Fall 2017

Volume VIII - Issue 4

Dan's Observations

Dan Arp

I still have much to do

In August, I announced my plans to retire next summer, in 2018. That’s a long runway, but it can take that long to carry out a search for a new dean and allow the new person time to finish their old job before moving to this new job. Provost Feser will select my replacement and he has asked Mark Zabriskie, Dean of Pharmacy, to chair the search committee. The interesting twist here is that Dean Zabriskie will also be stepping down next summer and—you guessed it—Provost Feser has asked me to chair the search committee for his replacement.

I have enjoyed my years of service as dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences. We have wonderful people in the college, including our passionate students, dedicated staff, and engaged stakeholders. We’ve accomplished a lot together. But I do still have several months left on the job, and during that time I still have much to do. 

For example, we are in the midst of planning a new Oregon food and beverage research and learning center; we are establishing state-of-the-science research and teaching of precision agriculture; and we continue to focus on our students’ success through experiential learning and excellence in education.

As I complete my sixth year as dean, I look forward to working with you all to continue this important work. Soon enough, I will have time to work on our family’s cabin in the Cascades. But for now, my focus is on the future of the College.

 Sincerely,
Dan

Daniel J. Arp
Reub Long Professor and Dean
College of Agricultural Sciences
Director
Oregon Agricultural Experiment Station

Recent News

Dan Arp‘It’s been a good run:’ OSU ag dean looks to retirement

(by Eric Mortensen, The Capital Press) Dan Arp, whose belief that “food is the handshake between urban and rural” was reflected during his tenure as dean of Oregon State University’s College of Agricultural Sciences, will retire next June. Oregon State announced the move in an Aug. 10 news release. Arp was appointed dean in 2012.

Under Arp’s direction, OSU continued broadening its agricultural offerings beyond conventional crop and livestock production. Students have a Fermentation Science program at their disposal, and can learn how to make beer, wine, cheese, yogurt and more kinds of food. A Center for Small Farms and Community Food Systems within OSU Extension reaches producers and processors who might have been overlooked before.

Yanyun ZhaoDr. Yanyun Zhao Named Associate Dean, Graduate School

Dr. Yanyun Zhao has been appointed as Associate Dean in the Graduate School, effective November 1, 2017. Dr. Zhao is currently a Professor in Food Science & Technology, and Extension Specialist in Value-Added Food Processing. Dr. Zhao will assume a 3-year appointment with the Graduate School and will work heavily with the Research Office to explore graduate school and postdoc mentorship and support; interact and provide direction for interdisciplinary programs, and foster relationships in outreach and partnerships.

Oregon's Agricultural Progress Magazine

OAP cover Summer 2017 Dishing up Oregon foods and beverages

(by Peg Herring) Oregon’s food starts with simple ingredients: soil, water, and sunshine. From these raw materials—and the innovation of growers—Oregon’s chefs, brewers, winemakers, and cheesemakers concoct some of the world’s finest foods and beverages.

Those simple ingredients combine to produce more than 220 kinds of crops, reflecting a remarkable diversity of climate and entrepreneurship across the state. Agriculture and food processing account for 10 percent of Oregon’s economy and are an iconic part of the Oregon landscape. Strong environmental protection of natural resources helps ensure sustainability of that economy and landscape.

Oregon has set a high standard for quality, both for the food produced and the land and water used in food production. From this lovely, varied landscape comes the highest quality fruits and vegetables, nuts and grains, meat and fish, milk and cheese, beer and wine. In this issue of Oregon’s Agricultural Progress, we explore what it takes to conjure up this abundant cornucopia from our precious soil, water, and sunshine.

OSU Update

Oregon State University breaks record with $441 million in research grants

(By Nick Houtman) Oregon State University crossed the $400 million threshold in grants and contracts for the first time in the fiscal year that ended June 30, including being awarded a grant to build a $122 million regional research vessel.

Oregon State received $441 million from state and federal governments, businesses and foundations for research on a wide range of projects in natural resources, health, engineering and science across the state and around the world. Federal agencies provided $315 million (71 percent), and additional funds came from state agencies, businesses and foundations.

