ARETE the university of southern mississippi graduate school magazine

Special Issue: A Focus on Women

Winter 2020-21 Contents Sampling the Archival Sea 3 Hearing the Past 18 Graduate Assistant of the Year Rachel Mugge Read about how two female faculty are provides a closer look at her research on leading the way in major history and digital deep-sea microbiology. humanities projects at USM. The Magic of Mentorship 6 Designing to Forget 21 Jameela Lares, PhD, explains how her path Explore the transformative art of USM’s to becoming the Graduate Mentor of the Master of Fine Arts in theatre with an Year was filled with surprises. emphasis in design and technology. Thriving Places, Thriving 2020 Hall of Fame 25 People 9 Join us in celebrating graduate student Meet two alumnae whose training in the excellence in this year’s Graduate Student Master of Library and Information Science Hall of Fame. program has allowed them to meet the challenges of today’s information users. Graduate Alumni Hattiesburg History 12 Spotlight 26 Two USM history students explore the Two USM alumni provide glimpses of their legacy of Black women’s activism in 1960s careers and insights into having the best Hattiesburg. graduate experience possible. Understanding Perception 15 USM Graduate Learn more about brain and behavior PhD Enrollment 28 candidate Catherine Dowell’s work with See how our enrollment numbers have sight, touch, and the “feelies.” grown for 2020-21.

ARETE Winter 2020-21 Editorial Staff The Graduate School Executive Editor J.B. George Building 143 Karen S. Coats, PhD 118 College Drive #5204 Hattiesburg, MS 39406 Managing Editor Karlie Herndon 601.266.4369

Writing, Layout and Design usm.edu/graduate-school Karlie Herndon

A note about the images in this issue: photos on pages 1, 2, 5, 7, 8, 25, and the back cover were provided by the USM Image Center. Unless otherwise stated, all other images were provided by interviewees. We appreciate our interviewees’ willingness to share images when safe in-person photography was not possible this year.

ARETE Winter 2020-21 Welcome from the Dean Since the first issue of Arete was published in the winter of 2017, the purpose of the Graduate School magazine has been to disseminate the accomplishments of our graduate students and faculty to a broad audience and to showcase the innovative and diverse research, creative activity, and undergraduate instruction they engage in each day. Previous stories have included scholarship and graduate programming in all academic colleges, featuring student and faculty collaborators in disciplines ranging from the arts to the physical sciences.

This issue has the same goal, but with a special twist—in solidarity with the centennial celebration of the ratification of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution on August 18, 1920, which guaranteed women the right to vote, the winter 2020-21 edition of Arete focuses on the accomplishments of women. The advancement of women over the last 100 years has been steady, most recently culminating in the election of the first woman as Vice President of the United States, an accomplishment to be acclaimed regardless of political persuasion. Likewise, women’s contributions to the mission of Southern Miss—teaching, research, and service— are noteworthy. Today at Southern Miss, female students comprise more than 66% of the graduate student population, an increase of more than 26% from the previous year. Enrollment of women of color increased by 47% to represent over 31% of all female graduate students. Collectively, over 62% of female graduate students are Mississippi residents, indicating that our state economy will reap the benefits of adding Southern Miss alumnae with advanced degrees to the workforce.

Graduate students at Southern Miss are creating knowledge through original research and creative projects, and the articles of this magazine capture just a small sample of their work. With a nod to the women’s suffrage movement, a featured article shares the story of women who were giants of the civil rights movement right here in Hattiesburg. Their unwavering commitment to equality, revealed by USM historians, resulted in passage of the Voting Rights Act of 1965, which banned voter discrimination based on race. Other timely articles capture the work women are performing all across campus. I believe you will enjoy what you will learn from them. Did I mention that this magazine is entirely the work of a female graduate student? Karlie Herndon is pursuing a Master of Library and Information Science.

Happy reading!

Karen S. Coats, PhD Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate School

ARETE Winter 2020-21 1 2 ARETE Winter 2020-21 For a lucky few people, their true passion introduced Rachel to Dr. Leila Hamdan, in life is clear early on. They build “who studied microbial ecology in the deep skyscrapers of Legos, write novels on sea and had just accepted a position at school notebooks, or win logical debates USM and was looking to hire lab members over bedtime like a top defense lawyer. Sampling and graduate students. “As it happens, For others, their true calling comes a little her area of research is exactly what I was later, but it is just as pronounced when interested in,” Rachel says. She spent some it finally makes itself clear. For Rachel the time working as a lab member with Dr. Mugge, her life’s passion whispered hints Hamdan, who was so impressed with her to her through grade school and her Archival work that she offered Rachel “a graduate undergraduate years, but it was not until assistantship to study the effects of oil her entrance to the USM community spill contaminants on the microbiome of that the siren song of deep-sea ecology Sea: historic shipwrecks while earning [her] fully captured her. “Growing up, I never Master of Science degree.” had a clear idea of what I wanted to be,” A Dive Dr. Hamdan’s praise of Rachel is Rachel explains. “All I knew was that I nothing short of stellar. “Rachel’s scientific was absolutely fascinated by two extreme contributions have been tremendous assets environments: space and the deep ocean.” into to my research enterprise. She helps me Growing up in Ohio, Rachel didn’t have carry out the mission and vision of USM many chances to explore her fascination by unselfishly sharing her knowledge, with the ocean, but she does remember Deep-Sea creating an inclusive environment, and what sparked her interest. “I did a project working with me and my colleagues to on Antarctic ice fish, and this is the first Microbial provide transformative experiences focused time I realized that living things can exist around our research.” in the deep sea and that there is so much to As another part of her work with learn about this desolate place.” This was Ecology Dr. Hamdan, Rachel set up a difficult in the first grade, and later, in eighth grade, and intensive experiment “to monitor Rachel had the opportunity to research in Rachel Mugge, development of biofilms on hull materials a university laboratory. “My eighth grade PhD Candidate, exposed to contaminants.” The experiment project investigated the effects of anti- Coastal Sciences took roughly four months to complete and microbial athletic socks. I was fortunate required constant maintenance to ensure enough, through a family friend, to have the simulation of deep-sea conditions. access to a lab at the Ohio State University Graduate Assistant of Her weekly monitoring of the experiment to plate and incubate bacteria that I had the Year was also time-consuming and required swabbed from my classmates’ shoes. This a great deal of knowledge on molecular was definitely my first interest in microbial microbial ecology. Dr. Hamdan notes ecology.” and the [Deepwater Horizon oil] spill.” that Rachel “has also been collaborating She completed her high school Specifically, Rachel learned about “the closely with [Dr. Hamdan’s] colleagues at education and then a degree in biology effects of hypoxia on polychaetes.” Every the Naval Research Laboratory to expand at Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, summer, the northern part of the Gulf her knowledge about metal corrosion and Oklahoma. Her fascination with extreme of Mexico becomes a hypoxic, or low- electrochemistry, to shape and inform her environments continued to flicker at the oxygen, zone. USM’s Gulf Coast Research PhD studies.” back of her mind, but aside from interning Laboratory (GCRL) was in the perfect As part of her work at GCRL, at a local aquarium, finding opportunities location for studying how low oxygen or Rachel has also taken part in nearly to do deep-sea research were limited. other environmental stressors “can affect a dozen research cruises, serving as a In 2016, as she approached graduation the physiology of coastal organisms.” Dr. co-chief scientist on one in June 2018. from Oral Roberts, she was still unsure of Rakocinski and Rachel studied a specific When asked about these cruises, Rachel’s what direction her research should take. type of organism called polychaetes, excitement is contagious: “Research cruises She hoped to gain exposure to coastal or which Rachel describes as “a type of very are, hands down, the best part of what I marine science, and her mentors kept her small worm living in benthic, aquatic get to do!” Once the cruise is in the right broad goals in mind. “During my junior environments, and they are usually very location, the crew sends down a remotely year at college, my undergraduate mentor abundant and can be used as an indicator operated vehicle (ROV) to be able to “see” forwarded an email to me about research species of changing environmental a shipwreck. These shipwrecks are almost internships at USM’s Gulf Coast Research conditions.” like a natural archive of what the sea has Laboratory.” Dr. Chet Rakocinski was These benthic zones—or the claimed from human sea-faring, but they looking for summer interns to assist him lowest levels of a body of water—were also provide a rich location for learning on a few “ongoing projects in his benthic exactly the kind of extreme environment about the types of organisms, such as the ecology lab, which sounded interesting that Rachel was fascinated by in her bacteria that Rachel studies, which live enough.” She ended up working with Dr. Antarctic research as far back as first grade. deep beneath the ocean’s surface. As she Rakocinski for two summers, “learning It was a perfect fit for Rachel. During explains, “Processing sediment cores or about the Gulf Coast, the hypoxic zone, her summers at GCRL, Dr. Rakocinski deploying seafloor experiments are very ARETE Winter 2020-21 3 unique experiences and can serve as timely revealing the unforeseen consequences does every day. Since that first talk, she has reminders of why our work is important, of the spill on the preservation of cultural given “outreach talks to different audiences, which can be especially helpful during artifacts on the seafloor.” While the natural including the local Genealogical Society, the tough days spent writing or analyzing data.” archival conditions of the deep sea can Science Café at GCRL, and USM’s Ocean While choppy seas and difficulties preserve some of these structures for a long Science and Technology summer camp.” on board might make these cruises time, Rachel’s work is helping researchers Additionally, Rachel shares her challenging, Rachel says she wouldn’t trade understand how the introduction of time and expertise by judging science them for anything, and they also help her different materials to the site may affect fairs. As a former science fair participant, garner interest in the importance of her those conditions. This research has been so she knows how important these projects work when speaking to general audiences. important, in fact, that Dr. Hamdan says it can be for inspiring students and shaping “Whenever I give outreach talks in my “contributed to my team being nominated their futures. “It is really inspiring to see local community of Ocean Springs, the for, and ultimately receiving, the National the creativity that some kids have, and to majority of my audiences are residents of Oceanographic Partnership Program’s see their excitement when they talk about the Gulf Coast and were living here when Excellence in Partnering award.” their projects because, ultimately, they the Deepwater Horizon spill have the potential to become happened in 2010.” Many of part of the next generation of the residents recall the spill’s scientists.” In her letter for the effects on the surface of the Graduate Assistant of the Year water and on shore, but there application, Rachel noted, “I is much more to the spill have the opportunity to propel than even the people who the next generation, especially experienced its aftermath young women, into science realize. “What many people careers.” don’t know is that some As a woman in a STEM of the spilled oil from the field, Rachel has a lot of hope wellhead became trapped in for balancing the gender a subsurface oil plume and imbalance in these areas made its way to the seafloor. in the near future. “Even While it’s easy to assume though there have been recent that this does not matter changes, STEM careers still (‘out of sight, out of mind’), tend to be male-dominated, I like to use this information and it’s important to have as a jumping-off point to women in the sciences because explain how the deep ocean our contributions are just as environment is important valuable,” she explains. As an because there are many incredibly successful early shipwrecks and other built career scholar, Rachel has structures down there, which the power to encourage and are capable of supporting inspire other young women the vast biodiversity of the who have an interest in STEM deep sea, including bacteria, paths. “I love sharing my which is where my research is experiences and career journey focused.” with young women to show Dr. Hamdan expands them how I did it and that it’s on what Rachel focuses on in okay to be smarter than all the her research. Her work seeks boys or to be the only girl in to discover if “microbially your physics class! I think that, induced corrosion” of these as women, we often feel the human-made constructions, A young Rachel stands by a space-themed science fair project. need to make ourselves small, like the steel structures of some but it is important to encourage shipwrecks, “is accelerated in the presence Rachel’s contributions have ourselves and other women around us, of oil and dispersed oil,” such as the plume impacted even farther-reaching audiences especially in science, to have confidence in of oil Rachel mentions. According to Dr. than the professional science community. our intelligence and what we can bring to Hamdan, “Rachel’s research addresses the She has immersed herself in her local the table.” She is not alone in these views, functional responses of biofilm-associated community, in part by giving talks to local and Dr. Hamdan has been a constant source microorganisms on steel surfaces in groups about her work. In 2019, Rachel of inspiration for the young women on her deep-sea habitats. Her work, and her two gave her first outreach lecture to the First team. As Rachel says, “She leads by example first-authored publications in Frontiers Presbyterian Church of Ocean Springs. The and has encouraged me to find my voice as in Marine Science and Biofouling have experience made her realize how much she a woman in science, and I am privileged to already made significant contributions to enjoyed sharing the important work she have her as a mentor.”

