CONNECT BIOLOGICAL SYNERGY TRANSDISCIPLINARY RESEARCH, DEPARTMENTS’ MERGER BRING NEW GROWTH TO CAS LIFE SCIENCES 2025 The official magazine of the College of Arts and Sciences
Dear Cowboy family, I can hardly believe my first year as dean of the College of Arts and Sciences is already over. What an incredible journey it has been getting to know Stillwater, OSU and Oklahoma. From day one, I’ve been struck by the warmth and genuine spirit of our community — there’s something truly special about being part of the Cowboy family. Working alongside OSU President Jim Hess has been inspiring. His leadership and vision for OSU’s future align perfectly with our college’s mission to support student success through educational excellence and outstanding research opportunities. Together, we’re embracing innovation while building on OSU’s 150-year legacy. Our college’s achievements continue to impress. Some standout examples from the past 12 months include: Being home to 14 Wentz Scholars, 11 of 25 Outstanding Seniors, and OSU’s one Marshall Scholar finalist. Hosting the International Physicists’ Tournament’s U.S. finals. Helping relaunch OSU Arts Week after a 45-year break. Having Dr. Hess at the President’s Masterworks Performance for his first official event as president. Celebrating the countless honors and millions of dollars in research funding awarded to our faculty and students. Enhancing our academic structure, research capabilities and collaboration opportunities by merging the integrative biology and plant biology departments into the Department of Biology. The list goes on, but you can see how much we have to be proud of in CAS. The achievements of our students, faculty and staff are a continual testament to the excellence that defines our community. It has been one of my greatest joys to work with CAS faculty and staff this year. Their dedication to teaching, research and service continues to amaze me. Through our CAS Faculty Council, we’ve established working groups to review strategic priorities and position ourselves for continued growth. I’ve also enjoyed collaborating with our CAS Student Council, particularly during OSU Homecoming. These partnerships have sparked important conversations about enhancing their voice in college governance to create a more inclusive, student-centered environment. With CAS alumni scattered around the world, it’s been fantastic to meet so many through events ranging from CAS Hall of Fame to our annual Homecoming Reunion to Dean’s Circle gatherings. I am so thankful for the engagement of our alumni base. Looking ahead, I’m thrilled about the plans for a new facility that will support our tremendous growth in biological sciences and psychology. This state-of-theart building will be a game-changer for student success, providing modern laboratories and interdisciplinary research spaces for critical life sciences fields. As the college celebrates another successful year, I’m filled with gratitude for our CAS family. The unwavering support of each individual creates an environment where excellence flourishes. Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Go Pokes! Dr. Melinda A. Cro Dean, College of Arts and Sciences FROM THE DEAN’S OFFICE PHOTO JASON WALLACE
2 Culture of creativity With the help of CAS departments, OSU Arts Week has returned for the first time since Carter was president. 10 Bio in bloom CAS renews its commitment to life sciences research and instruction with department merger and new facility plans. 23 Acting out OSU Theatre’s costume lab is a utopia for student experimentation and hands-on learning that carries into careers. 30 Super collaborators OSU students and faculty from a myriad of disciplines are working together on elements for the European Organization for Nuclear Research. 34 Fostering greatness From academic advising to research to career readiness, CAS provides unparalleled student resources. 74 Plus … 9 High School Math Day 16 Student researchers 20 SMSC receives historic gift 26 CAS teaching excellence 28 Alumni honors 10 524 30 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. © 2025, CONNECT. All rights reserved. Oklahoma State University, as an equal opportunity employer, complies with all applicable federal and state laws regarding non-discrimination. Oklahoma State University is committed to a policy of equal opportunity for all individuals and does not discriminate based on race, religion, age, sex, color, national origin, marital status, disability, or veteran status with regard to employment, educational programs and activities, and/or admissions. For more information, the director of equal opportunity/Title IX coordinator is located at 201 General Academic Building and can be reached at 405-744-1156 or by visiting EEO.OKSTATE.EDU. This publication, issued by Oklahoma State University as authorized by the College of Arts and Sciences, was printed by Slate Group, at a cost of $4,344/3,500/Aug. 2025/#Connect2025. College of Arts and Sciences cas.okstate.edu COMMUNICATIONS AND MARKETING MANAGER Elizabeth Gosney ’21 EDITOR Jordan Bishop ’16 ART DIRECTOR Dave Malec DESIGNER Alyssa Scattergood-White PHOTOGRAPHER Jason Wallace ’03 MULTIMEDIA PRODUCER Keith Mattix ’22 WRITERS Olivia Blackford ’22 Dr. Rachael Eaton Adeola Favour ’25 Matthew Hunter ’25 Kierstin Pigg ’24 Grant Ramirez ’21 Sydney Trainor Mak Vanduff ’25 COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES DEAN Dr. Melinda Cro DIRECTOR OF OUTREACH Dr. Caitlin Barnes OSU FOUNDATION SENIOR DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT Taylor Buxbaum ’14 CONSTITUENT RELATIONS Autumn Colley YEARS INDICATE OSU CAS GRADUATES CONNECT On the cover: Photo illustration by Jason Wallace using generative AI. OSU COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES 1
