OREGON STATE UNIVERSITY
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Create a healthy future for our ocean and the planet through transdisciplinary research and teaching that emphasizes collaboration, experiential learning, engagement with society and problem solving.
The world's ocean belongs to everyone, and its health is critical to our future. Marine habitats are facing new and daunting pressures that threaten their sustainability — from climate change to pollution to dwindling fish stocks.
Global challenges need global champions, and Oregon State University is responding to the challenge with our Marine Studies Initiative. Building on a deep history of nationally ranked programs, world-leading research and premier facilities, we are pioneering a new research and teaching model to help sustain healthy oceans and ensure wellness, environmental health and economic prosperity for future generations. The Marine Studies Initiative is a university-wide commitment that will have local to global impacts on the economy and environment.
Harnessing the collective expertise of faculty and staff from across campus, we are advancing practices and innovations that promote positive change for the university and the community it serves. We are weaving together the natural and social sciences and arts and humanities in an exceptional education, research, and outreach program to explore all facets of the marine environment and its dynamic connections to terrestrial ecosystems and the atmosphere, while positively impacting economic and social progress. Learn more from our Strategic Plan.
Marine studies programs immerse students in learning about issues facing the coasts and ocean, and the people and communities connected to them. Our goal is to provide transformational educational experiences centered on marine studies by expanding marine education and training opportunities for students, professionals, and life-long learners. Learn more...
Leaders and scientists from across Oregon State are tackling key problems facing the ocean, coastal communities and people who depend on a healthy, thriving marine environment. Our goal is to advance leadership in transdisciplinary marine research and scholarship by building on Oregon State's expertise and forming networks that span scientific, policy, and socio-cultural disciplines. Learn more...
Through the Marine Studies Initiative, we are working with partners to deliver social, economic and environmental benefits to the diverse interests across the state. Our goal is to increase societal impact from marine studies in Oregon and beyond. Learn more....
Oregon offers an unparalleled living-learning laboratory with diverse ecosystems, including a 300-mile coastline. Our centers of research on the Oregon Coast include:
We are expanding and enhancing facilities to provide environments that encourage creative collaborations, leverage the university's strengths, and have meaningful impacts. This includes the construction of a new Marine Studies Initiative building at the Hatfield Marine Science Center.
JAKE PINKUS- When Jake was young, he often found himself taking long adventures in the local woodlands after school. His appreciation of nature led to a fascination of the natural environment and growing plants. After experiencing destructive farming techniques during a summer job in high school, he figured there must be a better way. This led Jake to study Ecological Agriculture at the University of Vermont... (cont)
Dungeness crab is an important part of the Northwest's seafood heritage. Commercially harvested since the 1800's, Dungeness crab is Oregon's single most valuable 'single species' fishery. The Eder Family Fund for Dungeness Crab Research supports research related to this iconic species... (cont)
With support from Eric and Wendy Schmidt, MSI continues to pursue research, education and outreach activities on “Ocean Acidification (OA): Advancing Understanding, Education and Communication of a Transdisciplinary Ocean Challenge.” Graduate student Brian Erickson successfully defended his Marine and Resource Management Masters degree focused on teaching about OA in K-12 schools.... (cont)
