Our favorite OregonNews stories from 2025
Fall term has wrapped up, and campus is quiet. It’s the perfect time to look back on the past year. Dig into some of our favorite OregonNews stories from 2025, all featuring extraordinary Ducks doing great things.
Research to Impact
Atop the Oregon Cascades, a UO team finds a huge buried aquifer
UO research shows that the central Oregon Cascades have a much bigger reservoir of water beneath than previously thought — nearly three times the capacity of Lake Mead.
New AI cameras are watching the outdoors to spot endangered, rare bees
Monitoring wildlife without disturbing their natural behavior can be challenging. One UO researcher is outfitting native bees with tiny QR codes, and using high-tech cameras to keep an eye on them.
UO research could help reduce injuries among female athletes
UO research could help reduce injuries among female athletes. Research into female soccer players’ biomechanics is shaping the design of a soccer cleat that aims to reduce the risk of ACL tears, a leading cause of injury.
Sibling scientists and their dog hunt for Oregon’s hidden truffle biodiversity
There are far more kinds of truffles than just the kind used in fancy cooking. Come for the dog pictures; stay for the story about two sisters cataloging Oregon’s truffle diversity with their well-trained canine companion.
Ducks Making a Difference
Trailblazing legal scholar aims to clean up the carbon spill in the sky
A UO environmental law expert argues that the atmosphere is a public good that must be protected and stewarded for the next generation.
Yasui Hall offers a history-making home for Ducks of all kinds
Minoru Yasui was a civil rights leader who took a stand against discrimination towards Asian-Americans during World War II. A new residence hall on campus honors his family’s legacy.
Students Stepping Up
Student researcher develops building materials from mycelium
Mushrooms aren’t just for eating. They’re also inspiring new kinds of building materials, like eco-friendly, soundproof panels.
Students chart Otter Rock Marine Reserve in augmented reality
People can’t walk through a marine reserve the way they can a national park. A student-led project helps people experience a marine reserve off the Oregon Coast through augmented reality.
Student entrepreneurs help bring a UO flea market to life
The UO provides plenty of resources to support students, faculty and staff with business ideas. A student-led flea market is just one example of talented young entrepreneurs finding their footing here.
Pathway to Careers
UO child behavioral health interns are learning by doing
The Ballmer Institute is creating a new profession to address a shortage of mental health professionals. Students in the program are getting hands-on experience working in Portland public schools.
UO’s Domestic Violence Clinic helps clients while training future attorneys
Law students are making a difference in the community by providing free legal services to survivors of domestic violence.
Knight Campus Graduate Internship Program propels students to science careers
A Knight Campus program trains students for well-paying careers in scientific industries, without the lengthy doctoral process. It’s become a model for similar programs around the country.