Winter/Spring 2024 Beginning Researcher Support Program Projects

Instructions for students - Read first

Step 1: Review the faculty project summaries (see below).

Step 2: Once you have found a project that interests you, email the project mentor (see guide to writing emails to faculty here) to set up a time to connect and learn more about the project. NOTE: Only contact 2 faculty mentors at a time. If you haven't heard back in 4 business days, followup with a second email.

Step 3: Meet with potential faculty mentors to discuss the project and potential acceptance into their lab. It is also recommended to schedule a 1-on-1 meeting with CAS Student Engagement Coordinator, Rachel Jones, to learn more about the program and conducting undergraduate research.

Step 4: Apply to the Beginning Researcher Support Program, indicating your preferred projects. Application opens Oct. 20 and closes Nov. 10 @ 5pm PST. Applications will include a resumecover letter outlining your research interests, and unofficial transcriptNOTE: if you haven't had a chance to do steps 2&3, please still submit an application so that you can be considered. There will be time after the application deadline to have meetings with faculty.

Projects

Impact of vitamin supplementation during gestation on weaning weight in beef cattle

Faculty Mentor Names:

Dr. Cecily Bishop (cecily.bishop@oregonstate.edu)

 

Faculty Mentor Department:

Animal and Rangeland Sciences

 

Research modality:

Hybrid of remote and in-person

 

Project Abstract:

 

Experiments are underway to evaluate impact of supplementing vitamin A and D on fertility of beef cattle. One possible benefit may be an improvement in weight gain in offspring. This project will assist in these ongoing studies.

 

Project Description:

Student will assist in monitoring and evaluating the growth of cattle from birth to weaning as part of the ongoing projects in the research lab. Student will also explore growth rate between offspring from treated dams and others in the OSU Beef herd.

 

Description of Work Environment:

Both on-site at Hogg Animal Metabolism Building (HAMB) during calving season and computer-based analysis. Calving will involve some evening and weekend hours.

 

Description of Student Responsibilities:

Student will assist in monitoring and evaluating the growth of cattle from birth to weaning as part of the ongoing projects in the research lab durin Mid to late Januaryand early February for a maximum of 5 hoursa week. In Spring term, student will also explore growth rate between offspring from treated dams and others in the OSU Beef herd - hours will vary to a max of 5 per week.

 

Skills:

Excel experience and comfort with database searching is a bonus. No cattle experience required, lab will train.

 

Learning Outcomes:

How ro calculate growth rate of cattle, some common analysis methods in Animal Sciences, and hands-on experience with beef cattle and calving.

 

Expected start and end date:

01/15/2024 - end of spring term

 

Anticipated hours per week:

5

 

Anticipated hourly wage:

$14.20/hr

Food Loss and Waste Management Strategies

Faculty Mentors Names:

Dr. Quincy Clark (Quincy.Clark@oregonstate.edu)

 

Faculty Mentors Departments:

Agricultural Sciences and STEM Education

 

Research modality:

Hybrid of remote and in-person

 

Project Abstract:

The multifaceted food loss and waste (FLW) measurement and management issues have attracted significant scholarly attention. However, a deeper understanding of consumer contextual demographics, such as household size, urbanity, cultural traditions, and dietary preferences, often remains overlooked. These interrelated demographics can critically impact the extent and manner of FLW measurement and management. Moreover, an in-depth grasp of consumers' behaviors and attitudes toward measuring and managing FLW is crucial in developing effective FLW measurement and management strategies. There is a need for more research on effective strategies to reduce household FLW, including educational campaigns, changes in food labeling and packaging, and public policies.

 

Project Description:

This project contributes to a larger project, funded by the Foundation for Food & Agriculture Research, titled Innovative Household Food Waste Measurement Challenge. The team of researchers from the Corvallis and Cascades campuses is developing a smart compost bin that will accommodate consumers' current behavior. Read more about the project here: https://engineering.oregonstate.edu/all-stories/smart-bin-tracks-househo...

 

Description of Work Environment:

Research is conducted primarily remotely. There will be regular Zoom and in-person meetings. Students are expected to be available during the work week throughout the project.

 

Description of Student Responsibilities:

Student responsibilities include: 1. The synthesis of FLW literature to understand consumers' behaviors and attitudes toward measuring and managing FLW 2. Data collection and analysis 3. Research on effective strategies to reduce household FLW, including educational campaigns, changes in food labeling and packaging, and public policies 3. Assist in the preparation of a journal publication by conducting literature reviews, creating tables and figures, and proofreading manuscript drafts 4. Create a poster presentation to be presented at a TBD professional conference

 

Skills:

Student in good academic standing Excellent written and oral communication skills Strong time management skills and ability to work independently Strong attention to detail and consistency when performing repetitive tasks Collaborative mentality and ability to work in a team environment Ability to read and synthesize academic literature Basic knowledge of introductory statistics Proficiency with Microsoft Office.

 

Learning Outcomes:

Students will gain familiarity with the scientific method by carrying out a literature review, developing hypotheses, and research question(s), analyzing data, and communicating results through a poster presentation and journal article. Additional learning outcomes include an understanding of food loss and waste measurement and management, sustainability awareness, research skills to include data collection and analysis, methodology application, literature review, and more.

 

Expected start and end date:

Winter term - Spring term

 

Anticipated hours per week:

5

 

Anticipated hourly wage:

$16.00 to $18.00/hr.

Sensor data analysis

Faculty Mentor Name:

Dr. María Zamora Re (maria.zamorare@oregonstate.edu)

 

Faculty Mentor Department:

Biological & Ecological Engineering

 

Research modality:

Hybrid of remote and in-person

 

Project Abstract:

Oregon produces more than 220 ag commodities of which many require irrigation for viable production. Facing a changing climate exacerbated with drought conditions, producers in Oregon are pressured to optimize irrigation management practices and conserve water. This project consists of testing different sensors – publicly available as well as newly developed – to improve irrigation management decision making. Testing may include soil-, plant-, and weather-based sensors across important agricultural commodities in Oregon. Data collection, analysis, and a sensor comparison will be performed to determine the sensors’ advantages and disadvantages for growers to integrate and implement in their operations.

 

Project Description:

In the face of a changing climate, increasing agricultural demand for freshwater must include improvements in irrigation management solutions in order to optimize water resources. Inadequate irrigation management decisions may result in under or over-water applications, which consequently can result in crop water stress, or increase nutrient leaching, and therefore affect crop growth and yield. This project consists of an evaluation of multiple sensors (i.e., soil-, plant-, and weather-based sensors) to be performed across important agricultural crops in Oregon. Sensors include dendrometers, soil moisture sensors (e.g., tensiometers, volumetric water content), and/or remote sensing evapotranspiration (ET) estimates (e.g., OpenET) for determining consumptive water use across specialty crops such as hazelnuts and blueberries. In a research site located either at –the OSU Lewis Brown Farm, or the North Willamette Research and Extension Center (NWREC), the student will be involved in different ongoing research projects involving sensors and collaborate with other undergraduate or graduate students. For instance – the student will collaborate with Zamora Re’s Lab students to collect, process, and analyze data from dendrometers along with other soil moisture sensors. The student will be involved in sensor data collection, analysis, and evaluation of the efficiency of the sensors for irrigation management decisions. It might include field deploying and testing different sensors.

