CAS CONNECT 2022

12 On the cover Team of researchers focusing on effects of radiation in the atmosphere to help with future commercial space flights (cover photo by Phil Shockley) 6 Community art project Interim theatre head works with Stillwater residents on art murals to portray their history and heritage 16 A stupendous student OSU senior is a triple major whose work ethic garnered a prestigious Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship 22 Making history Two cadets from the College of Arts and Sciences made history this spring as the first female OSU students to be selected as infantry officers 28 Hall of Fame CAS inducts two new members into its hallowed hall: Lou Watkins and Joe Carroll 54 74 Plus … 1 Dean’s Letter 4 New graduate scholarship 18 Evolutionary science 20 Studying empathy 24 Alumni awards 12 6 16 CONNECT is a publication of the Oklahoma State University College of Arts and Sciences and is designed to provide information on college activities and accomplishments while fostering communication among the CAS family and friends. WWW.CAS.OKSTATE.EDU The office of publication for CONNECT is 307 Whitehurst, Stillwater, OK 74078-1024. © 2022, CONNECT. All rights reserved. Oklahoma State University, in compliance with Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Executive Order 11246 as amended, and Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 (Higher Education Act), the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and other federal and state laws and regulations, does not discrimi-nate on the basis of race, color, national origin, genetic information, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, or status as a veteran, in any of its policies, practices or procedures. This provision includes, but is not limited to admissions, employment, financial aid, and educational services. The Director of Equal Opportunity, 408 Whitehurst, OSU, Stillwater, OK 74078-1035; Phone 405-744-5371; email: eeo@okstate.edu has been designated to handle inquiries regarding non-discrimination poli- cies. Any person (student, faculty, or staff) who believes that discriminatory practices have been engaged in based on gender may discuss his or her concerns and file informal or formal complaints of possible violations of Title IX with OSU’s Title IX Coordinator 405-744-9154. This publication, issued by Oklahoma State University as authorized by the College of Arts and Sciences, was printed by Modern Litho, at a cost of $5,440/5M/August 2022/#9396. College of Arts and Sciences cas.okstate.edu EDITOR Jordan Bishop ’16 ART DIRECTOR Dave Malec LEAD DESIGN Valerie Kisling CONTRIBUTING DESIGN Paul V. Fleming ’90, ’00 PHOTOGRAPHERS Gary Lawson ’83, Phil Shockley, Jason Wallace ’03 WRITERS Jordan Bishop, Rachael Eaton, Harrison Hill, Kim Howerton, Ellie Melero ’21, ’22, Allie Putman, Grant Ramirez ’21, Kalynn Schwandt COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES INTERIM DEAN Keith Garbutt ASSOCIATE DEAN /OUTREACH Bobbi Kay Lewis ’93, ’03 SENIOR DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Laura Ketchum YEARS INDICATE OSU CAS GRADUATES CONNECT