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Meet Our Board of Advisors

Meet Our Board of Advisors

The College of Science Board of Advisors serves as an advisory body to advance our mission and vision within the University, across Oregon and beyond with external constituents.

These leaders and experts provide invaluable insight and advice on research opportunities, funding strategies, the student experience, diversity and inclusion, and special projects.

Jan Armstrong in front of grey backdrop

Jan Armstrong (’57)

Retired Director of Community Relations, Kansas City Southern Industries

Jan earned her bachelor’s degree in microbiology from Oregon State University. Early in her career, she worked in hospitals as a registered medical technologist. But for almost 20 years, Jan worked in zoos, including the National Zoological Park and the Kansas City Zoo.

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She focused primarily on animal health, education and public relations. She retired as Director of Community Relations for Kansas City Southern Industries, a transportation and financial services company. Jan’s interests include nature conservation, science education, reading, music and international travel. She spends her volunteer time with Rotary, an international service organization, and The Nature Conservancy. Jan recently became an International Ambassador for The Nature Conservancy. She also belongs to four China-related organizations in Kansas City and is a vice president of the board of the Edgar Snow Memorial Foundation and the Society for Friendship with China.

She has traveled all over the world, including Mongolia, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, China, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Australia, Europe, Antarctica as well as several African, South and Central American countries. Jan made two trips recently to Zambia to develop a village education project for her Rotary club and District. Jan has deep interests in global wildlife and conservation issues as well as in diverse people and cultures from around the world. The United Nations Association of Greater Kansas City named Jan its 2022 World Citizen, with the award presented by the Mayor of Kansas City. She was also one of 14 MidWest recipients of the Sino-US People's Friendship award presented by the Consul General of the Chicago Consulate of the Peoples Republic of China.

Woman with short brown hair and glasses smiling in front of a gray background

Amy Chadburn ('79)

Vice Chair of Clinical Support Services at Weill Cornell Medicine

Dr. Amy Chadburn is a pathologist who works as a physician, researcher and educator. She graduated from the College of Science in 1979 with a degree in zoology, then went to Stanford University for medical school.

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Amy has been on the faculty at Columbia University, Northwestern University - Feinburg School of Medicine, and currently, at Weill Cornell Medical College (now Weill Cornell Medicine). She is active in medical education and currently is co-chair of the Annual Meeting Education Committee for the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and in the past has served on the Education committees of both United States and Canadian Academy of Pathology (USCAP) and ASCP. Her area of expertise is immunodeficiency related lymphoproliferative diseases, but has expertise in all areas of lymphoid neoplasia and is a frequently invited speaker on these topics. She has approximately 170 peer-reviewed publications.

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Scott Clark ('08)

VP and GM of AI and HPC Supercomputing Application Level Engineering at Intel

Scott Clark is the former co-founder/CEO and current GM of SigOpt, providing a Software-as-a-service Intelligent Experimentation platform for ML, AI, and computational models to hundreds of Fortune 500 companies, universities, hedge funds, and government agencies around the world.

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SigOpt was founded in 2014 and raised over $17M in venture capital from firms like YCombinator, Andreesen Horowitz, and others before being acquired by Intel in November, 2020. Before starting SigOpt, Scott worked in computational science at Yelp, Bloomberg LP, the Joint Genome Institute, Los Alamos National Laboratory, the Max Planck Institute, and UC Davis. Scott was a DOE Computational Science Graduate Fellow at Cornell University while earning his PhD in Applied Math and MS in Computer Science. He earned BS degrees in Mathematics, Physics, and Computational Physics from Oregon State University and is a proud fourth generation Beaver. Scott was chosen as one of Forbes' "30 Under 30" in 2016

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Megan Cook ('09)

Director of Education and Outreach, Ocean Exploration Trust

Megan Cook has built a diversified international career spanning research, marine operations, media communication and ocean education. Since graduating magna cum laude from the College of Science in 2009, Megan has made good use of her bachelor’s degrees in biology and chemistry and marine biology option, conducting and facilitating interdisciplinary research across biology, geology, marine chemistry and maritime history.