 

Description of Work Environment:

Hybrid (remote/lab/field). The project may include field work in the OSU Lewis Brown Farm and/or in the North Willamette Research and Extension Center (Aurora, OR).

 

Description of Student Responsibilities:

The student will be responsible for field data collection, analysis, and efficiency evaluation of the sensors for irrigation management decisions. To test the dendrometers and soil moisture sensors, the student will work collaboratively with main advisor, and with graduate and undergraduate students from the OPEnS Lab who are developing and improving the dendrometer prototype. The student will collect field data from sensors on a regular basis, organize, and analyze data with multiple datasets to determine the efficiency of the sensors for irrigation management.

 

Skills:

  • Preferred skills: experience working with data collection and data analysis. Experience in data processing using Excel or programming languages such as Python, R, Matlab working with sensors in agriculture/irrigation, and an interest in irrigation field work. This project might require the student to be in the field under different weather conditions.
  • Acquired skills: The student will learn about sensors used in the industry, as well as newly low-cost sensors developed by students, for irrigation management. Skills to be acquired include: proper sensor installation, research field data collection, and analysis, and analytical and computational procedures. The student will also gain interdisciplinary research experience since the project includes aspects of soil science, plant physiology, and technological/mechanical aspect of the sensors. The student will learn the basics of performing a simple literature review to frame the results from their project in the context of the larger research data. Science communication skills and the ability to inform complex data to stakeholders will also be acquired.

 

Learning Outcomes:

The student will learn about how to process data collected from sensors used in the industry, as well as newly low-cost sensors developed by students, for irrigation management, water savings, and the avenues for potential stakeholder adoption on larger scales. The student will learn the basics of performing a simple literature review to frame the results from their project in the context of the larger research data. Science communication skills and the ability to inform complex data to stakeholders will also be acquired.

 

Expected start and end date:

1/15/2024 - 6/7/2024

 

Anticipated hours per week:

5

 

Anticipated hourly wage:

$14.20/hr

Electric Nature: Creating data-driven sensitive infrastructure for Ag and Environmental Sensing

Faculty Mentor Names:

Dr. Chet Udell (udellc@oregonstate.edu)

 

Faculty Mentor Departments:

Biological & Ecological Engineering

 

Research modality:

In-person lab/field

 

Project Abstract:

In the face of rising population, erratic climate patterns, resource depletion, and increased exposure to natural hazards, environmental monitoring and data-driven practices gains paramount importance in our daily lives. Satellite data, often acquired from 22,000 miles away, forms the basis of much of our Earth observations. Complementing this, on-the-ground validation through in-situ sensor systems becomes crucial. The need for — and lack of — robust, automated, in-situ environmental sensing methods across the spectrum of geophysical science is well documented. You'll help us test and improve some of the latest environmental monitoring technologies to help address precision agriculture, climate change, and hazard monitoring.

 

Project Description:

I am looking for 2 students for environmental sensor and internet of things research. You'll join a dynamic and interdisciplinary lab community of over 30 undergraduate researchers across Engineering working at the forefront of pioneering research and innovation in open-source hardware and environmental sensing. Our mission is to create accessible and cutting-edge technology solutions that empower researchers and educators worldwide. If you love the outdoors, like seeing new places, feel comfortable both in the lab and in the woods, have a technology sweet-tooth and possess an uncanny ability to get new gizmos to work, detail oriented, and value data-driven research, you're what we're looking for. You will test, deploy, and maintain a variety of next-generation environmental sensing technologies in the woods, streams, and farms, Taking copious field notes and pictures all along the way. You may be taught a variety of technical skills as interests and needs align, like soldering and assembling electronics, debugging, field strategies, programming, and online database navigation and management.

 

Description of Work Environment:

Work will take place at the Openly Published Environmental Sensing lab at OSU Corvallis Campus. Activities will regularly take individuals out to streams, OSU research farms near-by including Lewis Brown, Oak Creek, and forested areas. 4 - 5 hours of engagement in-person and hands-on is expected with your team per week. Student must have access to car and be able to safely drive and pass OSU motor-pool background check. Hands-on work learning to use, deploy in the field, maintain, take field notes, and closely monitor our devices will be entailed. Skills will be learned in a multidisciplinary lab setting.

 

Description of Student Responsibilities:

Spend time in the lab with design teams learning to use the technologies. Spend time in the field with teams learning field practices and monitoring efforts. Learn how to plot and retrieve data from SD cards and online database to make monitoring spreadsheets and analyze data for performance metrics.

 

Skills:

Lab experience and outdoors experience are valued. Navigating spreadsheets like Excel to use formulas, tables, plot, and analyze data Minor electronics assembly and maintenance

 

Learning outcomes:

Determined largely by interests and alignment with lab needs. Field experience with sensors, hands on data-driven ag-sensor activities. Data plotting, analysis Conducting data-driven scientific observations and academic writing

 

Expected start and end date:

Winter - Spring 2024

 

Anticipated hours per week:

6 hrs / week if 1-term. 3 hrs / week if 2-term

 

Anticipated hourly wage:

$14.20/hr

Evaluate plant biowaste extracts as potential antimicrobials

Faculty Mentor Name:

Dr. Qingyang Wang (wangq8@oregonstate.edu)

 

Faculty Mentor Department:

Food Science and Technology

 

Research modality:

In-person lab/field

 

Project Abstract:

Valorizing food processing waste and byproducts for sustainable use is an increasing demand in the industry. Fruit and vegetable byproducts such as pomace, peels, and seeds are currently underutilized and pose significant waste management challenges. These byproducts contain various compounds that possess antimicrobial efficacy, such as polyphenols, flavonoids, and tannins. This project explores the utilization of different fruit byproducts by extracting potential antimicrobial compounds and evaluating their efficacy integrated with other food decontamination or preservation approaches.

 

Project Description:

This project will investigate antimicrobial and antifungal efficacy of various byproduct extracts, with a focus on their potential synergistic interactions with light exposure. We will optimize extraction techniques to improve the production process, evaluate the antimicrobial performance, and assess the shelf life of the extracts. Specific project will be designed based on the capabilities and interests of the student but will be aligned with the primary goal of the project.

 

Description of Work Environment:

Lab work only (Wiegand 233)

 

Description of Student Responsibilities:

The student must complete required lab safety training and follow all lab safety rules under supervision. The student needs to have timely and open communication with the PI. The student is expected to update the research progress to the PI weekly. The student is expected to report data truthfully.

