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Your daily news source about all things Oregon State.
OSU Today is published by University Relations and Marketing and is the university’s primary internal communications publication. Submit events, lectures and other activities via the OSU Main Calendar. To submit story ideas and general announcements, email us at [email protected]. Fill out the form here to subscribe to the twice-weekly digest.
On OPB this week
- Oregon State University, where scientists have discovered a more efficient way to make cleaner-burning fuel.
- OSU, where professors have shown climate change poses a dual threat by reducing habitats and increasing predation on native species.
Campus News
News from the Colleges
News Releases
Features
Photo of the Day
46th Annual latwa ina Pow-Wow: Jon Boekenstedt says, “The pow-wow held at Oregon State University every spring is a great change to learn about the Native tribes of Oregon, their history, culture, food and traditions.” We are accepting photo submissions at [email protected]. To view past submissions, visit us on Instagram at @osutoday1.
Take Note
NEW! Mid-Month Emergency Preparedness Topic: Recreational Water Safety: Understand important pool protocols as well as swimming and boat safety. Rec water safety can be very overlooked, but it is important to understand how to be safe in the water. English and Spanish versions of this bulletin can be found here.
NEW! 25 Year Club: On April 21, 53 new members were inducted into the 25 Year Club at OSU.You can read more about their time at OSU and others inducted into the club by clicking here. We will be highlighting inductees throughoutMay and June: Kathleen Lillis, information technology consultant with Extension Computer Service Admin; Mario Magaña Álvarez, associate professor, Extension4-H Youth Development; Matt McClain, analyst programmer, Technical & Solutions Architecture; Karl McCreary, collections archivist, Valley Library; Robert McGorrin, professor, Food Science and Technology.
Timely Teaching Tips: Seeking approaches to encourage your students at this point in the academic calendar? See the Academic Success Center’s Ways to Show Support for Students at the End of the Term for guidance to help students finish the term successfully. Looking for positive ways to wrap up your course? See Ending a Course with Purpose for practical strategies.
Center for Teaching and Learning Teaching Mini-Grants: In support of faculty excellence and student success, the CTL invites applications for Teaching Mini-Grants for the 2025 – 2026 academic year. CTL’s Teaching Mini-Grants challenge instructors to think creatively about their teaching and make bold curricular choices that support the goals of Prosperity Widely Shared and the Quality Teaching Framework. Mini-grants provide $2,500 in support. See the call for applications for additional details. Apply by May 30.
Applications open for the 2025-26 Research Advancement Academy: Office for Research Advancement is hosting info sessions and now accepting applications for the Research Advancement Academy (RAA) for the 2025-26 academic year. Applications are open and due on June 6th, 2025. Click here to apply by June 6. Info session art 4 p.m., May 21 in MU 208 and 9 a.m. May 22 on Zoom (register here).
Honors student named Udall Scholar: Natalie Donato from Folsom, California, an OSU Honors College junior studying marine biology and ecology with a minor in biological data sciences has been named a 2025 Udall Scholar in the Environment category. Also a 2025 Goldwater Scholar, Donato is the second OSU student two years in a row to receive both national honors. Donato’s specialty in marine biology, her work in Chapple Big Fish Lab, and her passion for artwork have informed her pathway in science communication for marine animals and her interest in sensory biology. In the future, Donato will pursue a Ph.D. in sensory biology and ecology of marine animals where she will continue to conduct research on the ocean’s marine species, leading conservation efforts and teaching the next generation of marine biologists through her research and artwork.
Freezing Food Workshop with OSU Extension in Redmond: Do you want to make the most of your food purchasing power? Freezing the extra food from Oregon’s bounty can be easy and rewarding. Come join a “hands-on” workshop taught by OSU Extension Master Food Preserver volunteers. The workshop will be on Thursday, May 29, at the OSU Extension/Deschutes County office at the Fairgrounds in Redmond, 9 a.m. to Noon. The workshop fee is $15. Registration deadline is May 27.