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Megan directs Ocean Exploration Trust and Exploration Vessel Nautilus' outreach and media team and strategy including a suite of at-sea and onshore education programs and partnerships. She designs, implements, and assesses STEM education and workforce development programs as well as a wide-reaching broadcast, media production, and online presence for the annual global ocean exploration campaigns. Her passion is in elevating role models and transforming ocean exploration to make new space for, amplify, and respectfully weave together knowledge from all who are passionate about the ocean, especially those with identities historically marginalized from participation.

A highly skilled technical diver, she is experienced in exploration and field research in tropical and polar climates with extensive experience in remote locations. She is talented in employing digital media, film, photography, and adventure writing. As a featured writer of Mission Blue's 'Young Explorer Series', she is one of the emerging young voices for our ocean. Beyond OSU, she also has a Master’s in Environmental Management and Leadership from Duke University focused on the emerging deep sea mining industry and environmental management of seabed resources.

Megan inspires the next generation of explorers by bringing the excitement of discoveries via these live broadcast expeditions. Her life’s mission remains helping people “fall into fascination with our planet” and use technology to bring people to the “soggy parts of Earth.”

Eileen Hartmann in front of grey backdrop

Eileen Hartmann (’74, ’76)

Retired certified public accountant

Eileen grew up on a farm in southern Idaho and graduated from the very small Castleford High School. She was active in 4-H during her childhood. She attended the University of Idaho and graduated with a major in mathematics and a minor in German in 1972. She was fortunate to spend her junior year abroad in Germany.

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She attended graduate school at Oregon State University earning a M.S. in Statistics and later a second bachelor’s degree in accounting.

Her professional career was as a certified public accountant. She had her own practice in Corvallis for many years and also worked from home for several years before retiring in 2014. Since retiring, she has pursued her hobbies of photography, sewing, travel and gardening. She previously served on the College of Science Advisory Board for the University of Idaho.

She met her husband, Norbert Hartmann, while at Oregon State University. They have been married since 1973 and live on a farm near Monmouth, Oregon.

Prabu Nambiar in front of shrubbery

Prabu Nambiar (’88)

Founder and Principal, Syner-G Pharma Consulting

Prabu Nambiar is the Founder, Principal and former CEO of Syner-G BioPharma Group, a Boston based company that provides strategic consulting in the areas of pharmaceutical development, regulatory affairs and quality and compliance for the biotech and pharma industry.

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Prabu came to OSU in 1983 after his M.Sc. in chemistry from Madras University,
India, and completed his Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry in 1988. After three years of
post-doctoral training at Brown University, he started his pharmaceutical career at
Bristol-Myers Squibb in 1991.
Prabu completed his Executive MBA program at Boston University and is a RAC
certified regulatory professional. Prior to starting Syner-G, he was the Head of CMC
Regulatory Affairs at Vertex Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge, MA and also held
positions of increasing responsibilities at BMS, Sepracor, Wyeth and Cubist
Pharmaceuticals. He is a member of AAPS, ACS and RAPS. He served as a volunteer
of US Pharmacopeia and was the Chair of an USP Expert panel.
Prabu is extremely indebted to OSU, his first institution upon arriving in the US, and
as a way of giving back to OSU, he has contributed to an endowed gift towards Student Travel Fund in the Department of Chemistry. Prabu lives with his family in
Westborough, MA.

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Joel Peterson (’69)

Founder, Ravenswood Winery, Once & Future Wine

After graduation from Oregon State University in 1969, Joel Peterson drove ambulances, travelled around Europe, worked as a research immunologist at the Harold Brunn institute in San Francisco, worked as a clinical lab scientist at Sonoma Valley Hospital and, in his spare time, became a wine writer and wine consultant.

