Beaver Research Champions

BEAVER RESEARCH CHAMPIONS

Meet faculty researchers who are solving big challenges.

In Beaver Nation, we are proud of Oregon State student-athletes, who are champions in the classroom and in competition. And we’re equally proud of our amazing faculty — researchers who take on the world’s most pressing challenges.

Oregon State University is Oregon’s leading public research university, setting another record in 2023 with $480 million in research funding — research that fuels discoveries, solves big problems and drives prosperity across Oregon and around the world.

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Kim Bernard | Assistant Professor

College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences

 

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Kim Bernard associate professor college of earth, ocean, and atmospheric sciences

Nov. 18, 2023

Kim Bernard is a biological oceanographer studying the health of Antarctic marine ecosystems. Over eight expeditions to Antarctica, she has conducted research on how  Antarctic krill might respond to climate change. The biomass of krill — nearly 500 million metric tons — exceeds every wild animal on Earth, making them a primary food source for whales, seals, sea birds and penguins, as well as a vital element in removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

“I believe that the future of our planet depends on a healthy Antarctic ecosystem.”

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Pedro Lomonaco | Director

O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory | College of Engineering

 

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Pedro Lomonaco Professor Oregon State University College of Engineering

Nov 11, 2023

Pedro Lomonaco is director of Oregon State’s O.H. Hinsdale Wave Research Laboratory, the largest facility of its kind in North America. An international expert in the areas of hydraulics and coastal and ocean structures, his research focuses on making coastal environments, bridges and other infrastructure more resilient to a tsunami.

“I believe science can help us address how tsunamis interact with coastal infrastructure and reduce human suffering.”

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Emily Ho | Distinguished Professor of Nutrition | College of Health

Director | Linus Pauling Institute

 

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Emily Ho leaning on stair railing in a grey jacket

Oct. 14, 2023

Emily Ho studies how the science of food and nutrition helps people live longer, better. And one of the most proactive and powerful tools for good health is simply eating the right foods. Her research has found that eating foods that are rich in antioxidants and other nutrients — cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and kale — can help address chronic disease and prevent certain cancers.

“I believe nutrition can change people’s lives. Now, more than ever, our nation’s health is one of our highest priorities. At Oregon State, we are a leader in advancing health because we know of the power of being proactive.”

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Cristina Eisenberg | Associate Dean for Inclusive Excellence

Director of Tribal Initiatives | College of Forestry

 

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Christina Eisenberg standing in a wood

Sept. 29, 2023

Cristina Eisenberg leads the Traditional Ecological Knowledge Lab. In partnership with five sovereign Tribes in Oregon — the Confederated Tribes of Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians, the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde, the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians, the Coquille Indian Tribe and the Cow Creek Band of Umpqua Tribe of Indians — her team is combining Indigenous Knowledge with Western science to help the Bureau of Land Management adapt its forests in Oregon to be more resilient to climate change.

“I bring people together to work collaboratively to heal the Earth. I believe that Indigenous Knowledge is essential to conserving natural resources.”

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Taylor Chapple | Assistant Professor

Fisheries and Wildlife | College of Agricultural Sciences

 

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Chappie on a boat in water typing on a laptop next to the motor

Sept. 16, 2023

Taylor Chapple leads the Big Fish Lab at Oregon State’s Hatfield Marine Science Center. Relatively little is known about the 15 species of sharks in the Pacific Northwest. Chapple’s research team studies the movement and behavior of these predators, which keep marine ecosystems and the coastal communities and industries they support vibrant and productive. 

“I believe predators are essential to maintaining a balanced and healthy marine ecosystem. The best thing we can do for sharks is to leave them out in the ocean and let them swim.”

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Desirée Tullos | Professor | Water Resources Engineering

College of Agricultural Sciences | College of Engineering

 

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Desiree Tullos photo

September 9, 2023

Desirée Tullos is a water resources engineer who focuses on the sustainable management of rivers. Her research team, in partnership with the Yurok Tribe, is studying water quality and changes to the ecosystem where four dams are being removed along the Klamath River, the largest dam removal in history.

“I believe that getting out there with students and putting our science in the hands of policymakers helps protect the places, lifestyles and livelihoods that define us as Oregonians.”