25 Year Club: On April 21, 53 new members were inducted into the 25 Year Club at OSU. You can read more about their time at OSU and others inducted into the club by clicking here. We will be highlighting inductees throughout May and June: Kristin Kinman, operations manager, STEM Research Center; Jeffrey Kollath, senior instructor II with the Department of Statistics; Dan Larson, vice provost of Student Affairs; Stanley Ley, plumber with Facilities Operations & Maintenance; Kaichang Li, professor with the School of Chemical/Biological/Environmental Engineering.
Calling all science and engineering faculty: The L.L. Stewart Faculty Fellowship offers OSU science and engineering faculty an opportunity to engage in collaborative inquiry alongside a professional artist, creative writer or humanities scholar. For one to two years, each fellow and their collaborator will partner on curiosity-driven exploration of questions central to their shared interests. Fellows will partner with PRAx on public programming and receive up to $15,000 per year to support the collaboration. Applications are due June 13. Learn more and apply.
Summer Day Camp Discount for OSU Families: OSU faculty, staff, and students receive $25 off per session at OSU KidSpirit Summer Day Camp, running June 23–Aug. 29 right here on campus for youth entering grades K-5. Join us for all kinds of fun, including swim lessons, archery, STEM, Kindergarten readiness camps, and so much more! Learn more and sign up at https://kidspirit.oregonstate.edu/summer or call 541-737-5437.
25 Year Club: On April 21, 53 new members were inducted into the 25 Year Club at OSU. You can read more about their time at OSU and others inducted into the club by clicking here. We will be highlighting inductees throughout May and June: Scott Heppell, professor with the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife; Anne Hoisington, academic wage appointment with Extension- Family and Community Health; Keith Kayawickrama, director, Northwest Tree Improvement Cooperative with Forest Ecosystems & Society; Michael Kent, emeritus with Microbiology; Kerry Kincanon, director of New Student Advising with Academic Success & Engagement.
Timely Teaching Tips: Want to elevate your teaching skills while shaping the future of teaching and learning at OSU? Consider these exciting new Center for Teaching and Learning opportunities for OSU faculty: Faculty Fellowships: Call for Application (apply by May 19) and Teaching Mini-Grants: Call for Proposals (submit your proposal by May 30).
OSU Work Life Fit Focus Group Sessions: Your perspective as an Oregon State employee is needed at an upcoming focus group opportunity. You are invited to participate in a series of focus groups hosted by the President's Commission on the Status of Women (PCOSW) Work Life Fit Subcommittee to help deepen Oregon State University's understanding of and ability to support professional and individual well-being and success. These sessions will center on the experiences and stories of OSU employees related to professional experiences and work-life responsibilities. Sharing your perspective as an Oregon State University employee supports OSU’s Prosperity Widely Shared and Diversity Action Plan goals. Register here.
Robot Motion Study: The Oregon State University Department of Mechanical Engineering is conducting an interactive research study to explore how people create expressive motion for robots. The study will involve engaging in a simple activity to understand motion concepts and physically manipulating a robot arm in a variety of styles. The principal investigator is Prof. Naomi Fitter. Please sign-up at the booking link: Use Link or contact Nnamdi Nwagwu at [email protected] to sign up.
Center for Teaching and Learning Faculty Fellowships: The CTL invites applications for multiple faculty fellowships in Teaching Excellence, AI in Teaching and Learning, and Blended Learning for the 2025–2026 academic year. These fellowships provide pathways for instructional faculty to increase their educational leadership skills, develop teaching resources, and design and deliver programs that drive teaching excellence across OSU. Each fellowship provides $10,000 in support. See the call for applications for additional details. Apply by May 19.
Unlimited Drop-In Yoga and Meditation Classes: This summer at Marigold, we're rolling out a flexible membership option for unlimited drop-in classes. Enjoy a variety of contemplative practices with skilled instructors in a beautiful biophilic space. Membership is $375 total for 3 months between May 15 and September 15 (monthly payment plans available); when purchasing the package, please indicate your preferred dates. View the drop-in class schedule. Contact us with questions.
