Explore and More

Precollege Programs

Explore and More

About Us

Explore & More is a 3-part framework for problem-based learning that weaves STEM with arts & Indigenous culture. 

  • Students first EXPLORE community issues through field trips, hands-on experiences, and conversations with community experts to learn about local priorities and the work being done to address them.
  • Next, students CREATE a unique product that addresses these gaps through research, invention, art, or an interdisciplinary combination of methods. Small groups work closely with OSU mentors to take their ideas to the next level.
  • Finally, students SHOWCASE their work in a public forum, which could include a symposium, competition, or art installation. This celebration should raise awareness about the issues students address and is a form of sharing and giving back to the community in the spirit of reciprocity.

 

Check out our origin story: Explore and More (2024-2025), H2O Research (2023-2024)

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Three individuals holding books titled "Indigenous Foods That Bring Us Back," standing indoors on a wooden floor.
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Explore and more team with smiling faces standing on building steps
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Explore and more team with silly faces standing on building steps

Relationships are at the heart of this program

Explore and More is a partnership between Oregon State University Precollege Programs, Siletz Valley School District, and Chemawa Indian School. 

Our program focuses on the mentorship between OSU college students (mentors) and high school students from Indigenous communities (mentees) to design and implement creative research projects addressing community needs.

This work wouldn’t be possible without the support of MANY other partners and community members, near and far.

Will Be Accepting Mentor Applications January 2025

Applications for the spring Chemawa cohort will open in January 2025. For questions, contact Asia at [email protected].

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two individuals sitting at a table talking together
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coffee shop with people gathering and buffalo head on the wall

Connect with Us

We’re always planning a new adventure, and we’d love to connect.

If you’re interested in becoming a partner, or have any questions about the program, please reach out to coordinator AJ Mallozzi at [email protected].

Follow us for photos and updates! @osupcpexploreandmore

Meet the Team

We’re educators, scientists, advocates, students, animal-lovers, artists, and more.

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AJ

AJ Mallozzi (she/they)

Role: Program Coordinator

I know a lot about cephalopods, plankton, and helping students turn crazy ideas into research projects. I'd like to learn how to surf!

Outside of work, you'll find me hunting for nudibranchs in tidepools, reading a fantasy book, or walking my badly behaved dogs.

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Renee

Renee O'Neill (she/her)

Role: Curriculum Development

I know a little about a lot of things including baking and cake decorating, living in cold places, currating a stuffed animal zoo, and dancing. I would love to learn more about everything, particularly painting, design, and dog training. Outside of work you can find me enjoying time with my family and dogs.

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Hunter

Hunter or Akúnvaan Grove (she/ they), Karuk Tribe.

Role: Lead Mentor & OSU Undergraduate Student Advisor

I know a lot about American badgers in Oregon and I would like to learn more about different sub species of badgers. Outside of school I enjoy outdoor activities, DIY projects, and animal/ plant care!

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Asia

Asia Brown (she/her), Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma

Role: Graduate Research Assistant

I am well versed in tribal public health and social justice. I would love to know more about traditional knowledge within these scopes! Outside of school, you can find me with my animals, working out, and eating KBBQ.

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Samantha

Samantha Chisholm Hatfield, enrolled Siletz (tr’aa~-xe/she/her)

Role: Advisor, TEK and cultural specialist

I know a lot about... Traditional Ecological Knowledge and doing research with Indigenous Science. I'd like to learn more about... physics, raptors, and other Indigenous cultures' TEK. Outside of (school/work), you can find me... outside! I love photography, kayaking, and exploring!

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Yasmeen

Yasmeen Hossain (she/her)

Role: trauma -informed specialist and training support

I know a lot about cats, trauma-informed practice, and living in Switzerland. I'd like to learn more about Redwoods and Giant Sequoias. Outside of work, you can find me supporting refugees in our community, hiking, and hugging trees.

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Susan

Susan Rowe (she/her)

Role: Precollege Programs Director

I know a lot about connecting the dots to make a bigger picture. I want to learn Spanish. Outside of work, you can find me painting, scuba diving, and being a sous chef.

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Erin

Erin Christensen (she, her, hers)

Role: Behind-the-scenes grants specialist

I know a lot about cello, paleontology, literary translation, higher education, and grant management. I'd like to learn about acting, karate, drawing, and how to make the best mac and cheese. Outside of work, you'll find me in a rehearsal or off on an adventure!

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Korey

Korey Cimock (she/her)

Role: High School Science Teacher in Siletz

I know a lot about fly fishing and forensic science. I’d like to learn more about youth psychology. Outside of work you can find me on a run or on sunny days enjoying a book outdoors.

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Theresa

Theresa Smith M, Siletz (she/her)

Role: Tribal Language and Cultural Arts instructor at Siletz Valley School

I had the opportunity of supporting our students in this program which had a lot of cultural connections. I know a lot about beadwork and traditional arts. I'd like to learn more about traditional ecological knowledge.

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Adrianne

Adrianne Shabi (she/her) and my tribal affiliation is Navajo

Role: Education Tech at Chemawa Indian School

I know a lot about math/ Indigenous history. I would like to learn more about gardening, you can find me at work, at art shows , or at home.

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Ellen

Ellen Pennell (she/her) and I am of Ukrainian and German descent

Role: Science teacher at Chemawa Indian School

I know a lot about biology and building things. I would like to learn more about Indigenous ceremonies and welding. Outside of school you can find me outside on a bike or a trail or being active with my daughter.