Dr. Erin Peterson Internship Award in Fisheries, Wildlife, & Conservation Sciences
Erin Peterson graduated from our program with a BS in Fisheries and Wildlife in 2014. She went on to earn M.S. and Ph.D. degrees before becoming a fisheries biologist in the State of Washington. Erin lost her life in the line of duty in 2023 doing what she loved. She is remembered by FWCS faculty and staff as one of the most talented, promising, and self-motivated undergraduate scholars to have called our department home. Though she excelled in the classroom, she shone most brightly when actively pursuing research. Her name greatly honors this new endowment, which will provide new generations of scholars the opportunity to experience active research through internship opportunities and chart their own courses, much as Erin did before them.
Undergraduate Programs
Our undergraduates are making a difference by learning about and putting into practice the conservation of biodiversity, management of fish and wildlife, and protection of terrestrial, aquatic, and marine habitats through a degree in Fisheries, Wildlife, and Conservation Sciences.
Graduate Programs
We educate our students to think critically and evaluate problems from a strong background in basic and applied science, fundamental ecological principles, and consideration of social influences on conservation. We strive to help our students succeed through a rich program of field and laboratory coursework and personal advising.
Help with Wildlife, Fish, and Fisheries
Living in Oregon means sometimes interacting with the state's abundant wildlife. OSU Extension - Department of Fisheries and Wildlife provides education programs, products, and knowledge related to conservation and management of Oregon’s fisheries and wildlife species and their habitats. Wildlife Extension provides information via presentations within programs such as Master Gardener training, via published products, and other programming. Fisheries Extension provides the public with information on fish, fisheries, aquatic habitat and watershed related issues in the State of Oregon and the Pacific Northwest.
What should you do if you see a sick or injured animal? Call Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife (1-800-720-ODFW), Oregon State Police or a licensed wildlife rehabilitator before picking up or moving any wildlife.
More information and help can be found through the following resources:
Faculty in the Department of Fisheries and Wildlife are currently conducting research on a diverse array of topics in North America, as well as internationally. Want to see where?
Our Students
Fang-Yu (Betty) Shen | Class of 2026 | Ph.D. Wildlife Science
1st Generation College Student | Taichung City, Taiwan
The Hatchery blog | Art-Sci fellowship | Shutterstock Artist
Maizy Kesterson | Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences | Medford, OR | Junior
College of Agriculture Sciences Ambassador
I am the first person in my family to attend a large university and pursue a bachelors degree. My mom previously received her associates degree from community college in order to work as a medical assistant in a pediatric clinic.
Events
In the News
Study shows short pesticide exposure harms fish
Although pesticides can rid your home of cockroaches or farm fields of unwanted insects, they also can harm fish and potentially even people,...
Sen. Padilla Leads Joint Hearing on Microplastics and Its Impact on Our Health
Susanne M. Brander stated during her testimony that in addition to plastic pollution, synthetic microfibers from synthetic, nylon and polyester...
Experts urge federal action to keep microplastics out of drinking water
American drinking water has some of the highest concentrations of microscopic plastic waste of anywhere in the world, a group of...
Oregon State University study shows health impacts from brief pesticide exposure on fish and their offspring
A new study by researchers at Oregon State University found that fish embryos exposed to tiny amounts of pesticides for four days experienced...
Even very low levels of pesticide exposure can affect fish for generations, study finds
The findings raise concerns not just for fish, but for all vertebrates that are exposed to commonly used pesticides — including humans, said...