“OSU research spurs solutions to problems and serves and involves people, communities and businesses across the state and world,” said Cynthia Sagers, OSU vice president for research. “Investment in research affects our daily lives —  the food we eat, health care, the environment — and pays back dividends in economic growth for Oregonians. Researchers are starting new businesses and assisting established companies.”

Altogether, Oregon State’s research revenues leapt 31 percent over last year’s record-breaking total of $336 million. Over the past 10 years, OSU’s research revenues have more than doubled and exceed those of Oregon’s public universities combined.

Our Best

2017 Diamond PioneersDiamond Pioneer Awards

The College of Agricultural Sciences celebrated the 2017 inductees into the Diamond Pioneer Agricultural Career Achievement Registry during a luncheon held on October 4th at the CH2M Hill Alumni Center.  Honored were:

 

  • Michael Burke, Corvallis, OR
  • Peter Cheeke, Corvallis, OR
  • Wilma Christian, Grants Pass, OR
  • Thayne Dutson, Sisters, OR
  • William Hagerty, Cloverdale, OR
  • Norbert Hartmann, Monmouth, OR
  • Kelvin Koong, Corvallis, OR
  • Robert Martin, Moro, OR
  • John David (JD) Rowell, Sacramento, CA
  • Don Schellenberg, Dallas, OR
  • Barry Schrumpf, Corvallis, OR
  • Alfred Soeldner, Dexter, OR

The Diamond Pioneer Registry was established in March 1983 when the College of Agricultural Sciences observed its 75th anniversary.  With the Registry, the College recognizes the significant contributions of many of our friends and colleagues who have served agriculture and related areas throughout a portion of their careers. Read their bios.  Support for this program is provided by the Agricultural Research Foundation.  Previous recipients are listed here. 

College honored 3 Alumni and 2 inductees into the Agriculture Hall of Fame  during October 12th Dean's Dinner

  • The Hall of Fame Award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions through at least one or more of the broad areas covered by the College of Agricultural Sciences.
  • The Legacy Award is a career lifetime achievement award. It is given to an individual who has made a lasting and meritorious contribution to their chosen field, OSU, or society at large throughout their career.
  • The Leader award is given to an individual who has distinguished herself or himself through professional practice and service to OSU, her or his profession, or society at large. Nominees should have at least 20 years of professional experience.
  • The Luminary award is given to an individual who has made early career and community contributions that clearly identify her or him as a future leader. The nominee should have at least 10 years of professional experience.

Jan and Linda WepsterJan and Linda Wepster - Hall of Fame Award

We welcome Jan & Linda Wepster, Wepster’s Hazelnut Nursery, into our Hall of Fame.

Dr. Mary AhernDr. Mary Ahern - Distinguished Alumni Legacy Award

We honor our distinguished legacy alum Dr. Mary Ahearn, Economic Research Service, USDA retired.

Matthew AndrewsMatthew Andrews - Distinguished Alumni Leader Award

We honor our distinguished leader alum Matt Andrews, President, MICRO-CHEM Labs.

Steven SalisburySteven Salisbury - Distinguished Alumni Luminary Award

We honor our distinguished luminary alum Steve Salisbury, OR Seed Council & Mint Industry Research.

Dr. Emery CastleDr. Emery Castle - Hall of Fame Award

We welcome Dr. Emery Castle, Emeritus Prof Applied Economics, into our Hall of Fame.

Onion Field Day honored StaffMalheur Experiment Station staff honored

During the Onion Variety Field Day long-term employees at the Oregon State University Malheur Experiment Station were recognized for their dedicated, responsible, and extraordinary performance.

Left to right Kyle Wieland, Alicia Riviera 13 years, Monty Saunders 29 years, Clint Shock, Janet Jones 20 years, Joel Felix 11 years, Joey Ishida 31 years, and Erik Feibert 27 years.

Ron WrolstadDr. Ron Wrolstad - 2017 ACS Award for Advancement of Agricultural and Food Chemistry

Please join us in congratulating FST Distinguished Professor Emeritus Ron Wrolstad as the recipient of the 2017 Award for the Advancement of Application of Agricultural and Food Chemistry!

This is the highest award given by the Agricultural & Food Chemistry Division of the American Chemical Society. The Award consists of a plaque and a $3,000 check, and is sponsored by International Flavors & Fragrances, Inc.