4 ARETE Winter 2020-21 Dean Karen S. Coats presents Rachel with a plaque commemorating her award as Graduate Assistant of the Year.

Rachel has certainly found Science group.” According to Dr. Hamdan, Congratulations, Rachel, you make us her voice. She has two first-authored her contributions as a team member all proud to be part of the Golden Eagle publications and a third nearly complete, representing USM at the international community. and she has contributed to eight more Coastal and Estuarine Research Federation’s By Karlie Herndon collaborative publications. In writing 2019 conference “resulted in the most about her own accomplishments, she is successful social engagement event in the confident and clear about her contributions Federation’s history.” to many important activities. Her peers When she talks about her time and colleagues applaud her knowledge of here at USM, Rachel acknowledges the the field, and she applies this knowledge challenges that graduate-level work can through service as a reviewer for three present, but she’s also grateful for her scholarly peer-reviewed journals: time here. “I actually have [my] first- Biofouling, PLoS One, and Environmental grade project framed in my office, and it Science and Pollution Research. serves as my motivation whenever I am Not only this, but she is an overwhelmed with the pressures of graduate active participant in several key groups. school.” Even so, she says her “path to USM Dr. Joe Griffitt, associate professor and has not been straightforward, but [she is] interim director of the School of Ocean grateful to be where [she is] right now, as a Science and Engineering (SOSE), has PhD student. USM has provided the tools, served as a member of Rachel’s MA and resources, and environment to facilitate PhD advisory committees. He notes that [her] learning, and [she is] confident this “Rachel is an active and engaged member has set the stage for a successful career.” of the SOSE community, as can be seen Having already contributed so by her involvement in Graduate Student much to her field, we’re confident that Senate, the Marine and Estuarine Graduate this year’s Graduate Assistant of the Year Student Association, and the Women in is destined for continued excellence.

ARETE Winter 2020-21 5 The Magic of Mentorship: Graduate Mentor of the Year, Dr. Jameela Lares

Jameela Lares, PhD, English Program

She may not have been summoned to position at The University of Southern she says, “I find teaching a continual Hogwarts by owl, but something magical Mississippi. When she received a postcard high. I really, really get excited teaching. seems to have called Dr. Jameela Lares, from USM requesting a writing sample, I mean I’m always teaching.” In his 2020’s Graduate Mentor of the Year, to she thought, “Whatever possessed me recommendation of Dr. Lares, Dr. Matthew Hattiesburg. to apply to Mississippi? I had seen how Casey, interim director of the School Dr. Lares was born and raised horrible [some areas of the country] were of Humanities, explains how even the in Burbank, California, near Disney to Black people, but Mississippi was worse.” wonderful collection of items in her office, Studios, with Walt Disney “presiding Dr. Lares has always believed in equality, from the “small porcelain crocodiles on her over my childhood benignly like a local and her work in a law firm in Tennessee desk” to “the replica coins from the biblical spirit,” she says. She attended schools had given her a chance to see firsthand the era,” become jumping off points for her in Southern California in a time when mistreatment many people of color in the energetic teaching. California was flush with cash and heavily South faced at the time. Dr. Lares has made a name investing in education for its young Even so, a job is a job, and Dr. for herself as someone with unlimited people. “At one time,” she notes, “if it were Lares went to the post office in Pasadena, zest for teaching, writing, research, and a country, it would have been the sixth California, to mail a writing sample. “I mentorship. In fact, her propensity for or seventh richest country in the world handed the packet to the guy behind the enthusiasm was one of the major themes because aerospace and entertainment desk who happened to be Black, and he in her letters of support for Graduate were all centered there.” In fact, her school looked at it, as one will, and then his face Mentor of the Year. Dr. Casey noted that Dr. “regularly sent people to Harvard and Yale. changed. He said, ‘Hattiesburg.’ He showed Lares’s “passion for scholarship and love It was like being in a top private school, it to the guy next to him who was also Black of learning is especially impressive when but it was paid for with all the money that and said, ‘Hattiesburg!’ They were both you consider that she is a full professor California used to have.” from Hattiesburg, Mississippi. I said, ‘Well, with decades of work at USM.” One student With such an amazing start, what’s it like?’ ‘Oh it’s a wonderful place.’” recommender, Dr. Gregory J. Underwood, Dr. Lares had high standards for herself When she explained that she is the only tenured professor of English at and the people around her, but she also was looking at a job at USM, they told Pearl River Community College, where made room for her personal life. “I was her, “Go! You’ll love it!” Several months he serves as English department chair. Dr. accepted into Occidental College, and just later, she had a message on her answering Underwood received his PhD in spring like Obama, I dropped out, only he went machine that said not only did the English 2020 under the direction of Dr. Lares after on to Columbia, and I got married.” She department at USM want to interview her, more than 10 years away from the program. later completed her undergraduate work but that they were also so impressed with “After a decade and a half,” Dr. Underwood at California State University at Fullerton, her work on Milton that they had revised says, Dr. Lares was “unfailingly agreeable in then she and her husband lived in North the job to be a Milton professorship, a helping me achieve my re-immersion into Africa for several years. As a lover of legacy hire to replace a retiring Milton graduate study and writing.” languages, Dr. Lares studied French at specialist. That night, Dr. Lares joined a In another unusual situation, Centre Audio-Visuel in Tunis, where she friend for dinner at Panda Express. When Dr. Lares happily became the “adoptive earned a Certificat d’Etudes Françaises, she opened her fortune cookie, the tiny slip mentor” to Dr. Dan Childers, whose first the equivalent of having studied French at of paper confirmed the events of the day: choice of mentor (for his area of expertise) a French University for six months. When “Job prospects look bright.” She ended up left USM just as he was beginning the PhD they returned to the U.S., she took jobs traveling to Hattiesburg, and within just program. “Dr. Lares could not have been teaching and working at a law firm, but she three days of returning home, USM offered more gracious, welcoming, and committed also continued her studies with an MA at her the job. She was the only applicant they to guiding me through the end of my the University of California Los Angeles. even interviewed for the position. program,” he says. In considering her own She then received a three-year fellowship “It’s sort of a mystical experience mentorship style, Dr. Lares speaks again of to complete a PhD at the University of for me,” she explains. It is certainly a paying forward the energy and effort that Southern California. fascinating story, but the simple truth of her mentors poured into her, especially After completing her dissertation, the matter is that Dr. Lares is a passionate, at the University of Southern California: Dr. Lares responded to nearly 50 job brilliant scholar, a dedicated teacher, and “I had a tremendous amount of really openings for professors across the United she has “never met a stranger.” When she good mentorship, which I always want to States. One of those calls was a Renaissance explains her enthusiasm for teaching, pass along. I feel like I have a great deal of

