BIOLOGY - New in 2025, the Coastal Quarter program allows undergraduates from all majors to spend winter term living at the coast and taking classes in marine biology, environmental studies, anthropology and science communication. Out of the nine students who participated this year, five are majoring in either environmental sciences or environmental studies; four are marine biology majors; and one is a sports journalism major.

THEATRE ARTS - Local production of the play, "THEM," opens in Eugene July 24. “THEM,” produced and directed by University of Oregon professor, Malek Najjar is a powerful drama about war, hope and survival. Using humor, laughter and song, the play transports audiences into the extraordinary circumstances that reveal their shared humanity and the ordinary moments that shape their lives.

ECONOMICS - A groundbreaking crisis de-escalation program that started in Eugene to help people with mental health or substance abuse issues saves cities money and reduces arrests, a University of Oregon-led study has found. The research team includes Jonathan Davis, an economics assistant professor at the College of Arts and Sciences.

COMICS AND CARTOON STUDIES, DISABILITY STUDIES, ENGLISH - What makes the comic book villain the Joker such a popular antagonist for Batman? It’s one of many questions Professor Elizabeth Wheeler examines in her latest research paper, “The Joker’s Shifting Face: Eighty Years of Mad History in Batman and American Culture.”

COMPARATIVE LITERATURE - PhD comparative literature alumna Jamie Richards won the 2024 National Translation in Prose award for her work on Mariosa Castaldi’s “The Hunger of Women.” During her PhD studies at the UO, Richards studied translation, leading to a career in Italian literature.

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.

POLITICAL SCIENCE - Voters are in a way acting as lawmakers, as some states see an increase in ballot measures, spanning from county or city-level ordinances to state constitutional amendments, according to research by Madison Schroder, a political science PhD candidate at the University of Oregon College of Arts and Sciences.

Celebrate the class of 2025 with a slideshow featuring some of their favorite moments!

EARTH SCIENCES - The Cascadia Region Earthquake Science Center (CRESCENT) has awarded 11 new grants to researchers studying the Cascadia subduction zone as part of its ongoing effort to help build community resilience against earthquakes along the West Coast’s massive fault line.

HISTORY - Julie Weise’s research on temporary migrant work policies is one of many projects around the country to lose NEH funding, but she remains focused on her work. Her upcoming book, "Guest Worker: Lives across Borders in an Age of Prosperity, 1919-1975," looks at how this type of international policy agreement evolved during the mid-20th century, with a focus on the experiences of temporary workers in more economically prosperous countries: Mexicans in the US, Malawians in South Africa and Spaniards in France.

FOOD STUDIES, GLOBAL STUDIES - For more than 30 years, College of Arts and Sciences scholar Stephen Wooten's research has focused on Mali, a landlocked country in West Africa. His new book explores the role that women have in rural Mali.

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.

ENGLISH, DISABILITY STUDIES — The University of Oregon’s Perfect Circle Theater is debuting its newest production, “Disabling Reality,” June 7 and 8. It’s a bold, imaginative performance created by and for a truly inclusive community. According to the creative minds behind the production, the goal of Perfect Circle Theater is to create an inclusive community where people with disabilities and their allies can work together as peers.

THEATRE ARTS — University Theatre's end-of-season production, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” is described as “good fun with plenty of heart.” It combines improv, heartfelt storytelling and audience participation. Performed by University of Oregon students, the production opens May 23 and runs through June 8.

GLOBAL STUDIES, SOCIOLOGY - The Center for Undergraduate Research and Engagement announced this year's Faculty Research Mentor Awardees, two of whom are in the College of Arts and Sciences: Sociology Assistant Professor Raoul Liévanos and Global Studies Associate Professor Jo Weaver. Read more about the recipients