RENAISSANCE ready OSU ARTS WEEK RETURNS AFTER 45-YEAR HIATUS For the first time since the 1970s, Stillwater saw the return of OSU Arts Week — a celebration of the visual, performing and applied arts at Oklahoma State University. The OSU Arts Committee led the initiative, with key support from the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Theatre, Greenwood School of Music, and Department of Art, Graphic Design and Art History. “Our primary goal was to showcase the breadth and depth of the arts at OSU and raise awareness of our art programs,” said Chris Ensor, associate director for OSU System Marketing. “The talent level across our campus — from faculty to students — is worldclass. We wanted to make the arts more personal and accessible to the campus and Stillwater community by inviting students, faculty and staff to engage in unique, hands-on experiences.” OSU Arts Week kicked off on April 18 with the Stillwater Arts Festival, hosted by the Prairie Arts Center. Over the following days, the campus enjoyed student performances, attended guest lectures and participated in interactive activities all aimed at elevating the visibility of the arts. “It was nice to see so many fellow students asking about the arts and showing genuine interest,” said Garett Lacy, a theatre student who demonstrated stage combat for onlookers outside the Student Union. “For our display specifically, we were sword fighting — what a spectacle, right? We had many students who were stoked to watch and take pictures. STORY KIERSTIN PIGG | PHOTOS GARY LAWSON, ELLIE PIPER AND JASON WALLACE Faculty member Matthew Smith performs with student Garett Lacy during OSU Arts Week. 2 CONNECT 2025
“IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAKE SURE STUDENTS GET THE OPPORTUNITY TO EXPLORE THE ARTS — AFTER ALL, COLLEGE IS ABOUT FINDING YOURSELF AND YOUR PASSIONS, AND THAT TAKES EXPLORATION.” — Garett Lacy, theatre student OSU COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES 3
Scan to watch exclusive content about OSU Arts Week. These units were key to the revival of OSU Arts Week: XOSU ARTS COMMITTEE XCOLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES XDEPARTMENT OF ART, GRAPHIC DESIGN AND ART HISTORY XDEPARTMENT OF THEATRE XGREENWOOD SCHOOL OF MUSIC XDOEL REED CENTER AT TAOS XGARDINER GALLERY OF ART XOSU CENTER FOR POETS AND WRITERS XOSU MUSEUM OF ART XTHE MCKNIGHT CENTER FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS XPRAIRIE ARTS CENTER BRINGING it back “The arts at OSU help us realize what it means to be human. They help us develop empathy. They are excellent at developing our problem-solving skills. They are good at allowing us to be resilient and respond to moments of failure. All of these things are so important in today’s society.” To keep up with all things OSU Arts and Culture, visit okla.st/osu-arts. OSU and Stillwater community members enjoyed musical performances, art exhibitions, the unveiling of a new mural and many other activities during OSU Arts Week 2025. “Most students are not even aware of all the artistic opportunities that our university offers. It is important to make sure students get the opportunity to explore the arts — after all, college is about finding yourself and your passions, and that takes exploration.” More than 10 departments and campus partners contributed to OSU Arts Week. Activities included free choral and musical performances, linocut printing, screen-printed temporary tattoos, musical theatre, a movie night, artist talks, museum exhibitions and gallery shows. “Events like this are important for students of all majors. It may not always be obvious, but the arts are tied into almost everything we do,” said Ashton Miller, an OSU Museum of Art intern who gave out dozens of art kits during the week. “This exposure to different thought processes and experiences helps students become more wellrounded and empathetic individuals. “OSU Arts Week and events like it give students the opportunity to learn about and engage with the various arts departments in ways they may not otherwise be able to.” As OSU Arts Week 2025 concluded, it left a lasting impression on many who participated and attended. The initiative successfully opened conversations about the role of the arts at OSU and created space for students to engage in creative opportunities. “The arts are integral to OSU’s land-grant mission,” said Dr. Kirsten Olds, associate provost for the arts. 4 CONNECT 2025
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Elevating and Expanding Expertise CAS faculty advance knowledge across continents and cultures STORY SYDNEY TRAINOR | PHOTOS JASON WALLACE AND PROVIDED From the soil of Oklahoma’s prairie to the Arctic ice caps of the North Pole, Oklahoma State University researchers in the College of Arts and Sciences conduct transdisciplinary research covering everything from how people interact with each other to data collected from satellite imagery. PATTERNS IN THE PRAIRIE Dr. Hamed Gholizadeh, associate professor in the Department of Geography, received a three-year $731,344 NASA grant for his project, “HI-GRASS - Holistic Investigation of Grassland Systems Across Scales.” This project uses remote sensing technology— collecting imagery from satellites, airplanes and drones — along with movement ecology, landscape ecology, metagenomics and microbial ecology, to understand how and why aboveground and belowground biodiversity in grasslands is changing. Gholizadeh is the principal investigator on this project, joined by co-PIs Drs. Benedicte Bachelot, OSU assistant professor of biology; Nicholas McMillan, assistant professor of agronomy and horticulture at the University of Nebraska– Lincoln; Ran Wang, UNL assistant professor and environmental spatial scientist; and John Gamon, UNL professor and quantitative remote sensing scientist. “The unique aspect of this project is its transdisciplinary nature,” Gholizadeh said. “A significant outcome of this work is the novel integration of expertise in remote sensing, plant– soil interactions and herbivore–landscape interactions to develop a biodiversity monitoring system for grasslands. This project will serve as a showcase of how large-scale integration of expertise can help assess grassland health and inform better conservation strategies.” As part of the HI-GRASS project, Gholizadeh and the team conduct large-scale field campaigns at two research sites — Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in Oklahoma and the Barta Brothers Ranch in Nebraska — to document the variety of grassland plant species and validate remote sensing models. But that’s just one component. Bachelot collects soil samples to assess fungal and bacterial communities in the soil, while the team from Nebraska deploys GPS trackers on cattle to monitor their movements to understand their impact on grassland aboveground and belowground biodiversity. All these insights will eventually be scaled up to the entire landscape using remote sensing. Many grasslands in this part of the world are managed by prescribed fire and grazing. This project helps reveal how these management practices affect grassland biodiversity. Dr. Hamed Gholizadeh adjusts part of the drone his team uses to conduct grassland research. 6 CONNECT 2025