 

Skills:

Good writing and communication skills Basic MS Office suite skills Basic microbiology knowledge Hands-on microbiology skill (preferred) Statistics and data analysis (preferred)

 

Learning Outcomes:

How to conduct scientific research properly Teamwork Data presentation Critical and independent thinking

 

Expected start and end date:

Mid Jan 2024 - mid June 2024

 

Anticipated hours per week:

5-10

 

Anticipated hourly wage :

$14.20/hr

Using freshwater annelids to track parasites in the Klamath River

**This project has received significant interest from students already - we strongly encourage you to apply to a different project**

Faculty Mentor Names:

Dr. Sascha Hallett (halletts@oregonstate.edu) and Dr. Julie Alexander (alexanju@oregonstate.edu)


Faculty Mentor Departments:

Microbiology

 

Research modality:

In-person lab/field

 

Project Abstract:

This project is part of a larger effort to characterize two salmonid parasites in the hydroelectric reach of the Klamath River. These myxozoan parasites have complex life cycles requiring both a freshwater annelid and a salmonid host, as well as existing in two waterborne spore stages. Sampling the annelids, the salmon, as well as the water provides an overall understanding of spatial and temporal distribution of these parasites in the river. Student research will focus on the density of annelid hosts as well as the prevalence of infection of the two parasites.

 

Project Description:

Removing four hydroelectric dams on the Klamath River along the border of Oregon and California is to be the largest dam removal and river restoration project in the world. This project will allow salmon to reach historic spawning grounds for the first time in over 100 years. Understanding disease risk to salmon in this area of the river is critical to inform monitoring efforts for salmon reestablishment. In this project, we aim to describe two pathogens of concern, Ceratonova shasta and Parvicapsula minibicornis. These myxozoan parasites are found in rivers throughout the Pacific Northwest, and can cause disease in salmonids. They require an invertebrate annelid host to complete their complex life cycle, thus the density of infected annelids is needed for assessing disease risk. The annelid host will be collected during summer field work and preserved in ethanol in the field. These samples are returned to the lab on campus and subsampled into manageable quantities. The subsampled worms are sorted, counted, and processed using molecular techniques to determine the prevalence of infection in the annelids.

 

Description of Work Environment:

Work environment will be primarily a lab setting in Nash Hall on the Corvallis campus. This position requires extended time using a dissecting microscope. There may be an opportunity to participate in field collection in the Klamath River.

 

Description of Student Responsibilities:

Specific tasks will vary week to week as the project proceeds and samples move through processing steps. Each day, the student will be responsible for keeping detailed and accurate notes in a lab notebook. Project responsibilities include: Sorting and identifying tiny (3-5mm) freshwater invertebrates from stream samples under a dissecting microscope DNA extraction Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to test the annelids for infection with pathogens Data entry and data visualization (creating graphs and tables) The undergraduate researcher will work closely with current graduate student, Elliott Cameron, for training on each of the above responsibilities as well as discussion regarding results. Presentation of findings at an undergraduate-focused local event will be encouraged.

 

Skills:

Ideally, the student will have experience with using microscopes to identify and/or manipulate organisms. The student will be expected to become proficient in identifying and counting Manayunkia occidentalis using a dissecting microscope. Student will learn to extract DNA following a standard operating protocol, analyze samples using qPCR, as well as general microbiology bench skills such as accurate labeling, pipetting, and simple calculations.

 

Learning Outcomes:

  • General lab safety and etiquette
  • Best practices for keeping a detailed lab notebook
  • Learn about the life cycle of an endemic salmonid pathogen in the Klamath River
  • DNA analysis workflow

 

Expected start and end date:

January - June 2024

 

Anticipated hours per week:

6-7

 

Anticipated hourly wage:

$13.50/hr

Can we increase potato yield by optimizing soil thiamin production?

Faculty Mentor Name:

Dr. Aymeric Goyer (aymeric.goyer@oregonstate.edu)

 

Faculty Mentor Department:

Botany and Plant Pathology

 

Research Modality:

In-person lab/field

 

Project Abstract:

This project will test whether thiamin soil supplementation increases yield in potato.

 

Project Description:

Increasing yield remains a constant goal for growers to maximize return on investment. Here, we hypothesize that optimizing thiamin production by soil microorganisms can increase crop yield. Indeed, plants spend a lot of energy on thiamin because one of the biosynthesis enzymes catalyzes production of only one thiamin molecule, which means that plants must degrade and rebuild this protein after each single reaction it catalyzes (it is often called a “suicide” enzyme). One can compare it to disassembling and reassembling a car engine every time a piston fires. Researchers have estimated that eliminating the costs associated with this single turnover enzyme could increase biomass yield by up to 4.2%. We think this can be achieved by providing plants with exogenous thiamin, thus eliminating the energy that the plant spends in thiamin production and allowing it to reallocate this energy to plant biomass. However, external application of synthetic thiamin is costly and unsustainable. An alternative source of thiamin is that produced by soil microorganisms. Many soil bacterial and fungal organisms can synthesize thiamin de novo and release it into the environment. Plant roots are able to take up thiamin from soil and transport it to the tops, with no energy requirement. Therefore, it might be possible to optimize the soil microbiome to maximize soil thiamin production and offset the plant’s need to produce thiamin de novo. Before we can pursue this possibility, we must answer several pending questions. How important is soil thiamin to the plant’s overall thiamin budget? Does thiamin taken up by the plant from soil decrease thiamin produced by the plant itself? If so, does higher soil thiamin content lead to increased yield? This project aims to answer these questions in the potato crop.

 

Description of Work Environment:

Lab and greenhouse

 

Description of Student Responsibilities:

  • Preparation of media for tissue culture of potato plantlets
  • Transplantation of potato plantlets from tissue culture to soil
  • Weekly application of thiamin to plants in a greenhouse
  • Sample collection (leaves and tubers)

 

Skills:

  • Good communication
  • Punctual
  • Enthusiastic
  • Dependable
  • Strong work ethics

 

Learning outcomes:

The student will learn the fundamental of plant tissue culture, potato growth and physiology, scientific experimental design, and data collection and analysis.

 

Expected start and end date:

January 8, 2024 to March 22, 2024

 

Anticipated hours per week:

8

 

Anticipated hourly wage:

$14.20/hr

Identifying parents of hybrid maples

Faculty Mentor Names:

Dr. Ryan Contreras (ryan.contreras@oregonstate.edu)

 

Faculty Mentor Department:

Horticulture

 

Research modality:

In-person lab/field

 

Project Abstract:

We have been developing new cultivars of maples that are seedless, which means they will not escape cultivation. Recently, we have identified seedlings that have a different morphology and genome size than expected. These seedlings may represent a breakthrough in developing new trees that are disease resistant, seedless, and hardy to extreme temperatures and urban conditions. This project seeks to identify the parents using simple molecular marker tools.

