IMPACT

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

The explosion of new lemur species that began when the first of those animals arrived on Madagascar more than 50 million years ago has not died down, according to scientists who’ve identified three different groups of lemurs with high speciation rates.

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

Eric Cole, new student head advisor, earned the 2025 Olaf Boedtker Award for Excellence in Academic Advising by helping students, especially first‑generation and Pell‑eligible, break down barriers to study abroad and navigate academic paths with empathy and personal connection.

Nathan Clay-Ehart (‘24) had just graduated with a zoology degree when he boarded a plane to Aruba. The nine-day study abroad opportunity was his first chance to meet Oregon State classmates face-to-face after earning his degree entirely online.

For the second time, a three-week study abroad opportunity in Nepal is available for students to experience. Led by Dee Denver, head of the Department of Integrative Biology, the Intersections of Biodiversity and Buddhist Cultures in Nepal course promises a trek through the Himalayas, excursions in lowland jungles, and time spent in centuries-old monasteries.

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

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

Dee Denver is a professor and head of the Department of Integrative Biology in the College of Science, where his lab investigates biodiversity and genetics through integrated scientific and philosophical approaches. He led a study abroad program in Nepal in September.

Faculty, staff and graduate students from the College of Science won nine awards at University Day, the celebratory kickoff to the academic year featuring an annual awards ceremony. These awards highlight excellence in teaching, advising, research and diversity advocacy, showing the College as a leader across the university.

College of Science researchers received $18.5 million in research grants to support groundbreaking science between July 2023 and June 2024.