When Tatiana Ostrik left her hometown of Eugene to study engineering at Oregon State University, she wasn’t entirely sure which path she’d take. She just knew she wanted to build something meaningful — and Oregon State offered the perfect launchpad.
“I wanted to get away from home and study engineering,” Ostrik said. “Oregon State was the best option financially, and it has a great reputation for engineering. It just made sense.”
Initially unsure which branch of engineering to pursue, Ostrik gravitated toward chemical engineering for its versatility and broad career potential. “I liked chemistry and saw that chemical engineering could open a lot of doors,” she said. “Plus, I noticed a lot of women in the major, which was really encouraging.”
From lab work to leadership
Now entering her third year, Ostrik has already made a mark — not just in the classroom, but in the lab, at conferences, and in leadership roles. Her research journey began with a nudge from a friend and a conversation with an academic advisor, who encouraged her to apply for the URSA Engage program. That led her to the lab of Skip Rochefort, associate professor of chemical engineering, and the plastics-to-fuel project, where she’s now a regular contributor.
“I didn’t have a big plan to do research at first,” Ostrik said. “But I’m so glad I did. It’s given me amazing opportunities — presenting research, doing outreach, and even helping implement one of our reactors in Malheur, Oregon.”
The project focuses on converting waste plastics into usable fuel, a hands-on application of chemical engineering principles with real-world impact. Ostrik’s role in the lab has grown from URSA Engage participant to a full team member.
“I love being able to apply what I learn in class,” she said. “It’s so much more interesting when you get to see the results and make a difference.”
Ostrik’s research experience also took her to the 2025 AIChE Pacific Northwest Regional Conference at the University of Calgary, where she presented a poster and competed in ChemE Jeopardy — earning third place with her team. She credits Rochefort and project lead Abigail Marshall for encouraging her to take the leap.
“I only had about three months of lab experience, so I was hesitant to present,” Ostrik said. “But they convinced me to go for it. I learned so much — not just about the science, but about communicating research and understanding my own knowledge gaps.”
She also attended the national AIChE Student Conference in San Diego in 2024, gaining exposure to the broader chemical engineering community and sparking ideas for her future research and career endeavors.
At Oregon State, Ostrik is active in the CBEE Club, which has helped her discover research and conference opportunities. She’s now the club’s president-elect representing chemical engineering, ready to help guide and inspire other students.
“I’m excited to take on a leadership role,” she said. “The club has been such a great resource for me, and I want to help others find their path too.”
Studying abroad and looking ahead
Ostrik’s academic journey has been complemented by a Spanish minor and a six-week study abroad program in Querétaro, Mexico — a reflection of her curiosity and commitment to expanding her horizons.
“I’m interested in everything,” she said with a laugh. “Renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, accessible design — there’s so much out there. I’m still figuring out what I want to do after graduation, whether it’s grad school or going straight into industry.”
What’s clear is that Ostrik thrives on practical problem-solving, making connections, and seizing on new opportunities.
“Oregon State has given me so many chances to grow,” she said. “I didn’t know exactly what I wanted when I got here, but I’ve found a community, a purpose, and a lot of exciting possibilities.”