6 ARETE Winter 2020-21 karmic debt. People dedicated themselves As the process of writing children’s literature. “British Studies was to growing me up as a scholar.” Indeed, Dr. began, Kayla says Dr. Lares “was very wild. Jameela just goes,” Allyson says. “She Childers described her mentorship style as concerned that she not take advantage knows so much and has so much to share, that of a “proud academic parent,” one who of my time. She ensured that we wrote and she did. We got to talk to people that is the first and loudest to sing the praises of up our responsibilities and divided them we probably wouldn’t ever have had the her students and colleagues. equally, and when editors unintentionally chance to otherwise, like Ann Thwaite, Like her own mentors, Dr. Lares diminished my contributions or forgot who wrote the A.A. Milne biography,” the is always willing to support a student’s to CC me on emails about our article, main influence for the 2017 film Goodbye, individual interests and play to their Jameela ensured they acknowledged my Christopher Robin. “It wouldn’t have been individual strengths. “One of the most contributions.” In speaking about Kayla’s the same with anybody else,” Allyson notes. remarkable things about her is that once work, Dr. Lares is nothing if not impressed. In discussing her mentorship she’s in your court, she’s really in your “I don’t know that Kayla Schrieber needed style, Dr. Lares emphasizes how court,” Allyson Hoffman, creative writing much mentoring. She was always done with important her own mentors were. Even PhD candidate, explains. “I’ve had other whatever she had to do before I was, and as an undergraduate, she had people professors tell me that Jameela looking out for her, including has said good things about Professor Rosemary Boston, who me to them. She is one of the encouraged her progress as a [kindest and most] supportive scholar. Once she began graduate people I’ve ever met.” Even in school, she had mentors who— the interview for this article, Dr. in their excitement to mentor Lares—a mentor and member her—proclaimed, “We’ve made of my dissertation committee— you into a project!” One person took the time to ask me what in particular was Professor Larry I’m working on. By the end of Green. “At one time, Larry had the day, she’d found books on five PhD students, and so to save her own shelf that I needed, set time, he found a classroom, and up a time to give them to me in he would meet with us every two the midst of pandemic chaos, weeks. He would just go around and congratulated me on my the table and ask where we were,” own achievements. Since our Dr. Lares explains. She says this first meeting, she has provided method caused the students to opportunities for me to guest think, “‘Well I can do better than lecture in her literature courses, that!’ you know, so he had us all a great way for PhD students going against each other, in a to get a breadth of teaching good kind of a way.” In addition, experience before entering the Dr. Green was the first person to job market. encourage Dr. Lares to submit a Dr. Lares also finds a proposal to a major conference, way to work with students to and he ended up directing her create publications, something dissertation on Milton and that is practically a requirement rhetoric. “One of the mentoring for humanities PhDs entering patterns that I picked up from the workforce. As a student in Larry Green is he used to have me Dr. Lares’s ENGL 559 Milton over all the time. He and his wife for Mississippi course, Kayla Schrieber, she’s been very nice about it, but I finally would always have people over—he knew English literature PhD candidate, wrote got around to doing it and sent it to her, everybody in the world, and she knew about feminist issues and gender in and, of course, she sent it back the same everybody else, and they had this constant Paradise Lost. When the course ended, Dr. day!” stream of people through the house.” In Lares reached out to Kayla to co-author Dr. Lares is also wonderfully other words, openness, friendship, and an essay for a collection called Women generous with her network of scholars community: Dr. Lares emulates these things (Re)Writing Milton: A Global Perspective. and publishers around the world. Kayla now in her own mentorship style. “While Jameela was well-versed in Milton’s made note of her extensive travel and that Dr. Green wasn’t her only writings, she was less familiar with current she “generously extends her wealth of impactful mentor, however. “One of the feminist criticism. Remembering my focus experience and connections [to students], really powerful people for me at UCLA on gender and sexuality throughout the helping them to navigate the often murky was a Miltonist named Christopher Grose. semester, she asked if I would collaborate waters of academic networking.” Allyson When I left UCLA, he called me and said, with her and if I would be willing to co- joined Dr. Lares for her biannual British ‘I’m sorry you’re not here,’ because I had author the article at 50% authorship.” Kayla Studies course, which takes students all over told him I would be wanting him to direct says, “I happily accepted.” England to visit sites that are important to me. He said, ‘but if you ever need me, let

ARETE Winter 2020-21 7 Dr. Jameela Lares accepts a plaque from Dean Karen S. Coats in honor of her nomination as Graduate Mentor of the Year. me know.’ Every six months he would call two public lectures, and a day-long read- me and say, ‘I just want to remind you, aloud of the 10,000 lines of Paradise Lost. that if you ever need me...’ These are great When asked about Milton, Dr. models for me.” Lares cannot contain her excitement. She Because of the mentorship and explains that he knew roughly 10 languages. the almost supernatural journey that He wrote “amazingly malleable” poetry. He guided her to USM, Dr. Lares has always wrote a history of England in his search for felt she should pay forward her good a good Arthurian epic but eventually turned fortune. “Given the history I’ve laid out for to the Bible for inspiration for Paradise getting this job, I’ve always wanted to give Lost. He also served as “Oliver Cromwell’s something back to Mississippi for hiring Secretary for Foreign Tongues, which me.” This was the driving force for what she meant that it was his responsibility—and hoped to be a major annual project, Milton by the way he was blind at this point— for Mississippi, though the 2020 pandemic to translate and answer all diplomatic made the second installation of the project correspondence.” In other words, she says, all but impossible. The project is a way to “I like him because he’s really good.” let Mississippians engage with the 17th It’s wonderful to hear Dr. Lares century writer John Milton in a way that talk about Milton, and to know that so will encourage, inspire, and ignite a passion many of her students and peers feel about for language in the already talented pool of her as she does about him: we like her Mississippi artists and writers. “Mississippi because she is really good. has no lack of good writers, and I think there might be some kind of local, native By Karlie Herndon love of language,” Dr. Lares explains. The project includes radio readings of Milton’s works (including one I happily contributed after some gentle coaching from Dr. Lares),