TURNING NUMBERS INTO ART At 79 degrees north sits the world’s northernmost post office on Norway’s island of Spitsbergen. In this remote corner of the Svalbard archipelago, 30 people — a diverse, handpicked group of artists, scientists, sociologists and global professionals — set sail on a two-week expedition in May aboard a traditionally rigged schooner vessel to advance their careers and research. Benjamin Murphy, assistant professor of studio art, was accepted to the highly competitive annual residency where he learned about research projects surrounding the Arctic, climate or social issues related to those areas. Murphy, a visual artist focused on hydrological landscapes, uses data provided by scientists — whether topographical data or satellite imagery — to create visual forms. He sees it as a way to help scientists communicate their work. “I’m looking for new ways to make the genre of landscape artworks relevant today, and to say Benjamin Murphy takes in the landscape on his Arctic expedition. “One of the most important things about research is to be out there experiencing the world firsthand, cultivating relationships and building communities around the world.” BENJAMIN MURPHY, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR OF STUDIO ART something about what’s taking place on our planet — how it’s changing — and to start thinking about how that affects the people that live on it and occupy the space,” Murphy said. Murphy’s work focuses on the Arctic ice cap. “To actually go and set foot on that, that part of the world that sort of touches all the information I’m gathering and collecting, was critical,” Murphy said. Murphy engaged with those who live and work in those remote areas to gather information he would have otherwise never accessed and connect with colleagues worldwide for future collaborations. “One of the most important things about research is to be out there experiencing the world firsthand, cultivating relationships and building communities around the world,” he said. “Those activities not only drive research, but they also create a dialogue that, I hope, can keep the world a place where we’re able to engage with each other peacefully.” OSU COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES 7
Dr. Shannon Spaulding’s primary area of research is social cognition, the capacity to understand and interact with other agents. SCIENCE OF MISUNDERSTANDING At the intersection of philosophy, psychology and neuroscience, one can find Dr. Shannon Spaulding, professor of philosophy and department head, studying social cognition. She aims to answer the basic question of “How do ordinary people understand and interact with other people?” Every day, humans interact with family, friends, acquaintances, coworkers and strangers on the internet. Research shows that in laboratory conditions, neurotypical adults are fairly good at understanding others. However, in real life, neurotypical adults regularly misinterpret others’ intentions, thoughts and emotions in social interactions. These mistakes occur both within close circles of friends and family and with outgroup members. However, these aren’t just simple, one-off performance mistakes; they reflect deeper, systematic patterns in how social cues are interpreted. “I’m really interested in the mistakes we make when trying to understand other people,” Spaulding said. “What’s actually happening when we get it wrong? I’m curious about how our personal motivations and the stereotypes we bring into a social interaction shape how we interpret it — our preconceived ideas about certain situations or people create expectations, and sometimes others meet those expectations, but sometimes they don’t.” Spaulding is leading in this area of research and was recently recognized with the prestigious Stanton Prize from the Society for Philosophy and Psychology, a preeminent organization at the intersection of those eponymous areas. The Stanton Prize is awarded to a young scholar in philosophy or psychology who has begun making significant contributions to interdisciplinary research and has been active in SPP. To Spaulding, receiving the award was especially affirming. “Research is such a delayed gratification activity — you spend years working on a project without knowing if it will go anywhere or if the idea is a dead end,” she said. “There are so many opportunities to doubt yourself. So being recognized for my years-long contributions to research means a lot. “It’s especially meaningful to win the prize while representing OSU. Most recipients are from the Ivy League or prestigious private institutions and have networks of faculty and graduate students working in their areas of research at their institution. Thanks to the generous support of the philosophy department, I’ve been able to travel and deliberately build a research network extending across the U.S. and Europe. This support has allowed me to have a thriving research career. I am so grateful to be seen and supported by my peers in philosophy and psychology in this way.” 8 CONNECT 2025
Sum-thing Special OSU High School Math Day fosters community of learning STORY ADEOLA FAVOUR | PHOTO JASON WALLACE Scan the code to learn more about OSU’s Department of Mathematics. For over 10 years, Oklahoma State University’s Department of Mathematics has hosted High School Math Day, welcoming nearly 200 students annually from schools across the region to Stillwater’s campus. “Math is an incredibly useful and exciting way to understand the world,” said Dr. Jeff Mermin, associate professor of mathematics and High School Math Day coordinator. “Too often, classroom math feels like memorizing formulas, but step outside that standard curriculum and there’s so much to discover.” OSU’s Math Day has evolved over the years — from identifying the besttrained mathematician among area high schools to recognizing a broader group of talented math students and showcasing the beauty of engaging with mathematics. “Even beyond the inherent beauty of geometry, combinatorics and number theory, math offers fresh ways to appreciate sports and the arts, tools for designing systems and objects, and