25 Year Club: On April 21, 53 new members were inducted into the 25 Year Club at OSU. You can read more about their time at OSU and others inducted into the club by clicking here. We will be highlighting inductees throughout May and June: David Craig, associate director for assessment with University Housing and Dining; James Dudzik, operating systems network analyst with Security Operations and Identity; Scott Elmhauser, senior director of development for the College of Engineering with the OSU Foundation; Alix Gitelman, senior vice provost of Academic Affairs; Nichole Havranek, fiscal coordinator I with the Division of Research and Innovation.
Monthly Emergency Preparedness Topic: Hot Weather: Are you prepared to handle the heat? Thousands of people die every year from weather-related hazards. Know the signs of heat-related illnesses like heat stroke and heat exhaustion as well as how to prevent them. English and Spanish versions of this bulletin can be found here.
Spring Bike Challenge: Join the Spring Bike Challenge from May 1 to May 31. Form teams of 4-10 members to collect ZAPs (point system based on number of bike rides). Ride your way to the top of the leaderboard! All students and employees are eligible. The deadline for new teams is May 15. For alternative formats or accommodations related to a disability, please contact [email protected].
Scholarships: PCOSW's Spring Term Scholarships & Awards application cycle is now open. The application deadline is Friday, May 23 by 5 p.m. The President’s Commission on the Status of Women provides funding to faculty, students, and staff who are pursuing professional development, research, outreach, or creative projects related to gender equity issues. Projects must clearly align with PCOSW's mission. The maximum amount offered is $1000, although scholarships average $300, and funds are paid by reimbursement. To learn more about application requirements/guidelines and selection criteria, visit: Funding Opportunities | President's Commission on the Status of Women | Leadership | Oregon State University Click here to apply. For questions or more information, email: [email protected]
Calendar
Around Campus
OSU in the News
Trump budget would cut ocean data and leave boaters, anglers and forecasters scrambling for info (Associated Press)
“We’ve worked so hard to build an incredible system and it’s running smoothly, providing data that’s important to the economy. Why would you break it?” said Jack Barth, an Oregon State oceanographer who shares data with the Pacific Northwest association.
OSU researchers develop tech to cut AI’s energy use by 50 percent (KATU)
Oregon State University announced the development of a groundbreaking chip designed to cut the energy consumption of artificial intelligence's large language models by half.
Charting new territories with oceanographer Dr. Dawn Wright (Science Wise)
A podcast featuring OSU’s Dawn Wright.
Study: AI can improve writing creativity in students, with instructor guidance (Jefferson Public Radio)
J.T. Bushnell is a senior instructor at Oregon State University, chair of the AI Advisory Committee in the School of Writing, Literature and Film, and co-author of a new study titled "A New Muse: How Guided AI Use Impacts Creativity in Online Creative Writing Courses."
Marine life's latest hotspot could be an underwater volcano primed to erupt off Oregon (NPR)
The volcano, Axial Seamount, lies about a mile below the ocean's surface, about 300 miles from the coast of Astoria, Oregon. It has erupted three times in the last 30 years, with the most recent eruption in 2015, according to Bill Chadwick, an adjunct at Oregon State University who is helping forecast the volcano's eruption.
No room for vegetables? Pot up your plants (Lake Oswego Review)
Limited garden space precludes being able to grow some of the larger vegetables, according to Brooke Edmunds, Oregon State University Extension Service horticulturist. For instance, growing corn on a balcony may not be practical. But a wide variety of crops can be planted, including lettuce, herbs, tomatoes, peppers, eggplant, carrots, beans, squash, radishes, kale, chard and spinach.
OSU researchers link thousands of deaths to the aftermath of wildfires (KGW)
This year’s wildfire season is expected to be just as bad as we saw in the summer of 2024, which will mean very smoky skies and poor air quality. According to new research from Oregon State University, poor air quality has been leading to more deaths across the country.
The National Science Foundation canceled our grant because it focused on women (Ms Magazine)
A piece co-written by OSU's Susan Shaw and Nithya Rajan.
