, class and gender from dirt to promising science start-ups across identity—to not only build knowledge, but to Oregon, were held in OSU’s Learning Innovation deepen their understanding of content to solve Center, a 600-person, theater-in-the-round smart relevant real-life problems. arena equipped with wrap-around screens.

Young women explore hands-on science at Discovering the Scientist Within designed to introduce middle school girls to careers in science, technology and engineering. 39 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 2015–2017 ANNUAL REPORT / HONORS 40

Our scientists pursue knowledge OUR HONORS with passion and purpose.

Our faculty and students receive national and international honors and accolades. We are terrifically proud of them and the diverse individuals, students, support staff and families in our (Left) Distinguished Professor broader College of Science “OneScience” community who make Douglas A. Keszler is presented their achievements possible. Our scientists pursue knowledge the American Chemical Society with passion and purpose. (ACS) Award in the Chemistry of Materials by Allison A. Campbell, ACS President and Our world-class faculty work at the intersection of the biological, sponsor representative John mathematical, physical and data sciences to educate new Gavenonis. The American scientists, to make discoveries and to innovate. They often Chemical Society is the world’s toil tirelessly for years and decades to advance their research largest scientific society. Photo encountering points of discovery, setbacks, fits and starts and by Peter Cutts / ACS recalibration before reaching those aha! moments and making a significant impact. Scientific breakthroughs are often the (Top) Integrative Biology faculty Brock McLeod, Bob Mason, result of immense tenacity and patience over the long-term Lori Kayes, Virginia Weis, and perseverance through obstacles, unexpected results, the Devon Quick and their partners inevitable curveballs and even a bit of serendipity. attend University Day, OSU’s prestigious awards ceremony. Our faculty across all disciplines strive to create knowledge as a means of advancing science to improve the world, leveraging their talents for the greater good. The well-deserved awards and recognition our faculty have earned affirm the value of their contributions, research and public service in both expanding the boundaries of our knowledge and innovating towards a healthier future for our planet, people, and prosperity. 41 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 2015–2017 ANNUAL REPORT / HONORS 42