insight into everyday decision making,” Mermin said. “I hope students leave thinking, ‘Math is more interesting than I realized. There’s math in places I didn’t expect. There are a lot of other students around Oklahoma who are interested in math. I’d like to learn more about math when I go to college. I’d like to come back to OSU for college.’” In addition to competing in a 25-question individual contest, Math Day attendees can participate in a lowintensity team round, interact with other talented peers, meet OSU Math Club students and hear from OSU faculty during public talks. “I think there’s a misconception that mathematics is typically done in isolation, when really math has the possibility to be a very social activity,” said Dr. Jay Schweig, OSU Department of Mathematics head. “Mathematicians and math students give each other ideas and feedback, discuss interesting results and problems and support each other. In general, there’s a real sense of community within the subject at all OSU welcomes teens to campus for the annual High School Math Day in 2024. levels, and this event demonstrates that well.” OSU students provide hospitality and support throughout the day, while Department of Mathematics faculty provide competition problems and create presentations that foster continued interest in math well beyond High School Math Day. “The field of mathematics has such incredible breadth — the math one sees in high school is just a tiny fraction of all the amazing stuff that’s out there,” Schweig said. “High School Math Day is a wonderful opportunity for students to engage with new mathematical material, seeing things they wouldn’t normally encounter in their high school curricula.” OSU COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES 9
Two CAS units merge to create Department of Biology STORY ELIZABETH GOSNEY | PHOTOS JASON WALLACE Scan to hear more about the new biology department. 10 CONNECT 2025
Oklahoma State University is advancing education and research in biological sciences with the merger of the Department of Integrative Biology and the Department of Plant Biology, Ecology and Evolution. On July 1, the two units officially became a single entity: the OSU Department of Biology. “This merger reflects our dedication to evolving with the needs of our students and the scientific community,” said Dr. Melinda Cro, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “By bringing together these two strong departments, we are enhancing our ability to train future scientists and health care professionals, solve pressing biological challenges and elevate OSU’s impact in the life sciences.” The unification bolsters OSU’s commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration, providing students with a more comprehensive and streamlined academic experience. “We have always shared much of our curriculum, and this opportunity further allows our faculty to work closely together to improve course sequencing and content to prepare our students for their future careers,” said Dr. Jason Belden, former Department of Integrative Biology head. “Our merged department will help foster continued research collaboration, especially in areas of joint interest like environmental protection, genetics and evolution.” While the department’s name has changed, the existing major options are staying the same. These include bachelor’s degrees in biology, physiology, plant biology and zoology, and graduate degrees in integrative biology and plant biology. “We are maintaining the unique training and opportunities of each of those degrees,” Belden said, who is now the interim head of the new Department of Biology. Dr. Mark Fishbein, Regents Professor and former Department of Plant Biology, Ecology, and Evolution head, added that the excellence of both departments will be further enhanced by combining resources and expertise. “We’re looking forward to better coordination of shared responsibilities for courses in our undergraduate programs, including more regular offerings of specialized courses,” Fishbein said. “I’m personally looking forward to bringing plant biology and research involving plants further to the forefront across the life sciences.” With the Department of Biology merger having been in the works since August 2024, faculty and administrative teams used the spring and summer of 2025 to ensure a final transition in time for fall courses. “Faculty and staff are excited about coming together to tackle new challenges,” Belden said. “By further developing our undergraduate programs, we’re continuing to provide outstanding training and collaborative hands-on research opportunities for current and future OSU students.” Looking ahead, the Department of Biology will be involved with the proposed life sciences facility that received $80 million in state funding in 2024. The building — which also requires $80 million from private donations to be built — will allow the Department of Biology and the College of Arts and Sciences to further improve STEM and pre-health offerings. “We take seriously our responsibility to give students the foundations they need to become part of a strong workforce,” Cro said. “Along with our dedicated faculty and staff, the new life sciences building is critical to attracting the brightest minds to Oklahoma State and giving them the experience they need to improve their communities and solve society’s problems.” From left: Drs. Mark Fishbein and Jason Belden The newly formed Department of Biology provides expanded resources and opportunities for OSU students. OSU COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES 11
