A message from the Dean:
A message from the Dean:The total solar eclipse in April provided an opportunity for members of the University and the wider region to gather for what will likely be a once-in-a-lifetime event for most of us in attendance. It was truly a remarkable experience. Not only was it an awe-inspiring natural phenomenon, but it was a powerful communal experience. And leading up to it was a series of events facilitated by faculty and students from across the College of Arts and Sciences: hands-on science learning for children, lectures on everything from eclipse references in Shakespeare’s plays to the historical importance of eclipses over time. If you didn’t have the opportunity to stream these experiences as they happened, you can still listen to the Eclipse Speaker Series presentations. You can also tune in to the Eclipsing History podcast put on by the students in our public history program. This series is a fantastic listen.
While reflecting on the eclipse and the profound experience of watching it in Doyt Stadium with thousands of students, faculty, staff, and visitors to the region, I was struck with pride at how much the faculty and staff in the College of Arts and Sciences do each and every day to demonstrate the relevance of our disciplines to the world around us. Our courses, programs and experiential learning opportunities are often life-altering experiences for our students. Studying abroad, completing an internship or co-op, working with a faculty member in a laboratory or studio, or participating in a class project that supports a community organization—all of these hands-on experiences have the potential to change the trajectory of a student’s path, leading them to a meaningful career that impacts their lives and the world around them.
This issue of Transformations features stories of our students and faculty who are applying their knowledge and skills to address the most pressing challenges and opportunities in the world today. Our students are participating in research to improve agricultural lands and their watersheds, creating programs to fight food waste and hunger on campus, and representing diversity through creative works. Our faculty are applying their scholarly expertise to make space exploration more inclusive, facilitate understanding and treatment of mental illness, and educate the public about the importance of cybersecurity.
I am grateful for the dedicated and vibrant community of researchers, artists, instructors, and students that comprise the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences. And I am so proud of the opportunities that we offer to students. If you are able, I ask you to contribute to the College of Arts and Sciences Fund for Experiential Learning & Student Success. This fund supports student internships and co-ops, study abroad, trainings and workshops, professional development activities and conferences—the kinds of transformational educational experiences every student should have.
Thank you for your continued support of the College, our students, faculty and staff. I hope you enjoy reading this issue to learn more about our contributions and experiences from this past year.
Ellen Schendel, Dean
College of Arts and Sciences
In Photos: Eclipsed in wonder at BGSU
BGSU combined excitement and education as skygazers filled Doyt L. Perry Stadium for the total solar eclipse.
BGSU students put total solar eclipse in focus through experiential, semester-long course
An astronomy course took a multidisciplinary approach to eclipses, giving students the full picture ahead of the April 8 total solar eclipse in Bowling Green.
BGSU Planetarium shows the magic of the cosmos on campus
The planetarium offers students and the community immersive learning experiences about astronomy with stunning visuals and interactive programming.
Immersive and experiential research opportunities highlight physics and astronomy track at BGSU
As students prepare for careers in science, BGSU offers the opportunity to practice professional-level research while they are still undergraduates.
BGSU students bring astronomical past to life in ‘Eclipsing History’ podcast
Featuring experts from across North America, the 30-minute, student-produced episodes are available on the University’s website, Spotify, YouTube and other platforms.
Meet the BGSU eclipse experts: Dr. Kate Dellenbusch
Dr. Kate Dellenbusch leads school outreach, helps with campus programming, and shares her lifelong passion for astronomy with students.
Meet the BGSU eclipse experts: Dr. Andrew Layden
Dr. Andrew Layden brings a love of astronomy to the classroom at BGSU, helping a wide range of students develop enthusiasm for the science.
Total solar eclipse 2024: What happens when the sky gets dark?
“The Sky Has No Borders” was among the series of events hosted by BGSU ahead of April’s total solar eclipse.
"It's a human experience" | BGSU hosting weekly speaker series on the historical and cultural significance of total solar eclipses
BGSU faculty and experts from several colleges and departments delved into various topics related to the total solar eclipse.
In Photos: Acclaimed screenwriter and filmmaker Ryan RedCorn visits BGSU as part of In The Round speaker series
During his visit to the Donnell Theatre, Ryan RedCorn screened his short film, “Dead Bird Hearts,” and played host to an hour-long question-and-answer session for visitors.
BGSU to welcome acclaimed author and screenwriter Benjamin Percy as part of Creative Minds Series
Benjamin Percy read an excerpt from his latest novel, “The Sky Vault,” and shared his experience across various mediums with students and the public during the Creative Minds Speaker Series.