Faculty Awards Juan Restrepo won the Society for PHYSICS Hubert and Claire Couch in Xiulei (David) Ji was awarded Division of Particles and Fields. 2016–17 Industrial and Applied Mathematics’ Matthew Graham was awarded integrative biology. a five-year $530,000 National Geosciences Career Prize for a 2017 SPIE Defense and Science Foundation CAREER Award Corinne Manogue won the BIOCHEMISTRY & BIOPHYSICS his impressive and extensive Commercial Sensing Rising Biochemistry and molecular for his project, “Carbon Anodes in Outstanding Educator in Science Kevin Ahern won the Phi Beta leadership in mathematical Researcher award, one of only 10 biology junior Tricia Chau received Potassium-Ion Batteries.” and Mathematics, Higher Kappa Society Best Mentor/ modeling and numerical scientists across the country to a 2017 Tunison Scholarship from Education Award by the OAS. Advisor Award. simulation of oceanography and receive the honor. OSU’s chapter of the honor society Walter D. Loveland was elected climate dynamics. Phi Kappa Phi for her impressive a 2015 Fellow to the American STATISTICS CHEMISTRY scholarly achievements. Association for the Advancement Sastry G. Pantula was honored Chong Fang received the Oregon Mary Beisiegel received the Student Awards of Science (AAAS), the world’s for his outstanding and extensive Medical Research Foundation’s Mathematical Association of 2016–17 Four doctoral students were largest general scientific society. service to the statistics profession New Investigator Award. America’s 2017 Henry L. Alder Bethany Matthews won a U.S. selected as 2016 ARCS with the 2016 Paul Minton Service Award for Distinguished Teaching Department of Energy Office (Achievement Rewards for College Mas Subramanian won the Award from the Southern Regional Douglas Keszler won the by a beginning university of Science Graduate Student Scientists) Foundation Scholars Outstanding Scientist Award by Council On Statistics at the 2016 American Chemical Society’s mathematics faculty member. Research Award to continue her from the Portland chapter: Gisela the Oregon Academy of Science. Joint Statistics Meeting. national Chemistry Materials work on how atoms connect and Abigail Gonzalez-Montiel, Award. Tevian Dray received the 2017 how changing these connections Shannon Hennessey, William INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY Debashis Mondal was awarded Deborah and Franklin Tepper influences how atoms behave, at “Bryce” Penta and Dallas Foster. Jane Lubchenco received the the 2015 Young Researcher Daniel Miles won the Phi Beta Haimo Award for distinguished the National Renewable Energy 2016 Linus Pauling Legacy Award Award by the International Indian Kappa Society Best University university teaching of mathematics Laboratory in Golden, Colorado. Ph.D. student Heather Kitada and Statistical Association (IISA). Instructor Award. from the Mathematical her team took first place in the David Maddison and his twin Association of America . The Gregory Mirek Brandt, a ResearchHack 3.0 competition, brother Wayne Maddison, a Richard Nafshun received the award recognized his exemplary junior studying physics and hosted by the U.S. Census Bureau, professor in the departments Student Awards 2017 Outstanding Educator in mathematics teaching and his mathematics, and True Gibson, an at the 2017 annual conference of of zoology and botany at the 2015–16 Science and Mathematics, Higher positive influence on college Honors College junior majoring in the American Association of Public University of British Columbia, Microbiology doctoral student Education Award by the Oregon mathematics curriculum biochemistry and biophysics, both Opinion Research. She wrote a were honored with the Society of Stephanie Rosales spent two Academy of Science. development and teacher training received Goldwater Scholarships. Shiny App that provided innovative Systematic Biology’s prestigious months in Nepal on an NSF on regional and national levels. Brandt and Gibson are not only and useful insight on employing Presidents’ Award for Lifetime Graduate Research Internship INTEGRATIVE BIOLOGY Goldwater Scholars, but are data from several sources to help Achievement. Program (GRIP). Jane Lubchenco won the Elise Lockwood received a neighbors who have been best non-profits in planning future National Academy of Sciences’ five-year, $800K National friends since first grade. They fundraising endeavors. MATHEMATICS Natalie Hambalek, an integrative most prestigious award, the Science Foundation (NSF) attended the same elementary, Tevian Dray won the biology master’s student, was Public Welfare Medal, honoring CAREER Award for her project, middle and high schools before The OSU chapter of SACNAS Outstanding Educator in Science one of four students nationwide individuals “who have worked “Developing Undergraduate enrolling at OSU. (Society for Advancement of and Mathematics, Higher to receive the Graduate Student tirelessly to promote science for Combinatorial Curriculum in Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Education Award by the Oregon Policy Award by the Ecological the benefit of humanity.” Computational Settings.” Biochemistry and biophysics Americans in Science) won the Academy of Science (OAS). Society of America. senior Arianna Kahler-Quesada 2015 Outstanding Development Jaga Giebultowicz received a MICROBIOLOGY and integrative biology doctoral and Outreach Role Model Award, PHYSICS Integrative biology doctoral Fulbright research and teaching Jerri Bartholomew, the Emile student Ian Morelan were one of 13 chapters recognized for Janet Tate was elected a Fellow students Holland Elder and scholarship for a year at the F. Pernot Distinguished Professor selected for the Fulbright outstanding achievements. of the American Physical Society, Caroline Glidden received the University of Warsaw in Poland. and Head of the Microbiology Scholarship as was biochemistry a rare and highly prestigious honor prestigious National Science Department, was awarded the and biophysics alumna that is conferred upon no more Foundation Graduate Research MATHEMATICS American Fisheries Society Lynda Bradley (’15). Faculty Awards than one half of one half percent Fellowship Program awards. Sara Clark won a Digital Learning (AFS) S.F Snieszko Distinguished 2015–16 of the society’s membership, Innovation Award from the Bill and Service Award for her outstanding Three Ph.D. students received CHEMISTRY in honor of her outstanding Melinda Gates Foundation’s Online accomplishments in the field prestigious National Science Chong Fang won the Robin contributions to physics. Learning Consortium, recognizing of aquatic animal health. This Foundation Graduate Research Hochstrasser Young Investigator her work in overhauling lifetime achievement award is the Fellowship Program awards in Award and the Honor Society Heidi Schellman won the developmental math at OSU with highest honor presented by the 2017: Rebecca Lucia Maher in of Phi Kappa Phi Emerging inaugural 2015 Mentoring Award an online learning platform. Fish Health Section of the AFS. microbiology and David Lynn Scholar Award by the American Physical Society’s 43 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 2015–2017 ANNUAL REPORT / OUR COLLEGE 44

Our mission is at the intellectual OUR COLLEGE heart of Oregon State University.