As the hub of life sciences at Oklahoma State University, the College of Arts and Sciences is committed to research that bridges disciplines and creates breakthroughs for the betterment of societies around the world. With hundreds of faculty, staff and students across the departments of biology, psychology, and microbiology and molecular genetics, there’s no easy way to fully capture the extent of transdisciplinary life science research within CAS. However, highlighted here are three of the many projects bringing distinction to the college and the university. STORY ELIZABETH GOSNEY | PHOTOS JASON WALLACE CAS leading the way in transdisciplinary life sciences research MORE THAN A GUT FEELING A recent collaboration between microbiology and molecular genetics professor Dr. Babu Fathepure and biology associate professor Dr. Liz McCullagh aims to characterize gut bacteria in Fragile X Syndrome — the most common single-gene cause of Autism Spectrum Disorder — to better understand how gut microbiome dysbiosis may be linked to changes in the brain. “Our goal is to identify specific microbial metabolites that may be indicative of, or contribute to, the underlying causes of the condition,” Fathepure said. “These findings will be further studied by understanding what specific roles the dysregulated bacteria play in gut-brain interactions, and how those changes may be related to FXS and ASD.” Fathepure and McCullagh explained that interest in the gut-brain axis — or bidirectional communication between the gastrointestinal tract and the central nervous system — has increased in recent years, particularly in relation to neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. From left: Sabiha Alam, Dr. Liz McCullagh, Dr. Babu Fathepure and Ajagbe Damilare 12 CONNECT 2025
A key component of the gutbrain axis is the community of microorganisms residing in the GI tract — known as the gut microbiome. “Although research is still emerging, studies using FXS mouse models have revealed alterations in both the abundance and composition of gut microorganisms in Fragile X Syndrome,” McCullagh said. “Understanding which bacteria may be most important in this link, and what microbial metabolites may be involved, is key to understanding the role microbes play in treating ASD.” McCullagh’s lab uses FXS mouse models, meaning that the same FXS gene that is impacted in humans has been disrupted in the mice. This allows for a more mechanistic study of the condition in a species with similar genes to humans. By integrating their respective departments’ expertise in molecular genetics, neurobiology, microbial physiology and ecology, and systems biology, Fathepure and McCullagh can better identify microbial and metabolic signatures associated with FXSrelated symptoms, which could lead to innovative, personalized treatments. Furthermore, with support from the National Institutes of Health-funded Oklahoma Center for Microbiome Research, McCullagh, Fathepure and OSU graduate student Sabiha Alam have already collected preliminary data suggesting that there are indeed differences in the gut microbial species and abundance in mice with FXS compared to animals that are unaffected, or neurotypical. “This research holds significant potential for broad societal impact, especially in advancing precision medicine for neurodevelopmental disorders,” Fathepure said. “By uncovering the role of the gut-brain axis in FXS, this work paves the way for novel, low-risk therapeutic strategies — such as probiotics, dietary interventions, or microbiomebased diagnostics — that could improve quality of life for individuals with FXS and related conditions like ASD.” For students, engaging in this interdisciplinary research offers hands-on experience at the intersection of microbiology, neuroscience and genomics, preparing them for careers in translational science and biomedical innovation. “In alignment with the land-grant mission, our research exemplifies public service by addressing real-world health challenges, promoting community wellbeing and fostering accessible, sciencedriven solutions that benefit people in Oklahoma, particularly those in underserved or rural areas,” McCullagh said. From left: Dr. Liz McCullagh and Sabiha Alam use mouse models in their lab work. OSU COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES 13
Dr. Matteo Minghetti Dr. Jorge Gonzalez Estrella UNEARTHING MICROPLASTIC MYSTERIES With 23 departments across the arts and humanities, social sciences, math and natural sciences, CAS faculty understand the value of varied perspectives and expertise. So, when biology’s Dr. Matteo Minghetti was invited to speak at a College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology lecture series by Dr. Jorge Gonzalez Estrella, he gladly accepted. The two faculty members have since joined forces to research microplastics. The result? A multidisciplinary proposal that uses quantifiable approaches and innovative tools to better understand the role of environmental weathering and gastrointestinal digestion on the bioavailability and toxicity of microplastic and cadmium mixtures. “Microplastics represent an emerging human health hazard as either a direct environmental contaminant or as a component of other mixed pollutants,” said Gonzalez Estrella, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering and PI on the project. “Once introduced into the environment, microplastics are exposed to degrading conditions, such as ultraviolet radiation, that change their chemical and morphological composition.” Microplastic UV-degradation is poorly understood in the context of environmental pollutants, Minghetti said. While they know that humans are mainly exposed to microplastics through contaminated food and water, “the fate of MPs during digestion is largely unknown.” “The key barrier to advancing our understanding of the health risk of MPs is a lack of information linking MPs’ environmental chemical transformations with bioaccumulation of MPs, and specific health impacts,” Minghetti said. “Investigating the environmental impact of microplastics is critical to elucidating their role as pervasive and persistent contaminants that disrupt ecosystem function, bioaccumulate in aquatic organisms, and pose emerging risks to environmental and human health.” As Minghetti and Gonzalez Estrella test their hypotheses, undergraduate students are actively involved in the process. In fact, students are why the project received R15 funding — or a Research Enhancement Award — from the National Institutes of Health. “This project directly supports the NIH-R15 mission by engaging undergraduate students in hands-on research, equipping them with critical skills in environmental toxicology and preparing them to become the next generation of scientists,” Minghetti said. “Through their work, students will contribute to a deeper understanding of microplastics’ environmental impact, particularly their bioavailability and physiological effects in aquatic organisms. “The societal benefit of this research lies in generating data that can inform science-based policies aimed at mitigating microplastic emissions and protecting both environmental and human health.” From left: Dr. Matteo Minghetti, Ben Upton, Grace Baldwin, Aryanna Carr and Dr. Jorge Gonzalez Estrella attend Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) Europe in Vienna in May 2025. Right: Microbiology Ph.D. student Ajagbe Damilare. 14 CONNECT 2025
