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Physics student Diego Menendez leans on a large white column at Memorial Union Hall at Oregon State University. He has his arms crossed in front of him and he smiles at the camera. The hall behind him stretches on with a series of large white columns.
Diversity in Science

Physics student dedicated to increasing access to STEM

Phyisics student Diego Menendez will begin classes for his final year at Oregon State during Hispanic Heritage Month 2024, right after his last LSAMP bridges experience as a program mentor. When asked what Hispanic Heritage Month means to him, he said, “I feel like during that month and other identity-based celebration months, people are just so proud of where they come from, who they are, and their lineage, their people, their families. I love that. I'm a very proud Cuban all the time.”

A professor shows a student how to use a piece of lab technology.
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.

Joey Takach posing with a smile in front of leafy green bushes.
Physics

Edtech-inspired physics and mathematics senior lands a spot at top-tier university

A long time ago in a galaxy not so far away — in Lake Oswego, Oregon — Joey Takach ordered a bunch of soundboards, accelerometers and other metal parts online.

A woman with shoulder-length hair wears an earset microphone and presents to an unseen audience. Light focuses on her as stands in front of a soft orange-pink gradient.
Student Success

Black holes devour light — except when they create it, finds physics undergrad

When physics senior Phia Morton flew to Italy to do research, she couldn’t have imagined what she’d find hidden in the stars: the first strong candidate of a black hole merger emitting light. This discovery deepens knowledge on the cosmic structures and may even give a new opinion on how quickly the universe is expanding.

Madalyn Gragg works in a lab with Ethan Minot
Students

Physics major, Madalyn Gragg, receives prestigious Goldwater scholarship

A College of Science undergraduate student has been selected as a 2024 Goldwater Scholar, the nation's top award for sophomores and juniors studying science, engineering or mathematics.

Sullivan Bailey-Darland in front of an urban backdrop.
Students

A ‘limitless degree’: Physics senior pushes the boundaries of his field

How does DNA move? How do cells communicate with each other? When it comes to these questions, it’s easy to think of molecular biologists behind the words. But as physics and mathematics senior Sullivan “Sully” Bailey-Darland knows, there are many more voices asking.

Abbie Glickman wearing graduation cap
Students

An outstanding physics education powered by undergraduate research

Native to Edmonds, Washington, graduating senior Abbie Glickman credits her high school physics teacher for helping her see how she could apply mathematical concepts to understand the physical world around her. “When I took physics the first time, he made sure that I knew that I belonged in physics,” she said.

Kendra Jackson working in lab.
Students

How undergraduate research drives student success at OSU

Oregon State funds more high-impact undergraduate research experiences than any other university in the state.

OSU Graduation cap
Students

The Class of 2021 succeeds against all odds

The College of Science will graduate 670 undergraduate students with baccalaureate degrees in 2020-21, including 68 Honors graduates.

Oregon State physics graduate with daughter amid tulips.
Students

From a construction job to Hewlett Packard, a physics major takes an unconventional path to reach his goals

Rohal Kakepoto valued the expertise of the faculty and the intimate and supportive atmosphere of the physics department. Like many of Oregon State physics graduates, Kakepoto landed a job as an engineer at Hewlett Packard in Corvallis, which he will start right before graduation.

Biochemistry and biophysics research labs persist during a pandemic at Oregon State.
Students

Adapting to a new normal: student research labs persist during a pandemic

Lab work plays a critical role in many scientific fields – which is why this year, as classes moved online, Oregon State’s science labs moved quickly to adapt.

Students use a variety of tools to conduct their summer research.
Students

Summer fellowships awarded to exceptional science students

The College of Science is proud to announce that 41 science students have received summer undergraduate research awards.