8 ARETE Winter 2020-21 Thriving Places, Thriving People: A Look at USM’s Master of Library and Information Science

At the start of 2020, Gallup released a all-online, all-evening classes that can fit in this study-abroad program,” she explains. report that revealed a stunning fact: into most working professionals’ lifestyles, Another unique feature is that the “Kaigler Americans visit libraries more than they it’s no wonder the program earned this Children’s Book Festival held at USM participate in any other cultural activity. honor. Since becoming director in 2015, Dr. each spring since 1968 is sponsored by Delving into the report reveals that Teresa Welsh has seen steady growth in the the School of Library and Information Americans visit libraries roughly twice as program and in “the quality and diversity of Science. Major children’s and young adult often as the next most popular activity— our students who are located across the U.S. authors and illustrators are featured as going to the movies—and that the youngest We have a few Canadians in the program keynote speakers, and about 500 librarians, group, the so-called digital natives and along with some Americans stationed teachers, scholars, and students attend each tech-savvy millennials, were the most abroad in China and Japan.” year.” frequent library users. With roughly 280 MLIS students Even just this sampling of facts Libraries aren’t what they used to currently enrolled, the program represents demonstrates the variety and diversity of be: hushed and stuffy spaces ruled by strict a huge number of graduate students here the program’s offerings and the types of spinsters with no tolerance for noise or at USM. Some of the main things that people it attracts, and while many people rule-breaking. Libraries today offer classes, have encouraged the program’s growth with the childhood dream of being a makerspaces, books, movies, magazines, include “our wonderful, dedicated faculty librarian enter the program, it pulls a lot and video game loans. Library cafés have who actively engage with our students,” of mid-career students and professionals only added to what many in the field call Dr. Welsh explains. In addition, she says in, too. Even Dr. Welsh completed “an the “community living room.” In the midst that USM’s program is unique for two key undergraduate degree in anthropology of a global pandemic, libraries quickly reasons: first, “a British Studies class on with a minor in classical studies from pivoted to provide curbside pickup, online Libraries, Archives, and Special Collections USM,” as well as a year of graduate work in story times, and social media updates from offered each summer in London; since anthropology, before moving into an MLIS library cats practicing social distancing 2007, 227 LIS students have earned credit at the University of Tennessee. Like many, from their purple-haired and she had a “lifelong love of libraries tattooed staff. With so much on and archives,” and she continued on offer, library and information to an LIS PhD at UT. science professionals’ work is more One graduate of USM’s program, important than ever. Carrie Mastley, now works as No longer gatekeepers, the manuscripts librarian at librarians, archivists, museum Mississippi State University curators, and other information Libraries, but she didn’t start specialists now act as guides in an out knowing she’d like to pursue overwhelming sea of information, information science either. She technology, and change. USM’s earned both a BA and MA in Master of Library and Information English, a secondary teaching Science (MLIS) prepares students certificate, and a Teaching English for the demanding work of finding as a Second Language certificate. the unfindable, ensuring inclusion After a few years teaching seventh and equity for underrepresented grade and then university English groups, and preserving the past courses, Carrie and her active- for future users. The MLIS is the duty military husband relocated only American Library Association to Scott Air Force Base in Illinois, (ALA) accredited program of its where there isn’t reciprocity for kind in Mississippi, and it has teaching licensure. With few job been excelling in student research, opportunities (“It’s literally situated job placement, and satisfaction in a cornfield,” Carrie says.), she for years. In 2020, Online Schools began to explore her interests to Report named USM’s MLIS find something she could happily number one in the nation. With spend her time on. “I grew up no out-of-state tuition, diverse reading books. If I showed an course offerings, three different interest in reading, my mom was specializations to choose from, and Carrie Mastley, MLIS going to get me the book I wanted;

ARETE Winter 2020-21 9 course papers have recently Lincolniana at Mississippi State University, been published, something which led to her current position. There, she couldn’t imagine she processed a lifetime’s worth of books, at the beginning of her memorabilia, statues, and everything coursework. “The ability else you can think of related to Abraham to do research,” Dr. Welsh Lincoln. With hands-on experience that explains, “is so important also applied to her coursework, Carrie in our field in areas such as became an ideal candidate for her newest collection analysis, content job. analysis of literature, Many other students come into publication pattern analysis, LIS as their first career choice. One such citation analysis of scholarly student, Laura Valliant, has found the impact, patron surveys MLIS to be one of the most challenging or observational studies, and rewarding tasks she’d ever undertaken. and historical studies After 23 years of being a homemaker and of libraries or archives.” mother, she realized she needed more. Carrie notes how well Hailing from Mexico, Laura notes that her the program succeeded husband was a very traditional man, and in preparing her: “They he wanted her to be a supporting presence really got me comfortable rather than pursue her own interests. And with the processes involved so, with just $20 in her hand, she left her in developing a formal life with him behind and began working research topic in our field. as a page for a small public library in That is huge for the work Los Angeles. “The community was 99% that I do now because I Hispanic, and the librarian needed a work in an R1 research bilingual employee. Spanish is my first institution where I have to language,” Laura explains, but she had complete research for my some basic English skills. “Once I started job.” working, I realized that I needed to learn Research is an essential formal English to communicate effectively, Carrie processes oversized prints from the Frank and part of information science, so I decided to enroll in college.” Much of Virginia Williams Collection of Lincolniana. but Carrie also notes how her work included language acquisition, important service is to this but “[she] worked hard to accomplish that’s just the kind of family I grew up career field. “Everything we [her] academic and professional goals.” in. My aunt was a librarian for a middle do is service-based. If you don’t have a heart Laura’s life as a single woman putting school for nearly 30 years, so libraries have for service, you need to find something else herself through college was never easy, always been a special part of my life.” After to do because librarianship and working in she explains. On “some occasions, I had researching schools, she found nothing an archive, it’s all about providing a service. three part-time jobs in a week combined but good things about USM, particularly That’s your top priority: connecting your with part-time classes. Other times, I had its fully online aspect, but Dr. Welsh sealed patrons with the information that they need a full-time job combined with full-time the deal. “I talked to Dr. Welsh on the to be successful.” With her background in school (16 credit units), but zero free time phone, and she was just so friendly. I called English, much of her previous graduate for me. However, I enjoyed every moment the general line, and she was the one who work had been theoretical. The answered the phone. I didn’t have to go MLIS was a surprise for how much through three people to get to the director. practical information it provided. She asked me about my goals, what did In addition to the MLIS, Carrie I want to do with this degree, to help me completed a Graduate Certificate in figure out what path I needed to go down, Archives and Special Collections, and she just really helped me figure it out.” which included a practicum at One thing that made Carrie the Columbus-Lowndes Public nervous was the online aspect: she had Library’s (CLPL) Local History never taken or taught an online course, Department. Her lifetime mentor and she was concerned about the learning and friend, Mona Vance-Ali, not curve, but she’s amazed by how well she, only inspired her love of archives her professors, and her classmates all got and history, but she also worked to know each other. Carrie was also a little as Carrie’s mentor throughout the concerned about doing social science practicum and helped her network. research, but in the end, the program was Carrie eventually landed a job as a Laura Valliant stands beneath a FAREWELL sign carefully designed to prepare her to write collection processor of the Frank from her colleagues. publishable articles. In fact, three of her and Virginia Williams Collection of

10 ARETE Winter 2020-21 in school and at work!” As her the grant, and it has been a English improved, she also wonderful, wonderful journey.” moved up the ranks of the Though Laura feels library staff. Eventually, her inspired by women like Dr. Welsh colleague Stuart Goldman, and Sky Patrick, director of a reference librarian at the the Los Angeles County Public Los Angeles County Library Library System, one of the most and USM MLIS alumnus, inspiring parts of Laura’s story is recommended this program. her impact on her daughter. Now One of the things in her late 20s, Laura’s daughter that has amazed Laura first studied biochemistry with the about the program is just plan to become a doctor. Recently, how much she learned that marriage and motherhood, as she applies directly to her well as a freeze on positions in work in libraries. “I started California due to the pandemic, as a page. I was promoted have caused her daughter to as a library aide, and then consider a different career, and supervisor I, and supervisor she looked no further than Laura II, and paraprofessional, for inspiration. Of course, Laura and now having my degree, suggested that her daughter I can become a professional pursue an MLIS here at USM. librarian. I have passion “She’s going to do well if she for this career.” From her chooses to join the program, but duties of checking the book let’s see, let’s see.” drop to supervising over 20 With so many people employees, Laura’s work on reassessing their priorities in 2020 the MLIS is nothing short of and 2021, USM’s MLIS is poised inspiring, but she credits so to receive any number of new much of her success to the Laura stands by an inviting children’s display during her time as a public students, eager to begin a career of way the program works. In her library employee in Florida. service and learning. But like Laura classes, she designed websites says, let’s see what this exemplary the population. If you are in California, and instructional videos, created materials program has in store. in a small city, 90% Hispanic population, for users that have gone onto her library’s the collection needs to be focused in that website, and put her knowledge of library By Karlie Herndon direction,” she explains. “It’s good to offer management theory to work nearly every all kinds of [materials], because we need day. “I was telling my [new] husband, I was to be aware of what is in the global world,” excelling in my skills washing dishes and she says, but she notes that a library should going to the grocery store. I didn’t know primarily aim to meet the needs of the that I would be able to learn and manage local community in terms of interests, a computer and be in a library because languages spoken, level of education, and when I started as a page, I didn’t know other factors. Her research found that the what a book drop was!” Laura remembers Los Angeles County Public Library System receiving her first paycheck and realizing is doing a good job of meeting the needs of the kinds of things she could do with it, and the local communities, and she learned a her first thought was to buy herself a bed. lot from this enormous system’s exemplary “It’s easy for someone who has everything policies, even implementing similar policies in life to not value those little things. For in her management roles. me it’s a big step; it’s a big jump in my life, The endless support from the thanks to the program.” program’s director, Dr. Teresa Welsh, has Part of her work on the MLIS been a big part of her empowerment and involved an extensive research paper, titled rise to success. Laura calls Dr. Welsh “an “A Collection Analysis of the Mexican exemplary woman with high ethical values, American Literature in Los Angeles and she’s always available to her students. County Public Library System.” Collection She is a resilient leader and a lovely person analyses examine the types and numbers who guided and supported me to achieve of materials a library or library system my academic and professional goals. contains, using those figures to assess the She’s always encouraged us to understand value of the collection for the library’s the global world. She’s patient, and she specific community. “It’s very important encouraged me to apply to a grant. I got to develop the collection for the needs of