Dr. Amanda Morris MEDICINE OF THE MIND On Riverside Drive in the heart of Tulsa, OSU’s Hardesty Center for Clinical Research and Neuroscience is bringing together experts in medicine and life sciences and providing them with the space and equipment to mitigate the impacts of addictive behavior disorders. One of the experts housed in Tulsa is CAS’s own Dr. Amanda Morris, a professor in the Department of Psychology, who describes the Hardesty Center as a “hidden gem for OSU.” “We have definitely delivered on the promise that the Hardesty Center would be built upon interdisciplinary approaches and collaboration,” said Morris, referencing a 2021 statement by Dr. Julie Croff, founding executive director of the National Center for Wellness and Recovery in Tulsa. NCWR, like the Hardesty Center, is part of the OSU System. “OSU Psychology has a strong presence on the OSU-Tulsa campus, with over 75 undergraduate students,” Morris said, adding that they’re able to fund numerous doctoral students from CAS as well as other disciplines like public health. “We support research projects that benefit students and faculty across campus, and we look forward to growing our impact on both graduate and undergraduate student learning at OSU.” Morris is involved in several NIHfunded projects in Tulsa, including the Center for Integrative Research on Childhood Adversity, which was established in 2016 as the first national interdisciplinary research center designed to integrate biological and behavioral approaches to the study of adversity and resilience. She is also a co-leader of the Healthy Brain Child Development study, which involves university recruitment sites in 27 locations around the U.S. “We collect data from pregnant mothers and their newborns from across the country in hopes of better understanding brain development and the potential effects of exposure to substances and other environmental, social and biological factors,” Morris said. “We have been following the children for 10 years, collecting brain data through MRI and EEG at our Tulsa center.” Through her extensive involvement in a range of research projects, Morris has a strong appreciation for the power of transdisciplinary research across the life sciences and beyond. “Cutting-edge neuroscience research is being conducted in Tulsa by a number of CAS faculty and students,” Morris said. “This research is bringing national recognition to OSU and is helping us better understand factors that influence brain development and health.” OSU COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES 15
COMPILATIONS DR. RACHAEL EATON | PHOTOS ELLIE PIPER AND PROVIDED Students within the College of Arts and Sciences are continually breaking new ground as they pursue research under the mentorship of renowned Oklahoma State University faculty members. Here, we highlight the work of just a handful of our undergraduate and graduate students on their way to changing the world. CAS STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS COMPILATIONS DR. RACHAEL EATON | PHOTOS PROVIDED 16 CONNECT 2025
KYLIE HAMMACK MAJORS: POLITICAL SCIENCE AND ECONOMICS CLASS OF 2025 MENTOR: DR. HOLLEY HANSEN HOMETOWN: BROKEN ARROW, OK HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN RESEARCH? I competed in a high school debate and had some experience working with scholarly level research for my debate cases, but OSU’s Freshman Research Scholar Program was the first time I was an active research participant. After looking at the professor profiles, I met with Dr. Holley Hansen, who would become my research mentor. WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING ON? During 2024-25, I looked into the impact of local-level corruption on foreign aid effectiveness in Sub-Saharan Africa. Specifically, I looked at survey results for questions regarding individual experiences and perceptions of corruption. Using this method, I was able to create a local-level measure of corruption for the countries of Uganda, Tanzania, Nigeria and Kenya. I used this measure of corruption to investigate whether more corrupt local areas receiving more foreign aid experienced less development. HOW HAS RESEARCH IMPACTED YOU? Working with large datasets and quantitative analysis tools has equipped me with an informed and analytical perspective. Moreover, researching important global phenomena has given me the methodological ability to address complex problems with nuance. While at OSU, I was a finalist for the Truman and Marshall scholarships, which I do not think would have been possible without my involvement in undergraduate research. WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS? This fall, I’m moving to the U.K. to pursue an MPhil in politics and international studies at Cambridge University. I am excited to continue research via my dissertation, and I know the skills I gained as an undergraduate researcher will be incredibly valuable in this next stage of my academic career. IRVING MIGUEL MAJOR: MICROBIOLOGY AND MOLECULAR GENETICS CLASS OF 2025 MENTOR: DR. MARIANNA PATRAUCHAN HOMETOWN: TULSA, OK HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN RESEARCH? Being involved in research and contributing toward discovering new knowledge was a very interesting prospect for me. Eventually, I became aware of incredible opportunities being offered to conduct research through the Beckman Scholars Program and the McNair Scholars Program. I decided to take the chance and apply. WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING ON? My research has been focused on the responses of the calcium signaling network in Pseudomonas aeruginosa during host-cell interactions. Specifically, the role of key components of the calcium regulatory and signaling network during invasion of epithelial cells and in survival after uptake by macrophages. I have also had the opportunity to be a research leader in CAS, which involves promoting research to other undergraduates. HOW HAS RESEARCH IMPACTED YOU? The Beckman Scholars Program, the McNair Scholars Program and conducting research under the guidance of my mentor have contributed toward some of the major decisions I’ve made for my future. Being part of a research project has provided me with the technical skills to succeed in a laboratory setting and allowed me to narrow down the topics I’m most interested in studying, thereby making it easier to plan my future. WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS? I graduated in May and continued to conduct research in Dr. Patrauchan’s lab over the summer. I’ll now present my research at the Beckman Symposium in Irvine, California. Ultimately, I intend to obtain a medical degree and practice medicine as a physician. OSU COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES 17
