University of Oregon | College of Arts and Sciences

Meet Ellen Eischen, a professor in UO’s Department of Mathematics whose passion for patterns extends from number theory to improvisational theater. Recently named a fellow of the American Mathematical Society, Eischen’s research bridges geometry, calculus, and algebra while also reimagining how math is taught. By blending improv principles into her classes, she empowers students to collaborate, embrace mistakes, and uncover creative solutions. “Mathematics is highly collaborative,” says Eischen. “Although this is an individual recognition, it is really a reflection of the contributions of many people with whom I have gotten to work.” Her innovative teaching has inspired initiatives like the “Women in Math” reading room and the art-meets-math project, “Creativity Counts,” and she continues to inspire a more inclusive and creative future for her field. #UOCAS

To celebrate STEM Day, we met with junior human physiology major Tharusha Seagoe to talk about her experience in working in a neuroscience lab and the importance of STEM education. #UOCAS

When it comes to linking a suspect to a crime, most people assume that DNA evidence is nearly irrefutable. DNA carries a unique fingerprint, so if a suspect's genetic code is matched to DNA found at the crime scene, then they must have been there — right? Turns out it's not that simple, especially with mixtures of DNA. "Our work shows that we need to be cautious in interpreting results from forensic analysis of certain mixtures of DNA," study lead author Rori Rohlfs, a data scientist at the University of Oregon, told Live Science in an email. "We certainly need to weigh the strength of evidence by its reliability. It is possible that a wrongful conviction could have been made based on a misinterpreted DNA mixture analysis." Get the full article: https://bit.ly/48pkZEp #UOCAS

Meet Grecia Chirinos Delgado, a Spanish Instructor in the College of Arts and Sciences! 👋 Grecia working at the UO last fall, after living in Baltimore, MD for 7 years. She is loving it here in the Pacific Northwest. You may not guess it as she teaches in front of rooms full of people, but Grecia is actually quite shy! Her favorite part of teaching is "connecting with my students. Learning a new language or developing the language you already know can make you feel very vulnerable, so I strive to connect with my students so that they feel safe in my courses, and can lean into their learning knowing that they are welcome and belong to the community that we build together each term." In her free time Grecia likes to explore the coast with her family, and baking. "Recently, I found a book on how to make gluten-free sourdough bread and it's been game-changing! Baking with this method can be time-consuming, but it's so worth it." When it comes to advice, Grecia says "One of my professors in grad school told me I should not be afraid to succeed, and I never knew that was something I was feeling!" #UOCAS #CASFacultySpotlight

On Monday, November 3, we set our clocks back an hour and for many that means an extra hour of sleep. But it’s the annual “spring ahead” that CAS researchers say will affect worker productivity. Economics professor Glen Waddell and PhD student Andrew Dickinson analyzed the daily work activity of 174,505 people and found that workers have a bumpy start in productivity in the morning for upwards of two weeks. As for the workers who “fall back” on Nov. 4? “We actually see a picking up of productivity in those early morning hours, 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., with the extra sleep being the likely reason,” Waddell said. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3NL4SHx #UOCAS

We are so excited to share that the UO chapter of the Society for Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science (SACNAS at UO) is sending its 2nd delegation of 30 students to the National Diversity in STEM conference in Phoenix AZ Oct. 31 through Nov. 2. 9 members are presenting their research at the conference, and 2 received COLOR (leadership) awards. This delegation represents one of the largest single diversity efforts in STEM at UO. "Our priority is to build a mentoring program that will allow undergraduate students to feel comfortable asking questions about their major and seeking academic help. Members will have access to professional development workshops, career opportunities in science, social events with other scientists, and science outreach." Congratulations to our SACNAS Ducks! 🎉

Krystale Littlejohn, a sociology associate professor in the College of Arts and Sciences, has worked to make significant strides in the field of reproductive health, rights, and justice. In Littlejohn’s latest book, Fighting Mad: Resisting the End of Roe v. Wade, she addresses the aftermath of the Supreme Court’s 2022 Dobbs decision that overturned the nearly 50-year-old constitutional right to abortion in the US. Littlejohn hopes readers of Fighting Mad will feel inspired by the collective efforts to preserve abortion rights documented within the book. She aims to highlight the challenges as well as the resilience and determination of those fighting for reproductive justice. Get the full story from CAS Connection: https://bit.ly/47Nbwq9 #UOCAS #CASConnection

Meet David Wacks, professor of Spanish and Medieval Studies in the College of Arts and Sciences. 👋 David has been at UO since 2003 and his favorite thing about teaching is "the students are different, I’m different, our interactions with the material, the broader context, our ideas about teaching, everything keeps changing. It’s an exciting challenge to respond to these changes and keep the discussion going, to find new ways for us to engage with and make sense of the themes and materials of each course." David loves teaching abroad. "Since 2014 I have taught a faculty-led study abroad program, GEO Advanced Spanish Language, Literature, and Culture in Oviedo (Spain). I’m doing it again in August 2025." In his free time, David enjoys walking, hiking, cooking, listening to music, reading novels, traveling. You may not know that David also speaks some basic Finnish! David's advice is "to the extent possible, earn your livelihood doing something you enjoy." #UOCAS #CASFacultySpotlight

Meet Irisa Mehta, a 2023 College of Arts and Sciences graduate. With double bachelor's degrees in political science and general social sciences (crime, law, and society), plus minors in legal studies and writing, public speaking, and critical reasoning, Irisa made the most of her time at UO. Reflecting on her undergraduate experience, Mehta says, "After visiting campus, I was immediately welcomed by students and faculty...I knew that this was a place for me to feel supported by my peers but also be able to thrive independently." Now working with the Los Angeles Public Defender's Office, Irisa uses the skills she developed at UO every day: "Learning how to formulate arguments and assist in legal research while being succinct and efficient is something I am so grateful to have acquired through my education at UO." To learn more about Mehta’s journey and what she’s doing today, click the link: https://lnkd.in/gHVqWHPz #UOCAS

Meet your new Latinx Studies professors! 👋 This academic year, nine tenure-track faculty members are joining the College of Arts and Sciences, in what is a comprehensive investment in the college’s Latinx studies-related course offerings, in several departments across the college's three divisions. Learn more about their research and how Latinx studies can support a 21st-century liberal arts degree: https://bit.ly/3N7EEyP #UOCAS #CASConnection