Natural Sciences

Study finds that allergies and exercise share a hidden connection

HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY - A new study from University of Oregon College of Arts and Sciences researcher John Halliwill shows that blocking histamine at high levels interferes with fitness gains. It remains to be seen if lower-dose, over-the-counter antihistamine drugs have the same effect. The study was published May 30 in the Journal of Applied Physiology.

UO researcher develops new tool that could aid drug development

CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY, PHYSICS - One mathematical equation can open a world of possibilities. And that's what this College of Arts and Sciences graduate student is finding. Jesse Hall, a physics doctoral candidate, worked with theoretical physical chemistry professor Marina Guenza to develop the new model that could help advance the development of new drugs and sustainable materials.

Two natural sciences professors receive CAS Collegiate Faculty Award

MATHEMATICS, CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY - Professors Ben Elias of the Mathematics Department and Mike Pluth of the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department received the prestigious CAS Collegiate Faculty Award, the highest honor the College of Arts and Sciences awards to active tenure-track faculty members. The award recognizes faculty who have demonstrated exceptional leadership and made outstanding contributions to their field and the broader UO community.

Three exceptional faculty receive Tykeson Teaching Awards

HISTORY, THEATRE ARTS, PSYCHOLOGY - Three University of Oregon professors in the College of Arts and Sciences have received teaching awards for their excellence in the classroom. The 2025 awardees include Associate Professor Jeanette deJong in the Department of Theatre Arts, Senior Instructor II Alexander Dracobly in the Department of History and Associate Professor Sara Weston in the Department of Psychology. 

Back at the UO, Geri Richmond reflects on her federal service

CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY - After serving four years as undersecretary for science and innovation at the U.S. Department of Energy, College of Arts and Sciences chemistry professor Geraldine “Geri” Richmond is back at the University of Oregon. Richmond was one of the top science officers in the federal government, overseeing billions of dollars in research spending on some of the nation’s highest science priorities, including quantum computing, clean energy and national security.

UO chemist, paleoanthropologist named AAAS fellows

CHEMISTRY AND BIOCHEMISTRY, ANTHROPOLOGY - Two University of Oregon faculty members have been named 2024 fellows by the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), joining 471 other newly elected members whose work has distinguished them in the science community and beyond. This year’s fellows and their areas of research are Darren Johnson, chemistry and biochemistry, and Stephen Frost, anthropology.

Before the Shaking Starts

PSYCHOLOGY - Dare Baldwin, a psychology professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, is working with undergraduate researchers to better understand how people behave during an earthquake. The research team will bring in families to campus to have them participate in an earthquake simulation. Observing how long it takes families to mobilize and how their behavior unfolds will help researchers determine the best way to educate people to take appropriate protective action.