Since its discovery in late 2019, COVID-19 has been the focus of many scientists and researchers around the world, including at Oklahoma State University. Dr. Martin McCullagh, an assistant professor of chemistry, is one of those researchers. McCullagh is a computational chemist, and his research focuses on modeling molecules, particularly biomolecules like proteins and peptides, to learn how they function.

The OSU Museum of Art’s newest exhibition is larger than life and just about lighter than air. “BLOW UP II: Inflatable Contemporary Art” consists of large-scale sculptures made from nylon or vinyl fabric and supported by internal electric fans. The show, which was organized by California’s Bedford Gallery at the Lesher Center for the Arts, depicts the figurative, conceptual and abstract.  “BLOW UP II” is on view at the OSU Museum of Art in Downtown Stillwater from Feb. 8 to April 30. Admission is free.

Members of the Stillwater and OSU communities are planning a celebration to honor the late Earl and Bernice Mitchell for their impact, both academically at OSU and through their civic contributions. The celebration — “Celebrating Stillwater’s Black History: Honoring Earl and Bernice Mitchell and Washington School” — will be from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Stillwater History Museum in the Sheerar, 702 S. Duncan St.

If you have ever experienced a stubborn musical earworm lingering in your mind for a period of time, think back to how vivid the music was and how incessantly it occupied your thoughts as if on repeat. The focus of my teaching and research is understanding what happens in music and uncovering its structure while it is unfolding in our minds. Music is a temporal art that exists as long as we can hear the sound. After the sound stops, it only lives for a brief moment in our short-term memory and imagination.