New dean of CLA named
Phillip Williams will begin his new role Sept. 16
Social Sciences + Humanities
Public more confident connecting increasing heat, wildfires with climate change than other extreme weather events, study finds
CORVALLIS, Ore. — Oregon State University researchers found that U.S. adults are fairly confident in linking wildfires and heat to climate change, but less confident when it comes to other extreme weather events like hurricanes, flooding or tornadoes.
Legacy of Indigenous stewardship of camas dates back more than 3,500 years, OSU study finds
CORVALLIS, Ore. — An Oregon State University study found evidence that Indigenous groups in the Pacific Northwest were intentionally harvesting edible camas bulbs at optimal stages of the plant’s maturation as far back as 3,500 years ago.
The findings contribute to the growing body of research around Traditional Ecological Knowledge and practices, demonstrating the care and specificity with which Indigenous groups have been stewarding and cultivating natural resources for millennia.
OSU-led project receives $2.5 million to study community perceptions of offshore wind energy
CORVALLIS, Ore. — The U.S. Department of Energy has selected a team of researchers led by Oregon State University to receive up to $2.5 million to study what coastal communities think of potential offshore wind energy development and the benefits they could gain from those projects.
In states that legalized cannabis, frequent cannabis use became more common in young adults who are not in college, OSU study finds
CORVALLIS, Ore. — An Oregon State University study found that in states where recreational cannabis has been legalized, young adults not in college more often became frequent users of the drug than their college-enrolled peers.
After state legalization, young adults not in college were also more likely to meet the criteria for cannabis use disorder, meaning they continued to use the drug despite problems it caused in their lives.
Personal experience with wildfire increases engagement in disaster preparedness, OSU study finds
CORVALLIS, Ore. — Residents who experienced direct harm from Oregon’s 2020 wildfires are more likely to take steps to mitigate their fire risk in the future, an Oregon State University study found.
They’re also more apt to participate in community-helping activities like donating to and volunteering with emergency response groups after wildfires.
OSU study: People with facial differences fare best when they disclose conditions on own terms
CORVALLIS, Ore. — People with noticeable facial differences often feel compelled to explain the medical reasons behind those differences, but such involuntary disclosure may increase stigma, anxiety and depression, recent research from Oregon State University has found.
However, people who are able to disclose on their own terms, share openly and educate others about their conditions report positive outcomes like greater job satisfaction and higher self-worth.
New OSU Press book explores the destruction of Celilo Falls from a child’s perspective
CORVALLIS, Ore. – In 1957 Celilo Falls, a fishery that was pivotal to the lives of many Native Americans along the Columbia River, was lost when it was flooded and destroyed by the construction of The Dalles Dam.
A new children’s book by Warm Springs Elder Linda Meanus captures those life-altering events from her perspective. The book, “My Name is LaMoosh,” will be published by Confluence and OSU Press in June.
Mental imagery a helpful way to distract teens from negative thought patterns, OSU study finds
CORVALLIS, Ore. — For adolescents who may get stuck in negative thought spirals, refocusing on mental imagery is a more effective distraction than verbal thoughts, a recent study from Oregon State University found.
A short-term distraction can break up the thought spiral, which makes room for that person to then seek help from a therapist, friend or parent, said study author Hannah Lawrence, an assistant professor of psychology in OSU’s College of Liberal Arts.
OSU releases annual research report
The report details numerous ways in which Oregon State research continues to transform Oregon, the nation and the world