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Jo-Ann Leong smiling on a beach in Hawaii
Alumni and Friends

Retired Microbiologist Wins Lifetime Achievement in Science Award

Microbiologist Jo-Ann Leong never imagined that her quest for a new vaccine would ultimately change the world we live in today.

A diver looks under clear blue water at corals.
Marine Science

Esteemed coral scientist to help identify sites for restoration in South Pacific

Sometimes knowing where not to deploy conservation efforts is the most valuable information. Oregon State Pernot Distinguished Professor of Microbiology Rebecca Vega Thurber and her team have received a half million-dollar grant to help grass roots conservation groups in French Polynesia identify ideal sites for coral restoration.

OSU stock image of oyster
Marine Science

OSU research discovers probiotic combination drastically improves oyster larvae survival

Oyster larvae survival rates were significantly boosted by treating them with specific combinations of probiotics, Oregon State University researchers found in a recent study.

Stephen Giovannoni and Sarah Wolf working together in Giovannonis lab.
Research

Grant Awarded to Study Low Oxygen Environments in Oregon Coastal Waters

Drs. Stephen Giovannoni and Francis Chan were awarded a SciRIS Phase II grant for their proposal, “Hypoxic Barrier: Oxygenase Enzyme Kinetics and Ocean Health”. They are excited about receiving College of Science support to extend their research, which started with a SciRIS Phase I proposal.

Ocean waves on a dimly lit day with the sun peering through the clouds.
News

Gas-passing plankton illuminate another piece of the carbon cycle puzzle

A new study shows that the ocean’s most abundant life form, a type of bacteria, consumes acetone and other climate-active gases.

A woman standing in a lab setting smiling
News

New endowed faculty position recognizes excellence in microbiology

New Excellence in Microbiology Faculty Scholar Kimberly Halsey researches the marine carbon cycle, fosters student engagement and promotes inclusivity in admissions.

A closeup of two hands holding and inspecting phytoplankton in a petri dish.
Microbiology

Oregon State microbiology research furthers understanding of ocean’s role in carbon cycling

Researchers from the Department of Microbiology have shed new light on the mechanisms of carbon cycling in the ocean, using a novel approach to track which microbes are consuming different types of organic carbon produced by common phytoplankton species.

Underwater coral reef landscape background in the blue sea with fish and marine life.
Research

Innovation grants to build model reef at OSU, catalyze biological and materials research

College of Science Research and Innovation Seed (SciRIS) awards fund projects based on collaborative research within the College of Science community and beyond.

Corals along seafloor in Lizard Island.
Research

Scientists awarded grant to investigate how microbiomes can help species withstand climate change

A pivotal National Science Foundation award will enable Oregon State scientists to investigate how microbes influence their wildlife host’s sensitivity and resilience to disruptive changes in the natural environment.

Diseased and healthy corals sitting in bins.
Marine Science

Coral researchers find link between bacterial genus and disease susceptibility

Corals that appear healthy are more prone to getting sick when they’re home to too many parasitic bacteria, new research at Oregon State University shows. “The clear relationship we’ve discovered between this kind of bacteria and disease resistance in Caribbean staghorn coral is a crucial piece of the puzzle for coral restoration efforts in that region,” said study co-author Becca Maher, a Ph.D. candidate at Oregon State.

Aerial shot of coral reef.
Marine Science

Oregon State University scientists shed new light on viruses' role in coral bleaching

Scientists at Oregon State University have shown that viral infection is involved in coral bleaching – the breakdown of the symbiotic relationship between corals and the algae they rely on for energy.