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Western Oregon University awarded a National Science Foundation grant to empower geoscience students with career pathways – Western Oregon University

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Western Oregon University awarded a National Science Foundation grant to empower geoscience students with career pathways – Western Oregon University


Written by Maureen Brakke

Pictured: Earth and Environmental Science students in action on a spring volcanology field trip with Dr. Templeton.

MONMOUTH, Ore. The Western Oregon University Earth and Environmental Science program recently secured a three-year GEOPAths (Pathways into the Geosciences – Earth, Ocean, Polar, and Atmospheric Sciences) grant from the National Science Foundation Division of Research, Innovation, Synergies and Education (RISE) for approximately $420,000. 

This funding aims to bolster undergraduate engagement in the field through a multifaceted approach encompassing course-based training, service learning, and skill development. Spearheaded by Co-Principal Investigators Geology Professors Steve Taylor and Jeff Templeton, the project centers on the vital theme of water in the environment.

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At its core, the initiative seeks to establish a robust Geo-STEM learning ecosystem, forging partnerships with governmental bodies, non-governmental organizations, and regional employers. Together, they aim to foster earth science literacy, tackle local environmental challenges, and inspire diverse student populations to pursue careers in geosciences.

Recognizing the importance of inclusivity, the project places a strong emphasis on engaging underrepresented groups such as minorities, females, low-income individuals, and first-generation college students. By providing tailored support, including scholarships, the project aims to cultivate learning cohorts, work-based experiences, and mentorship opportunities that empower students and enhance their sense of belonging in the field.

“The GEOPAths NSF award to the Earth and Environmental Science program will provide invaluable resources to support student success in the STEM disciplines at WOU,” said Steve Taylor, Ph.D., professor of geology and chair of the Division of National Sciences and Mathematics.  The majority of grant funds are dedicated to direct student support in the form of scholarships and facilitation of work-based experiences, leading to lifelong careers as geoscience professionals.  We are excited about this opportunity and are really looking forward to getting this project off the ground in the coming months.”  

Ultimately, the initiative not only seeks to diversify the geoscience workforce but address pressing societal issues, particularly in water management. Through innovative approaches to recruitment and retention, it aspires to contribute valuable insights to the broader field of geoscience education while equipping students with the skills and confidence to become future leaders in the profession.

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About Western’s Earth and Environmental Science Program: The Earth and Environmental Science program at Western Oregon University provides a liberal arts education in geoscience with an emphasis on scientific methods, problem-solving, and interdisciplinary science education. A key objective of the program is to prepare undergraduates for careers as professional geoscientists and educators. The program also promotes the development of an informed citizenry for wise decision-making on issues related to natural resources, environmental quality, and sustainability in Oregon and beyond. Together we succeed.





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David Brock Smith wins GOP primary for US Senate in Oregon, will face incumbent Merkley

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David Brock Smith wins GOP primary for US Senate in Oregon, will face incumbent Merkley


David Brock Smith won the Republican primary for U.S. Senate in Oregon on Friday, in the last significant race to be called following the state’s May 19 primary election.

Brock Smith, a state senator, emerged from a field of seven candidates to challenge the incumbent, Democratic Sen. Jeff Merkley, in November.

“This campaign is about putting Oregon first. Fighting for affordable living, safer communities, good-paying jobs, responsible government, and protecting the values that make our beloved state strong,” he said in a statement. “This election is bigger than politics. It’s about restoring hope, opportunity, and accountability for every Oregonian.”

Merkley, who was first elected in 2008, is viewed as having a generally safe seat since Oregon hasn’t elected a Republican U.S. senator since 2002. His campaign did not immediately respond Friday evening to a request for comment on Brock Smith’s win.

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Friday’s result comes after other high-profile contests were called on election night, including a gas tax referendum and the Republican primary for governor that set up a November rematch for the state’s top job.