ARETE Winter 2020-21 11 Hattiesburg History: Remembering the Women Behind the Civil Rights Movement

One hundred years. In the expanse of were less public, but Meridian is working forward. human history, one hundred years is only to help share the story of this powerful and Gray was born in Palmers Cross- a page or two in the book of time, but this passionate woman. ing in Hattiesburg, and she became an past century unfolded extensive changes for Meridian is originally from St. independent business owner, selling beauty the women of the United States. In 1920, Louis, Missouri, and she’s always found products door-to-door. This allowed her a our nation passed a hard-won amendment strength and support with other women, greater measure of job security than, say, granting women the right to vote, and after which is part of what drew her to Gray’s someone working as a teacher who might 10 decades of exercising that right, the cen- story. Her high school was established by be fired for speaking out about civil rights. tennial of the Nineteenth Amendment even the Sisters of Loretto: “Their values are Her brother ran an electronics shop on Mo- saw the election of the first woman to the faith, community, justice, and respect, so bile Street, the center of the Black business Vice Presidency of the United States. it’s very community-oriented. Empowering district at the time. Having the freedom to But what many people have over- women was my high school’s thing! I got to make her own money and a point of con- looked in this celebration is the fact that be around all these really strong women in tact on Mobile Street gave Gray the mobility this right—which was not even granted in high school, so it all lines up that I’ve been and the home base to inform local Black cit- Mississippi in 1920, and was not officially around all these empowered women, and izens about voting rights, network between ratified in our state until 1984—didn’t affect I’m studying a woman who was very em- different organizations, and help coordinate all American women equally. Specifically, powered and very strong and very smart,” the efforts of voter registration, a main women—and men—of color had to con- Meridian explains. As a history student, focus of the civil rights movement in Mis- tinue fighting for this essential right for sissippi. Women’s path to leadership was another 45 years. less clear than men’s, who could often rise Black Lives Matter and nation- to leadership positions through the church, wide demands for racial equality raged like Martin Luther King, Jr. did. “Gray was throughout 2020, and the old adage a bridge leader in Hattiesburg,” Meridian about learning from history rings truer explains. Many Black women would serve than ever. Several scholars in our USM as bridge leaders: people who made stra- community are working to ensure that we tegic connections between organizations, do, in fact, learn from our past, remem- leaders, and communities. For example, ber the people who fought for the rights Gray helped bring in leaders from outside we enjoy today, and recognize the people of Hattiesburg, like Hollis Watkins and who are still fighting. Meridian McDan- Curtis Hayes, and “she helped introduce iel, a history MA student, and Olivia them to the churches and the people in Moore, a history PhD candidate, are Hattiesburg and on Mobile Street, to help both working to tell the stories of Black integrate the different groups of people.” A activists here in Hattiesburg, a city that divorcee, Gray was a single mom of three, played a key role in passing the Voting working to pay the bills, as well as make Rights Act of 1965, the legislation that fi- local, regional, and national change during nally barred racial discrimination against the 1960s. Gray and her cohort worked to voters. establish Head Start, organize Mississippi Meridian’s work began when Freedom Summer—a huge movement that she was an undergraduate student here pushed for increased African American at USM, when Dr. Kevin Greene suggest- voter registration in 1964—and even form ed she research a Hattiesburg local who Meridian McDaniel stands beneath banners the Mississippi Freedom Democratic Party, was part of a highly influential team of on the Eagle Walk, Hattiesburg campus. where Black women were able to rise into Black women activists in the ‘60s: Victoria more formal leadership positions, bringing Jackson Gray. “She’s one of three women challenges and voicing their arguments to who were part of multiple organizations Meridian has learned a great deal about the Democratic National Convention. and a big part of the movement for Mis- other local and national civil rights leaders, “She put herself out on the line for sissippi,” Meridian explains. Gray worked but she’s hopeful that people like Victoria what she believed in. She really put herself alongside Annie Devine, as well as Fannie Jackson Gray will begin to be part of schol- out for Hattiesburg to get the movement Lou Hamer, a former sharecropper, whose arly research endeavors, museum exhibits, to come here,” Meridian says. “It’s just speech to the Democratic National Con- conversations—really anything to help weird to me that there’s not more about vention in 1964 was televised, earning her remember the people behind the scenes her when she was this national figure.” national recognition. Gray’s contributions who did so much to push the movement Though Gray passed away in 2006, many

12 ARETE Winter 2020-21 Study of Af- Fractured Activism, examines “fractures be- rican Amer- tween civil rights leaders and activists and ican Life groups,” specifically in Hattiesburg. “I feel and History that when we speak about the civil rights (ASALH). movement, we sometimes have a tendency The theme to present it as this unified movement or of the moment,” she explains. Another common conference error is to portray the civil rights movement was “African as two-sided, with non-violent folks on Americans one side, armed resistance on the other, or and the conservative versus radical activism. “You Vote,” and do see division, but it’s always portrayed Dr. John- as two conflicting ideologies, so what my son noted research is doing is looking at the ground that one level at these differences between activists speaker, Dr. and the arguments and the debates and the Martha S. disagreements that they were having. I’m Jones, spoke interested in human emotion and human about her disputes, and I feel that these are really new book, important to understanding what really Vanguard: went wrong with the civil rights movement How Black because in the later period, you do see a Randall, Herbert. Mobile Street Looking South; 1964. Photo used with Women breakdown of the movement and a lot of permission of the photographer. Housed in USM Special Collections. Broke Barriers, division.” Won the Vote, Olivia brings a very different of her hand-written speeches and other and Insisted perspective to her research than many documents are in USM’s McCain Library on Equality for All. In an intricate narra- of her peers in the History program: she and Archives, where Meridian has happily tive that follows Black women from the hails from Plymouth, in the southwest of spent a good deal of time researching Gray’s beginning of U.S. history into the 20th England, and she came to USM as part of life. Soon, she’ll begin work on her MA century, Dr. Jones clarifies several points a study-abroad program. “Mississippi was thesis, which she plans to use as a bridge to about Black women’s fight for equal rights the first place in the United States that I her PhD work, continuing the research on for everyone in the U.S., echoing what Dr. ever visited,” she explains. “I really wasn’t Gray, as well as men’s and women’s lead- Tuuri mentioned to me. “These women sure what to make of it because as I’m sure ership styles in the civil rights movement were at the backbone of Freedom Sum- you’re probably aware, most British people in Hattiesburg. She’s working as a teaching mer ‘64. Young people came down to get don’t go to America to go to Mississippi!” assistant with Dr. Rebecca Tuuri, whose involved, and women were the confidence in Meridian has pushed her to ones feeding and caring for take on challenges like graduate school; them. They did all of the work Meridian notes that Dr. Tuuri has been her except for major leadership main female role model since she’s been in roles. They worked for that college. right [to vote],” Dr. Tuuri says, When I spoke with Dr. Tuuri stressing that final verb. about Black women activists in Hattiesburg, Dr. Tuuri’s passion her passion for these amazing women was doesn’t stop with her research palpable. “Race was at the heart of suffrage and advocacy for Black activ- for white women,” she explains. Many white ism. An advocate for her grad- suffragists around the turn of the 20th cen- uate students, Dr. Tuuri put tury used racial supremacy as an argument me in contact with Meridian, for giving white women the right to vote, as well as Olivia Moore, a PhD a tactic that left Black women the task of candidate who has worked fighting for not only gender equality but for closely with Dr. Tuuri. Now, racial equality too. In the 1960s, “Mississip- Dr. Tuuri is on Olivia’s dis- pi women led the movement to enfranchise sertation committee, chaired women,” Dr. Tuuri explains. by Dr. Kevin Greene. Olivia’s Dr. Sherita Johnson, director of work also focuses on the civil USM’s Center for Black Studies, first put rights movement and the ways me in contact with Dr. Tuuri. Dr. Johnson that activists in Hatties- was excited to share that she had attended a burg pushed for change Randall, Herbert. Victoria Jackson Gray at Palmers Crossing month-long virtual conference in summer in the 1960s. Her disser- Opening; July 1964. Photo used with permission of the photog- 2020, hosted by the Association for the tation, currently titled, rapher. Housed in USM Special Collections.