 

Project Description:

Seedlings that were derived from various cytotypes (ploidy levels) of Acer buergerianum planted at the Lewis Brown Farm have shown varied morphology that does not align with this species. There are several other species in close proximity that may have pollinated these trees. In order to best characterize these trees and determine their potential for future landscape use, we need to determine their parentage. We have used flow cytometry to determine their genome size, which is a tool we typically use in such instances. However, we did not obtain clear results and it is likely that they are both interploidy and interspecific hybrids. Using simple molecular markers such as RAPDs, a Beginning Researcher will identify the parents of these 23 putative hybrids that will help us determine their use in future breeding or potential as introductions.

 

Description of Work Environment:

Mostly laboratory or greenhouse. At times it is likely that the researcher may need to visit the field to collect samples.

 

Description of Student Responsibilities:

  • Maintain plants in containers to monitor their progress as they receive cold chilling and then move to the greenhouse under artificial lighting to create long days and force vegetative growth.
  • Collect leaf samples to extract DNA that will then be subjected to analysis using RAPD markers to compare hybrids to parents.
  • Use proper lab technique and follow all safety protocols.

 

Skills:

Lab technique, proper care of container plants, pipetting, weighing, measuring, distributing aliquots, flow cytometry, PCR.

 

Learning outcomes:

How to use simple molecular markers to compare plants and identify their parentage.

 

Expected start and end date:

Jan 2024-June 2024

 

Anticipated hours per week:

5-10

 

Anticipated hourly wage:

$16/hr

Algae response to the Klamath Dam removal

**This project has received significant interest from students already - we strongly encourage you to apply to a different project**

Faculty Mentor Name:

Dr. Desiree Tullos (desiree.tullos@oregonstate.edu)

 

Faculty Mentor Department:

Biological & Ecological Engineering

 

Research Modality:

Hybrid of remote and in-person

 

Project Abstract:

The largest dam removal in history will occur in 2023-2024 when four dams will be removed on the Klamath River. This project is examining how water quality and primary producers (plants and algae growing in the river) change during and following dam removal. Students will join a small team of researchers to analyze existing data and collect new field observations in the months immediately following draining of the reservoirs, with a front row view of the decommissioning activities. Field conditions will be challenging, but student researchers will be mentored by faculty and graduate students with a strong interest in providing a supportive environment. We especially encourage people who come from backgrounds that are nontraditional and historically excluded from field research and from engineering to apply.

 

Project Description:

The Klamath Dam removals are a large-scale experiment that will inform engineering and ecological science on rivers for decades. This project emphasizes ecological research on the water quality-food web interactions of the Klamath River and how they change as the river responds to dam removal. More specifically, research activities will focus on integrating existing datasets and new data collected during and following dam removal. The results will include new analysis and models of how the primary producers that fuel the food web respond to water quality changes. Reservoir drawdown begins in January 2024, which will release high concentrations of suspended sediment, nitrogen, phosphorus, and carbon, and will modify river temperatures and dissolved oxygen. These changes are not unlike water quality changes associated with other environmental events, including climate change and wildfires. Thus, data and models developed under this project are expected to be generalizeable to other settings. Ecological research on the response of primary producers, including various forms of aquatic plants and algae, is limited, despite their critical role in the base of the food web. This work aims to address the question of how the assemblages and biomass of primary producers respond to changes in water quality. Data collection will involve biweekly snorkeling to survey the types and biomass of different algal and plant communities and establishing fixed cameras to document changes in the algae between surveys. Additional work will involve compiling datasets from other agencies and documenting and archiving all data collected. Compiled data will be used to develop statistical and mathematical models of interactions between water quality and primary producers. This effort contributes to a larger project to student the socio-cultural and ecological interactions around river health in a system undergoing change. Student researchers will interact with other project partners that include environmental anthropologists, outreach/engagement specialists, and Tribal members.

 

Description of Work Environment:

This is an office- and field-work based project that occurs in the Klamath basin. On field work days, the project team will travel down to the Klamath on late in the afternoons, camp, spend 2 days doing field work, then return to Corvallis on the evening of the second day. The work environment will be challenging. This work will involve wading and snorkeling the river, hiking steep terrain, working in cold and/or hot conditions, and camping overnight in tents at established campgrounds. Students should consider the rugged work environment before applying to this position. Field safety is our number one priority and student researchers should be prepared to participate in safety trainings and regular check ins and follow all safety guidelines. Office work will involve analyzed aerial images in Google Earth and/or field data in Excel. Work in a wet lab drying samples will also be involved.

 

Description of Student Responsibilities:

Starting in May, we will travel as a team on alternate weeks/weekends down to the Klamath basin to survey algae, manage fixed cameras, and collect sediment samples. Other tasks may include data processing tasks (in Excel), processing images, data management, and possibly some lab work back on campus. Students who are a good fit for the field work and who wish to continue with this team may be hired as an hourly assistant beyond the term of this funding program.

 

Skills:

Required qualifications include:

  1. Ability and willingness to drive a motor pool truck or car;
  2. Enthusiasm for getting wet and dirty in the river, working in challenging outdoor conditions, and camping;
  3. Are responsible - can show up on time, communicate regularly and professionally/respectfully, etc.; and
  4. Attention to detail in assembling field gear, data collection and processing, etc.

 

Learning outcomes:

Students will learn new field methods for surveying river ecosystems, gain insight into the impacts of dam removal on rivers, and learn best practice for managing field data.

 

Expected start and end date:

Jan 09, 2024 to June 16, 2024

 

Anticipated hours per week:

varies

 

Anticipated hourly wage:

$15/h

Factors influencing calving ease in beef cattle

Faculty Mentor Names:

Dr. Cecily Bishop (cecily.bishop@oreognstate.edu)

 

Faculty Mentor Department:

Animal and Rangeland Sciences

 

Research Modalitiy:

In-person lab/field

 

Project Abstract:

As we look to improve fertility in female cattle through cost-effective means such as dietary supplementation, we need to ensure we are not detrimentally impacting the ability of that female to give birth. Our research group is currently looking at supplementation of first-calf heifers with vitamin A and D during late gestation, to improve their ability to become pregnant post-calving.

 

Project Description:

Undergraduate student will assist with calf watch as part of Dr. Bishop's research group supplementation of Calving School Course (currently ANS 405 R&C Calving School) in Winter Term 2024. Student will then assist with collection and scoring of calving ease, and assist in analyses of the data.

 

Description of Work Environment:

Work will consist between on-campus barns (primarily Hogg Animal Metabolism Building - HAMB) and the research lab in Oldfield, as well as computer resources in Snell Hall.

 

Description of Student Responsibilities:

  • Winter Term - While we have cows in gestation students should expect to spend 5 hours per week in Calf watch - this can include late nights and weekend hours.
  • Spring Term - students will be primarily analyzing data, so hours are flexible.