Our Mission: To advance science and build global leaders for a healthy people, living on a healthy planet, in a healthy economy.

For nearly a century, the College of Science has thrived through intellectual exploration, the quest for new knowledge, translation (Above) Kidder Hall, now home to the College of Science, was of discoveries into good use, solutions to society’s most pressing formerly Oregon State’s library, problems and communication of science across Oregon, nation built in 1919 and named after and the world. Our mission is at the intellectual heart of Oregon its first professional librarian, State University’s larger mission as a comprehensive, research- Ida Kidder. intensive public land-grant university, one of only two universities in the U.S. to have land, sea, space and sun grant designations. While each of these grants have a separate focus, a common thread is the integration of teaching, research and extension.

Founded in 1932 as the School of Science, the College of Science has been advancing the frontiers of knowledge and delivering discoveries to enable transformative contributions to OSU’s signature areas of distinction encompassing sustainability, health and economic well-being for 85 years.

Our distinction lies in the depth of our intellectual engagement and the breadth of our scholarly work in the life, physical, mathematical and computational sciences. Through investments in these areas, we inspire and build leaders in science. 45 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 2015–2017 ANNUAL REPORT / OUR COLLEGE 46

Undergraduate Majors By the numbers Biochemistry and Biophysics Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Biology 3,000 undergraduates BioHealth Sciences Chemistry Mathematics 350 graduate students SCIENCE Microbiology Physics Zoology 124 tenure/tenure-track faculty FOR THE Master’s Degrees Biochemistry and Biophysics 300 Chemistry total faculty Integrative Biology 21ST Mathematics 3.66 Microbiology average GPA of incoming students Physics Statistics, including Data Analytics (online) 33% CENTURY of Honors College students are science Doctoral Degrees majors Biochemistry and Biophysics Chemistry 66% Integrative Biology average medical school admittance rate, Mathematics one of the highest in the country Microbiology Physics 12/16 Statistics Goldwater Scholars at OSU were science majors Zoology major Ellie Bohrer was delighted Departments to attend the 8th International Symposium Biochemistry & Biophysics on Canine and Feline Reproduction in 3/6 Paris, France, thanks to the College’s Chemistry Fulbright Scholars at OSU, 2017 Student Travel Award Fund supported by Integrative Biology generous donors. Mathematics 15/44 Microbiology OSU Fulbright Scholars were science Physics majors since 1965 Statistics 11/20 Interdisciplinary Programs Gilman International Scholars at OSU Data Analytics Certificate (online) were science majors, 2015-16 Ecosystem Informatics (Ph.D.) Environmental Sciences 19 Geographic Information Science Certificate Distinguished Professors, the highest of Geographic Information Science Graduate Certificate any College at Oregon State Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program Natural Resources 2 Pre-Health Professions National Academy of Science members Pre-Education Science and Math Education Subsurface Biosphere Interdisciplinary Graduate Program Water Resources Graduate Program 47 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 2015–2017 ANNUAL REPORT / OUR COLLEGE 48

