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Lacing Up to Fight Women's Injuries in Soccer

Sports gear designed for men and not women is more than a market annoyance. It's leading to an increase of injuries that can be career-ending at times. 

Because of the combination of physiology and biomechanics, female soccer players have a two to three times higher risk of ACL tears than male players. And the standard cleats on the market, which are designed and tested for men, can exacerbate that risk, according to research. 

College of Arts and Sciences human physiology researcher Mike Hahn and his lab at the University of Oregon are working to solve this problem. And now they have a star on their team: the global soccer brand icon Puma. 

Hahn and his colleagues have developed a research-backed soccer shoe prototype designed to reduce ACL injury risk in women. A shoe inspired by this prototype is expected to launch soon.

How CAS Researchers Are Tackling This Big Problem

News from CAS

BIOLOGY - An expert on child and adolescent development and an expert on host-microbe interactions have each been recognized by the Medical Research Foundation of Oregon of the Oregon Health and Science University. Karen Guillemin, professor and Philip H. Knight Chair in biology in the College of Arts and Sciences, received the Discovery Award for her significant contributions to health-related research.
SOCIOLOGY - Professor Jessica Vasquez-Tokos' new book "Burdens of Belonging: Race in an Unequal Nation" explores how race shapes the everyday experiences of individuals and what it means to be a “so-called problem” in the predominantly white state of Oregon in the 21st century. "How does racial status inflect one’s sense of belonging in the nation?” Vasquez-Tokos said.
THEATRE ARTS - This year, the University Theatre’s season includes an exciting range of productions by Shakespeare, Jen Silverman, D.W. Gregory and Monica Sanchez. Each of the plays offers a mix of historical and contemporary themes, while also addressing timely issues such as immigration, gender roles, and workplace safety. And it marks the return of the Robinson Theatre.

All news »

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Your Gift Changes Lives

Gifts to the College of Arts and Sciences can help our students make the most of their college careers. To do this, CAS needs your support. Your contributions help us ensure that teaching, research, advising, mentoring, and support services are fully available to every student. Thank you!

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a collage of photos for CAS Connection

What’s Happening in CAS?

Fractal patterns are found in the outdoors and are scientifically proven to reduce stress. Find out how College of Arts and Sciences physics professor Richard Taylor—in collaboration with designers in Europe—is creating computer-generated nature-inspired environments indoors that have been proven to reduce stress by up to 60%.

Also in the September issue of CAS Connection: Find out how the mental health service CAHOOTS saved the city of Eugene money, how AI is helping researchers monitor bees, the upcoming theatre season—and more. 

Undergraduate students posing for camera making hand signals

Undergraduate Studies

Wherever your academic goals eventually take you at the UO, all Ducks begin their journey with foundational courses in CAS. More than 60 percent of students go on to pursue a major in a CAS department or program. With more than 50 departments and programs, there’s an intellectual home for almost any interest, talent, or career aspiration.

Graduate students working in a lab

Graduate Studies

The College of Arts and Sciences offers more than 30 master's programs and more than 20 doctoral programs across a diverse range of disciplines. Both as contributors to research teams and through their own scholarship and teaching, our CAS graduate students are indispensable to the vitality of the UO academic mission.

Student Support Services

We provide our students with a variety of resources to help you thrive inside and outside the classroom. Through Tykeson Advising, we provide comprehensive academic and career advising from the start of your journey at the University of Oregon. Learn about career preparation and get assistance in selecting the very best classes. Connect with labs, libraries, IT and tutoring. Find your community on campus.

World-Class Faculty

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The College of Arts and Sciences faculty members are a driving force of the high-output, high-impact research activity that has earned the UO membership in the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). Our world-class faculty members are inspiring teachers.

Among them are five members of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, four members of the National Academy of Sciences. They are committed to helping students discover their academic passion. Every day, they work to expand students’ intellectual horizons, preparing them for life after college with real-world knowledge and skills.