A toxic pit could be a gold mine for rare-earth elements (New York Times)
Researchers at Oregon State University estimate the brine from desalination plants alone contains metals valued at about $2.2 trillion. (for a PDF of this article, email [email protected])
Teaching (The Chronicle of Higher Education)
Many professors wonder whether it’s possible to teach students to use AI constructively and meaningfully, particularly when it comes to building foundational skills. So a recent white paper caught my eye because it offers both a strategy and a caution. “A New Muse: How Guided AI Use Impacts Creativity in Online Creative Writing Courses,” by J.T. Bushnell and Wayne Harrison, who teach in the School of Writing, Literature & Film at Oregon State University, describes a small experiment they did in 2024.
Hydrangeas need proper watering, and avoiding one common garden mistake will help them grow (Irish Star)
However, Heather Stoven from Oregon State University has issued a caution to those tending these plants: the secret to a bounty of hydrangea blossoms lies in ample watering and steering clear of typical gardening tasks.
With the future of federal funding in doubt, an Oregon facility takes its first step in robotics (OPB News)
“When a robot is standing still, it can balance much better than a person does,” Jonathan Hurst, Agility Robotics co-founder and Oregon State University robotics professor, explained.
Researchers issue urgent warning after witnessing disturbing behavioral shift in ocean species: 'It's really just horrific' (The Cool Down)
"All the signs are indicating there has been a pretty intensive change in the Arctic," said Josh Stewart, an ecologist in Oregon State University's Marine Mammal Institute in Newport.
New research forest in Portland means miles of new public trails (Axios)
Oregon State University has acquired a massive tract of land near Forest Park that will become the school's newest research forest and, eventually, the home to dozens of miles of new public trails. (see also OPB, Oregonian)
Electricity-conducting bacteria could help advance environmental cleanup (Discover Magazine)
A novel "electricity-conducting organism” could spark medical and environmental innovations, says researchers from Oregon State University (OSU), the University of Antwerp, Delft University of Technology, and the University of Vienna.
How cormorants are helping us understand coastal oceans in Oregon and around the world (Think Out Loud)
But for more than a decade now, researchers at Oregon State University have been using these diving creatures to better understand oceans in Oregon and around the world. By strapping sensors to birds, researchers are able to chart and understand data around underwater terrains, temperatures and more.
Scientists have just discovered a new type of electricity-conducting bacteria (Wired)
The recently discovered species may provide new insights into how cable bacteria evolved and how they can function in diverse environments, Cheng Li, a postdoctoral researcher at Oregon State University and coauthor of the research, explained in a statement.
Stronger flood standards coming for new hospitals, schools and apartments (E&E News)
“This is transformative,” said Oregon State University engineering professor Daniel Cox, who led an expert panel that wrote and proposed the new flood standards. “It’s going to change how we mitigate floods in the U.S.”
Traffic and Maintenance
Washington Way Multi-Use Path closed, SW 17-26th St: As part of the Washington Way Improvement project, the Washington Way multi-use path on the south side of Washington Way will be closed starting Wednesday, April 30 through Saturday, May 31. The mid-block crossing at Goss Stadium will remain open. SW May Way will be closed to vehicle traffic, with the exception of delivery vehicles. April 30-May 31. Other possible impacts include noise, dust and mud near the work area.
Owens Hall restrooms: The restrooms in Owen Hall will be shut down and closed in the entire building beginning May 16 through May 20, due to removal of lavatories and faucets while the contractor refurbishes the countertops. During this time, please use restrooms in adjacent buildings.
Dixon: Due to construction and roofing work happening at Dixon Recreation Center, the ADA accessible path that runs along the north and east sides of Dixon will be closed starting on Monday, March 24. This will be a long-term closure which is scheduled to end on Friday, Oct. 10. Bike parking on the east side of Dixon will be closed for the duration of this project. All bikes must be removed from the bike racks before Monday, March 24. Any remaining bikes will be removed by the OSU Department of Public Safety. The east entrance to Dixon Rec Center will be closed.
Use extra caution & avoid construction zones on Washington Way: Infrastructure along SW Washington Way is currently undergoing improvements and the area around SW Washington Way and SW 17th St. is an active construction site. For your safety, please detour around work zones (marked with barriers). We recommend allowing more time to travel around campus as this project continues. For more information about construction work on SW Washington Way and the current closure schedule, click here. If you require accommodations or assistance crossing the SW Washington Way construction zone, please contact [email protected].