A message from the Dean:
As you scroll through the stories in this year’s issue of Transformations, you are likely to see many mentions of technology. You may be asking: how does a College of Arts & Sciences view itself in an age of AI?
Responsible usage of AI in research, the arts, our business practices, by the government, and in our communities requires a critical stance informed and fostered by the study of the traditional disciplines. Ethical reasoning, critical thinking, an openness to possibilities, and a curious mind willing to face challenges: these are uniquely human qualities that we master through the study of the arts and sciences.
We certainly see students and faculty using AI-powered tools across our learning community. Our AI + X undergraduate degree program, which pairs the computational science behind AI with its applications in a more traditional discipline — the first such program in the nation — welcomes its first students to BGSU this fall. Our faculty, students, and staff recently had the opportunity to engage with industry and community partners at the Great Lakes AI Week gathering here at BGSU, at which a number of Arts and Sciences faculty presented their research and led roundtable discussions.
As highlighted in the articles below, we are also seeing our students and faculty embracing human intelligence-powered activities, such as curating a once-in-a-lifetime art exhibition in Florence, Italy; learning from a professional theatre company about the creative process; traveling out west for a hands-on geological field camp experience; conducting critical research on how dredged material from Lake Erie can aid farmers in better crop yields; and working with K-12 teachers to strengthen American history and civics education.
So, while you may notice mentions of AI and other emerging technologies in this magazine—a sign of the times!—you will also see our continued commitment to being the human heartbeat of the university, where ingenuity thrives, and where faculty engagement with students on community-engaged, applied projects gives way to public good. Many of these opportunities wouldn’t be possible without the generous support of our donors, and for that, we are very grateful!
I hope that as you read Transformations, you are reminded of your own experiences here at BGSU and find that even as times and technologies change, the meaningful work of educating students in the College of Arts & Sciences still feels familiar.
Ellen Schendel, Dean
College of Arts and Sciences
BGSU scientists found evidence of new volcanic activity in Antarctica
The research settled a long-standing debate about whether flat-top seamounts in Antarctica are volcanic and found recent activity from two structures.
BGSU researchers are working to make solar panels that can withstand extreme Midwest weather
To protect glass solar panels from hailstones and other damage, BGSU scientists are exploring treatment methods, protective coatings and damage mitigation.
A decade of water research: BGSU a leader in championing solutions to improve Ohio's water quality
Faculty and students at BGSU are conducting water quality research involving cyanobacteria, contaminants and the effectiveness of wetlands.
BGSU earned Advanced Curriculum status for actuarial science degree
With an expected 22% growth in jobs in the actuarial field, BGSU students are prepared to complete all five ASA pathway exams and contribute immediately in their roles as actuaries.
BGSU researcher finds Lake Erie dredged material correlated to better crop yields
The research demonstrates a possible winning solution for agriculture in the Lake Erie watershed that benefits all stakeholders.
BGSU forensic science graduate played key role in high-profile case
During her time at the University, Karin Jacobsen ’19, ’21 built a skill set that helped her earn a dream job as a forensic scientist.
Biology students at BGSU research key aspects of Ohio wetlands implementation
BGSU students are studying how different plants behave in wetland environments, giving scientists an idea of which species mitigate harmful algal blooms.
‘The road to the moon goes through Ohio’: Two BGSU graduates at NASA helped lead communications efforts for Artemis II mission
Both Shauntina Lilly and Jacqueline Minerd credit their time at BGSU with developing skills that have helped them ascend to dream careers.
BGSU researcher featured as a guest on ‘The Oprah Podcast’ regarding expertise on gray divorce
Renowned researcher Susan L. Brown, Ph.D., was invited to the show to share her insights on the rise in divorce rates among those 50 and older.
BGSU students led a national poll on America's 250th anniversary through the Democracy and Public Policy Network
BGSU students gained hands-on experience in public policy research by leading a national poll on America’s 250th anniversary through the Democracy and Public Policy Network.
BGSU co-leads cutting-edge aging research initiative with Ohio State University and Purdue University
Understanding family structures is a key part of research into aging, a topic on which BGSU has become a national leader.
Forever Falcons: Juniper Brewing Company owners soar to success in downtown Bowling Green
Chris and Zach Tracy continue a lifelong connection with BGSU by engaging with the University community in significant ways.
Democracy and Public Policy Network at BGSU awarded a federal grant to support education and outreach on American history and civics
The Network is using the grant to establish nonpartisan learning communities among K-12 educators across the region over the next three years focused on developing and strengthening American history and civics education.
Graduating senior’s short film shows inspirational, career-building journey at BGSU
Nick Polace used his skills as a film major at BGSU to document his transformation as an undergraduate student.
BGSU art history professor participated in 15th-century exhibition in the art capital of the world
Bringing her experience in Florence back to BGSU, Dr. Allie Terry-Fritsch worked with students to create their own public exhibition.
