Congratulations to the 2024 awardees of the Innovation Lab Scholarship and Internship Fund!
Paige Foust
My name is Paige Foust, I am a Senior pursuing a degree in Marine Biology with a certificate in Geographic Information Science (GIS). I transferred to Oregon State University in Spring of 2022, from a small town in Montana. I enjoy being outside, exploring what is around me, reading, and being around my family. I am looking forward to this internship and the opportunities it provides. Having a space to collaborate with experts in this field can help me grow and understand certain skill sets that I can utilize in my career. What I hope to learn from this internship is to get more hands-on experience in engineering practices, data analysis, and project development. I am also excited to learn about the different processes of learning about real work problems and developing ideas to help address environmental challenges. Ever since moving to Corvallis, my favorite escape place would be any beach I can find. I have grown up in landlocked states my whole life, so I am beyond grateful to be so close to the ocean. I love to be able to catch sunsets, relax, and experience the adventures along the coast. My favorite OSU experience so far would be the number of resources I have been provided since moving here. I have been extremely fortunate to gain experience in intertidal research and fieldwork, this internship, and research experience in ecology with my professor. OSU has an amazing community and opportunities for its students, and I am very thankful to have transferred to this school. My favorite comfort food would have to be tater tot casserole.
Sophia Stavrianeas
My name is Sophia Stavrianeas - I am a Mechanical Engineering student in my third year at Oregon State. My focus is in Manufacturing Engineering and Product Design, and I am looking forward to gaining hands-on experience in the iLab that I can apply to my future career. Born and raised in Salem, OR, I am a fan of cozy coffee shops, chocolate cake, and lazy Sundays. I hope that, through this internship, I will gain valuable experience that can help me in my future career. My primary interest is to explore ways in which research can be conducted through sustainable and accessible pathways. This includes societal engagement in projects, the development of affordable research that others may be able to reproduce, and engagement with members of underserved groups. My favorite “escape place” is downtown Newport. Growing up, my grandparents had a beach house in the area, so I have many memories of enjoying the bay and spending time along the boardwalk. Spending a weekend at the beach was always a peaceful way to escape, listen to the sea lions yelling, and soak in Newport’s charm. One of my favorite experiences at OSU so far has been meeting two of my closest friends. They are funny, kind, and honest. I am grateful every day to have had their friendship during my time at OSU. My favorite comfort food is a good burger, hands down. Bonus points if it’s served with avocado on top and some salty fries on the side.
Abby McCombs
My name is Abby McCombs and I am currently a junior in mechanical and manufacturing engineering at Oregon State University. Next year I will be Co-Leader of OSU’s Marine Energy Collegiate Competition team and the Marine Renewable Energy club’s Treasure. I am super passionate about the future of wave energy! My favorite cartoon character is Snoopy, I grew up on the Peanuts and he reminds me a lot of the beagle I had as a kid. My favorite “escape place” is any forest service road with a great view and my dog! I love looking for new places this way as you never know what you will find. My favorite comfort food is a bagel for Kinetic Bagels in Corvallis.