Arts and Sciences at Ohio State

A study co-authored by Associate Professor James Pease shows that evolution of animals as disparate as salmon, snakes, eagles and elephants isn’t explained only by their external appearance. Instead, diversity and adaptation may be prompted at least in part by species-specific muscular needs.

Evolution, Ecology and Organismal Biology at The Ohio State University

The evolution of ‘core machinery’ that lurks beneath the surface Within every muscle of every living species with a backbone, a protein called myosin tugs on a partner protein to generate a muscle contraction. This function, discovered in mammals a century ago, has been presumed by scientists to be operating in the same way among birds, reptiles, amphibians and f...

In dual roles as corporate lawyer and riding school owner, Kathy Lloyd ’99 is fulfilled by her obligations — powered by them, even. Doing physical farm labor provides a balance for Lloyd, who finds equal fulfillment as an attorney because that full-time job is competitive, intellectually engaging, and requires working hard and staying calm and collected under pressure to best represent a client. “There are not so many of us anymore who grew up on farms,” she says. “If we can help show a path to calm leadership, compassion for living creatures, work ethic and resilience, then hopefully we are doing our own small part.”

The Ohio State University at Newark

Where two worlds thrive In dual roles as corporate lawyer and riding school owner, Kathy Lloyd ’99 is fulfilled by her obligations—powered by them, even. Just don’t ask how long it’s been since she took a day off.

Plenty of parents reach for a screen to soothe a distressed child. Assistant Professor Jane Shawcroft led a study on how using technology to regulate young children’s emotions affects their cognitive development, and found it isn’t a one-size-fits-all story. “I really wish the narrative around children and tech would be less about ‘it’s just a parents’ job,’ and more about this shared responsibility we have as a society to support children in this context we’ve built for them,” Shawcroft said. “If we want kids to be OK, part of that is helping their parents to be OK.”

Is using screens to calm a child bad? It depends. In “Llama Llama Mad at Mama,” a popular children’s book from 2007, a little Llama Llama goes to the grocery with his mama and becomes overwhelmed by all the sounds, sights, smells and shopping decisions happening around him. In a scene familiar to every parent, the cartoon animal has an epic m...

Few writers stir such mixed emotions as Shakespeare. His devoted fans — often called Bardolaters — speak passionately about their favorite scenes and timeless themes of fate, free will, justice, revenge, loyalty and love. For many others, however, Shakespeare can feel like a lingering relic of high school English — something that was survived rather than enjoyed. Lord Denney's Players (LDP) know that “the Bard” has the power to bring people together and that it can indeed be fun to “brush up on your Shakespeare.” Supported by both the Department of English and the Department of Theatre, Film, and Media Arts, the theatre group embraces the belief that artmaking is for everyone.

Et tu, Brutus? Theatre group provides artmaking outlet to a multitude of majors across the university Few writers stir such mixed emotions as Shakespeare. His devoted fans — often called Bardolaters — speak passionately about their favorite scenes and timeless themes of fate, free will, justice, revenge, loyalty and love. For many others, however, Shakespeare can feel like a lingering relic of h...

Assistant Professor Ryan Joyce is using his expertise in creole studies to expand access to Haitian Creole language education. Free and open to any individual over the age of 18, Joyce designed Kickstart Kreyòl to help students build a strong foundation in Haitian Creole language, which is not widely taught.

“It’s responding to the needs that I see in our Ohio State community and more broadly, across central Ohio," said Joyce. Approximately 50,000 Haitians live across Ohio. Joyce said that the biggest group of students taking Kickstart Kreyòl are K-12 educators who want to be able to better converse and understand their students, many of whom speak the Haitian Creole taught in the course.

OSU Department of French and Italian

“Kickstart Kreyòl” enters second year of building Haitian Creole language skills for professionals Ryan Joyce, an assistant professor of French and francophone studies in the Department of French and Italian, is using his expertise in creole studies to expand access to Haitian Creole language education.

Assistant Professors Casey Pennock and Lindsey Bruckerhoff co-authored a study showing that long-term improvements in water quality and increased occurrence of certain aquatic species are likely associated with implementation of broad environmental regulations. “This work shows there’s still more work to do,” said Pennock. “It tells us that if we deregulate or allow more pollution to happen, then those gains could reverse themselves, to our detriment.”

By saving ecosystems, environmental regulations help prevent biodiversity loss Long-term conservation policies may help restore freshwater ecosystems and prevent extreme species loss, new research suggests.As emerging threats such as warming temperatures, pollution and other cumulative stressors put pressure on freshwater populations and contribute to global biodiversity crise...

Scott Kustis has been named director of the Ohio State University ASC Career Success after serving in the role on an interim basis. “During my 20-plus years with the College of Arts and Sciences, I have seen Career Success develop into a dynamic resource for student growth and development,” Kustis said. “I believe in the lifelong value of an Arts and Sciences education and am excited to continue the mission of this office.”

Center for Career and Professional Success names new director Scott Kustis has been named director of the Center for Career and Professional Success in the College of Arts and Sciences after serving in the role on an interim basis.