 

Skills:

  • Proficiency with Excel is preferred.
  • Communication will be done in Microsoft Teams.
  • Some cattle experience is a bonus, but students will be trained in all procedures so none is required.

 

Learning outcomes:

Students will learn the signs of dystocia in cattle, also how to categorize and analyze data with discrete variables.

 

Expected start and end date:

01/8/2024-06/14/2024

 

Anticipated hours per week:

5

 

Anticipated hourly wage:

$14.20/hr

Bacterial interactions

Faculty Mentor Name:

Dr. Martin Schuster (martin.schuster@oregonstate.edu)

 

Faculty Mentor Department:

Microbiology

 

Research Modality:

In-person lab/field

 

Project Abstract:

The intern will learn about microbial interactions that play important roles in medicine, agriculture, and natural ecosystems. The intern will investigate how bacteria communicate and cooperate with each other to perform collective behaviors, using a variety of microbiological, genetic, and biochemical techniques. Specific projects include cell-cell communication, also termed "quorum sensing", and iron acquisition in Pseudomonas bacteria.

 

Project Description:

See above

 

Description of Work Environment:

The student will work in a research laboratory in Nash Hall

 

Description of Student Responsibilities:

The intern will perform original experiments in a research lab. Experiments include growing bacteria in culture, measuring their activities, genetically engineering different strains, and analyzing their genes and genomes. The student will also perform routine tasks such as preparing and sterilizing growth media and glassware. They will read scientific articles and protocols, maintain a lab notebook, attend weekly lab meetings, communicate with other lab members, and contribute to a functional and collegial work environment.

 

Skills:

The student researcher will learn how to plan, design, and conduct microbiological experiments such as cultivation, genetic engineering, cloning, sequencing, PCR. They will experience life in a research laboratory, including lab safety, work with bacterial pathogens, equipment and instrumentation. A genuine interest in diligent experimental research is desirable. Sophomore or junior level; introductory coursework in chemistry and molecular biology/biochemistry, or microbiology preferred.

 

Learning outcomes:

The intern will have a basic understanding and appreciation of the bacterial world, the cellular structure, metabolism, and interactions. The intern will be able to conduct a variety of different experiments in microbiology

 

Expected start and end date:

January - June 2024

 

Anticipated hours per week:

10

 

Anticipated hourly wage:

$14.20/hr

Per-and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) in Agricultural Products: Occurrence and Interaction with PFAS-Impacted Soil Systems

Faculty Mentor Names:

Dr. Serhan Mermer (mermers@oregonstate.edu)


Faculty Mentor Department:

Environmental & Molecular Toxicology

 

Research Modality:

In-person lab/field

 

Project Abstract:

The public is increasingly aware of per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in human and environmental compartments, including water, soil, and the food supply. Agricultural products, such as pesticides, inorganic fertilizers, seed coatings, and spray adjuvants have not been tested for PFAS but are used in great quantities across the United States. Analyses are needed to reveal unintentional PFAS occurrence in a broader range of agricultural products. A comprehensive analytical method is needed to screen for target, suspect, and non-target PFAS in pesticide formulations, inorganic fertilizers, seed coatings, and spray adjuvants. Should PFAS be found in agricultural products, a key next step would be to determine whether those PFAS are mobile in the environment (e.g., leaching or taken up by plants) and their interaction with agricultural products in soil. The current knowledge gaps on the occurrence of PFAS in pesticide formulations, inorganic fertilizers, seed coatings, and spray adjuvants prevent us from developing policies and practices that protect the environment, the food supply, and human health. Our aim is to assess the presence of PFAS in agricultural products and their environmental mobility in PFAS-impacted soil, to address knowledge gaps, and to inform policies for environmental and human health protection.

 

Project Description:

The project will have two objectives to understand the PFAS occurrence and fate in agriculture. 1) Characterizing PFAS in agricultural products (pesticide formulations, spray adjuvants, inorganic fertilizers, and seed coatings). We hypothesized that PFAS may occur in agricultural products due to indirect contact with PFAS during manufacturing and from packaging. Using liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution mass spectrometry, target and suspect PFAS will be identified in a survey of the named agricultural products. 2) Quantifying changes in PFAS mobility in soils following applications of agricultural products. We hypothesized that agricultural products may alter PFAS mobility and retention due to the chemical characteristics of the products themselves and changes they may cause in soil chemical properties. Accurate quantification of PFAS from agricultural products, and their fate and transport in soil systems is critical to ensure long-term sustainability of agricultural systems.

 

Description of Work Environment:

The position will take place in a pesticide toxicology & analytical laboratory located on the main campus in Corvallis.

 

Description of Student Responsibilities:

The student will work with the mentor and other lab members on sample preparation, extraction, and data analysis & processing in the lab

 

Skills:

Students who have previous analytical lab experience or are willing to gain analytical laboratory experience are encouraged to apply. Students will learn skills and techniques related to sample processing, liquid and solid extraction methods, and data analysis and processing will be gained as well as knowledge about the implementation of a quality assurance/quality management system in an analytical chemistry laboratory.

 

Learning outcomes:

  1. Obtain skills used for sample preparation, extraction, and analysis.
  2. Obtain skills used for an analytical chemistry laboratory such as processing qualitative and quantitative data of target and non-target compounds.
  3. Learn the process of experiment planning, development, execution, and reporting.
  4. Learn how to engage with and work collaboratively with a team of researchers.

 

Expected start and end date:

March 2024-June 2024 (could also continue through September 2024)

 

Anticipated hours per week:

10-20

 

Anticipated hourly wage:

$15/hr

Providing solutions against mite pest problems in field crops of Oregon

Faculty Mentor Name:

Dr. Navneet Kaur (Navneet.Kaur@oregonstate.edu) and Alison Willette (Alison.Willette@oregonstate.edu)

 

Faculty Mentor Department:

Crop and Soil Science

 

Research Modality:

In-person lab/field

 

Project Abstract:

Two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae is one of the key insect pests of concern to the hop industry in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Climate change (hot and dry conditions in recent years) has favorably expanded the pest’s geographical distribution and host plant vulnerability to mite damage globally. Management challenges for mite control include the rapid ability of this pest to develop miticide resistance. Miticide resistance to registered products was documented for the first time by our research team during the 2022 growing season and year 1 of the project using three commercial populations from Willamette Valley hop yards. For year 2, we will work on our ongoing miticide resistance screening efforts and include additional commercial populations better to understand the extent of resistance development in Willamette Valley. We will partner with Precision Protein Delivery Systems (PPDS) which has developed a manufacturing pipeline of bioparticles engineered for multiple agricultural applications.