4 years in a row: BGSU graphic design students earn national recognition
Graphic Design USA recognized seniors Blake Rupp and Madelyn Junk as among the nation’s top emerging designers in this year’s ‘Students to Watch’ list.
New York City theater ensemble worked in tandem with BGSU students during innovative residency
BGSU students had the chance to learn from and work alongside six members of Elevator Repair Service to learn about the creative process in professional theater.
Lifting the veil: BGSU students stepped behind the scenes of professional curating
Through intensive seminars and professional mentorships, BGSU art history majors gained the technical skills required for the competitive art world.
BGSU alum has built a career in national politics, from presidential campaigns to Detroit City Hall
Building a strong foundation at BGSU was crucial to Christopher Scott's success in politics.
BGSU student entrepreneurs advance their ventures with support from ‘The Hatch’
The unique business competition supports students who want to explore entrepreneurship through a rigorous 15-week accelerator program and dedicated mentorship.
BGSU alumnus partners with alma mater to launch AI "living lab" for students
BGSU and AI startup Aivana have established a strategic partnership to bridge the gap between classroom theory and industry application.
A Hollywood connection: Alumnus established BGSU scholarship to honor friend and client, actor Jason Momoa
The Jason Momoa Global Scholars Fund was established to inspire global citizenship, engagement in activism and foster leadership.
Bowling Green launched the nation's first customizable AI + X bachelor’s degree
The uniquely designed undergraduate degree addresses the growing demand for professionals who can apply AI principles and technology to address complex, interdisciplinary challenges.
2025-2026 highlights of faculty and staff accomplishments
From research and scholarship to service and public good, College of Arts & Sciences faculty and staff have recorded many successes during the past academic year.
Tom Muir, distinguished artist professor in the School of Art, was honored with the Faculty Senate Lifetime Achievement Award for his 35 years of service to BGSU.
Glenn Tiede, distinguished teaching professor in the Department of Physics & Astronomy, was honored with the Faculty Senate Lifetime Achievement Award for his more than 20 years of service to BGSU.
Dr. Margaret Weinberger, teaching professor in the Department of Sociology, was presented with the Faculty Senate Distinguished Service Award.
Dr. Pavel Anzenbacher, professor in the Department of Chemistry, was the recipient of the 2026 BGSU Professorship of Research Excellence Award.
Dr. Monica Longmore, professor in the Department of Sociology, received this year's Elliott L. Blinn Award for Faculty-Undergraduate Student Innovative Basic Research/Creative Work.
Dr. Jenjira Yahirun, associate professor in the Department of Sociology, received the 2026 Olscamp Research Award, which recognizes outstanding scholarly or creative accomplishments during the previous three-year period.
Dr. Julie Peterson, assistant professor in the Department of Chemistry, was awarded the 2026 Outstanding Early Career Award. This award recognizes junior faculty who have excelled in their scholarly endeavors.
Dr. Amílcar Challú, professor in the Department of History, Jenn Stucker, professor in the School of Art, and Dr. Heidi Nees, associate professor in the Department of Theatre & Film, received the Faculty Senate Community Involvement Award for their outstanding contributions to the community with the “In the Round” speaker series.
The Department of World Languages & Cultures received the Faculty Senate Unit Recognition Award for academic year 2025-2026. This award recognizes the importance of faculty who work together to make a difference in the educational environment at BGSU. Department chair, Dr. Amy Robinson, accepted the award on behalf of the unit.
Dr. Stefan Fritsch, associate professor in the Department of Political Science, was awarded the Student Organization Advisor of the Year award at the BGSU Applauding Excellence Awards Ceremony. This student-nominated award recognizes his work advising the International Relations Organization and Model United Nations and Model European Union teams.
Jasmine Crighton, associate teaching professor in the School of Media & Communication, was selected as a recipient for BGSU’s 12th Annual Women of Distinction Award. Finalists are chosen based on their dedication to role modeling, mentoring, and empowerment; commitment to the BGSU mission and core values; and contributions in their communities through their time, talent, and/or resources.
Dr. Joe Furgal, associate professor in the Department of Chemistry, was awarded the Dr. Thomas Kinstle Professorship in Chemistry in recognition of his innovative research in photochemistry.
Dr. Vipa Phuntumart, professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, was awarded the Charles W. and Donna E. Foss Professorship. This professorship supports a faculty member conducting research or creative activity that explores or enhances the University's knowledge of life sciences with an emphasis in plant sciences, ecology, microbiology, sustainability, or a similar field.
Dr. Cynthia Ducar, professor in the Department of World Languages & Cultures, received the Outstanding Faculty Award at the 2026 Latino/a/x Issues Conference.
Dr. Sandra Faulkner, professor in the School of Media & Communication, received the 2026 London Arts-Based Research Centre (LABRC) Patricia Leavy Award for Arts-Based Research for her exceptional accomplishments and contributions to poetic inquiry and arts-based research.