The College of Science builds upon 150 years of Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) Facility: storied history that defines our campus and begets With the highest field NMR spectrometers in great science. Unique, state-of-the-art technology, Oregon with fields of 800 MHz and 700 MHz, the labs and equipment allow researchers and students at facility provides unique capabilities for biological, OSU — as well as the Pacific Northwest and beyond biomedical, chemical and environmental research, — to conduct world-class research on campus. a regional NMR resource for businesses/industry, national labs and colleges and universities These state-of-the-art structures anchor throughout the Pacific Northwest. the prominent position for Oregon State science. Together with the university, we have Mass Spectrometry: A central pillar in the made significant strides to increase both the interdisciplinary network of research on campus, FACILITIES academic and research footprint on campus. the Center offers state-of-the-art service in Facilities represent vital operational and strategic mass spectrometry. Researchers from chemistry, components of the university’s research enterprise, biochemistry/biophysics, environmental toxicology, especially in science. Taking a transdisciplinary botany/plant pathology, microbiology, pharmacy, THAT approach to address society’s most pressing food science, agricultural science and other fields issues, OSU researchers collaborate in three key collaborate at the facility. areas: advancing the science of earth ecosystems, improving human health and wellness, and Center for Genomic Research and Biocomputing promoting innovation and economic prosperity. (CGRB): Since the 1980s, the CGRB has sought ACCELERATE to improve health, to better use natural and Linus Pauling Science Center: The agricultural resources, to understand the global 105,000-square-foot teaching and research facility environment, and to develop new bio-based is named for OSU alumnus and two-time Nobel products and energy sources. The CBGR facilitates DISCOVERY laureate Linus C. Pauling ’22, one of the greatest genomic and data-driven research in the life and researchers of the 20th century. Featuring newly- environmental sciences across Oregon and is the designed, contiguous laboratory space, the facilities intellectual home to more than 120 OSU faculty. foster interdisciplinary collaboration to further understanding how nutrition and micronutrients Center for Sustainable Materials Chemistry (Clockwise from top) Linus prevent chronic and debilitating diseases. (CSMC): A $20 million, NSF Center of Pauling Science Center, Hatfield Research Excellence in Science and Technology, Marine Science Center, Nuclear John L. Fryer Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory: the CMSC conducts curiosity-inspired research, Magnetic Resonance Facility This regional fish disease facility is dedicated to the giving rise to new methods and techniques that study of disease in salmonids and other species of will transform new generations of products while freshwater fish. With 9,000 sq. ft. of wet and dry preparing students to become the next generation laboratories, the facility gives researchers the space of green chemists. to work in heat and chilled conditions, a boon for scientists studying the effect of climate change on Hatfield Marine Science Center (HMSC): aquatic organisms. Water drawn from the nearby Located on the Oregon Coast, an unparalleled Willamette River helps model natural conditions. living-learning laboratory with diverse ecosystems, the Center is a leading marine lab with research Electron Microscopy Facility: The facility provides and education programs from seven OSU colleges advanced electron microscopy instrumentation and six state and federal agencies on the 49-acre services to research communities at OSU and Newport campus. HSMC is the site of the new throughout the Pacific Northwest. Instruments OSU Marine Studies Initiative (MSI) with the include the newly installed Titan 80-200 analytical construction of a 72,000-sq-ft facility planned for transmission/scanning transmission electron 2019. The expanded campus will leverage OSU’s microscope, used to visualize the structure, deep expertise in marine science to foster creative chemical composition and arrangement of atoms collaborations and create meaningful impacts. in thin, extraordinarily small specimens. It is one of Students will live and learn at the ocean, addressing only two at a U.S. university. challenges facing Oregon and the world. 49 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 2015–2017 ANNUAL REPORT / OUR COLLEGE 50

Jan Armstrong (’57) Joel Peterson (’69) Retired Director of Community Relations Founder Kansas City Southern Industries Ravenswood Winery

Rich Carone (’72) Susan H. Poole (’69) * CEO Retired Korvis Automation OSU Student Health Services

Judy Faucett (’70) + Heather Runes (’01) + Retired Senior Vice President Head of Quality Services Equitable Life Assurance (now AXA US) Genentech

Eileen Hartmann (’74, ’76) + Ronald Schoenheit (’65) Retired President Certified public accountant Cascade Coil Drapery

BOARD Keith E. Krueger (’86) Gretchen Schuette (’80) * Private dental practice President Emeritus Bend, Oregon Chemeketa Community College

OF Suzanne P. McGrath (’70) * David Vernier (’76) President Co-founder Vision Capital Management, Inc. Vernier Software & Technology

ADVISORS Doug Morton (’66) Brad Zenger Executive Director Founder and Managing Director Woodruff-Sawyer & Co. Pivotal Investments

Prabu Nambiar (’88) + Founder and Principal + Joined Board of Advisors in 2017 Syner-G Pharma Consulting * Served 2014–2017

New board member Prabu Nambiar (left) welcomed by former board member Suzanne P. McGrath (right). Our Board’s collective expertise across a broad range of industries helps guide us towards our strategic goals. 51 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 2015–2017 ANNUAL REPORT / OUR COLLEGE 52

