In October, the Statistics Department hosted its first Research Collaboration Mixer, creating a vibrant space for interdisciplinary connection and idea-sharing across campus. Organized by Statistics professor Tate Jacobson, the event brought together approximately 40 faculty and researchers from a wide range of departments, including Biochemistry and Biophysics, Biological and Ecological Engineering, Botany and Plant Pathology, Chemistry, Mathematics, Public Policy, Economics, CEOAS, Microbiology, Kinesiology, Integrative Biology, Environmental and Molecular Toxicology, Crop Science, EECS, and Sociology. The mixer featured 15 lightning talks, each just two minutes long, allowing participants to quickly introduce their research interests, highlight ongoing projects, and identify opportunities for collaboration.

The event has already sparked new partnerships, with several Statistics faculty scheduling follow-up meetings to pursue joint projects with colleagues they met during the mixer, exactly the outcome the organizers hoped to achieve. Building on this momentum, the Statistics Department is eager to host additional mixers with other OSU units as well as industry and community partners. Faculty or partners interested in participating in future events are encouraged to reach out to Tate Jacobson (tate.jacobson@oregonstate.edu) or Lan Xue (lan.xue@oregonstate.edu.