 

Project Description:

We will study the efficacy of registered and candidate acaricides against pest mites through laboratory bioassay. We also intend to identify the acaricidal activity of naturally derived proteins combined with a unique delivery method for the development of an effective management tool in the context of integrated pest management. The research objectives will be designed to measure the acaricidal properties of two insecticidal proteins derived from the snowdrop plant, Galanthus nivalis, and the use of a novel delivery method of deploying bioparticles against two-spotted spider mites under laboratory conditions. Objectives 1. Determine the extent of resistance development in field-collected populations of Tetranychus urticae in commercial hop yards in the Willamette Valley 2. To investigate the acaricidal properties of PPDS biobeads customized with GNA and spider-venom proteins against two-spotted spider mites under laboratory conditions. Mite populations will be collected from sites where field failures to the currently registered acaricides have occurred. These cooperators will be asked to share their spray records for this research project. The leaves or plant materials infested with mites will be kept in plastic bags in ice coolers and transported immediately to the laboratory, where the number of mites per leaf will be counted under a dissecting light microscope. Mites will be reared on lima bean plants in Kaur’s lab (Phaseolus lunatus L.) for one generation under laboratory conditions (28±2 °C, 70±5% RH) and then used for subsequent experiments. Mites will be subjected to leaf disk bioassays with at least three acaricides (products containing diverse IRAC Groups, i.e., etoxazole, hexythiazox, and spiromesifen). Bioassay arenas will be created according to the published methods of Wu et al. 2019 by placing a fresh lima bean leaf disk (2 cm in diameter) on water-saturated cotton in a clean petri dish. Six to eight mature female mites will be allowed to lay eggs for 24 hours. After egg laying, the adult female mites will be removed. The freshly laid eggs will be sprayed using a Potter precision spray tower (Burkard Manufacturing, Rickmansworth, Herts, UK) with 2 ml of acaricide solution with varying concentrations, ranging from 0 to the field-recommended dose on carrot seed. Each dose will be replicated 3–5 times. After spraying, the total number of eggs laid will be recorded using a light microscope. After approximately 5 days, the number of eggs that successfully hatched into larvae will be counted. After 48 h, the mortality will be scored. Mites will be counted as dead if they do not respond to a gentle tap by a fine camel hair brush. The dose–mortality response will be adjusted to the control treatment using Abbot’s formula (Abbott 1925). Probit analysis will be used to estimate the concentration that kills 50% of the population (the LC50 value), the shape of the relationship between dose and control, and confidence intervals for this estimate.

 

Description of Work Environment:

The field crop Entomology lab is located on the third floor of the ALS building on-campus. Mentor Expectations Our extension and applied research activities in the Field Crops Entomology Program at OSU aim to deliver the latest information for managing arthropods and related pests in field crops in western Oregon. The overall goal is to facilitate the adoption of improved arthropod management practices and whole system strategies (IPM) to improve profitability and environmental sustainability. In my current role, as Assistant Professor and Extension Entomologist- my research focuses on IPM strategies for specialty crops like grass seed, clover seed, and hops.

 

Description of Student Responsibilities:

Opportunities will be provided for students to be involved in Integrated pest management techniques in the field crops entomology program. Training will include arthropod identification, rearing, and lab experimentation. Student projects primarily focus on hands-on training in experimental designs, data collection, and management, followed by presenting research findings.

 

Skills:

  • Required-
    • Able to follow standard operating procedures, assist in setting up experiments, collect data, and keep records.
    • Be able to apply and judge the scientific method in conducting inquiry-based research in the laboratory and in the field.
  • Preferred-
    • To have hands-on experience with biological research methods and tools
    • To have a good understanding of the primary literature in entomology and to be able to critically evaluate information in primary research articles

 

Learning outcomes:

Students will be able to learn and apply previous or current academic knowledge/skills to their research work and, when applicable, apply skills learned in the workplace to their academic life. Students will acquire new knowledge about applied research techniques integrate and synthesize knowledge required for pest management disciplines. Students will increase skills for understanding and working with people of diverse backgrounds and cultures and to work effectively within diverse environments. Students will develop observation, data recording, and interpretation skills. Students will expand their oral and written communication skills.

 

Expected start and end date:

Winter 2024

 

Anticipated hours per week:

5

 

Anticipated hourly wage:

$15/hr

Can high pressure processing (HPP) and ultraviolet-C irradiation (UV-C) treatment preserve donor milk bioactive protein structure and function better than Holder pasteurization?

Faculty Mentor Name:

Dr. David Dallas (dave.dallas@oregonstate.edu)

 

Faculty Mentor Department:

Food Science and Technology, Nutrition

 

Research Modality:

In-person lab/field

 

Project Abstract:

This project is part of a large NIH and Gerber-funded project. The student will take charge of a part of this overall work. They may examine things like the abundance of specific bioactive proteins with ELISA, test the functional activity of the milk (antibacterial, prebiotic, immune-modulation, intestinal cell modulation) or measure key enzymes in milk like lipases and proteases. This project is also being extended to a feeding study with preterm infants at the Oregon Health & Sciences University in Portland to determine how feeding with these differently processed milks affects infant digestion and macronutrient absorption, and later growth. Our long-term goal is to optimize feeding practices for preterm infants to improve their health outcomes. Our central hypothesis is that minimal HPP and UV-C treatment conditions will better preserve donor milk bioactive proteins’ structure and function compared with Holder pasteurization. The positive impact of this research will be guidance for donor milk processors on how to optimally process donor milk for feeding preterm infants and information for clinicians on how to evaluate available donor milk sources. Changes in milk processing to better preserve bioactive milk proteins could improve preterm infant health outcomes. Note: We also have an array of projects on 1) bioactive milk peptides (interactions with immune cells, bacteria and intestinal cells); 2) bitter-tasting peptides in cheese; 3) effects of alternative processing on bioactive proteins in bovine milk; 4) effect of spray drying and pasteurization on bovine milk proteins; 5) examination of survival of milk proteins and peptides in the gut and to the blood of infants and adults.

 

Project Description:

This project is part of a large NIH and Gerber-funded project. The student will take charge of a part of this overall work. They may examine things like the abundance of specific bioactive proteins with ELISA, test the functional activity of the milk (antibacterial, prebiotic, immune-modulation, intestinal cell modulation) or measure key enzymes in milk like lipases and proteases. This project is also being extended to a feeding study with preterm infants at the Oregon Health & Sciences University in Portland to determine how feeding with these differently processed milks affects infant digestion and macronutrient absorption, and later growth. Our long-term goal is to optimize feeding practices for preterm infants to improve their health outcomes. Our central hypothesis is that minimal HPP and UV-C treatment conditions will better preserve donor milk bioactive proteins’ structure and function compared with Holder pasteurization. The positive impact of this research will be guidance for donor milk processors on how to optimally process donor milk for feeding preterm infants and information for clinicians on how to evaluate available donor milk sources. Changes in milk processing to better preserve bioactive milk proteins could improve preterm infant health outcomes. Note: We also have an array of projects on 1) bioactive milk peptides (interactions with immune cells, bacteria and intestinal cells); 2) bitter-tasting peptides in cheese; 3) effects of alternative processing on bioactive proteins in bovine milk; 4) effect of spray drying and pasteurization on bovine milk proteins; 5) examination of survival of milk proteins and peptides in the gut and to the blood of infants and adults.

