IMPACT

Since the early 2000s, Family Science and Engineering Nights have brought science and discovery to elementary schools across western Oregon. With bubbling beakers, cryogenic demonstrations and gooey gel beads, these interactive evenings make STEM come alive for countless families — thanks in large part to longtime co-organizer Margie Haak.

Marilyn Rampersad Mackiewicz, a materials scientist at Oregon State, led a study that used ultraviolet light to precisely control the shape and size of silver nanoparticles – and discovered a way to make them stable in light and oxygen, boosting their potential for medical, environmental and electronic applications.

The College of Science will host its inaugural Graduate Research Showcase from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Friday, May 16, 2025 in the Memorial Union Horizon Room.

Light is more than just illumination – it’s the energy that makes life possible. Physical chemist Tim Zuehlsdorff is using his coveted National Science Foundation Faculty Early Career Development (CAREER) award to study what happens when molecules interact with light in dynamic environments, such as solvents or proteins.

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!

In a career spanning forensics and pathology, alumna Lia Murty now facilitates innovation as a senior regulatory consultant.

Scientists including an Oregon State University chemistry researcher have taken a key step toward next-generation optical computing and memory with the discovery of luminescent nanocrystals that can be quickly toggled from light to dark and back again.

College of Science researchers have synthesized new molecules able to quickly capture significant amounts of carbon dioxide from the air, an important tactic in climate change mitigation.

Graduate students in the College of Science earned notable recognition during the 2023-24 academic year, receiving a range of awards which highlight their achievements and contributions to Oregon State.

Whether fostering curiosity in local classrooms, providing resources for underserved communities or translating cutting-edge discoveries for the general public, our outreach bridges the gap between science and society, elevating both. Here are some examples from across our departments during 2023-2024.

Oregon State University scientists have found a way to more than double the uptake ability of a chemical structure that can be used for scrubbing carbon dioxide from factory flues.

The College of Science community recently gathered to celebrate this year's Alumni Award recipients. These individuals have enriched many lives through their professional achievements, impact and service. They embody our vision to extend the reach and impact of science by improving life for the people of Oregon and beyond.

Prabu Nambiar (Ph.D. '88) was honored with the College of Science's Distinguished Alumni Achievement Award. From earning his degree at OSU to founding his own pharmaceutical consulting company, his story embodies the success of science alumni.

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.

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.

The American Chemical Society has announced that Mas Subramanian, a university distinguished professor of chemistry and Milton Harris chair of materials science, will receive the 2025 American Chemical Society National Award in Inorganic Chemistry.

When homelessness and poverty strike, dental care often becomes a distant priority, leading many to resort to desperate measures like pulling their own teeth. Anika Phuvasate and her fellow Oregon State University Pre-Dental Club members are changing that narrative by organizing free clinics that offer compassionate, judgment-free dental services. These efforts not only restore smiles but also dignity, proving that everyone deserves access to essential care.

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.

For five days, the students participated in the Ignite inSTEM summer camp, a groundbreaking initiative to diversify the biomedical workforce by engaging underrepresented youth in hands-on science for the first time and improving their retention in STEM.

Oregon State chemistry senior Evan Park has a gold medal.

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