CAS News

PHYSICS - In June, Professor Brian Smith’s team was awarded a two-year, $4 million grant from the National Science Foundation to develop a prototype quantum network on the UO campus. “We have our work cut out for us, but our research will transform communications, sensors and computers,” said Smith, director of the Oregon Center for Optical, Molecular and Quantum Science.

EARTH SCIENCES - On June 25-26, more than 140 earthquake scientists, emergency managers, Tribal representatives, engineers, utility operators, and community leaders gathered at the University of Oregon’s Portland campus to tackle a common question that spreads across their fields: How can science better support decisions before, during, and after the next major Cascadia earthquake?

LINGUISTICS - Strong mentorship helps graduate students develop as scholars while honoring the unique experiences, identities, and goals they bring to their work. Mentors help students identify their strengths, navigate challenges, and imagine new possibilities. Linguistics Assistant Professor Guillem Belmar-Viernes and Jessica Cronce (College of Education) are winners of the Excellence in Mentorship Award for Faculty Mentors, provide mentorship that recognizes the whole student.

EARTH SCIENCES, ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES - In recent years, wildfires have increasingly affected Oregon and much of western North America. Due to many factors including climate change and land management practices, wildfires are intensifying and becoming more common both within and beyond our region. At the University of Oregon, researchers across disciplines are turning wildfire science into practical tools, strategies, and partnerships that help communities prepare, respond and adapt.

EARTH SCIENCES - Hilly and mountainous landscapes have a much greater ability to store carbon in the soil than previously thought, according to a new study co-led by College of Arts and Sciences researchers. “There was a misconception that mountainous areas would not hold much carbon because they’re so rapidly eroding and there’s not much soil,” said Josh Roering, an earth scientist at the UO.

Highlights from the June 15 University of Oregon College of Arts and Sciences commencement ceremonies at Autzen Stadium and Matthew Knight Arena.

GEOGRAPHY - College of Arts and Sciences researcher James Lamping is leading a comprehensive mapping effort that sheds light on the location, makeup and conservation status of old-growth forests across the region. Forty percent of mature and old growth forests in the study area are in places that lack permanent legislative protection, which also store the most carbon in the study area, according to his data.

SOCIOLOGY - A 2025 research article by College of Arts and Sciences Sociology Associate Professor MacKenzie Christensen’s 2025 article has received recognition from the American Sociological Association (ASA).

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES, HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY - The Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation is proud to announce the recipients of the 2026 Outstanding Research Awards, which highlight notable research activities taking place at the University of Oregon.

COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES — As higher education faces pressure to improve affordability, shorten time to graduation and increase student retention, the College of Arts and Sciences is revising its core education offerings. Because CAS is responsible for more than 85% of core ed at the University of Oregon, it has an opportunity to drive meaningful change for students.

MARINE BIOLOGY — After an immersive education experience on the coast, College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) alum Annie Pollard BS ’03 (biology), MS ’05 (marine biology) changed her career plans from becoming a veterinarian to becoming a marine biologist. Her passion was coastal bird nesting habits. Her new passion is brewing beer, still on the Oregon Coast.

SCHNITZER SCHOOL — Around the world, scholars are confronting how authoritarian power reshapes higher education. The “Global Futures of Higher Education: Autonomy in the Crosshairs” conference brought together 32 speakers to examine this challenge.

ARCHAEOLOGY, BIOLOGY, CINEMA STUDIES — Alison Carter, associate professor in the Department of Anthropology Laurel Pfeifer-Meister, associate teaching professor in the Department of Biology and Colin Williamson, assistant professor in the Department of Cinema Studies are this year’s College of Arts and Sciences Tykeson Teaching Award recipients.

EALL, HISTORY — A century after its first surge in popularity in the United States, the game Mahjong is once again having a cultural moment. At the University of Oregon, faculty in the College of Arts and Sciences are using this renewed interest as an opportunity to help students explore history, culture and identity through hands-on experience.

MATHEMATICS - The Department of Mathematics hosts Victor Reiner for its 2026 Moursund Lectures. Reiner is a Distinguished McKnight Professor in Mathematics at the University of Minnesota. The series of three lectures is 4-5 p.m. Tuesday, June 2, at 128 Chiles Hall, 4-5 p.m. Wednesday, June 3, at 125 McKenzie Hall and 1:30-2:30 p.m. Thursday, June 4 at 245 Straub Hall.