The College of Science has experienced strong We will continue to invest in attracting the best gains in the past two years, with extraordinary and brightest minds to science at Oregon State. accomplishments in the areas of student success, Four new faculty awards support research and faculty research, outreach and engagement, teaching excellence. Providing access to a world- visibility and fundraising. class education to all students is an important part of OSU’s land-grant mission and will be critical to The past two years have been filled with milestones. sustaining our excellence and momentum. We attracted the most high-achieving students at the University, graduated the highest number of We reach for our vision as a world-class leader in students in six years — the most in more than a science education and research, building on our decade, awarded the third most degrees at OSU wide-ranging breadth as well as core strengths in and welcomed nearly one-third of our students marine, materials, biohealth and data sciences. from underrepresented minority populations. We Our path forward is grounded in our commitment launched a new biochemistry and molecular biology to diversity and inclusion and guided by a rich GAINING major and, in data analytics, completely online and enduring 150-year old heritage. With every master’s and certificate programs. We reached our student, we expand our vision and fulfill our second highest year for research funding in five mission to transform the world through science. years and set a record-breaking year for fundraising MOMENTUM with $6.2 million in gifts.

Baseline Current Target Metric 2013–14 2017 2020 Bachelor’s Degrees Awarded 530 577 680

Master’s Degrees Awarded 51 56 65

Doctoral Degrees Awarded 28 55 38

First-Year Retention Rate 86% 81% 91%

Six-Year Graduation Rate 63% 67% 67%

Junior Transfer 4-Year Graduation Rate 53% 59% 72%

High-Achieving Oregon High School Graduates 46% 57% 52%

U.S. Minority Students* in the College 29% 32% 35%

International Students 6% 7% 13%

External Funding $18M $19M $21M

Invention Disclosures 14 7 22

Annual Private Giving and Grants $4M $6M $6M

Biology alumna Claire Skach photographed by OSU student Nicki Silva * Includes African-American, Asian, Pacific Islander, Hispanic, Native American, or those reporting “two or more races.” Excludes international students. 53 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 2015–2017 ANNUAL REPORT / FACULTY 54

A diversity of perspective brings OUR FACULTY unsolvable mysteries to light.

Our 200 faculty share a deep commitment to fundamental research and discoveries to improve the quality of life for everything and everyone on the planet and to the building of future leaders in science. They are also deeply engaged in Thomas Sharpton (left), assistant professor with joint general education, advocacy and outreach efforts to expand appointments in microbiology scientific literacy for all, maximize the impact of scientific and statistics, presents the research and inform smarter policy on a local, national and OSU Microbiome Initiative’s global level. inaugural lecture by award- winning science writer Ed Yong. At a land grant university with a 150-year-old mission to educate all students, apply research to solving problems and Javier Rojo (above left), an internationally renowned create new opportunities for our nation’s collective health and statistician, joined as the prosperity, our faculty never forget that their research and inaugural Korvis Professor teaching is built on a foundation of public trust. It remains our of Statistics in 2017 from moral imperative to teach a science class to every student who Rice University where he passes through OSU’s doors. Research that collects dust on a directed the nation’s first shelf does no one any good. If novel scientific evidence brings Research Experiences for Undergraduates in statistics. fresh perspective to tired public discourse and debate, now is the time to air it to seed new thinking. Afua Nyarko (above right), assistant professor of Above all, we are proud of the world-class research, community biochemistry and biophysics, and leadership that our faculty, across seven departments and is one of a few scientists a wide array of fields — from microbiology to marine science, worldwide studying proteins from biohealth to data analytics, mathematics to materials, from a structural biology perspective. and from physics to chemistry — bring to the table. The rich conversations and collaborations nourish a constant questioning of our purpose, a constant stream of innovation in the lab and in the classroom, and a constant diversity of perspective that brings even the most unsolvable mysteries to light. 55 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 2015–2017 ANNUAL REPORT / FACULTY 56

Distinguished Professors National Academy of Science 2015 Jane Lubchenco, Integrative Biology P. Andrew Karplus, Biochemistry and Biophysics K.E. van Holde, Biochemistry & Biophysics