 

Description of Work Environment:

Campus lab in Milam Hall

 

Description of Student Responsibilities:

Working with a graduate student or post-doctoral mentor in lab

 

Skills:

  • Asking questions when they arise.
  • Communicating at least weekly.
  • Taking initiative
  • Being able to take a task and work semi-independently
  • Being creative

 

Learning outcomes:

Milk biology, effects of processing, protein assays, mass spectrometry, etc. (depending on the project)

 

Expected start and end date:

any

 

Anticipated hours per week:

any

 

Anticipated hourly wage:

$15/hr

Assessing the size-dependent toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles and nanoplastics to algae

Faculty Mentor Name:

Dr. Stacey Harper (stacey.harper@oregonstate.edu)

 

Faculty Mentor Department:

Environmental & Molecular Toxicology

 

Research Modality:

In-person lab/field

 

Project Abstract:

Nanoparticles are becoming widely utilized for their ability to be engineered to fulfill a specific purpose. The size, shape, and surface chemistry of these nanoparticles can all be modified in various ways to fulfill the desired function, but these modifications can alter the specific toxicity of the nanoparticles. Of all nanoparticles, zinc oxide nanoparticles have the third highest production volume, with over 550 tons per year being produced. As commercial usage of zinc oxide increases, this value is also anticipated to increase. Zinc oxide end up in aquatic ecosystems through their production, transport, usage, and disposal. For example, zinc oxide is customarily utilized as an anti-wearing agent in the rubber used to make tires. Due to the presence of zinc oxide, tire particle leachate is known to contain high levels of zinc. Overall, it is estimated that up to 36% of all zinc released into the atmosphere comes from tire particles. Zinc oxide nanoparticles are known to be acutely toxic to freshwater ecosystems, particularly algae. In ecological toxicology studies, algae are a very valuable model organism due to the niche they fill as primary producers in the ecosystem and the role they play in purifying polluted water. This project aims to improve our understanding of the toxicity zinc oxide nanoparticles have on freshwater algae.

 

Project Description:

This study aims to utilize freshwater algae to better understand the toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles to freshwater ecosystems. Specifically, this study will carefully analyze the relationship between size and toxicity. The following methods will be used to investigate the dose-response relationships of zinc oxide nanoparticles that vary in size. Algae Culture Maintenance Various stock solutions will be prepared for the algae media. The first of these stock solutions is the 500 mL micronutrient stock solution which contained magnesium chloride, calcium chloride, boric acid, manganese chloride, zinc chloride, iron chloride, cobalt chloride, cobalt chloride, sodium molybdate, copper chloride, and tetraacetic acid. Each chemical is added individually to the solution and fully dissolved and mixed before moving to the next solution. Four macronutrient solutions will also be prepared for the algae media; i.e., sodium nitrate, magnesium sulfate, potassium phosphate, and sodium bicarbonate. Algae media will be prepared by adding Milli-Q water to a 1-liter volumetric flask along with 1 mL of the micronutrient solution and 1 mL of each of the macronutrient solutions. After all solutions are added to the media and it is stirred thoroughly, the pH of the solution will be adjusted to 7.5. The solution will then be filtered through a 0.22 μm and 300 mL of the media will be poured in sterilized 500 mL Erlenmeyer flasks. The flasks of algae media will be sealed with foil and stored in the fridge until used. To start a new culture, the prepared algae media will be taken from the fridge and allowed to adjust to room temperature. Then, 1 mL of a mature algae culture will be transferred to the new media solutions using a sterile pipette. The cultures will be kept on a shaker table constantly rotating under grow lights programmed to a 14:10 hour light-dark cycle. The cultures will be monitored carefully and allowed to mature for 4-8 days before being used for an experiment. Algae Toxicity Assay The toxicity testing will be performed using a Raphidocelis subcapitata algae culture in its exponential growth phase. A pipette will be used to remove 10 mL from the algae culture to be transferred to a centrifuge tube. The sample will then be centrifuged at 2000 g for 15 mins. After centrifugation, the supernatant will be poured off and the algae will be resuspended in 5 mL of buffered water. The algae sample will then be analyzed using flow cytometry to determine the cell concentration. Once the approximate concentration is found, a 4 mL solution containing 220,000 cells/mL will be prepared for the assay. A serial dilution of the zinc oxide nanoparticles will also be prepared with 8 different concentrations. Zinc Oxide Exposure: Range Finding Round bottom 96-well plates will be used for all exposures. The peripheral wells will be filled with 220 μL of MQ water using a 300 μL multichannel pipette. Starting at column 2, 200 μL of the lowest concentration of the zinc oxide solutions will be pipetted into the 96-well plate using a 200 μL multichannel pipette. Columns 4-10 continued that same pattern with each column increasing in concentration of zinc oxide with the highest concentration in column 10. A positive control solution of 2,5 Dichlorophenol and DMSO will be pipetted into column 11 of the plate. Row D of the 96-well plate is the control row and is not exposed to any zinc oxide or Dichlorophenol. The 4 mL solution containing 220,000 cells/mL will then be mixed with 4 mL of a nutrient solution and mixed thoroughly. 20 μL of the algae and the nutrient solution will be added to each of the test wells in the 96-well plate. The plate is then sealed and placed in a light chamber with 4000 lumens and a temperature of 24 C for 96 hours. After the 96-hour exposure, the cell count of each well is taken using a flow cytometer. Zinc Oxide Exposure: Size Comparison The experiments performed for the size comparison will be performed with the same methods. Each plate will use the same concentration but have a different nanoparticle size. Statistical analysis will be performed in SigmaPlot which includes an ANOVA test and various t-tests. The t-tests will be performed to find the minimum concentration that is statistically significant from the control values.

 

Description of Work Environment:

In the laboratory. PPE will be provided.

 

Description of Student Responsibilities:

Completion of laboratory safety training; conducting toxicological assays using algae and nanomaterials; nanomaterial preparation; data compilation and analysis (statistical methods will be taught); putting together synthesis of research in presentation format (poster or oral presentation).

 

Skills:

Flow cytometry, algal toxicology assay protocol, statistical analyses, pipetting, keeping a lab notebook, sharing data in a form that all researchers in the lab can access. No formal training required prior to starting in the lab.

 

Learning outcomes:

Life-long learning skills, independent and team work, ability to describe the basic principles of toxicology and translate to non-scientists.