BRAYTON WHITELEY MAJORS: PHILOSOPHY AND PSYCHOLOGY CLASS OF 2026 MENTORS: DR. SHANNON SPAULDING, DR. JAMES GRICE, DR. SARA LOSS HOMETOWN: EARLY, TX HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN RESEARCH? I was super interested in Department of Philosophy head Dr. Spaulding’s research on empathy, and I sent her an email to get more information. She apparently was really interested in getting undergraduates into her lab. I started working with her, and eventually, I got much more comfortable engaging in research, reading research articles and accomplishing my research goals. I began to explore other fields, too, including linguistics and psychology. WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING ON? I’ve been working in a personality lab for two semesters, where we are researching cognitive dissonance and narcissism. We’re in the literature research portion and I’ve been enjoying developing my skills in literature summaries. I’m also working on a research publication and thesis in philosophy. I’ll be analyzing free will and causality, intending to reexamine the problem in other fields of research. HOW HAS RESEARCH IMPACTED YOU? My career goal is to eventually be a professional researcher in philosophy and psychology. Research with faculty has given me many opportunities to engage with my fields and has made me much more comfortable with academics in general. WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS? I hope to be a professor and researcher in psychology and philosophy. I’ve always wanted to teach, and getting the opportunity and excuse to learn even more in these subjects makes me excited to get out there. Outside of research, I also love fiction writing, and I hope to be published in my creative endeavors as well. LAUREN HAYGOOD PH.D.: GEOLOGY FOURTH YEAR MENTOR: DR. TODD HALIHAN HOMETOWN: OWASSO, OK HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN RESEARCH? As an undergraduate I spent my summers involved in the Tulsa Undergraduate Research Challenge. My master’s thesis involved a biogeochemical analysis of the Kiamichi River Basin in southeast Oklahoma. My dissertation research focuses on applying geochemistry techniques to investigate deep-water ventilation changes using marine sediments. I also learned that it was OK to move around research areas; the skillsets I built from projects are applicable to multiple fields. WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING ON? In 2024, I was part of the science party of the International Ocean Discovery Program Expedition 403, which recovered sediment cores from the Fram Strait situated between Greenland and Svalbard. The material recovered will help us learn more about deep-water variability, and how Arctic glaciations, ice shelf development and distribution of sea ice were impacted by the inflow of warm waters from the Atlantic Ocean. WHAT ARE THE IMPACTS OF YOUR RESEARCH? Studying changes in deep-water ventilation is important for understanding the dynamics of global thermohaline circulation, and its effect on climate and global processes. Drilling vessels can recover deep-sea sediment cores, where we can apply geochemistry proxies to investigate changes in deep-water ventilation throughout geologic time, which helps us to infer climate changes in the past. Results of these investigations are important for predicting and managing the impacts of climate change on marine systems. WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS? I plan on applying for postdoctoral fellowships and faculty positions, as ultimately, I would like to continue research in high-latitude marine environments. I also hope to lead an ocean research expedition later in my career. 18 CONNECT 2025
M. NY AINA RAKOTOARIVONY PH.D.: GEOGRAPHY FOURTH YEAR MENTOR: DR. HAMED GHOLIZADEH HOMETOWN: ANTANANARIVO, MADAGASCAR HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN RESEARCH? My father, who holds a master’s degree in life and earth sciences, was key in sparking my research interest early on. His support and dedication have inspired and motivated me to pursue graduate studies and engage in research. After obtaining master’s degrees in agronomy engineering in Madagascar and environmental engineering in Hungary, I started my Ph.D. in geography at OSU in 2021. WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING ON? In my research with Dr. Gholizadeh, I use imaging spectroscopy — also known as hyperspectral remote sensing — which can collect data in hundreds of spectral bands. In comparison, regular RGB cameras on your cellphone collect data in just three spectral bands. The hyperspectral data we collect from satellites, aircraft and drones allow us to map invasive plants in grassland ecosystems and assess their ecological impacts on plant and soil characteristics. I have recently started focusing on acquiring drone-based hyperspectral data using our lab’s Advanced Low-altitude Earth Observing System drone, which is funded by the Future Investigators in NASA Earth and Space Science and Technology program. WHAT ARE THE IMPACTS OF YOUR RESEARCH? As I conducted my research, I became increasingly aware of the significant threats posed by invasive species to grassland ecosystems and their biodiversity. I recently published two manuscripts highlighting our findings. WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS? After graduation, I plan to stay in academia and contribute to the use of remote sensing in addressing ecological questions, such as biological invasions, by expanding my research across various scales and ecosystems. ANIRUDHA BISWAS M.S.: MASS COMMUNICATIONS FIRST YEAR MENTOR: DR. SKYE COOLEY HOMETOWN: BARISHAL, BANGLADESH HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN RESEARCH? During the sixth semester