ARETE Winter 2020-21 13 A Thread Through Time, created and to help them on a project. Mrs. Gaines and edited by Doris Townsend Gaines and Mrs. Abrams attended Rowan High School, co-edited by Carolyn Hall Abrams has which was an all-African American school debuted as a 2021 book by Page Pub- until the students started to join Hatties- lishing. Both Olivia and USM educa- burg High School. “What they wanted to do tion professor, Dr. Thomas V. O’Brien, was to interview these students who were had a hand in the creation of the book. from their graduating class, which was the It all began when Olivia sat in with two class of 1968, about their experiences [at the Hattiesburg High School students who schools and] what it was like just growing were interviewing the first class of local up in segregated Hattiesburg. Their goal students who attended high school in was to get all their class members who were the time of integration. The interviews still living to write their own memoir of were part of a joint project between the their experiences and compile all of those Center for Oral History and Cultural memoirs into a book. This book would Heritage at USM and Hattiesburg High essentially be a treasure trove of informa- School. “They were interviewing them tion about what it was like to be Black in about various topics—their upbring- Hattiesburg during this period, which was ing, civil rights—but the overarching really, really cool.” In the end, Olivia and theme that they were trying to get at Dr. O’Brien added “academic voices,” most- was resegregation.” When Brown v. ly assisting with arrangement and talking Board made segregation in schools to publishers. “We really wanted this to be illegal, what happened in a lot of their authentic voices and experiences,” she formerly white-only schools was that, explains, and individuals’ choices to use, Olivia Moore, History PhD Candidate once Black students began to attend, for instance, “gonna” instead of “going to,” the white students left, and schools like were honored as authentic speech. Memoirs Olivia absolutely fell in love with Hatties- Hattiesburg High were essentially resegre- included traditions like Thanksgiving feasts burg, and even in her exchange program, gated through white flight. and Christmas mornings, as well as histori- she began the work of collecting oral histo- At the end of the interview—Olivia cal events, such as where people were when ries, sitting in with other students as they still feels such awe at the poise and profes- Martin Luther King, Jr. was shot. spoke to local people. sionalism of the high schoolers conducting Olivia warned me at the start of Race is an important part of Ol- it—Olivia began speaking with the two our interview that she could go on and ivia’s research, of course; she’s also deeply women who had answered the students’ on about her work, but she’s delightfully interested in how class and status within the questions. It turns out that the interview- effervescent when she talks about the work Black communities of Hattiesburg impacted ees, Doris Townsend Gaines and Carolyn on the book. “They’re such cool women. I these fractures in the civil rights movement. Hall Abrams, were looking for a historian just find them so incredible. And, of course, “Sometimes when we Carolyn Abrams is talk about the Black the mother of Stacy community, we do Abrams. It’s pretty cool, paint it as a homoge- pretty historic,” she says. nous entity, and I really “I’m not even from Hat- want to look at it more tiesburg, and I’m like, closely and show that gotta claim [the Abrams there wasn’t actually family]! It was my first just one Black com- home in the United munity within Hat- States, so I think that’s tiesburg. There were why I like to see myself multiple different Black as a proud Hatties- communities across burger.” With the book different geographical project complete and a spaces just in Hat- dissertation to finish, tiesburg, one city, let Olivia, like Meridian, alone the whole state of is eager to continue the Mississippi.” work of shedding light For the last on the real people of few years, Olivia has Hattiesburg who made been working alongside the civil rights move- two prominent Black ment a reality. women in Hattiesburg Dr. Thomas V. O’Brien, Mrs. Carolyn Hall Abrams, Mrs. Doris Townsend on a project that has finally Gaines, and Olivia Moore at the Hattiesburg Public Library in 2019 By Karlie Herndon come to fruition in the form of a book. The Class of 1968:

14 ARETE Winter 2020-21 Understanding Perception: A Brain and Behavior Student’s Work with “Feelies”

Feelies. They may sound like the sensation her second year, she discovered that her because it’s just such a basic thing. We’re you get when you watch a holiday romance advisor’s husband ran a research lab on doing it all the time, but if we didn’t know or hold a baby, or maybe they’re something campus where he studied perception. how we did it, then we wouldn’t really that’s off-limits at dance clubs (Warning: When I ask Catherine to explain know how we were experiencing the world.” No feelies on the dance floor). The truth how perception fits into psychology—often She mentions how many people learn of what feelies are is perhaps even more touted as the study of the mind, but more language: words were sounds before they surprising. contained any other information. Your In the 1960s, American knowledge of an apple, for instance, psychologist James J. Gibson commis- is in your brain because at some point sioned a set of clay sculptures with you saw, smelled, held, or tasted an similar characteristics, but they would apple. Perception research often relies otherwise be unique in the world of on physical reactions in the body and objects: items that wouldn’t be mistaken brain, measuring eye movements or for anything else. The goal was to create salivation levels, but it is the first and small sculptures with no pre-defined most basic influence on behavior. use value in the real world in order Though the study of perception to examine human perception at its can be very much rooted in biology most basic level. What the sculptor and neuroscience, it often involves labs produced—10 unique objects that full of people instead of test tubes and resemble the blobs that form when a machines, and Catherine knew she child squeezes Play-Doh through her wanted to work with people. “I like in- fingers—came to be known as feelies. teracting with the people that come in. When PhD candidate Cather- I like doing these funny little things that ine Dowell first heard of feelies, she had aren’t at all serious, like tell me about already been working in a lab, “showing your childhood kind of questions.” and handing people these plastic molds Western Kentucky University offers a of super weird-shaped bell peppers.” joint undergraduate master’s program Catherine grew up in Kentucky and that allows students to begin a master’s had interests in everything from marine degree while completing undergraduate biology to law, but a class in high school work, and Catherine took this opportu- sparked her interest in psychology, nity to get a running leap into her grad- spurring her to take another psychology uate education. During that time, she course in her first year of undergraduate had the opportunity to teach a meth- work at Western Kentucky University. ods class, and she realized she would “The professor teaching it made sure need a PhD to teach someday. “I liked to cover a lot of different areas and not teaching. I liked telling people about all just all the classic studies. What really this stuff. You know, my family’s had to caught my interest was the biological listen to me explain all of these things, aspect of it, like the neuroscience. I and they’re just like oh, wow, sure.” just thought that was fascinating.” The Catherine laughs at her fami- more she thought about it, the more she ly’s response, but her enthusiasm for began to realize how complicated hu- discussing perception is palpable in our mans—particularly the way our brains interview. Perception is a niche area of work—really are. Catherine recalls The Feelies psychology, but she notes that it pairs thinking, “that feels like something that I well with a lot of other areas, like neurosci- could spend forever looking at and never ence and cognition, but she was trying to really finish. That’s got to be job security! concretely, it’s the study of behavior—she’s find a program with a little more emphasis I’ll never run out of questions to ask. It happy to clarify. “Basically,” she says, “ev- on perception itself. She applied to several won’t get boring.” Her interests led her to erything starts with perception, and every- programs, and ended up touring five or six major in psychology and minor in biology, thing can build off of it. I guess people don’t schools. When she got to her Southern Miss and in a conversation with her advisor in really think about perception as psychology visit, she was exhausted. In recalling the

