University of Oregon | College of Arts and Sciences

Residents across the state witnessed a dramatic fireball streak across the night sky, lighting up communities from Eugene to Central Oregon. While many speculated it was part of the annual Perseid meteor shower, experts note that it may also have been linked to recent space activity, including a SpaceX launch the same evening. Check out the full article from Statesman Journal here: https://bit.ly/4lH2n7L

Early Wednesday morning, one of the largest recorded earthquakes struck off the coast of the Kamchatka Peninsula in Russia. Coastlines across the Pacific braced for powerful tsunami waves, as past earthquakes of this size led to extremely destructive tsunamis striking Indonesia in 2004 and Japan in 2011. Yet as time passed, no waves of any real concern came. What makes this earthquake different? University of Oregon's Diego Melgar, a geophysicist, earth sciences professor, and CRESCENT director, explains the reasoning behind this, and gets into the details that spared the Pacific Coastline. Get the full story here: https://nyti.ms/4odPCUJ #UOCAS

New research from the University of Oregon challenges our understanding of histamine. Often linked to allergy symptoms, histamine also plays a critical role in how our bodies adapt to aerobic exercise. A new study, published in the Journal of Applied Physiology, shows that high doses of antihistamines can consequently affect aerobic performance. Researchers believe histamine helps coordinate inflammation, muscle repair, and gene activation after exercise, which are key processes for building endurance and strength. While this study used higher doses than standard allergy medications, the findings open important questions about how common antihistamines might influence training outcomes. The research, led by Dr. John Halliwill and Dr. Dylan Sieck, was supported by the NIH and the American Heart Association. As allergy season greatly impacts Eugene locals, learn more about the findings of this study using the link here: https://lnkd.in/gW98jaZ8 #UOCAS

Stephen Wooten, a global studies and food studies faculty member in the College of Arts and Sciences, began his work in Mali as a Peace Corps volunteer in the late 1980s. Life looks different for Wooten now, but he spent much of his time there studying the role of women and the work they do. This work and research has led to Wooten's latest book, Cooking Culture: Women's Culinary Agency and Everyday Creativity. What’s common to eat in Mali is a sort of porridge—a starch and sauce—a basic combination of grain and sauce that has been central to humanity, Wooten says. But what he finds compelling as a researcher is not only the beauty and holistic nature of simple dishes, but the community that the food preparation creates. Get the full story here: https://bit.ly/4ehbn1g #UOCAS

Tomorrow, June 26th, at the Charley stadium in Paris, Faith Kipyegon will attempt to become the first woman to run a sub four-minute mile. Nike is supporting the mission with Breaking4, a highly skilled team of innovators, scientists, and designers to give Kipyegon the best advantage. UO's human physiologist Brad Wilkins, who served on Nike's 2017 Breaking2, is featured in a New York Times article discussing his research into female sex hormones and how they impact performance. If Faith doesn't manage to break the 4 minute mile tomorrow, she will have another opportunity at the PreClassic on July 5 at Hayward Field. Check out the full story here: https://nyti.ms/46eIxN0

We are so excited to share that CAS physics professor Kayla Nguyen has been selected as a Beckman Young Investigator Awardee! 🎉 The awardees exemplify the Foundation’s mission of supporting the most promising young faculty members in the early stages of their academic careers in the chemical and life sciences, particularly to foster the invention of methods, instruments, and materials that will open new avenues of research in science. The award also comes with research funding. Congratulations, Kayla! 🦆 #UOCAS

Today we recognize and honor Juneteenth. We hope your holiday is full of rest and reflection. #UOCAS

The June 2025 Edition of CAS Connection is here! Where are our 2025 grads headed next? Hear from three seniors who are ready to forge their own career paths. Plus discover the secret behind the Joker's villainous magnetism, find out what it's like to attend class inside an Oregon prison, peek into a masterclass from an award-winning movie director—and more!

Congratulations to the Class of 2025 — you did it! We can't wait to see everything you become and all the things you accomplish. We'll miss you on campus, but you will always have a home in CAS. Once a Duck always a Duck. 🦆 🫶 #UOCAS

Meet Andy Lam, a senior graduating from the College of Arts and Sciences with a degree in Environmental Studies. 👋 During his time at UO, Andy helped found the Club Powerlifting team, where he had the opportunity to compete nationally. He also served as the vice-president and current co-president of the club Weightlifting team. He was able to do conservation and research work with the Environmental Leadership Program as well. Andy says that his coursework and education has given him a more optimistic view of how we are going to solve world issues. Congratulations, Andy! 🦆 🎉