Local College Scientists Funded by Achievement Rewards for College Scientists

Portland, November 2nd, 2015. The 62 scholars of the ARCS Foundation Portland Chapter shared the spotlight at the “Recognizing Genius” Scholar Awards Luncheon held at the Portland Art Museum. The 465 attendees were impressed by the PhD scholars, and hopeful research for a possible HIV vaccine. Katja Kasimatis, First Year ARCS Scholar; Leslie Workman, ARCS Member; and Brendan Reilly, Third Year ARCS Scholar at OSU College of Earth, Ocean, and Atmospheric Sciences presented his research at the ARCS Scholar Award Luncheon. (photo credit, Andie Petkus)  

ARCS President Joan Foley told the audience about the wide range of science topics being researched by the PhD scholars at Oregon Health & Science University, Oregon State University and the University of Oregon. A dozen scholars presented their research at a Poster Session prior to the luncheon. Guests included business and community leaders, university faculty, members, scholars and donors.

Keynote speaker Dr. Louis Picker explained how his team at OHSU has successfully created a vaccine to eradicate Simian Immunodeficiency Virus (SIV), the primate equivalent of HIV in humans.  Scholar alum David Mildrexler explained his research identifying forest vulnerabilities to drought and high temperatures in the Pacific Northwest. 

The ARCS Foundation Portland Chapter’s mission is to investment in and support America’s future scientists as they study with Oregon’s premier doctoral programs at Oregon Health and Science University, Oregon State University, and University of Oregon in the fields of science, medicine and engineering. Through the support of our members and donors we help build a vital pipeline of intellectual capital for both the state of Oregon and the United States. With awards of $18,000 over three years, the Portland ARCS chapter has awarded over $2.8 million to 175 scholars since its inception in 2004. Please visit the website at www.arcsfoundation.org/portland/ to learn more about ARCS and its impact.