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After graduation from Oregon State University in 1969, Joel Peterson drove ambulances, travelled around Europe, worked as a research immunologist at the Harold Brunn institute in San Francisco, worked as a clinical lab scientist at Sonoma Valley Hospital and, in his spare time, became a wine writer and wine consultant.

In 1976, Joel founded Ravenswood winery and has shepherded Ravenswood from a small unknown winery producing 327 cases of Zinfandel to a respected, high quality producer of approximately 800,000 cases of red wine. In 2014 Joel returned to his small winery roots, starting the 3,000 case Once and Future winery specializing in hand crafted wines from old vine Vineyards.

Joel was on the Board of Directors for Sonoma County Vintners and is a current member and past president of Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers Association. He is a founding Board member and former two-time president of Zinfandel Advocates and Producers. Joel was also a Senior Vice President with Constellation Brands. In 2010, Joel was inducted into the Vintner’s Hall of Fame, and in 2012 he was voted as one of the “20 most admired people in the North American wine industry" by Vineyard and Winery Management magazine. The magazine also voted Joel as one of the “20 most admired winemakers in North America” in 2014.

Joel lives in Sonoma, California, is married to Madeleine Deininger and has three amazing and talented children ranging in ages from 25 to 52.

Headshot of Bob Poole

Robert Poole, M.D. ('67)

Retired urologist, Corvallis Clinic

Dr. Robert Poole was raised in Portland and graduated with a science degree from OSU with honors in 1967. After graduating from Oregon State, he served as chief of urology at Mather AFB in Sacramento prior to starting a urology practice at The Corvallis Clinic in 1979.

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Bob’s leadership has been recognized while having served on OSU boards including Varsity O (now Varsity OSU) and was a founding member of Rebounders, OSU Women’s Basketball Boosters. Currently he is on the Beaver Fan Experience Committee. In the community, he’s a member of the Board of The Corvallis Clinic Foundation having served 15 years, and is a 40-year member of the Greater Corvallis Rotary Club and supporter of Benton County Veterans Memorial. He is a Golden Legion (50+ years) member of Phi Delta Theta Fraternity.

Dr. Poole was raised in Portland and graduated with a science degree from OSU with honors in 1967. He attended University of Oregon Medical School (OHSU) where he was Magna Cum Laude and received the Gold Headed Cane Award for academic achievement in 1972. He was inducted into Alpha Omega Alpha medical honorary. He had an internship at UCLA Harbor General Hospital. In 1977, he completed a urology residency from OHSU. Bob served as chief of urology at Mather AFB in Sacramento prior to starting a urology practice at The Corvallis Clinic in 1979. He received certification by the American Board of Urology. In addition to his medical practice in Corvallis, he was a member of the Oregon Urologic Society, as well as member and past president of the Northwest Urologic Society. Locally, he served as board president of The Corvallis Clinic and Good Samaritan Hospital Medical Staff. He retired in December of 2005.

Having rowed at OSU and competed for three years, Bob developed a love for crew. While the Poole daughters Laura and Lisa were growing up, he focused on them and medicine. He’s had an active relationship with Corvallis Rowing Club since 1998. He has competed in Nike Master World Games, NW Regional Regattas, US National Masters, Canadian National competition and Head of the Charles Regatta. He and his wife Susan (OSU College of Pharmacy ’69) both sweep row and scull. When not on the water, Bob savors family time with his daughters and their families including four grandkids. He and Susan enjoy travel to where ever family wants to meet, especially to their longtime home at Black Butte Ranch and annual Cabo San Lucas stays in the winter. They are supporters of OSU Women’s and Men’s Rowing along with other teams.

Heather Runes in front of blue backdrop

Heather Runes (’01)

Senior Director of Analytical Quality Assurance & Commercial Quality Control, Myovant Sciences

Heather graduated with a B.S. in Environmental Toxicology from the University of California, Davis and a Ph.D. in Environmental and Molecular Toxicology from Oregon State University. Heather began her career working as an analytical chemist performing environmental fate studies for pesticide registration.

