CAS CONNECT 2022

CHAPMAN SHIELDS Major | Theatre Class of 2023 Bristow, Oklahoma SARAH ZIEHME Major | Psychology: Pre-med Minor | Spanish, Women’s Studies Class of 2023 Edmond, Oklahoma How did you start researching? For me, as a designer, I find it important to connect with the people, place and history of the topic the show may provide. Taking the first step is based on the idea of putting pen to paper. Don’t think because you draw something or write something that it has to be that way. Research in theatre is the exploration of ideas and the experimentation on how they should exist together. Research Impacts Research matters because it is the backbone of storytelling. To just create art that is meaningless and without context leaves you with a rather confused audience. With research, your project gains merit, value and most importantly: integrity. Recent Research Activities Recently, I had presented an entire presentation on the importance of research within a scenic designer’s process at the Oklahoma State Research Symposium. The video presentation takes the viewer through my scenic design process on the 2021 production of The Crucible by Arthur Miller. Future Plans With my degree in theatre directing and design, I hope to break the status quo of traditional American theatre and use art to create a society that is more kind, more generous as well as safer for today and future generations. How did you start researching? When I transferred to OSU my sophomore year, I wanted to get as involved as possible. My advisor mentioned the psychology department had numerous labs, and I quickly found my fit in two of those amazing labs! Research Impacts My research with Dr. Sarah Kucker examines how children learn novel words and react to unfamiliar stimuli. One medical specialty I am interested in is pediatrics, so this newfound knowledge of children’s learning and verbal pathways will help me connect with patients on higher, deeper levels. Recent Research Activities I was named a 2022-2023 Wentz Scholar for my work with Dr. Jaimie Krems; my project explores racial stereotyping and indirect aggression amongst women and the negative consequences of such behaviors. I also recently presented my independent project from Dr. Kucker’s lab at the 2022 Cognitive Development Society National Conference in Madison, Wisconsin. My project looked at how gender stereotypes and income influence young children’s toy and book preferences. Future Plans I plan to enter a M.D. or D.O. program in fall 2023. I want to specialize as either an OB-GYN or pediatrician and serve underprivileged Hispanic communities by providing excellent health care. 10 CONNECT 2022