Voters overwhelmingly rejected the ballot measure that asked them whether to raise the state gas tax by 6 cents to 46 cents a gallon. The Democratic-controlled Legislature passed the contested gas tax increase and a series of fees last year to help fix roads and plug a gap in the state’s transportation budget. Republicans then launched a referendum campaign to refer it to the ballot and give voters the final say.

Republicans hailed the rejection of the gas tax increase after it was trounced by voters. Democrats have remained mostly silent and didn’t organize efforts to campaign for it as the Iran war caused prices at the pump to skyrocket. Some party members said in the run-up to the primary that they expected voters to defeat it.

In the governor’s race, Republican state Sen. Christine Drazan advanced from a field of 14 candidates to win her primary. She beat opponents who included a fellow GOP legislator who helped lead the gas tax referendum campaign and a former NBA player.

Her victory set up a rematch with Democratic Gov. Tina Kotek, who won her party’s primary as she seeks reelection. Drazan lost to Kotek in 2022 by over 3 percentage points in a three-way race that included an independent candidate.

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Elected that year to her first term as governor after years in the Legislature, including as Oregon’s longest-serving House speaker, Kotek has sparred with the Trump administration, which sought unsuccessfully to deploy the National Guard to Portland last fall for the stated purpose of protecting federal property and personnel following protests at the city’s U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building.

Kotek also pledged to tackle homelessness, mental health and education. Despite approving funding and programs aimed at addressing those issues, the state has continued to see rising homelessness and flagging student test scores that have failed to return to pre-pandemic levels.

Drazan will likely try to capitalize on those issues while facing an uphill battle: Oregon hasn’t elected a Republican governor in over 40 years.

Meanwhile, in Oregon’s lone competitive U.S. House district, Democratic incumbent Rep. Janelle Bynum won her primary. Patti Adair, a county commissioner, won the GOP primary there and will work to win back the seat for Republicans. The GOP flipped it in 2022 for the first time in decades before Bynum reclaimed it for Democrats.



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Police seek public’s help after collared wolf shot dead in Oregon

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Police seek public’s help after collared wolf shot dead in Oregon


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The Oregon State Police and Wildlife Division is seeking the public’s help after a collared wolf from eastern Oregon’s Desolation Pack was found dead in Grant County earlier this month.

The male wolf was discovered the morning of May 18 near Desolation Meadow on public land next to U.S. Forest Service Road 10, about 3.25 miles northwest of Olive Lake, police said in a release.

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Investigators said the wolf appeared to have died from a gunshot wound.

A preliminary investigation found the wolf was likely shot sometime between the late evening hours of May 14 and the early morning of May 15. Investigators believe the wolf may have been shot from the roadway.

The investigation involves the Oregon State Police Fish and Wildlife Division and the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife.

OSP said rewards are available for information tied to illegal wolf killings. That includes up to $600 through the Oregon Hunters Association and between $10,000 to $11,500 through the Oregon Wildlife Coalition, depending on where the killing occurred.

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Anyone with information is asked to contact the “Turn In Poachers” hotline at 1-800-452-7888 or dial OSP (677) from a mobile phone. People can also email TIP@osp.oregon.gov.

Anonymous tips are allowed. Investigators asked callers to reference case number SP26-160166.

Ginnie Sandoval is the Oregon Connect reporter for the Statesman Journal. Sandoval is a lifelong Oregonian who covers trending news, entertainment, food and outdoors. She can be reached at GSandoval@statesmanjournal.com or on X at @GinnieSandoval.



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Oregon Lottery Pick 4 results for May 21

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The Oregon Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.

Here’s a look at May 21, 2026, results for each game:

Winning Pick 4 numbers from May 21 drawing

1PM: 5-3-1-9

4PM: 8-6-0-0

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7PM: 0-3-6-2

10PM: 3-7-2-4

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Oregon Lottery drawings held?

  • Powerball: 7:59 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
  • Mega Millions: 7:59 p.m. on Tuesday and Friday.
  • Pick 4: 1 p.m., 4 p.m., 7 p.m. and 10 p.m. daily.
  • Win for Life: 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Megabucks: 7:29 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by an Oregon editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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