Spotlight on CAS Academics

Choose Your Path

The College of Arts and Sciences offers more than 50 majors and nearly 70 minors across multiple departments and programs in the natural sciences, social sciences and humanities. We also offer 36 master’s programs and 25 doctoral programs.

dean chris poulsen posing in front of Tykeson hall

Meet our Dean

In the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), we are committed to excellence in research and teaching, student success, and diversity, equity, and belonging. 

A liberal arts education—one that offers a breadth of intellectual approaches and perspectives and depth in a major discipline—is the foundation to a purposeful life as a life-long learner, engaged citizen, and leader. The skills you will learn here—from written and verbal communication to analytical and quantitative reasoning, to compassion and understanding—are those that employers seek and will open the door to a wealth of opportunities. 

You will find more than 50 majors and a multitude of minors within CAS, and seemingly endless opportunities for personal exploration and discovery. Whether you are an incoming first-year student, a grad student or a transfer student, you can map an exciting future and be part of a fun, warm, engaged liberal arts community here. Come join us. And go Ducks! 

More from Dean Chris Poulsen

The College of Arts and Sciences includes:

50+
undergraduate degree programs
30+
masters programs
25
PhD programs
10,000+
Undergraduate students in CAS Majors
825
faculty members
1,295
masters and PhD students in CAS

Happening at CAS

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

UO College of Arts & Sciences (@uocas) • Instagram photos and videos

Oct 2
Uncovering Oregon History with the Chinese Diaspora Project 6:00 p.m.

The Oregon Chinese Diaspora Project uses community archaeology and public history to document the rich history and heritage of early Chinese Oregonians. Join archaeologist Chelsea...
Uncovering Oregon History with the Chinese Diaspora Project
October 2
6:00–7:00 p.m.
Museum of Natural and Cultural History

The Oregon Chinese Diaspora Project uses community archaeology and public history to document the rich history and heritage of early Chinese Oregonians. Join archaeologist Chelsea Rose for highlights of recent projects that showcase the extent and impact of the Chinese immigrant community in early statehood.

Oct 3
Department of History: Fall Get-Together 3:30 p.m.

History welcomes our students back to campus with a casual get-together! Join us for free pizza, hors d’oeuvres, and beverages; learn what’s happening in the...
Department of History: Fall Get-Together
October 3
3:30–6:00 p.m.
McKenzie Hall Courtyard

History welcomes our students back to campus with a casual get-together! Join us for free pizza, hors d’oeuvres, and beverages; learn what’s happening in the department this year; and connect with the History community.

Free and open to all History undergraduates, graduates, faculty, and staff!

 

Oct 6
Chemistry and Biochemistry Seminar - “Fluorescent Probes of RNA Structure: Photophysics and Applications in RNA-Based Sensing” 2:00 p.m.

UNIVERSITY OF OREGON DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY & BIOCHEMISTRY Promotion to Associate Professor Seminar Julia Widom “Fluorescent Probes of RNA Structure:...
Chemistry and Biochemistry Seminar - “Fluorescent Probes of RNA Structure: Photophysics and Applications in RNA-Based Sensing”
October 6
2:00 p.m.
Willie and Donald Tykeson Hall 140

UNIVERSITY OF OREGON DEPARTMENT OF CHEMISTRY & BIOCHEMISTRY Promotion to Associate Professor Seminar

Julia Widom

“Fluorescent Probes of RNA Structure: Photophysics and Applications in RNA-Based Sensing”

 

Oct 8
Unlocking Graduate Student Career Resources 3:30 p.m.

Not sure where to start with career planning? You’re not alone! Join us for a hands-on workshop that introduces the many resources available to graduate students at the...
Unlocking Graduate Student Career Resources
October 8
3:30–4:30 p.m.

Not sure where to start with career planning? You’re not alone! Join us for a hands-on workshop that introduces the many resources available to graduate students at the University of Oregon. It’s never too early or too late to start shaping your career path. Learn how to make the most of career tools, campus programs, and professional development opportunities designed to help you explore options, build confidence, and take your next steps forward. Register for this free event at https://app.smartsheet.com/b/form/0198e2b551ef7f9fb7c0ca9a85f6e27c to receive the Zoom link.

This is the first of seven events as part of the GradEdge: Midweek Career Workshops series. Join us every Wednesday afternoon this term!