Join us to learn how OSU connects knowledge to action across Oregon and beyond.
Through candid conversations and case-based presentations, the series provides a platform for OSU colleagues to share what engagement looks like in practice — whether in classrooms, laboratories, neighborhoods or across industries. The webinars explore topics such as:
- Community-engaged teaching
- Place-based research
- Co-created partnerships
- Engagement for social and environmental impact.
This webinar series showcases the diverse and impactful ways Oregon State University employees and partners are advancing community and public engagement. Each session highlights innovative projects, pedagogical practices, research collaborations and engagement initiatives.
Open to all, these sessions aim to foster learning, dialogue and a university-wide culture of collaborative, responsive and equity-centered engagement that reflects OSU’s land-grant mission and commitment to the public good.
Dr. MacCarty's bio
Dr. Nordica MacCarty is Associate Professor of Mechanical Engineering and the Richard and Gretchen Evans Professor of Humanitarian Engineering at Oregon State University. She also serves as Executive Director of Aprovecho Research Center. Dr. MacCarty's research focuses on developing technologies and metrics to assess the environmental and social impacts of household energy systems, particularly for cooking and heating, in both global and local contexts. She has published over 40 peer-reviewed articles and received OSU’s 2020 International Service Award. Her work is supported by the U.S. Department of Energy, EPA, and NSF. Dr. MacCarty also directs OSU’s Humanitarian Engineering program, co-advises Engineers Without Borders at OSU, and is Associate Editor of Energy for Sustainable Development.
Speakers' bios
Stephanie Ramos is Associate Director of Undergraduate Research at Oregon State University. A first-generation college graduate from Texas, she holds a BS in Chemistry from Texas Tech and an MS in Inorganic Chemistry from OSU. Stephanie previously coordinated OSU’s STEM Leaders Program and served as Academic Coordinator at UC Santa Barbara’s ONDAS Student Center. Now pursuing a Ph.D. in Science Education at OSU, her research focuses on institutional support for community college students in undergraduate research. She is active in organizations such as SACNAS and the American Chemical Society’s Younger Chemists Committee.
Dr. Rachel Jones is the Student Engagement Coordinator for OSU’s College of Agricultural Sciences. She manages undergraduate research programs, advises student leadership, and co-leads a service-learning trip to Puerto Rico. Her current focus is on expanding access to experiential learning for Ecampus students using inclusive, equity-driven approaches. Rachel is dedicated to fostering student success and belonging across diverse learning environments.
Dr. Holmes' bio
Dr. Ashley J. Holmes is Associate Vice Provost for Teaching and Learning at Oregon State University, where she leads the Center for Teaching and Learning. Formerly a Professor of English at Georgia State University, her scholarship focuses on writing studies, research methodologies, and place-based learning. She is the author of Learning on Location(2023) and co-editor of Learning from the Mess (2024), with work published in numerous rhetoric and writing journals.
Victor Villegas' bio
Victor Villegas is the Technology and Media Support Coordinator for Oregon State University Extension and a leader in digital inclusion efforts across the state. He plays a key role in the Oregon Broadband Equity Coalition, fostering strategic partnerships to address digital access and equity for underserved populations. Known for his work connecting technology, education, and community engagement, Victor brings deep experience in collaborative, equity-driven initiatives that promote broader impacts in both urban and rural communities.