2013 American Association for the Joseph Beckman, Biochemistry and Biophysics Advancement of Science

2012 Christopher Bayne, Integrative Biology Andrew Blaustein, Integrative Biology Andrew Blaustein, Integrative Biology Stephen Giovannoni, Microbiology Kenneth Hedberg, Chemistry P. Andrew Karplus, Biochemistry and Biophysics 2010 Walter Loveland, Chemistry Balz Frei, Biochemistry and Biophysics Jane Lubchenco, Integrative Biology Christopher Mathews, Biochemistry and Biophysics 2006 Bruce Menge, Integrative Biology Douglas A. Keszler, Chemistry Sastry G. Pantula, Statistics Vince Remcho, Chemistry 2005 Bob Smythe, Statistics Bruce A. Menge, Integrative Biology Strategic Provost Hires FACULTY 1998 Arthur W. Sleight, Chemistry BIOINFORMATICS Patrick De Leenheer, Joint appointments in 1996 Mathematics and Integrative Biology Frank L. Moore, Integrative Biology David Hendrix, Biochemistry and Biophysics HIGHLIGHTS Duo Jiang, Statistics 1994 David Koslicki, Mathematics William Sandine, Microbiology Thomas Sharpton, Joint appointments in Statistics and Microbiology 1993 Jo-Ann Leong, Microbiology BIG DATA Jane Lubchenco, Integrative Biology Sharmodeep Bhattacharyya, Statistics Debashis Mondal, Statistics 1992 Benjamin Dalziel, Joint appointments in James D. White, Chemistry Mathematics and Integrative Biology

1991 MARINE STUDIES Arthur Boucot, Integrative Biology Felipe Barreto, Integrative Biology A DISTINGUISHED LEGACY Christopher Mathews, Biochemistry and Biophysics The Provost and Executive Vice TENURED FACULTY DIVERSITY INITIATIVE President awards the title of 1990 Juan Restrepo, Mathematics OSU Distinguished Professor to John Fryer, Microbiology Javier Rojo, Statistics professors who have achieved Donald J. Reed, Biochemistry and Biophysics truly exceptional records in STUDENT SUCCESS teaching and advising; in research, scholarly, or creative work; and in 1989 Afua Nyarko, Biochemistry and Biophysics outreach and service. T. Darrah Thomas, Chemistry Elizabeth Gire, Physics

Left: Distinguished Professors 1988 DUAL CAREER HIRES P. Andrew Karplus and (inset) Kensal van Holde, Biochemistry and Biophysics Andrew Thurber, Microbiology Jo-Ann Leong and John Fryer. Molly Burke, Integrative Biology James Strother, Integrative Biology 57 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 2015–2017 ANNUAL REPORT / ALUMNI 58

Alumni and friends extend our OUR ALUMNI reach and impact around the globe.

Our 28,000-strong community of alumni form a vast worldwide network of friends, donors and advocates for science. Here is but a small sampling of some of our impressive achievers.

John Blankenberger (’52) is credited with developing the first

After graduating magna commercially available personal computer, pre-dating the Apple 1 cum laude with degrees by five years. in biology and chemistry, Megan Cook (left) plunged Peggy Cherng (’72) is co-founder of the restaurant chain Panda into her career as an ocean Express and currently #11 on Forbes list of self-made women. ambassador working to bridge the areas of science, communication, industry Jon DeVaan (’85) is the former senior vice president for Windows and exploration. Development at Microsoft who led teams that developed Microsoft Office, Excel and other products. Above: Chung Kwai Li and Jon DeVaan Chung Kwai Lui (’41) is the first woman Ph.D. in physics at OSU and worked on the top-secret Manhattan Project to develop the atomic bomb.

David Wong (’64) was one of three scientists credited with discovering the game-changing anti-depressant Prozac at Eli Lilly.

George Andrews (’64), mathematician, National Academy of Sciences member and the world’s leading expert in the theory of integer partitions, is known for discovering Ramanujan’s Lost Notebook in 1976.