Photo: Left Dr. Robert McGorrin, right Dr. Ronald Wrolstad
Dr. Wrolstad was presented his award on August 22, 2017 at the American Chemical Society national meeting in Washington, DC. The award celebrates Ron’s research career on the correlation of natural chemical components – especially color components of foods – with food quality. It was preceded by a symposium given in Ron’s honor on Tuesday afternoon with technical talks by former graduate students and visiting faculty. Ron was recognized for his extensive career-long contributions in anthocyanin chemistry and the color stability of berries. His research focuses on analytical methods for identification and quantifying anthocyanins, preventing their loss during processing, their recovery from fruit processing byproducts, and their isolation for use as natural colorants.

This ACS Award acknowledges outstanding contributions to pure and applied agricultural and food chemistry. It was presented Tuesday evening at the Division banquet where the attached photo was taken.

University DayCAS Faculty Recognized with University Awards

Four College of Agricultural Sciences faculty were recognized with awards for their excellence during University Day on September 18th. 

The Faculty Innovator Award recognizes a faculty member whose extraordinarily high-impact innovations from research are translated into transformative results that help promote economic development and social progress. 2017's honoree is Kim Anderson, professor in Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, College of Agricultural Sciences.

The purpose of the Outstanding Faculty Research Assistant Award is to recognize scholarly achievement and a level of innovation and effort that far exceeds expectations. Ann Colonna, Sensory Program Manager in the Food Innovation Center, College of Agricultural Sciences is the 2017 recipient.

The OSU Outreach and Engagement Award recognizes significant and meritorious work which enhances reciprocal learning with our students, partners and stakeholders through outreach and engagement activities. The 2017 award is presented to Lisbeth Goddik, professor in Food Science & Technology, College of Agricultural Sciences.

The Promising Scholar Award recognizes the scholarship of junior faculty. The 2017 recipient is Molly Megraw, an assistant professor in Botany and Plant Pathology, Colleges of Agricultural Sciences and Science.

Watch the 2016 University Day Awards video!

Global Experiences

Hackett RISE PosterUpdate for the College of Agricultural Sciences Global Experience Fund 

The Global Experience Fund continues to provide support for various international opportunities for our students. Consistent with the College’s goal to provide additional international opportunities, the fund contributed to several international internships this past summer. One experience is detailed by Trey Hackett, an undergraduate who completed a project on Bakiki Island, Fiji with the Organic Matters Foundation and Sea Mercy Internship; enjoy reading about his Remote Island Soils Education (RISE) project here.

Another Student, Trynity Alvarez, spent time in Chiang Mai, Thailand. A pre-vet student, her experience is shared below.

Two other students received funding for international internships and will be providing information in the next issue of The Source. Marie Thompson was at the Kruger National Park in South Africa and Melissa Robell in Florianópolis, Brazil.

We are pleased to share two new program brochures for the Global Experience Fund; the first is directed towards potential donors to the new Endowment. As we reported earlier, we now have a Global Experience Endowment Fund with a five-year timeline to reach the $50,000 commitment that will then provide expendable funds in perpetuity to support student and faculty engagement in international opportunities. The lead gift for this endowment was Dr. Hiram Larew (MS 1977, PhD 1981) with additional support from E.R. Jackman Friends and Alumni and the Deans’ office. We encourage you to consider adding your contributions to this effort.

On-line gifts can be made here with a note added to specify the endowment.

The other descriptor was designed for use by our students and it provides guidance on how to find and develop an opportunity to obtain an international experience.

Contact:  Stella Coakley, 541-737-5264

Trynity Alvarez

Oregon State University Student Trynity Alvarez of Portland, OR, Travels to Thailand to Work with Elephants

This summer, Trynity Alvarez, 21, of Portland, Oregon, spent three weeks in Thailand helping animals, discovering Thai culture, and learning hands-on what it’s like to be a veterinarian. Traveling with study-abroad organization Loop Abroad, Trynity was selected as part of a small team that volunteered giving care at a dog shelter and spent a week working directly with rescued elephants at an elephant sanctuary...

