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Alumni and Friends

Microbiology alumnus leads Pfizer research at the pandemic’s frontlines

As the world held its breath, Oregon State alumnus Steve Bjornson waited for results. The VP and COO of Pfizer’s vaccine research and development organization, he successfully led a team of hundreds of scientists in an unprecedented effort to develop a COVID-19 vaccine.

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Physics

Astrophysicist Xavier Siemens elected 2024 fellow of the American Physical Society

The College of Science is proud to announce that Xavier Siemens, a distinguished astrophysicist and renowned leader in the field of gravitational wave research, has been elected a 2024 Fellow of the American Physical Society.

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Chemistry

Harnessing the power of water: Oregon State chemist joins DOE-funded battery consortium

In the pursuit of large-scale, reliable, safe, environmentally sustainable and affordable electricity storage, chemist Xiulei “David” Ji is part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team funded by the U.S. Department of Energy.

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College of Science

College of Science shines with nine awards at University Day

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.

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Research

Science Faculty Secures $18.5M in FY 2024, extending the reach and impact of science

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

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Physics

Driving smaller, faster and greener technology with quantum materials

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

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Chemistry

Chemist uncovers better way to produce green hydrogen

Researchers from the College of Science, including graduate students, have developed a material that shows a remarkable ability to convert sunlight and water into clean energy.

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Biochemistry & Biophysics

GCE4ALL leads global advancements in genetic code expansion for advanced therapies

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

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Research

Immune systems for cities: Lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic

Cities are like organisms — they need immune systems. Viruses can reproduce rapidly, taking over cells and turning them into viral factories within hours. Individuals' immune systems need to rise to the challenge, but what happens when they can't, and a whole population gets sick?

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Integrative Biology

College of Science researchers suggest low climate change resilience in rocky Pacific Northwest shores

A study by College of Science researchers says the ecosystems at our shores may face greater danger in a changing climate.

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Chemistry

Iron could be key to less expensive, greener lithium-ion batteries, research finds

What if a common element rather than scarce, expensive ones was a key component in electric car batteries?

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Chemistry

Innovative chemistry lab sparks student engagement

One course stands out for its creative new approach to the age-old question, “Why does this matter?”— a three-week general chemistry laboratory on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) pioneered at Oregon State. Two members of the Department of Chemistry, Assistant Professor Kyriakos Stylianou and graduate student Karlie Bach, were interested in invigorating chemistry education and fostering student enthusiasm for research through hands-on laboratory experiences.