EARTH SCIENCES - As the newly appointed Ann and Lew Williams Chair of Earth Sciences, Diego Melgar studies big earthquakes and tsunamis—when and where they’re happening, and how to warn us as early as possible.

PHYSICS - Albert Einstein was wrong. That’s the message from University of Oregon physicist Eric Corwin, who is setting out to demonstrate why Einstein’s model of diffusion, a theory describing the movement of particles, does not accurately predict how some particles behave in the real world.

PHYSICS - A theoretical path to make artificial composite thin films in which sound waves can be stopped, reversed and even stored for later use has been accomplished by University of Oregon physicists.

BIOLOGY, NEUROSCIENCE - Imagine a drug that could temporarily reenergize plasticity in the brain to treat autism or schizophrenia, or even help an adult’s aging brain pick up a new language or learn to play a musical instrument.

BIOLOGY - A research team led by University of Oregon biologist Lauren Ponisio has uncovered how native bee species may be best equipped to survive intensive agricultural practices and climate change in California’s Central Valley.

PHYSICS - Three University of Oregon educators who have worked to bring innovation and excellence to their teaching are this year’s recipients of fellowships from the Tom and Carol Williams Fund for Undergraduate Education.

Four interdisciplinary teams have been awarded seed funding through the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation to pursue interdisciplinary research projects. The Incubating Interdisciplinary Initiatives awards, known as I3 awards, will provide up to $50,000.

CINEMA STUDIES - Another rising filmmaker with a chance to take home an Oscar will make a virtual visit to the UO and offer cinema studies students and the campus community an inside look at how big-screen movies are made.

HUMAN PHYSIOLOGY - A new UO study is examining the effects of opioids on an understudied population: developing infants. Human physiology associate professor Adrianne Huxtable is focusing her newest research project on the effects of opioids during pregnancy on essential breathing circuits.

ENVIRONMENTAL STUDIES - During the tumultuous summer and fall of 2020, a photojournalist needed more than cameras and lenses to cover the news. Kevlar jackets, ballistic helmets, and gas masks were also standard operating equipment.