Nottingham 2017 Department of Agricultural Science & Education Faculty-led trip
Farm, Fork and Glass: Agriculture & Innovation in England

(by Dawn Moyer) For two weeks in June and July, 2017 the College of Agricultural Sciences launched its inaugural faculty-led tour of Agriculture in rural northwestern England, organized by Academic Advisor Dawn Moyer, accompanied by Dr. Misty Lambert. Building on Oregon State University’s longstanding exchange relationship with University of Nottingham, the group stayed on campus at Nottingham’s University Park campus for five nights, visiting the University’s working farm and School of BioSciences, at the Sutton-Bonington branch campus. Students toured the robotic dairy facility, attended presentations by faculty of Agricultural Economics regarding the British dairy industry, toured the campus beer brewing facilities, learned about food allergies and spoke firsthand to faculty working with emerging technologies such as Computed Tomography...

See photo gallery

Students

Nicole HamsBiochemistry student makes her mark in science and diversity

(by Srila Nayak, iMPACT, College of Science) Biochemistry and Biophysics doctoral student Nicole Hams has been selected as the 2017-2018 Western Regional Representative to the National Black Graduate Student Association (NBGSA), the nation’s largest interdisciplinary graduate organization for students of African descent in all fields of study.

A student-run and operated organization, NBGSA supports black graduate and professional students and works toward enhancing their academic, professional, personal and social development.

Biochemistry/Biophysics Ph.D. student Nicole Hams holds a male salmon during spawning

An exceptional young researcher, Hams has distinguished herself as a passionate advocate for underrepresented minority students in science as well as civil rights issues on campus and within Corvallis.

She is the Vice President of SACNAS (Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science) at Oregon State. She is the co-founder and Coordinator of the Graduate Student Ambassador Program and the Education Chairperson of NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People) in Corvallis.

During her two-year term as an ambassador for NBGSA and Oregon State, Hams will take on the responsibility of hosting a national conference for graduate and undergraduate students at OSU. She plans to hold the conference the summer of 2019 and use her connections with various educational institutes in the Pacific Northwest to invite students for the conference.Hams has already racked up substantial and impressive achievements as a scientist. Her research article on new experimental methods to study otoferlin—a protein associated with human deafness—was recently published in the highly prestigious and selective science journal, Proceedings of the National Academies of Sciences (PNAS). The article was co-authored with her advisor Dr. Colin Johnson, biophysicist Dr. Weihong Qiu and former biochemistry doctoral student Murugesh Padmanarayana.

Hams, who completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri, credits her success as a scientist to each and every research experience she underwent on her academic journey, beginning with several Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REUS) programs to her current training in cutting-edge molecular biophysics methods as an OSU graduate student.The Washington state native is about to complete a highly selective 12-week summer internship at the Idaho Fish Health Center, part of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in Orofino, Idaho, where she is developing a non-lethal diagnostic assay to detect for pancreatic necrosis virus in salmon. 

Finding her identity Hams is outspoken and passionate about her role as a mentor and champion of diversity on campus. She is closely involved with nationally prominent organizations dedicated to diversity, STEM, racial justice and civil rights.But it took a few years for Hams to discover her mission.She arrived at OSU to pursue a Ph.D. in 2012, but it wasn’t until 2016 that she was able to connect with and find her voice by engaging with several diversity and outreach groups on campus.
“That’s how long it took me to find my voice and identity in STEM. I am the first one in my family to attend college and get a Ph.D. and I felt invisible for a long time,” said Hams.  Read more...

New Fields

A New Year!

(by Mikayla Unger) I hope everyone had a wonderful summer. The Agricultural Executive Council had a busy and fun summer, but now its time for us to focus on the new school year ahead and all that we have planned for the year. My fellow council and I were elected last May at the last meeting of the year. Since this is a new year I would like to introduce the Agricultural Executive Council to you so that you can get to know us a little better. Lets kick this year off right with some introductions! We are excited to build a partnership with everyone and make this a great year...

Get Involved!

(by Mikayla Unger) I remember after high school graduation the advice I got from so many was to get involved when you go to college. Every time I asked for advice it always seemed to lead to the same answer…. That answer was always get involved and join clubs. I never really understood why so many people told me to get involved until I started college and realized that joining clubs was one key to a successful college experience for me...

