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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The College of Science is dedicated to enriching our community and promoting science literacy. Our recently launched Strategic Plan emphasizes making meaningful contributions on local, national, and global scales.

On a sunny June afternoon, 20 high school students from across Oregon stood in a college chemistry laboratory watching a balloon. Their eyes widened as it began to shrink and turn into a wrinkled but rigid ball of rubber. No magic was involved — just liquid nitrogen.

Inpria Corporation, which got its start at Oregon State and which has attracted investors such as Intel and Samsung with its revolutionary material used in microchips, has agreed to be acquired by Japanese firm JSR for $514 million.

The third annual Juntos Chemistry Overnight Camp delighted 22 fortunate high school students from across Oregon over a beautiful sunny June weekend on campus.

Faculty members who have received one of the university’s top honors will offer Distinguished University Professor lectures on May 13.

Summer campers come home with many wild tales, but only a select few can boast of a liquid nitrogen ice cream snack like the lucky 21 high-schoolers at OSU’s second annual Juntos Chemistry Overnight Camp on June 23-24.

Nearly 800 students gathered for Discovery Days on campus to experience the rich and diverse world of science Oct. 31 - Nov. 1, 2017.