Dear CAS colleagues, While Oklahoma tries to thaw out from this frigid weather, dozens of events honoring Black History Month have been happening virtually and in-person throughout February. Check out the full schedule of events here, including some events rescheduled for later this month and into March. As always, if you have people, projects or teams you would like to see highlighted in CAS News, submit a request through our Faculty News Submission Form. Stay warm, and go Pokes! Jacob Longan Coordinator of Communications and Marketing, CAS Outreach |
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Dr. Toby Nelson talks Black History Month, melanin research and chemistry
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Department of Chemistry associate professor Dr. Toby Nelson was inspired by his hometown hero, Ronald McNair, the second Black astronaut. In the latest Pokes PodCAS, we talk to Nelson about McNair, his work with Stillwater-based company RPX Technologies, and his other research areas based on melanin. You'll learn that it can do a whole lot more than you think. |
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Professor's book explores geography and space in Black literature
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For his recently published book, Geographies of Flight: Phillis Wheatley to Octavia Butler, English professor Dr. William Decker merged his American Studies expertise with geography to provide unique insights into the works of 14 prominent Black authors. "It surprised me how prevalent the concern with space truly is in African American writing," Decker said. |
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Oklahoms House Rep. Mauree Turner speaks at alma mater
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CAS alum Mauree Turner (Sociology, Political Science) became the first Muslim legislator in Oklahoma's House of Representatives and the first publicly non-binary law maker in the U.S. in 2020. Turner spoke to a virtual OSU audience on February 9. Watch a rebroadcast of "An Evening with Representative Mauree Turner" via OStateTV using the link below. |
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ICYMI: CAS News Highlights
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CAS faculty, staff and students are keeping busy. Here are some stories you may have missed over the past couple weeks. | • | Two of three women recognized recently by the OSU Women's Faculty Council are from our CAS ranks! Emily Graham (History, center) and LaRicka Wingate (Psychology, right) received awards for Outstanding Achievement and Mentorship of Women. They're pictured above alongside the other award winner, College of Education and Human Sciences professor Tonya Hammer (left). |
| • | As you have no doubt heard, OSU plans to be back to in-person classes this fall. Here's how The Oklahoman covered the story. |
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Faculty Scholar Spotlight: Ryan Robinson, Greenwood School of Music
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Dr. Robinson joined the faculty of the Michael and Anne Greenwood School of Music in 2018. He is Principal Tuba of the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas and Principal Tuba of the Lawton Philharmonic. Robinson enjoys a busy and diverse career as a professional tubist. He has performed with the Houston Symphony, Oklahoma City Philharmonic, Tulsa Symphony, Fort Smith Symphony, Las Colinas Symphony, Allen Philharmonic, and the Blue Lake Festival Band. He has collaborated with a wide variety of artists, including “Weird Al” Yankovic, Kristin Chenoweth, Hanson, Michael W. Smith, BJ Thomas, and Dave Brubeck. |
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Since arriving at OSU, Robinson’s research and outreach efforts include presenting at The Midwest Clinic Band, Orchestra and Music Conference in Chicago, IL. The Midwest Clinic is the world’s largest music conference and typically has upwards of 18,000 attendees from all 50 states and more than 40 countries. His presentation, entitled “In-Tone and In-Tune: Improving Your Low Brass Sound From Beginning Band Through High School,” featured innovative pedagogy for middle and high school band directors. Robinson also maintains a busy performance schedule that includes concerts with several orchestras as well as a series of solo recitals both on and off campus. Since 2018, Robinson has presented recitals and masterclasses at numerous peer institutions including the University of Texas, Arizona State University, the University of Arkansas, Florida State University, and Appalachian State University. Robinson is the founder and host of the Eastman Tuba Euphonium Academy. This event brings a group of internationally acclaimed tuba and euphonium artists to OSU for a week-long event each summer that includes performances and master classes. Participation in the Eastman Academy is highly selective and draws students to the OSU campus from all over the world. Robinson’s post-pandemic plans include recording a solo album and presenting a series of recitals and masterclasses in the U.S. and abroad. |
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