MC Kang (’84) led the development and commercial launch of Fuzeon, the first of a novel class of drugs to treat HIV infection. 59 OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE OF SCIENCE 2015–2017 ANNUAL REPORT / ALUMNI 60

Kent Thornburg (’72) holds joint appointments in the departments of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science A globally acclaimed scientist in cardiovascular & Engineering. Renowned for her research in physiology, adult-onset chronic disease and polymer chemistry and its many applications maternal-fetal health at Oregon Health & Sciences in medicine and industry, Wooley is also a University, Kent Thornburg arrived at OSU in 1967 multifaceted leader. She directs the National as a budding young zoologist pursuing a Ph.D. His Heart Lung and Blood Institute-supported graduate research in amphibian embryology under Program of Excellence in Nanotechnology, is an the direction of Howard Hillemann, who taught Associate Editor for the Journal of the American courses in comparative vertebrate anatomy and Chemical Society, and has served as Chair of the embryology from 1946-75, set him on the path, National Institutes of Health NANO study section, oddly enough, of becoming a cardiologist. among many other advisory roles within the broader scientific community. Fascinated by vertebrate cardiopulmonary development, Thornburg focused his doctoral She has won a number of awards from the research on how the heart changes in frogs from American Chemical Society—most recently the the embryonic state onwards. Though he later 2014 American Chemical Society Award in Polymer switched his research to cardiovascular physiology Chemistry—and the prestigious Royal Society of in humans as a postdoctoral researcher at OHSU, Chemistry Centenary Prize. his interest in the development of the heart has LIVING remained a constant and he credits his graduate Warren Washington (’58, ’60) work at OSU and the “personal attention from my professors” as having had a huge impact on his Warren Washington (B.S. ’58 in physics, M.S. scientific career. Over a lifetime, his pioneering ’60 in meteorology) is a senior scientist at the research has opened up new understandings National Center for Atmospheric Research, first LEGENDS of how the environment in the womb can be African-American president of the American a determinant of disease, including heart and Meteorological Society, and one of the first to cardiovascular disease, later in life. develop atmospheric computer models that helped scientists understand climate change. Currently, Thornberg leads a team of scientists at OHSU in an exciting new field of science For nearly 50 years, Washington has engaged called epigenetics, which explores how genes can in research and provided advice, testimony and be permanently modified by the environment, lectures on global climate change. He has served primarily through maternal diet and stress, and how on the President’s National Advisory Committee changes can be passed along to future generations on Oceans and Atmosphere and had presidential in a family. Thornburg is the principal investigator appointments under the Carter, Reagan, Clinton, on multiple NIH-funded research projects involving and Bush administrations. Recently, he served A tradition of building leaders in maternal-fetal signaling, training in cardiovascular on the National Science Board as a member and science — Kent Thornburg (above) research, thyroid hormone and heart development as its chair. leads a team of scientists at OHSU in and placental function. an exciting new field of science called Washington and members of his group at NCAR “epigenetics.” Karen Wooley (far left) Karen Wooley (’88) shared in the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize as significant directs the National Heart Lung and contributors to the Inter-governmental Panel of Blood Institute-supported Program of Excellence in Nanotechnology. Warren Chemistry alumna Karen Wooley (’88) is Climate Change (IPCC) Assessment. In 2010, Washington (left), a renowned climate director of the Laboratory for Synthetic-Biologic Washington was awarded the National Medal of scientist of nearly 50 years, shared in Interactions at Texas A&M University, where she Science, the nation’s highest science award. the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize. ART + SCIENCE CREATES SPARKS direction of the light source. On bright days, Adorning the walls of Linus Pauling Science the colors are diffuse, ephemeral. When Center, this series of four light paintings clouds obscure the sun, the light paintings composed of filtered, prism-like glass by blaze out in vivid patterns across the wall. Boston artist Stephen Knapp draws both literal inspiration from Linus Pauling’s work To create the light paintings, Knapp relied on in chemistry and nutrition, and symbolic materials science and worked with dichroic inspiration from his genius, creativity and glass, which consists of sheets of glass coated passion for peace. with multiple layers of metallic oxides in a vacuum chamber. The resulting material The commissioned art, entitled “Structure, transmits one color — wavelength — of light Space and Time,” was one of many works while reflecting the complementary color. purchased through the Oregon Arts Commission’s “Percent for Art” program. “Structure, Space and Time” is about The four pieces intentionally reflect different discovery, possibility and that which is not yet complementary colors depending on the known. Like science. 128 Kidder Hall Corvallis, OR 97331

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