of my undergraduate studies, I began my research journey when one of my professors in Bangladesh invited me to join her team for a project examining the representation of juvenile crime gangs in newspapers. This experience introduced me to the excitement of seeking new understandings of things. WHAT HAVE YOU BEEN WORKING ON? My current research project investigates the relationship between heart rate variability and emotional resilience. I am also exploring whether mindfulness training or breathing techniques can help individuals regulate their emotions while exposed to emotionally charged media content. The project has an experimental design that includes both surveys and intensive interviews. HOW HAS RESEARCH IMPACTED YOU? Currently, I am engaged in research at the intersection of health communication and technology, with a focus on cancer communication, psychological and mental wellbeing, and heart-rate variability, using both experimental design and content analysis. This work continually deepens my understanding of how individuals manage emotions, how media shapes public health narratives, and how organizations promote health-related behaviors. These insights have profoundly shifted my perspective on the world. WHAT ARE YOUR FUTURE PLANS? I look forward to pursuing a Ph.D. program after completing my master’s degree at OSU. My long-term goal is to join a university as a faculty member, where I can contribute meaningfully to teaching and research in communication. OSU COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES 19
Keith Garton had the perfect cover story. In fourth grade, Garton’s best friend moved away from his hometown of Duncan, Oklahoma. Using paper, colored matte pencils and a typewriter from his dad’s work, he created his own newsletter featuring updates about his life. Garton then sent an issue to his friend every two weeks to stay in touch. The first headline was clear — “Keith Gives Up Swimming for Tennis.” He always hated swimming. Scan the code to learn more about OSU’s School of Media and Strategic Communications. From left: CAS graduate Keith Garton and his partner, David Sheehan. Media Milestone School of Media and Strategic Communications alumnus commits largest gift in program history That early foray into journalism sparked a successful career in the media, working for some of the biggest publishers in the country, such as Scholastic, McGraw-Hill and TIME. In 2009, Garton founded Red Chair Press, a children’s book publishing company dedicated to engaging young readers in stories that provide models for strong character and good behavior. “Books are absolutely critical,” Garton said. “There’s tons of evidence that shows that children who are read to from an early age do much, much better STORY GRANT RAMIREZ | PHOTOS PROVIDED 20 CONNECT 2025
Garton established Red Chair Press in 2009. by the time they start school. Red Chair Press was created on the idea of parents pulling up a chair and telling their child a good story.” Creating custom newsletters and reporting for his high school paper is where Garton gained an interest in publications. But it was his time at Oklahoma State University, where he earned degrees in journalism and mass communication, that prepared him for professional success. To give back to the university he loves deeply, Garton and his partner, David Sheehan, have committed the largest single gift ever directed to the OSU School of Media and Strategic Communications. The gift will establish the Garton Family Endowed Chair for Media and Strategic Communications, as well as endowed funds for rural journalism and student organizations. “We are immensely grateful to Keith and David for this transformative gift to SMSC, which plays a crucial role in shaping the future of media by educating the next generation of journalists and communicators,” OSU President Jim Hess said. “This generous support will significantly enhance our ability to provide students with unparalleled resources and opportunities, empowering us to continue producing top-tier professionals who will impact the industry.” While considering the gift, Garton spent time learning about the current needs and challenges of SMSC so he could make a difference in meaningful ways. “This extraordinary gift is more than an investment in SMSC — it’s a commitment to the future of ethical, impactful storytelling,” said Dr. Melinda Cro, College of Arts and Sciences dean. “Keith and David’s generosity ensures that our students will not only learn the craft of communication, but also use it to elevate voices, build community and shape a better world.” In today’s modern media climate, it is as important as ever that the state, nation and world are supplied with “Keith and David’s generosity ensures that our students will not only learn the craft of communication, but also use it to elevate voices, build community and shape a better world.” DR. MELINDA CRO, DEAN OF THE COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES capable media members. Along with multimedia and communications skills, SMSC strongly emphasizes ethics and media literacy, so graduates are equipped to serve effectively and ethically. These skills propelled Garton throughout his professional journey. While his experiences typically focused on sharing positive narratives with young readers, sometimes difficult stories needed to be told. On Sept. 11, 2001, Garton was living in New York City, working at TIME for Kids. As president of the division, he had the responsibility of helping to determine how the magazine should explain the terrorist attacks to young children. In the aftermath of one of the most horrifying days in U.S. history, he leaned on skills he learned at OSU to make the right decisions for the magazine. The cover featured firefighters planting a flag in the rubble as a symbol of hope. “Even though at SMSC we didn’t focus specifically on how to write for children, SMSC did teach me the ability to write for different audiences and how to make ethical decisions,” Garton said. “That automatically applied when we had to figure out how to explain things to children while still using all the elements of good writing, journalism and ethics.” Journalism plays a role in communities of all sizes, from New York City to Garton’s own Stephens County, Oklahoma. OSU COLLEGE OF ARTS AND SCIENCES 21
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