 

Fall Events

(by Mikayla Unger) The Agricultural Executive Council is excited for the upcoming year that we have planned out. We would like to share with you a list of the events that the council has planned so far for Fall Term.

  • October 25 at 7pm- Council Meeting and ARF Workshop 
  • November 1- ARF Application Due Date
  • November 15 at 7pm- Council Meeting
  • November 16 at Time TBD- ARF Interviews
  • November 17 at Time TBD- ARF Interviews

We hope to see you at the next Council Meeting!

Research

Tufted PuffinRapid declines of seabirds in Alaska linked to disappearing prey

(by Chris Branam) Some seabird species are declining at a significant rate due to lack of prey in Alaska’s Prince William Sound, according to a new Oregon State University study.

Nearly half of the marine bird species that spend their summers in the Sound experienced “biologically significant” decreases in their abundance between 1989 and 2012. These include tufted puffins and marbled murrelets–two birds that are gradually disappearing elsewhere in the northern Pacific...

Willamette SubdivisionOSU model shows modest increases in urban water use in Willamette Valley

(by Chris Branam) In Oregon’s Willamette Valley, urbanization doesn’t necessarily correspond to an increase in water usage, according to economists at Oregon State University. Instead, they predict that water use in growing cities in the valley will stay about the same, or decrease, when surrounding irrigated farmland is converted to housing.

The findings are published in the journal Land Economics.

When the researchers simulated land use and water use changes in three urban areas in the Willamette Valley over the next 70 years their model predicted only modest growth in water use despite large projected population increases, said David Lewis, an economist in OSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences and one of the study’s co-authors.

Peter HoffmanHarvey victims living near Superfund sites asked to participate in study

Kim Anderson and OSU Superfund are enrolling Houston residents potentially exposed to Harvey related contaminated flood waters to survey their exposures with her passive sampling wristbands.

Infected Douglas FirEuropean strain of deadly plant disease infects fir saplings in Oregon

(by Chris Branam) An aggressive strain of the disease that causes sudden oak death in plants has infected Douglas-fir and grand fir saplings in southwest Oregon.

Scientists at Oregon State University, the Oregon Department of Forestry and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Research Service report the finding in the journal Plant Disease.

The strain, identified in 2012 and reported first in Europe, spreads more aggressively than its North American counterpart, which has been the subject of intense eradication efforts over the last dozen years in the United States...

ARFA Brief History of the Agricultural Research Foundation Competitive Grants Program

(by Russ Karow) The Agricultural Research Foundation (ARF) was established in 1934 to facilitate and encourage research in all branches of agriculture and related fields for the benefit of the agricultural industry.  It is to work in close partnership with the OSU College of Agricultural Sciences to accomplish these goals.  Throughout its long history, ARF has provided grants for specific research projects.  Its first funded project was an October 1934 grant of $840 from the Hood River Apple Growers Association to study beneficial use of by-products from apples and pears. 

For nearly 40 years, ARF has run a Competitive Grants program through which ARF-generated funds are provided to OSU researchers.  The beginning of the Competitive Grants program is not completely clear, but in a history document published by Richard Floyd and Wilson Foote in 1984, this item appears in the minutes of the 1978 meeting - “Following the recommendations of the directors, Foote had circulated a list of requests for projects, part of a plan to support small research projects.  Members of the Foundation Board rated the top six, which were to be supported with amounts ranging from $1,500 to $6,000, for a total of $18,600.”   This is the first mention of a program whereby proposals are requested and Board members select those to be supported from ARF general funds.  Therefore, the beginning of the Competitive Grants program is assumed to be 1978.