ARETE Winter 2020-21 15 interview process, she heaves a huge something called affordances, sigh of relief when she remembers her which are the possible uses for an arrival at USM for her tour. “It was item, such as a cup: you can hold just so much easier to talk to everyone a cup, the cup can hold liquid, the here. Everyone was really friendly, cup can hold down something light, the campus was beautiful, and,” she like paper, or you could throw a laughs, “it was February, so it wasn’t cup (because it’s small enough to horribly hot, which may have been lift and toss). Affordances change a little deceptive, but that’s ok! I just depending on what’s available, the really liked the feel of USM, the people environment, and the person in here. I thought, I’ll be happiest here.” the environment. For instance, a After her years in the lab cup on a high shelf doesn’t provide with Dr. Norman, Catherine knew much of an affordance for a shorter she wanted to continue working with person, but it might for someone ecological perception—which empha- who could reach it. “There’s some- sizes the role of the environment and thing called functional fixedness,” the people in that environment—and Catherine explains, “where even her advisor here at USM, Dr. Alen though you could use something in Hajnal, wanted her to hit the ground a different way than usual, you’re running. Catherine had heard about used to thinking about it that way. feelies. Her mentor at Kentucky, Dr. There’s a classic example with, Norman, was one of the first people to for instance, a hammer, and you bring them back into modern research needed to use it for something that projects. “Dr. Norman was very proud wasn’t hammering.” Once a person of them,” she explains. He and his pulls up those preconceived notions team had to go to a museum where the of what a hammer affords, it’s original feelies reside, scan them, and difficult to get an unbiased answer. 3-D print them. “Dr. Hajnal knew Catherine Dowell, Brain and Behavior PhD Candidate Gibson’s goal in creating the feelies about that, and he said hey, what if was to remove any bias, any of those we recreate our own set of them and things like pressure, or even in the technol- preconceived ideas of what an object you can work with those?” Catherine was ogy that allows phones to sense a light tap was for, in order to get a better sense of thrilled. “I’m actually still working with versus a hard tap. In part, the work that Dr. what a person perceives rather than just those, just because they’re so versatile and Norman, Catherine, and other perception how they act on learned behavior. In the there’s not a lot out there about them.” researchers do seeks to resolve a debate in study that measured affordances in visual In fact, Dr. Norman is one of the field of perception, one instigated by the and haptic (active touching rather than the leading names connected with feelies feelies’ creator, James J. Gibson. “Gibson’s passively allowing something to touch skin) and other 3-D objects used in perception idea was that all the information out there perception of feelies, Catherine and the studies. He has used the strange bell pepper in the environment is kind of contained as research team either allowed participants to shapes and the feelies in many studies to energy,” Catherine explains. “We detect that see the feelies being handled by a research- learn more about perception, specifically in energy through our senses, and the idea is, er but not touch the objects themselves, or terms of vision and touch. Even researchers regardless of how you receive it, whether it’s the participants could handle the feelies like Charles Darwin assumed that the use through hearing or vision or touch, that in- without seeing them. Next, participants of one sense could be enhanced through the formation is still in the same form, still the listed what the objects might be used for. dampening of other senses, and the feelies same energy. You just have to detect it.” This The goal, in part, was to see what kinds of can provide instances where the accura- is known as a bottom-up theory of percep- affordances people named without the in- cy of touch and sight can be compared. tion, meaning that all of the information is fluence of functional fixedness altering their Dr. Norman’s studies have examined the a constant in the environment, but other ideas. Would all the objects get the same accuracy of active versus passive touch, how psychologists believe in a top-down theory, list of affordances? Would vision and touch that accuracy changes with age, whether in which people use their prior knowledge suggest vastly different affordances? or not blindness increases the accuracy of and experiences, as well as context and Once the team collected a size- touch perception, and whether congenital attention, to process the information they able number of participant responses, they blindness impacts touch in a different way perceive. Research with the feelies and worked to transcribe and analyze the re- from blindness that occurs later in life. other perception studies seek, in part, to sults, which involved bringing in linguistics Studies like these are often what move toward a better understanding of how experts. “Normally you don’t have people Catherine calls “knowing for knowing’s brains use perceived information. respond in words,” Catherine explains. sake,” but this build-up of foundational Now in her third year of a PhD in “Usually you measure something in a more research on perception can have important the Brain and Behavior program, Catherine objective way, like a yes or a no, or you use in later studies or in other fields, like the has been an essential part of some major measure physical properties. We can mea- creation of artificial limbs that mimic the research projects involving the feelies and sure how much people move when they are human brain’s perception of touch through perception. One of these projects involved determining something, and that gives us

16 ARETE Winter 2020-21 an idea of the sort of processes you navigate.” that are going on. So we had When we spoke in November, to figure out how to analyze Catherine was excited for upcoming language.” During their analy- conferences, where she often meets sis phase, the team presented some of her biggest inspirations, what they’d found so far at particularly some of the women in a conference in the Nether- the field. She explains that women are lands, where they connected “definitely pushing our way through, with another collaborator who and at the conferences, I think espe- helped with language analysis. cially in perception, there’s a lot of “We actually discovered that women, definitely a lot of big names. there wasn’t really a difference I got to meet a couple of the big name in the amount of responses women psychologists at that confer- we were getting for each one, ence [in the Netherlands], and they but the main difference we were just absolutely wonderful.” While found was that when you were perception is a small area within psy- looking at them, the kinds of chology, she notes that about half of responses we got were more her interviews for PhD programs were like nouns. Affordances are to work with female principle inves- usually actions, verbs, so tigators. “I think psychology’s a great these were more descriptive, area for women to be in right now, and like defining what you would I definitely think perception is one of use the object for by calling those areas where the playing field is a it an object, like decoration. little bit more level.” People weren’t saying you would A participant perceives the feelies in the haptic-only situation. With more feelies research, a use it to decorate, [but instead,] dissertation to begin, and NIH grants to you would use it as decoration. hoping to build the foundational under- write, Catherine has plenty on her plate When we gave it to them haptically, they standings of perception, affordances, and in the coming years. While COVID restric- were much more inclined to use action even how the lack of use-goals (like finding tions have slowed down the in-person re- words, verbs: I’d throw this, or maybe I’d an object to use in a specific task) impacts search in the lab, she’s hopeful about future squeeze it.” affordance descriptions. However, she notes research and conferences, and she’s forever With that study complete, the that there are so many applications that excited to share more about her work and team has moved into looking at optimal perception research can have, specifically the work of the perception lab team here at affordances: what will participants say is because perception is the most basic form USM. the best use of these objects? Using the list of information relay to the brain. “Anything of responses from the first study, Cather- you can imagine, if we collect data on it, By Karlie Herndon ine compiled a list of the most common you could probably apply it at least some- answers, and now she has a list she can where down the road,” she explains. She give to participants. “People are seeing [the mentions examples such as treating PTSD feelies] or feeling them independently, and through the help of perception research, then they choose from the list what they since PTSD begins with the perception of think would be the best use. It’s a little hard something traumatic. The lab at USM has a because technically you could use it for any virtual reality (VR) area, and understand- of those things—that’s why they’re common ing perception is key to making a realistic ones—but right now, we’re interested in VR experience for users. Prosthesis en- optimal affordances because a lot of times hancements come down, again, to studying you have options.” Think of a time there things like haptic perception, and even the was an object in your path, and you could design of a mousepad might make use of choose to go around it, step over it, move perception research. “People often have just it out of the way, etc. “It’s not going to be one idea about what psychology is, and so, obvious what they would be best for, and all I just get really excited trying to explain to of these options are perfectly valid options. them the different things and sometimes, We don’t really have any hypotheses about it’s more interesting to them than the where this is going to come out because it’s original stuff they thought.” Speaking of a completely different from anything else, but former lab member, she says, “We’ve had it’ll be interesting to see.” someone who went and worked in Boston When we talk about possible and was working with people [with visual applications for perception research, impairments], and they worked on a device Catherine explains that she and her team that would fit in your mouth and give you a aren’t working on specific problems, but series of stimulations to your tongue to help

ARETE Winter 2020-21 17 Hearing the Past: Digital Humanities, Governors’ Papers, and Women at USM

