Welcome to OSU Today
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 [email protected]. RSS feeds of our stories are here.
OSU in the News
Restoring Ross Island is the solution to curbing toxic bacterial blooms in the Willamette, researchers say (Street Roots)
About 100 people gathered in Northeast Portland on June 25 to hear the results of a long-running research partnership between OSU researchers and the Human Access Project, a Portland nonprofit that aims to make the city more livable and lovely by expanding recreational access to the Willamette River.
Funding cuts sting Oregon’s successful native bee project (KOBI)
A new Oregon State University report reveals a staggering diversity of native bees across the state, but the project documenting them faces a critical funding cliff after losing its federal backing in May. The “Bees of Oregon 2025” report highlights the success of the Oregon Bee Atlas, which has cataloged 567 species and raised over $800,000 through “Pollinator Paradise” license plates. However, with federal grants dried up since May, local conservationists warn that the public must continue to get involved.
Yaquina Neversink is living up to its name two years after being built and launched by Lincoln County students (Lincoln Chronicle)
“This is such an amazing story,” Kama Almasi, director of the Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center STEM Hub, told the Lincoln Chronicle. “I’m really not sure anyone can predict what will happen next.”
Eugene Airport launches $450 million expansion project to address overcrowding (OPB News)
Many of the speakers at the event discussed the added benefit of accessibility to the area, especially to nearby universities. “The bottom line is we are investing in the innovation corridor with Oregon State, the University of Oregon, with business communities, with our local governments,” said Hoyle.
Brewing scientists Tom Shellhammer and Cécile Chenot are changing how we think about older hops (Beer and Brewing)
Through a series of research projects and resulting papers, professor Tom Shellhammer and postdoctoral researcher Cécile Chenot of Oregon State University have been working to understand how age impacts hops, and how factors such as temperature, oxygen, and even hop variety drive not just changes in chemical analysis over time, but also have a real sensory impact in finished beer. The results? Surprising, to say the least.
Oregon’s chip industry risks becoming ‘insignificant’ globally, state report says (Oregonian)
The report was authored by the University of Oregon’s Institute for Policy Research & Engagement. Business Oregon and Oregon State University split the cost of the $50,000 study.
Why do some of the trees in Portland’s airport look sick? It might be your fault (Oregonian)
Urban forestry specialist Sarah Low of OSU Extension, when provided with a photo of the plants in question, said the trees did indeed look to be in poor health. Noting that her observations were limited without a closer inspection, Low said the trees appeared to be experiencing crown dieback, a progressive death of the branches and leaves.
Subscribe to OSU Today
Photo of the Day
Youngs Bay: Kathryn Stroppel, director of marketing and communications for the College of Health, says, “I took this from Coxcomb Hill on a weekend trip to my favorite Oregon town, Astoria. In it, you can see a memorial to Chief Comcomly — an elevated replica of a traditional Chinook cedar burial canoe positioned to the west. Part of the Chinook Indian Nation, Comcomly was a diplomat who welcomed Lewis and Clark and guided fur traders at the mouth of the Columbia River. In the background, you see Youngs Bay and Youngs River to the left, the Lewis and Clark River to the right and the Pacific Ocean in the distance.” We are accepting photo submissions at [email protected]. To view past submissions, visit us on Instagram at @osutoday1.
Take Note
NEW! Timely Teaching Tips: Explore Resources for Educators from OSU Community Standards for information and guidance to address concerns related to academic integrity, student behavior and classroom engagement. An especially useful resource is the Academic Integrity page, which provides a directory of College Hearing Officers and a step-by-step overview of the academic integrity process.
NEW! Men’s Soccer seeks to elevate community: Oregon State Men’s Soccer is inviting nominations for three initiatives that will take place during each home game. Youth Walkouts (Community Partnerships) is designed to highlight organizations that are making a meaningful impact. We are seeking nominations of youth-serving nonprofit organizations to bring 22 youth participants to walk out with the teams before kickoff. Each selected organization will participate in one home game. Heroes Among Us (Community Recognition) is an initiative to honor individuals and groups who have made meaningful contributions to their communities through leadership, service and commitment to others. One honoree or group will be recognized at halftime of each home game for their impact and dedication to uplifting those around them. Match Ball Presenter is for individuals (youth, students, faculty or community members) who reflect OSU’s values and will present the official match ball at kickoff.
Help Corvallis commemorate the historic Van Buren Bridge: ODOT and the city of Corvallis are gathering community feedback in preparation for a project to recognize the historical significance of the Van Buren Bridge. Participants may provide input on the location of a future exhibit, historical features to be included, etc. To learn more about this project and take the survey, please visit the ODOT project page.
Dixon Rec: With summer bringing less student traffic, employees who want to work out at Dixon can take advantage of the Dixon Recreation Foot Traffic tool, which is helpful for those that want to workout during less busy times. For faculty and staff that are interested in a membership but not sure if they want to purchase one yet, we also offer a 3-day free pass to the facilities. Complete this Docusign form to get started. More information about faculty and staff memberships can be found at Membership Types and Prices.
Timely Teaching Tips: Encourage your students to visit the Academic Success Center’s Learning Corner, an online toolkit providing practical resources ranging from study strategies to planning tips, test prep techniques, and ways to evaluate scholarly sources. Sharing even a few of these resources can help students build learning skills and motivate them to explore further.
Monthly Emergency Preparedness Topic: Fire. What would you do if a fire started? Understand how to Stop. Drop. Roll. Learn how to properly use a fire extinguisher, and if your building is on fire: Get out. Stay out. English and Spanish versions of this bulletin can be found here.
Emergency Management HazAdapt: Join others in the OSU community that have prepared for emergencies with HazAdapt. Take 30 seconds to prepare for tomorrow. Access resources, tips, and emergency information tailored for our campus and your life. Web and phone app accessible. Built by Beavers for Beavers.
Health & Safety: The University Health & Safety Committee wants to promote health and safety by providing a reminder that all work-related accidents, injuries, near-misses and work-related illnesses should be reported to your supervisor immediately as per OSU requirements. Managers and supervisors should then report these instances via the Incident Portal, and tutorial vides for how to do this are available online. You can also access OSU’s University Health & Safety Committee online, including past meeting minutes, information on how to contact a committee member, and a link to report safety concerns online.
Timely Teaching Tips: Looking for support in creating accessible teaching materials? Drop in at the virtual accessibility office hours this summer on Thursdays from 1 to 2 p.m. on Zoom.
Volunteers needed July 18: Corvallis Kaleidoscope, a festival showcasing STEAM research and creative endeavors, is looking for volunteers to bring the event and the da Vinci Days Graand Kinetic Challenge to life. The event runs from noon to 6 p.m. Saturday, July 18 at PRAx, with setup starting at 10:30 a.m. We’re looking for folks who can help with setup and takedown of tables, signage and activity areas; support hands-on art projects (no art experience needed, just a willingness to help others create); and assist during the Graand Kinetic Challenge by helping along the course, supporting participants, timing racers and keeping the event running smoothly. Contact Ben Archibeque, [email protected], to volunteer or for more information. Corvallis Kaleidoscope is free and open to the public.
Half-off Alumni Center rentals this summer: The CH2M HILL Alumni Center is booking summer events at *50% off for new reservations held now through Aug. 31. There are flexible spaces for gatherings of every size and style: reunions, meetings, celebrations, tailgates, conferences and more, from 1–1,000+ guests. Available for university and public reservations. *Discount applies to basic room rental rate only. Additional services available at standard rates. Cannot be combined with other promotions. Book now.