The Competitive Grants Program is designed to encourage and fund research studies at OSU that will enhance Oregon’s agricultural productivity, the quality of its produce and products, and wise management and use of its natural resources – air, water, watershed, forest, fisheries, and wildlife. The goal is to make small catalytic grants that help young scientists launch their research and to help established scientists embark on new research directions or approaches.  Since its inception in 1978, ARF has infused over $8.1 million dollars into the OSU research system.  Grants for the 2017-19 period were funded in February 2017 and ranged from $10,575 to $12,500 (the grant maximum).  The average amount of the 31 grants given was $12,384.  Grant total was $383,911.  A total of 71 proposals were submitted for 2017-19 funding review.  In addition, for the first time, $12,000 was provided in 2017 to the College of Agricultural Sciences to partially fund an undergraduate research program.  It is anticipated that at least a dozen budding young scientists will benefit from these funds.  The review process for 2018-20 Competitive Grants is underway.  Proposals were received in mid-November 2017.  Another allocation of $400,000 will be made in February.  Additional details on the Competitive Grant Program can be found at http://agresearchfoundation.oregonstate.edu/grant-program  A listing of past-funded projects is available at this site.

Dr. Arnold Appleby, Professor Emeritus of Crop and Soil Science and ARF Board member, and Russ Karow, ARF Executive Director, have written a more detailed history of ARF’s Competitive Grant Program.  It can be accessed at the ARF website - http://agresearchfoundation.oregonstate.edu/sites/agresearchfoundation.oregonstate.edu/files/arf_grants_program_history.pdf

Further information about ARF can be found at our website - http://agresearchfoundation.oregonstate.edu/ or can be obtained by contacting Russ Karow, Executive Director, at russell.karow@oregonstate.edu or 541-737-4066.

 

Art About Agriculture

Nichole and Bucky by Susie Morrill“The Bountiful Lens” Exhibit

Oregon State University's Art About Agriculture program is exhibiting a selection of photographs from its permanent collection now through Dec. 8 in Gallery 440 of Strand Agriculture Hall.

A reception and gallery talk by Susie Morrill will be held on Friday, Oct. 20, from 3:30 to 5:30.  A long-time photographer and photo educator from the Eugene area, Morrill is the most recent photographer to be added to the permanent collection, which now includes 50 regional photographers among its artists.

“The Bountiful Lens:  Selected Photographs from the Art About Agriculture Permanent Collection” includes 17 color, black-and-white and alternative process photographs by photographers from Oregon, Washington, Hawaii, Nebraska and New Mexico...

Reaching Out

Down on the FarmNewsletters

Oregon Small Farm News: A free online newsletter that concentrates on both commercial small farm entrepreneurs as well as non-commercial small acreage landowners -- Fall 2017

Down on the Farm: A Quarterly Newsletter for Friends of North Willamette Research and Extension Center -- Summer 2017.

Lauren GwinHarvesting Opportunity: The Power of Regional Food System Investments to Transform Communities

Lauren Gwin, OSU Crop and Soil Science assistant professor and Extension food systems expert, has contributed to a new book, Harvesting Opportunity: The Power of Regional Food System Investments to Transform Communities. Published in August, the book is a compilation of research, essays and reports exploring the potential for harnessing the growing local-food movement to boost economic opportunities for rural and urban communities.

More and more, consumers are demanding locally sourced foods, says Gwin. “One of our book’s main take-home messages is that tailored policies and targeted investments in regional food systems can pay off for both cities and rural areas, and can also help low-income people get access to better food.”

Read more in Life@OSU.

Kristopher EllliottStatewide Outdoor School program is up and running with new OSU leader and funding process

The new statewide Outdoor School program, approved by Oregon voters last November, has a new leader and a new pipeline for funds to flow to school districts and education service districts to pay for youth outdoor education programs.

The new program will provide at least three consecutive days of outdoor education to Oregon’s fifth- or sixth-graders as part of their school experience, said Kristopher Elliott, a science educator who was hired by Oregon State University Extension to lead the program. An Outdoor School may run as long as six days and may include overnight stays.

Alumni & Friends

 

Dr. Emery CastleEmery N. Castle Scholarship for Graduate Students

During his six decades as an active and internationally respected scholar, Dr. Emery Castle has contributed greatly to OSU, the people of Oregon, and the discipline of economics. Dr. Castle came to OSU in 1954 and over the next 22 years served as Professor, Dean of Faculty, Department Head, and Dean of the Graduate School.  In 1976, Castle joined Resources for the Future (RFF) as vice president and senior research fellow.  He served as president of RFF from 1979-1986.  In 1986 Castle returned to OSU as Professor and served as Chair of the University Graduate Faculty of Economics until 1992 when he was awarded emeritus status. 