Netflix series 'All the Light We Cannot See’ is based on a novel written by BGSU alumnus
The Pulitzer Prize-winning novel “All the Light We Cannot See” by BGSU alumnus Anthony Doerr ‘99 was adapted into a limited Netflix series.
BGSU grad turns love of quirky baseball fields into digital art
As a digital arts major at BGSU, David Hrusovsky '23 created an extensive dataset and visualized it to research how and why baseball fields can be so unique.
19th annual BGSU ArtsX to celebrate the arts through movement with featured artist Fringe Society
ArtsX 2023 celebrated the creativity of BGSU students, faculty and staff and included exhibits that explored physical, visual and auditory movement.
BGSU alumna embraces nonlinear career path, crediting her success to the invaluable lessons learned at the University
From two theater degrees to corporate America, Megan Grandstaff ‘06, ‘07 credits BGSU for the ‘many great things’ in her life.
In Photos: "Heathers: The Musical" plays to sold-out audiences
The BGSU theatre department brought "Heathers: The Musical" to life in the Donnell Theatre with five sold-out performances.
BGSU students create public good through experiential learning course in nonprofit management
BGSU students learn to fundraise and award grants to local nonprofit organizations through a uniquely designed nonprofit management course.
Pioneering inclusivity in space exploration: BGSU linguist makes a historic walk on simulated Martian terrain
BGSU linguist Dr. Sheri Wells-Jensen served as mission communications officer and accessibility officer for the Inclusion 1 mission inside the Space Analog for the Moon and Mars facility as part of the Biosphere 2 project at the University of Arizona.
BGSU sociology study prioritizes undergraduate student research and experiential learning
A National Institutes of Health-funded study at BGSU examines how people’s lives shaped their ability to adapt to the pandemic and provides research opportunities for six undergraduate students.
BGSU lends expertise to groundbreaking $20M statewide study to understand mental illness
Dr. Susan Brown, Dr. Kei Nomaguchi and Dr. Krista Westrick-Payne are among experts from across the state aiming to close the gap between the understanding of and treatment for Ohio’s mental illness epidemic.
BGSU graduate programs remain ranked among the nation's best by U.S. News and World Report
For 2024, several BGSU graduate programs were ranked among the top 100 in the nation while others experienced a significant rise in rankings – industrial and organizational psychology (third nationally), statistics (72nd nationally), fine arts (73rd nationally), sociology (79th nationally) and clinical psychology (88th nationally) – the public administration program also rose significantly in the rankings to No. 155 nationally, up 27 spots over last year.
BGSU journalism majors launch careers in TV news as students, gaining valuable industry experience
Several BGSU students work part-time at Toledo area news stations while pursuing degrees in journalism.
BGSU graduate helps shape state fire service as Ohio Deputy Fire Marshal
‘Relevant’ BGSU coursework helps Rick Sluder develop programming that improves fire service for firefighters and the general public.
BGSU awards first doctorate in data science four years after launching rigorous program to meet workforce demands
Dr. Jishan Ahmed '23 was the first to earn a doctorate in data science from BGSU.
BGSU senior fights food waste with innovative new program
Katie Dietz turns unserved dining hall food into complete frozen meals, avoiding food waste and benefiting those in need.
BGSU alumna, a leading public health expert in Kenya, is integral in changing the global approach to parasitic diseases
Dr. Njeri Wamae ‘80 has made substantial discoveries in parasitic disease treatment, aiming to improve the lives of those in her native Kenya and globally.
BGSU researcher discovers presence of dangerous airborne neurotoxin near Great Salt Lake
Dr. James Metcalf's toxicology research into the drying lakebed discovered high levels of the neurotoxin BMAA, which is highly correlated to increased rates of ALS.
Honoring a global mathematician: The Dr. Arjun Gupta Endowment for Doctoral Research
The family of the late Dr. Arjun K. Gupta established a generous endowment for international doctoral statistics students and a classroom dedication.
High-resolution mass spectrometer is a ‘game-changer’ for BGSU researchers and students
A USDA grant paves the way for BGSU scientists and students to accelerate their research timelines with the use of cutting-edge technology.
BGSU selected as a Regional Programming Center by Ohio Cyber Range Institute
The University joins a collaborative statewide effort of higher education institutions to educate Ohioans about the growing importance of cybersecurity.
2023-2024 highlights of faculty and staff accomplishments
From research and scholarship to service and public good, College of Arts and Sciences faculty and staff have recorded many successes during the past academic year.
Dr. Alberto Gonzalez, Distinguished University Professor in the School of Media and Communications, received the Faculty Senate Lifetime Achievement Award.
Dr. Julia Halo, associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, received the President’s Award for Collaborative Research & Creative Work.