Xiao Huang, assistant professor in the School of Art, won a Judge's Choice Addy Award and a Bronze Addy Award in the Professional Category from AAF Toledo for her School of Art Faculty Research Presentation posters design. She also won a 2026 GDUSA Digital Design Award for this project. Her work for the BGSU Fine Arts Center Sharp Teeth Exhibition won two 2026 Indigo Design Awards: Silver Award in Promotional Materials for Graphic Design and Bronze Award in Poster and Brochure Design for Graphic Design.
Jenn Stucker, professor in the School of Art, won a Bronze Addy Award in Social Media Design from AAF Toledo for her work for the 2025 In The Round speaker, Arigon Starr.
Dr. Shannon Orr, professor in the Department of Political Science, was chosen as BGSU's nominee for the Mid-American Conference Outstanding Faculty Award for Student Success. This student-focused award celebrates the commitment to a holistic student experience that supports success in school and in life.
Dr. Valeria Grinberg Pla, professor in the Department of World Languages & Cultures, is completing a fellowship at KITLV/Royal Netherlands Institute of Southeast Asian and Caribbean Studies this summer. She is researching the role of feminist Caribbean writers in reshaping transnational and transregional identities that resist Eurocentric and patriarchal frameworks of belonging.
Dr. Amílcar Challú, chair and professor in the Department of History, has been selected as a 2026 Fellow in the Business-Higher Education Forum (BHEF) Faculty Innovation Fellowship, a competitive national program bringing together faculty leaders from across the country to drive meaningful change in higher education.
Dr. Lauren Newmyer, assistant professor in the Department of Sociology, was selected as a 2026-2027 Fellow with the Association of Population Centers (APC). The APC fellowship program aims to raise the profile and visibility of early-career population researchers; offer early-career researchers opportunities to develop skills in disseminating research; and build the cross-center population research community.
Dr. Rob Alexander, professor in the Department of Political Science, was selected to serve on the Board of Directors of the Ohio Debate Commission. The Commission is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization funded entirely through donations, established in 2018 to bring structure to political debates in the State of Ohio.
Dr. David Jackson, professor in the Department of Political Science, was appointed to the Board of Directors of the Piast Institute, a national research center devoted to Polish and Polish American affairs. The Piast Institute develops conferences, seminars, data publications, public programs, lectures, and exhibits that provide accurate information about Poland, Poles, and Polish Americans.
Dr. Kristie Foell, associate professor in the Department of World Languages & Cultures, was elected to the National Board of Directors of the American Association of Teachers of German (AATG) for a 2-year term.
Dr. Sheri Wells-Jensen, professor in the Department of English, was selected to serve on NASA's Task Force 2 under the NASA-Decadal Astrobiology Research and Exploration Strategy (NASA-DARES), which will help develop the Agency’s next roadmap for studying the origins, evolution, distribution, and future of life in the universe.
School of Art professor John Balistreri’s legacy as an artist and teacher was celebrated through the exhibition, Mass Movement: 30 Years of Ceramics. The exhibition was curated for the 2026 National Council on Education for the Ceramic Arts (NCECA) conference in Detroit and featured over 100 works by more than 60 artists who emerged through three decades of Professor Balistreri's teaching.
The BGSU Geology Field Camp marked its 75th year this summer, offering students firsthand experience as practicing geologists. The immersive, five-week summer course takes place in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico.
For the fourth year in a row, the BGSU School of Art graphic design program was selected for GD USA’s list of Top Design Schools. According to GD USA, "This recognition reflects your program's strength, your faculty's dedication, and your students' talent and ambition. Each selected school meaningfully contributes to the evolving landscape of design education, and together they offer a clear picture of where the discipline is headed.”
Nearly 300 BGSU faculty and staff members were honored for their dedicated service to the University – a combined 4,918 years – during the annual employee Service Awards. BGSU employees are honored beginning with their fifth year of service and then every five years thereafter.
Supporters celebrated the 10th anniversary of BGSU One Day by donating a record $3.64 million. During our annual day of giving, 4,816 people from all 50 states and around the world came together to expand access to higher education and enhance the student experience.
Please consider making a donation to the BGSU College of Arts & 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 Kate Bresnan Messa in the BGSU Advancement Office at 419-372-5602.
The 2024-25 College of Arts & Sciences Staff Awards Announced at the Fall Staff Breakfast
Best of Arts & Sciences Award: Chad Fletcher, manager of technology & engineering in the School of Media & Communication
Mentorship Award: Amy Smith, senior administrative assistant in the Department of World Languages & Cultures
Problem Solver Award: Sherry Pickerel, budget coordinator in the School of Media & Communication
Rising Star Award: Kristi Brandeberry, department manager in the Department of Biological Sciences
Transformations is a publication of the College of Arts and Sciences at Bowling Green State University. Comments or questions should be directed to artsandsciences@bgsu.edu.
Updated: 07/01/2026 10:04AM