Castle chaired the National Rural Studies Committee from 1987 to 1997 and served as the inaugural Director of the OSU Rural Studies Program from 2001 to 2004. He is a fellow of the American Agricultural Economics Association, the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences, and the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.  He was awarded the honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters, by Iowa State University in 1998. Dr. Castle and his family have been long-time supporters of OSU Foundation. Their generosity has enabled OSU to establish the Emery N. Castle Chair in Resource and Rural Economics and the Emery N. Castle Scholarship to Graduate Students. Congratulations Emery!

if you would like to honor Emery and his support for graduate education, please think about donating to the Emery N. Castle Scholarship here.

Gambrinue gift for research breweryBook:  Birding without Borders: An Obsession, A Quest and the Biggest Year in the World

Noah Strycker, 2008 CAS graduate in Fisheries and Wildlife, has published his third book, Birding Without Borders: An Obsession, A Quest and the Biggest Year in the World.  In 2015, Noah Strycker became the first human to see more than half of the planet’s bird species in a single, yearlong, round-the-world birding trip. Anything could have happened, and a lot did. Insects, leeches, illness, floods, war, airlines, car problems and sleep deprivation were ongoing scourges over the course of the year, but of course he had the time of his life. Carrying only a pack on his back, Noah enlisted the enthusiastic support of local birders to tick more than 6,000 species, on all seven continents, including Adélie Penguins in Antarctica, a Harpy Eagle in Brazil, a Spoon-billed Sandpiper in Thailand, and a Green-breasted Pitta in Uganda. He shared the adventure in real time on his daily blog (audubon.org/ noah), and recently returned to Corvallis to tell the inside story during an Audubon Society presentation.

In Memoriam

Paul Steven DoescherPaul Steven Doescher

June 3, 1953 - August 2, 2017

Paul Steven Doescher died at Evergreen Hospice House in Albany from bile duct cancer. He was 64.

Paul earned his BS in Forestry from the University of Illinois, MS in Resource Conservation from the University of Montana, and PhD in Rangeland Resources from Oregon State University. It was in college, through some amazing mentors, his career was directed into Ecology and Natural Resource Management.

In his 32 years at Oregon State University, he cared deeply about friends, colleagues and most importantly, students. He served as Director of the Natural Resources Program, Department Head of Forest Ecosystems and Society, and Faculty Senate President. He published or co-published numerous articles and participated in several grants. He received a number of awards for university teaching in both the Colleges of Agriculture and Forestry, and the national teaching award in Range Management.
(Read obituary)

OSU teaching and research #9Dave Chilcote

Dave Chilcote joined the Farm Crops Dept. in 1953 and worked through the 1950’s on the weed project.  He received the M.S. degree under Wilson Foote in 1957.  In 1959, he went to Purdue where he completed his PhD in Crop Physiology.  When he returned in 1961, he started a new project in crop physiology, which he maintained until his retirement on Dec. 31, 1986. He taught crop physiology, advised numerous grad students, and once was head undergraduate advisor on an interim appointment.   Much of his research centered around grass-seed crops. His obituary is attached. A memorial service was held on Saturday, September 23.

Martin ZimmermanMartin Zimmerman

October 26, 1931 - August 16, 2017
Martin Joseph Zimmerman died Aug. 16, 2017, at Tokarski House in West Salem of complications from Parkinson’s Disease. He was 85.  He last served OSU as the Jefferson County crops agent and retired in 1989.  He remained active for several years through the Jefferson County Seed Growers Association and the Jefferson County Smoke Management Committee (a locally-controlled group formed to manage smoke during field burning).  More recently they relocated to Dallas, OR in retirement.  (Read obituary)

The College of Agricultural Sciences at Oregon State University is Oregon's principal source of knowledge relating to agricultural and food systems, and a major source of knowledge regarding environmental quality, natural resources, life sciences, and rural economies and communities worldwide. The College provides undergraduate and graduate education leading to baccalaureate and graduate degrees, and extended education programs throughout Oregon and beyond. Its research programs create knowledge to solve problems and to build a knowledge base for the future. It is a source of information and expertise in integrating and applying knowledge with benefits that are felt in domestic and international settings.

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