 

Expected start and end date:

Winter term 2024

 

Anticipated hours per week:

10+ depending on student's class schedule

 

Anticipated hourly wage:

$14.20/hr

Dairy Cattle Respiration Rate, Behavior, and Ambient Temperature

Faculty Mentor Name:

Dr. Jenifer Cruickshank (jenifer.cruickshank@oregonstate.edu)

 

Faculty Mentor Department:

Animal and Rangeland Sciences

 

Research Modality:

Hybrid of remote and in-person

 

Project Abstract:

This research project will explore eating and rumination behaviors of adult dairy cattle as they relate to environmental temperature. Dairy cattle are particularly sensitive to heat stress, with demonstrated loss of milk production as temperatures climb. Decreased milk production results from decreased feed intake. The question here is, does that reduced feed intake result from higher respiration rate when it’s hot? That is, does the higher respiration rate impair a cow’s ability to take in food and chew? If so, what is the threshold of temperature (plus humidity) where this impairment occurs?

 

Project Description:

see above

 

Description of Work Environment:

Data collection will be done in person. Data entry and other computer work can be done remotely. The work environment for data collection will involve standing and walking in pastures and barns under a variety of temperatures, including on hot days. Other tasks (computer-based work) will be done inside.


Description of Student Responsibilities:

To address these questions, the student will engage in data collection: noting cow behavior (standing/lying down, eating/ruminating/neither), measuring respiration rate, and correctly identifying cows by number. These observational activities will take place in barns and pastures in a variety of temperatures. Data input, organization, and basic analysis will also be among the student’s tasks. There may be additional opportunities to take measurements on lung mechanics. Prior to data collection, the student will do background reading on heat stress in dairy cattle and complete any university requirements for interaction with livestock.

 

Skills:

To work on this project, a student must be able to move around on uneven terrain, tolerate low-intensity work in high temperatures (typical hot days in July and August), be conscientious in their work, be communicative, and not be afraid of cows. Preferentially, the student working on this project will be familiar with basic statistical analysis.

 

Learning outcomes:

  • Summarize characteristics of heat stress in dairy cattle.
  • Measure, record, and organize data with accuracy.
  • Identify appropriate means of analyzing collected data using statistics and applicable software.
  • Coalesce background information, methodology, data, analysis, and conclusions in a poster to be shared with a broad audience.

 

Expected start and end date:

Winter and Spring 2024 terms. Project will also extend into Summer 2024 and additional pay will be available to support student.

 

Anticipated hours per week:

Hours per week will vary, with fewer hours in winter term and more in spring term; the range is expected to be 0 to 12 hours per week.

 

Anticipated hourly wage:

$15/hr

Evaluating the Effects of Cover Crops in Hazelnut Orchards

Faculty Mentor Name:

Dr. Abigail Tomasek (abigail.tomasek@oregonstate.edu)

 

Faculty Mentor Department:

Crop and Soil Science

 

Research Modality:

In-person

 

Project Abstract:

Cover crops can increase Oregon hazelnut producers’ competitive edge by increasing resilience to weather and market fluctuations, decreasing input costs such as fertilizers and herbicides, and increasing the marketability of hazelnuts based on sustainability and soil health goals.

 

Cover crops can aid in moisture retention, improvements in soil health, and improved water quality. We collected soil and nut samples from orchards with and without cover crops over the summer of 2023. In-field analysis, as well as soil health assessments of the collected soils will provide data to demonstrate the impacts of cover crops on harvesting operations, orchard access, water infiltration, pest pressure, nutrient availability, and water availability to the trees. This Beginning Researcher Project will support a larger project evaluating the barriers of cover crop adoption in Oregon's hazelnut orchards. We expect this project's multifaceted approach to increase the use of cover crops in hazelnut production, thereby increasing the environmental and economic resiliency and sustainable marketing ability of OR grown hazelnuts on a local and international scale.

 

Project Description:

The student will assist a graduate student in analyzing soil for soil health metrics. The undergraduate researcher will assess how cover crops and soil types influence overall soil health. They will also assist in collection of soil samples, analyzing soils for key soil health parameters, and performing routine laboratory tasks.

 

Description of Work Environment:

This will primarily be a laboratory position. The undergraduate researcher may have occasional days in the field to assist in the collection of soil samples. They can also help other members of Dr. Tomasek's laboratory on projects of interest to expand their laboratory and field skills.


Description of Student Responsibilities:

The student will primarily be responsible for analyzing soils for aggregate stability in the laboratory. They may also assist in the collection of soil samples in the field. Since this position is working with soils, they must be okay with getting outside and getting their hands dirty. They will learn other laboratory procedures and perform routine laboratory tasks in Dr. Tomasek's lab. They can assist in other laboratory projects if desired to expand their skills.

 

Skills:

Attention to detail, interest in both laboratory and field work, communicative, and has a good attitude

 

Learning outcomes:

The undergraduate researcher will learn both laboratory and field skills. They will learn how to collect a soil sample, key parameters to evaluate when analyzing for soil health, laboratory analysis procedures, and basic data analysis. They will gain a greater appreciation of soils and the role they play in environmental sustainability.

 

Expected start and end date:

1/8/2024 - 6/14/2024

 

Anticipated hours per week:

5-10

 

Anticipated hourly wage:

$14.20/hr

 

Optimizing a model for bacterial infection in Chinook salmon

Faculty Mentor Name:

Dr. Claire Couch (claire.couch@oregonstate.edu)

 

Faculty Mentor Department:

Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences & Biomedical Sciences

 

Research Modality:

In-person

 

Project Description:

The goal of this project is to develop a realistic model for studying Aeromonas salmonicida infections in Chinook salmon. This model system will ultimately allow us to study how different rearing tactics (e.g. diet, tank structure) affect susceptibility to an opportunistic pathogen that is common in hatchery and wild salmonids across the Pacific Northwest. Currently, it is difficult to initiate realistic epidemics of A. salmonicida in a laboratory setting, because shedding rates of the bacteria can be highly variable among replicate treatments. This means that many tanks (and fish) need to infected with the bacteria in order to achieve statistically significant results. We are currently working with staff at the Aquatic Animal Health Laboratory to set up a flow-through system that will allow infected water to flow into multiple tanks simultaneously to determine if this will allow us to achieve more consistent levels of infection across tanks. By improving the consistency of results between replicate tanks, we will be able to reduce the number of fish used in each study and be more confident in our results. The purpose of this student project will be to assist with test runs of the new experimental setup.

 

Description of Work Environment:

Primarily laboratory environment


Description of Student Responsibilities:

Dissect fish, culture bacterial samples, preserve and prepare tissues for histology, assist with general laboratory duties.

 

Skills:

 

 

Learning outcomes:

  1. Collect and culture bacterial samples using aseptic technique
  2. Dissect teleost fish and identify major organs
  3. Manage a laboratory notebook and organize data
  4. Communicate results in written and verbal form

 

Expected start and end date:

Primarily spring term, but potential to begin earlier

 

Anticipated hours per week:

5-10

 

Anticipated hourly wage:

$15-20/hr

For questions and information, contact:

Rachel Jones, CAS Student Engagement Coordinator
Email rachel.jones@oregonstate.edu 
541-737-7410