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Alysia Vrailas-Mortimer sits at a lab table showing equipment to a student.
Research

Expanding undergraduate research: Fruit fly experience has students “buzzing”

Every student deserves hands-on research opportunities. But how can that be a reality with limitations on time and available faculty?

Alysia Vrailas-Mortimer, College of Science associate professor and principal investigator with the Linus Pauling Institute, and her colleagues in the Fly-CURE consortium stumbled upon a solution they hope to expand across the U.S.

Catherine Raffin poses in front of a bush of vibrant pink flowers.
Students

The field where ‘everything matters’: Biology senior chases an insect dream

Many people grow up with a fear of bugs, and above all else, a fear of spiders. Oregon State biology senior Catherine Raffin was just the same. The sight of eight spindly legs and a pair of fangs made her skin crawl, so she did the only logical thing: purchased a pet tarantula. “From a young age I was always morbidly fascinated with the insects everybody fears,” she said. “I thought it was crazy how something so small can be so terrifying.”

 

Abigail LaVerdure smiles at camera outside
Students

Biology senior looks forward to a rewarding career in occupational therapy

After graduating with a degree in biology and a certificate in medical humanities, Abigail LaVerdure has moved to Henderson, Nevada to begin her doctorate in occupational therapy (OT) at Touro University.

Simone Burton facing away from the camera, holding her scuba fins and wearing her decorated grad cap that says "Honorary Mermaid".
Students

A dream that won't be squelched: Protecting marine life and inspiring the next generation

Simone Burton, an Honors biology major with an option in marine biology, has pushed through more obstacles than she could have imagined only four years ago. Now, she is confident that she will find a powerful way to protect marine life through a career in conservation, science communication and outreach.

Oregon State zoology senior
Students

Zoology senior merges cultural identity and scientific curiosity

A graduating senior in zoology at Oregon State University, Devonte Casey has been deeply inspired by the synergy between his academic pursuits and his identity as a Native American.

Science students doing field research
Integrative Biology

Researching intertidal communities ecosystems: Ecology fellowship supports student fieldwork

For Lily Miksell, the Alexei Lubchenco Menge Undergraduate Research Fellowship presented an exciting opportunity to pursue her interests in ecology and conservation.

Students use a variety of tools to conduct their summer research.
Students

Summer fellowships awarded to exceptional science students

The College of Science is proud to announce that 41 science students have received summer undergraduate research awards.

Fruit flies under blue light in lab
Biomedical Science

Daily exposure to blue light may accelerate aging, even if it doesn’t reach your eyes

Biologist Jaga Giebultowicz published a new study with which suggests that the blue wavelengths produced by light-emitting diodes damage cells in the brain and retinas.

Kristofer Bauer standing on rocks on ocean shore with research equipment
Integrative Biology

Probing the mysteries of barnacle settlement: Ecology fellowship supports student fieldwork

The Alexei Lubchenco Menge fellowship introduced in 2019 is opening new opportunities for biology and zoology students interested in ecology and field work.

Ashley Victor wearing graduation gown in front of Memorial Union
Students

Medical school awaits this biology senior

Biology senior Ashley Victor's dream of becoming a physician is coming true as she gets ready to begin medical school.