Research Groups & Centers

We focus on answering questions about the study of active faults and folds, earthquakes and associated hazards, earthquake recurrence, estimating paleo-earthquake magnitude by relating observed deformation and earthquake timing between paleoseismic sites along a fault, and earthquake triggering.

PI: Ashley Streig

Our research includes past human-environment interactions, archaeology, cultural resource management, climate resilience, foodways and food technologies, and STEM equity. 

PI: Shelby Anderson

We conduct collaborative research and outreach focused on the transition zone between land and sea, and examine biotic and abiotic processes underlying cross-habitat interactions.

PI: Elise Granek

One of the few university-based meteorite research labs in the country and home to a carefully curated collection of meteorites, we conduct meteorite research to help understand our place in the universe, and to share this knowledge with the wider community.

PI: Alex Ruzicka

We leverage a wide range of observational and model-based datasets to advance our understanding of the key atmospheric drivers of weather and climate extremes. 

PI: Paul Loikith

We study how anthropogenic changes in habitat connectivity — whether because of biological invasion, the built environment, or sea level rise — affect animal populations and communities and ecosystem function. 

PI: Catherine de Rivera

We focus on developing geocomputational theory and techniques to integrate GIS and remote sensing technologies in spatial decision-making. Specific projects focus on applying spatial modeling, simulation, and optimization techniques to support land-use planning, emergency planning, and resources management.

PI: Geoffrey Duh

We aim to quantitatively answer two deceptively simple questions: What does the surface of the earth look like? and Why? The group is interested in deriving and testing the equations that describe landscape evolution in order to interpret and predict how landscapes respond to changing tectonic and climatic forcing.

PI: Adam Booth

We focus on the ecosystem functions that affect water quality, climate regulation, and carbon sequestration in natural and human-modified ecosystems. 

PI: Jen Morse

The FLIES project is an intentional hybrid physical/remote space in which participants can develop a collaborative, feminist exploration of sexual selection, pigmentation and climate change through establishing and experiencing relationships with fruit flies (Drosophila).

PI: Lisa Weasel

We conduct use-inspired science and support translational research in the areas of vegetation dynamics and disturbance ecology (fire, insect outbreaks, volcanic eruptions, and other disturbances), landscape ecology, land-use change, forest policy, and management practices.

PI: Andrés Holz

We focus on the behavior and ecology of invertebrates and fish, especially the factors controlling larval dispersal from and recruitment to adult habitats.

PI: Paola López-Duarte

Our research centers on two overlapping themes: 1) how variations in rock properties and climate-mediated changes in processes control the rates and style of landscape evolution and 2) dis-entangling the geomorphic legacy of Pleistocene glacial intervals in regions that remained unglaciated during cold intervals.

PI: Jill Marshall

We use a mix of social science tools (e.g., surveys, interviews, and focus groups) and modeling to answer questions about the role of institutions and human behavior in natural resource and environmental management.

PI: Max Nielsen-Pincus

We're working to better understand the quantities, sources, and impacts of microplastic pollution in the Pacific Northwest. Offering services to process and analyze environmental samples for microplastic identification, OMARC serves as a resource for environmental stakeholders of all levels.

PI: Elise Granek

We focus on paleoclimate, stable isotope geochemistry, stratigraphy, and basin analysis with projects ranging from geothermal potential to cannabis terroir.

PI: John Bershaw

We focus on hydrogeology and aqueous and sedimentary geochemistry, using a variety of techniques to explore the interplay between groundwater and surface waters and water-rock interactions.

PI: Ben Perkins

We focus on the management of water in the U.S. West, particularly the interfaces between resource management, law and policy, political economy, and social discourses. 

PI: Alida Cantor

We're broadly interested in the interactions and feedbacks of hydrology, climatology, and ecology, including: ecosystem disturbance and mountain hydroclimatology; integrated modeling of hydroclimatology; soil-forest-atmosphere interactions; and geo-spatial analytics.

PI: Kelly Gleason

We conduct research about the atmosphere as it relates to human activities. One of their main areas of research involves investigating the impact of the sources of air pollution on air quality at high spatial resolution and chemical speciation.

PI: Linda George

Our projects focus on topics such as healthy urban futures, social/environmental justice, and climate resilience.

PI: Vivek Shandas

We focus on human modification of the hydrologic system and interactions among climate change, land use change, and water management as they affect water quantity, quality, demand, floods, and hydrologic ecosystem services.

PI: Heejun Chang

Since 1986, the Center for Geography Education in Oregon has provided teachers with in‐service, pre‐service, and informal professional enrichment activities and materials to support student growth in spatial thinking, geography content, and geospatial technology skills.

Director: Nancee Hunter

The Center for Lakes and Reservoirs was established by the Oregon State legislature to address lake management and invasive aquatic species issues in Oregon.

Director: Arick "Kit" Rouhe

The Center for Spatial Analysis and Research serves researchers and organizations in the greater Portland area for projects involving four broad areas of expertise: cartography, GIS, remote sensing, and education.

Director: David Banis

The Rae Selling Berry Seed Bank and Plant Conservation Program is dedicated to the conservation and restoration of Pacific Northwest native plants, with an emphasis on the rare and threatened plants of Oregon. Services include seed banking, rare plant research, and germination and greenhouse trials.

Director: Gabriel Campbell