Dr. I-Fen Lin, professor in the Department of Sociology, was conferred the title of Professor of Research Excellence.
Dr. Matthew Partin, teaching professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, was conferred the title of Distinguished Teaching Professor by the BGSU Board of Trustees.
Dr. Kevin McCluney, associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, received the Paul J. Olscamp Research Award.
Dr. Peg Yacobucci, geology professor in the School of Earth, Environment and Society, was awarded the Professorship of Service Excellence.
Dr. Christopher Ward, assistant professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, and Dr. Joseph Furgal, associate professor in the Department of Chemistry, received the Elliott L. Blinn Award for Faculty Undergraduate Student Innovative Basic Research/Creative Work.
Dr. Meagan Docherty, assistant professor in the Department of Psychology, was honored with the Outstanding Early Career Award.
Dr. Amy Robinson, associate professor in the Department of World Languages and Cultures, received the College of Arts and Sciences Diversity Award.
Jasmine Gordon Schulz, Executive Assistant & Development Coordinator for the College of Arts and Sciences, was honored with the January Spirit of BG Award by the Administrative Staff Council.
Two College of Arts and Sciences alumni – Anthony E. Doerr ’99 and Rear Adm. June E. Ryan, USCG (Ret.) ’84 – received the 2023 Academy of Distinguished Alumni Award, the highest honor bestowed by the University.
Ana Kryzhanivska, associate teaching professor in the Department of English, and Dr. Christina Guenther, professor in the Department of World Languages and Cultures, each received an International Programs & Partnerships Outstanding Contributor Award.
Dr. Deborah Schocket, associate professor in the Department of World Languages and Cultures, was honored with the Thompson Excellence in Education for the Public Good Award.
Dr. Francisco Cabanillas, professor in the Department of World Languages and Cultures, was honored with the Outstanding Faculty Award at this year’s Latino/a/x Issues Conference.
U.S. News & World Report ranked the BGSU undergraduate psychology program No. 3 in Ohio and in the top quartile of programs nationally. The undergraduate computer science program was ranked No. 8 among Ohio public universities and No. 249 in the nation.
Dr. Justin Donhauser, former assistant teaching professor in the Department of Philosophy who passed away in fall 2023, received (posthumously) the 2023 Andrew Light Award for Public Philosophy, awarded by the International Society for Environmental Ethics.
Two faculty members in the School of Media and Communication were award recipients at the National Communication Association 109th Annual Convention. Dr. Sandra Faulkner was awarded the Presidential Citation and Dr. Radhika Gajjala, received the Francine Merritt Award.
College Magazine named BGSU as one of the Top 10 Schools for BFAs in Creative Writing in the country.
Dr. Susan Brown, professor in the Department of Sociology and director of the Center for Family and Demographic Research, was elected Vice President of the Association of Population Centers.
Creative writing professors in the Department of English, Dr. Sharona Muir and Dr. Lawrence Coates, received Ohio Arts Council Individual Excellence Awards in Fiction.
Dr. Sandra Faulkner, professor in the School of Media and Communication, was selected as the incoming Editor of Communication Studies for 2025-2027.
For the second year in a row, Graphic Design USA recognized the BGSU School of Art graphic design program as a Top Design School.
BG Falcon Media won top honors, the Frank E. Deaner for Excellence in Collegiate Journalism Award, at the Ohio News Media Association collegiate awards. The group also won six individual awards in the following categories: Newspaper Design, In-Depth Reporting, Best Multimedia Package, Sports Coverage, Photojournalism, and Website.
The 2022-23 College of Arts and Sciences Staff Awards were announced at the 2023 Fall Staff Breakfast. Christina Guinsler, assistant to the director in Forensic Science, and Sue Wax, accounting specialist in the Department of Psychology, received Best of Arts & Sciences Awards. Danielle Burkin, senior administrative secretary in the Department of English, was presented with the Mentorship Award. Sally Pietrasz, graduate program secretary in Photochemical Sciences, received the Problem Solver/Innovative Thinker Award. Sherry Pickerel, budget coordinator in the School of Media and Communication, was recognized with the Rising Star Award.
Please consider making a donation to the BGSU College of Arts and Sciences. Support for the College can be directed to programs that offer critical scholarship support, bolster experiential learning opportunities for students, promote faculty research, and more. Your gift helps ensure that students in the College benefit from the rich, liberal arts curriculum that encourages self- and community transformation to serve the public good. To make a gift, visit bgsu.edu/arts-and-sciences and click the “Give” button, or contact Danielle Solis in the BGSU Advancement Office at 419-372-3878.
Updated: 07/19/2024 12:26PM