We’re thrilled to announce that the Training Program in Molecular Biophysics of Complex Systems has been awarded $1.3 million in funding from the National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGMS) through the T32 mechanism.

Led by Dr. Elisar Barbar (Principal Investigator) and Dr. Juan Vanegas (Curriculum Director), this prestigious predoctoral training grant marks a major milestone for the BB Department, and for Oregon State University. The program will support a new generation of scientists exploring the frontiers of molecular biophysics.

This achievement reflects the dedication of many. Special thanks to Dr. Chong Fang, Dr. Alysia Vrailas-Mortimer, Dr. Nate Mortimer, Dr. Isabelle Logan, Bettye Maddux and her team, Dr. Steph Bernell, Dr. Vrushali Bokil, College of Science Dean Dr. Eleanor Feingold, the Chemistry and Physics department heads, and Sharon Betterton and Dr. Tilo Chatterjee for their contributions to the proposal and program infrastructure.

Congratulations to the inaugural student cohort: Abraham Kpirikai, Nadia Gonzalez, Sarah Perkel, Tepary Cooley, Ethan Beffert, and Nolan Herron. We look forward to the impact they will make in this exciting field.

This program has been a long-time dream of Dr. Barbar’s, and its success is a testament to persistence, collaboration, and vision. We can’t wait to see what the future holds!