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Heather graduated with a B.S. in Environmental Toxicology from the University of California, Davis and a Ph.D. in Environmental and Molecular Toxicology from Oregon State University. Heather began her career working as an analytical chemist performing environmental fate studies for pesticide registration.

In pursuit of her passion to help others, Heather sought career opportunities in the biopharmaceutical industry in drug development. Heather has worked at a variety of pharmaceutical companies in the San Francisco Bay Area including Johnson and Johnson and Genentech (Roche) in research, Quality Control and currently heading a Quality Assurance department at Myovant Sciences where she has responsibility for oversight of clinical analytical testing of products in clinical trials and commercial Quality Control.

Heather has previously served as a member of the Younger Chemists Committee and councilor for American Chemical Society. In addition, Heather served as a board member of her neighborhood association.

Heather lives in Oakland, California with her husband, Rodney Prell, also an Oregon State alumnus, and their two adorable rescue dogs—Lexi and Houdini. In her free time Heather enjoys volunteering at the local animal shelter, hiking, knitting, scuba diving and traveling the world.

Ron Schoenheit sitting in office chair

Ronald Schoenheit (’65)

President, Cascade Coil Drapery

Ron Schoenheit holds a bachelor’s degree in math from Oregon State University and an MBA degree from Marylhurst University. In 1987, he founded Cascade Coil Drapery where he currently serves as President.

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The successful wire weaving firm is based in Tualatin, Oregon, and specializes in woven wire products for architectural and industrial applications. With more than 55 years of experience in the wire weaving industry, Ron has served as Vice President of Pacific Fence & Wire Co., a major Pacific Northwest chain link fence manufacturer, and cofounder and President of Pacific Fireplace Furnishings, Inc. He has also held facilities engineering positions with FMC (Gunderson) in Portland and with LTV in Dallas.

Ron is also the President of the Northwest Trade Adjustment Assistance Center, a federally funded organization that provides consulting and assistance to companies in the five-state Pacific Northwest region impacted by import competition.

In the mid-1980’s. Ron was a co-owner of the AAA Portland Beaver Baseball Club.

A long-time resident of Lake Oswego, Ron enjoys gardening and running. He periodically participates in marathons and has completed the Boston Marathon twice in recent years. He enjoys his three grown children, seven grandchildren and one great-grandchild.

Luisa Snyder in office space

Luisa Snyder ('09)

Dentist, Snyder Family Dentistry

Luisa Snyder was born and raised in Escuintla, Guatemala, and arrived in Oregon in 2004 after marrying her husband and fellow OSU alumnus Nathan in Antigua Guatemala. She attended Linn-Benton Community College and graduated from Oregon State University in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Biology.

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She attended Western University of Health Sciences in Pomona, California, where she earned a Doctor of Dental Medicine Degree in 2013. She then completed a general dentistry residency at the Los Angeles V.A. Hospital in conjunction with UCLA School of Dentistry. Drs. Nathan and Luisa Snyder own two successful dental practices in Salem, Oregon: Snyder Family Dentistry and Fairmount Dental Center. They enjoy taking care of their patients and serving their community.

Luisa loves spending time with her family, especially her two children, Patrick Antonio and Isabel Rosalina. She enjoys watching basketball, reading, spending time with family and learning about new cultures. The Snyders are happy to be back in Oregon and are enjoying what the beautiful Pacific Northwest has to offer.

Michael Waterman standing in office space

Michael Waterman ('64, '66)

Emeritus University Professor at the University of Southern California and Distinguished Research Professor to the University of Virginia

Michael Waterman received a bachelors and masters in Mathematics at Oregon State University ('64 and '66) and a PhD in Statistics and Probability from Michigan State University.

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A founder of the field of computational biology and bioinformatics, he has received international recognition for work that advanced the Human Genome Project. He is Emeritus University Professor at the University of Southern California and Distinguished Research Professor to the University of Virginia.