What do scanners, stolen horses, and civil position opened up, like the ”bat signal” families were experiencing as well. Part of rights have in common? calling her back to USM. that was listening to my mother talk about It isn’t the start to a bad joke. In During her time as DH liaison, raising two young sons while my father was fact, the thing they have in common, at one person in particular has been her a flight surgeon in Vietnam. She’s always so least when it comes to a major project here “number one customer by far”: Dr. conscious to thank the spouses as well as at USM, is something called the digital Susannah Ural. “I’m trying to get her to call service personnel. We don’t always think humanities (DH), a field that has been herself a digital historian,” Dr. Walters says. about the spouses and what the milita- gaining traction with the rise of technology ry family sacrifices.” This led her to start in education and research. thinking about soldiers’ and their families’ “Digital humanities is really hard experiences, particularly in the Civil War. when you’re trying to give an elevator talk “Wars are these moments where you really of exactly what it is, but basically, it is using have to decide what your position’s going technology, mostly computers and soft- to be,” she says. “People are forced to take a ware, to help us better understand huma- stand whether they want to or not, so it’s a nities topics, and that encompasses a whole fascinating way to study a society.” When a host of different things.” Dr. Stephanie Seal Civil War position opened at USM in 2009, Walters, USM’s digital humanities liaison Dr. Ural left a tenure-track position in Texas for the School of Humanities, explains just to come here to dive more deeply into Civil how much DH can help researchers ac- War research and teaching. complish, from mapping out the use of cer- One of Dr. Ural’s major projects tain cookbooks in Mississippi, to digitizing that is gaining steam is The Civil War & gravestone rhetoric, to analyzing children’s Reconstruction Governors of Mississippi picture books—and these are just a few of (CWRGM) Project. Simply put, the pro- the projects represented here at USM. ject digitizes and transcribes government Dr. Walters has been working correspondence, as well as the letters that with USM faculty and students for several Mississippians mailed to their governors years while completing her dissertation on during and after the Civil War, to make Virginia Loyalists after the Revolutionary them available for schools, researchers, and War, a project that utilized software to map Dr. Susannah Ural, USM History Professor the public to examine and keyword search the networks of Loyalists that crisscrossed and Director of the Civil War & Reconstruction the collection. At a deeper level, this project the state. Dr. Walters came back to USM Governors of Mississippi Project is delving into the context, concerns, and after completing her PhD coursework at consequences of the war on average citi- George Mason University in Virginia, but “She doesn’t believe it. She says that she’s zens, something that historians have had a she was no stranger to USM: all four of a historian who does digital history, and I hard time locating, and something that is her grandparents and both of her parents said when you have three major national vastly time-consuming in a collection like attended Southern Miss. “I remember when funding agencies giving you money, I think this one, which contains roughly 50,000 it was time to apply for colleges. I applied you can call yourself a digital historian. pages of documents. “It’s not that these to one school, and it was Southern Miss.” You’re there.” people are voiceless,” Dr. Ural says, “it’s When she finished her BA in history, she Dr. Ural’s path to USM was a little that we can’t hear from them, we can’t find knew she wanted to continue working less direct that that of Dr. Walters. All the them in the written records. The idea that with her mentors here. Dr. Kyle Zelner was men in her family served in the U.S. Navy, sometimes the working class or sometimes one of her main advisors, and when she and her father was a flight surgeon in the the middle class or sometimes women or knew she wanted to continue on to a PhD, Vietnam War. After the war, their family sometimes people of color are voiceless, it she “realized that the market in humani- moved frequently, often because her father always makes me crazy because, no, they ties was really changing. You have to find continuously sought practices that were were talking, we just can’t find them. We something to market yourself if you want to more focused on patients and less focused can’t hear them.” stay in. Digital humanities was becoming a on profits. Her mother’s experiences as a CWRGM is actually a collection buzzword when I entered my program. Dr. sailor’s wife deeply influenced Dr. Ural: “I of correspondence that the Mississippi Zelner said I should really look at George tend to study soldiers, more of 19th-century Department of Archives and History Mason because they have a world-class DH armies. Why they volunteer, what happens preserved for its research and historical program.” Later, when she was considering to them, what their combat experiences value. Archives have become a major returning to Mississippi with her husband are like, but also post-war [experiences]. resource for putting a megaphone at and one-year-old daughter, the DH liaison Then I got more into looking at what their the mouths of individuals whose voices

18 ARETE Winter 2020-21 have otherwise gone unheard, and for up near Oxford to write on his behalf. He More locally, this project is establishing historical narratives that are can write, but he wants formal representati- providing opportunities for educators and outside of the mainstream media. For on to the governor, protesting attacks on his students to get involved in the work of DH Mississippians living through the Civil business. It’s awesome! It’s not this kind of in preserving, transcribing, and under- War and Reconstruction, their governors slow, gradual process where a freedman was standing history. “The biggest problem the were the people they turned to with their trying to navigate his way, I mean it’s BAM! teachers always talk about is that they want concerns. As Dr. Ural explains, “Nineteenth He basically was able to run a side business to use original sources in the classroom, century Americans really did write to while he was enslaved, and he’s immediately but they don’t have time to sift through their governor like we use social media.” transitioning into being this business owner all this stuff on top of everything else,” Dr. If a soldier came and took your horse or as a freedman.” Ural explains. Part of the grant CWRGM your cow, if you experienced hardship, if Dr. Walters, who is now the senior received from the National Archives allows you had any concerns, you wrote to your assistant digital editor on the project, was the project team to hire local educators governor. “It seems trivial to us, although if also thrilled to find this letter in the course to create “souped-up lesson plans.” Dr. you think about a woman complaining that Ural notes how important it was for her to soldiers came and took her horse, well her ensure that K-12 educators, “veterans in the horse is everything. Her horse is how they field,” were the ones creating these lesson plow the fields; her horse is how they have plans for their students. Over the sum- any kind of transportation. It’s a big deal. If mer, several Mississippi educators worked you think about it, we would never know with CWRGM to create lesson plans with that woman. We might be able to find this specific documents that Dr. Ural and her woman in a census record, and that’s about students digitized and transcribed in the all we will ever know about her or anybody spring. The sample documents site went from her world. But the governors’ papers live in September, with Dr. Walters desig- let us into that world.” ning the website. Though many documents Dr. Ural was first inspired to explo- are available through the Mississippi Digital re this world more deeply when she spoke Library website, the sample site contains with a friend about the Civil War Gover- documents, transcriptions, and lesson plans nors of Kentucky project. Kentucky was that have been carefully curated into a set the first in the nation to do a Civil War-era of themes: memory and commemoration; governors’ papers project, and the Ken- emancipation and citizenship; civilians and tucky project includes correspondence from divided loyalties; and soldiers and military 1860 to 1865, from the time Abraham Lin- experience. CWRGM also has plans for coln was elected President to the end of the podcasts on the site, an addition that will Civil War. Dr. Ural wanted to continue Dr. Stephanie Seal Walters, Digital Humanities give educators a chance to include audio beyond that date with this project. She Liaison for the School of Humanities materials and discussions from practicing notes that the collection is very diverse historians in their lessons. in terms of gender, location, and economic of her work of getting many of them online. The project has students as early status of the letter writers, but because of “He basically writes the governor of Mis- as fifth grade transcribing documents as the practices and prejudices of slavery, the sissippi and says, ‘I’m not paying taxes. I part of their lessons, diving into hand- letters through 1865 are almost all from was enslaved my whole life. I have paid my written, cursive documents that may look white Mississippians. “In a state that was taxes to Mississippi.’ I don’t know what the like another language to many readers over 50% African American, you’re missing response from the governor was, but I think today. Dr. Ural spoke with a teacher in New over half of the voices and the experiences. it’s phenomenal.” Hampshire who had her fifth graders doing If you take it through Reconstruction, you Dr. Ural has expansive and in- similar work. The teacher told Dr. Ural start to get African Americans writing in to credibly well-laid plans for the project. She that “the fifth graders actually did the best the governors as well. It becomes a really hopes that the Mississippi project coordi- because they’re just so uninhibited. They great way to look at that kind of change, nators can work together with other states don’t get frustrated. They just think it’s too.” to “connect our collections to see, [for in- interesting: it’s kind of like a puzzle.” The While Dr. Ural was well-versed stance,] how did people in the upper South chance to actually sit down and transcribe in the historical context, she is finding the respond to the Emancipation Proclamation what a letter writer was saying not only letters just as surprising as users accessing as opposed to people in the Deep South? allows these young students to get involved them for the first time. “I think probably How did they respond to invasion by armi- with an enormous and important project the biggest surprise for me was how quickly es and things like that? As we get more and that will be available for generations to freedmen started asserting their rights.” more states doing these projects, we’ll have come, but it also allows them to experience In fact, one letter (see image, next page) Northern states responding to these same the writer’s life in a more personal way. in particular stood out to Dr. Ural when I pressures. For scholars and researchers, “It lets them be a part of it, to be a part of spoke with her in May: “We have a letter it becomes this incredible way to look at the process of history, which often they from the late summer of 1865, so just a how people in different regions responded find really exciting,” Dr. Ural explains. For few months after the war ended, where a to national crises and national, sweeping many students, history can seem a little too formerly enslaved man has hired attorneys changes.” distant to be interesting or to feel “real,”

ARETE Winter 2020-21 19 but as Dr. humanities.” Ural says, She explains “It really that DH is humanizes a tech field, it. Those “and tech is human even more stories, of male-domina- course, are ted than mili- what attract tary history.” us to history However, she anyway.” says she was The once again project also “lucky becau- has funding se I entered to employ a program at undergra- Moore, Lambert, “Petition from Lambert Moore to Mississippi Governor William GMU that duate and graduate L. Sharkey; September 28, 1865,” Civil War & Reconstruction Governors of Missis- understood the significan- researchers here at USM. sippi (excerpt) - Sample Documents, accessed February 11, 2021. ce of women in tech and The work can all be women in the humanities.” done remotely, which Graduate School rolled out for spring 2021. Dr. Ural is equally po- makes this a perfect opportunity during the Through efforts once again spearheaded by sitive about the progress she’s seen in the era of social distancing. “It’s a great way to Drs. Ural and Walters, there will soon be a military history field. “I remember one pro- give them these marketable skills,” Dr. Ural two-course DH badge available for gradu- fessor saying, ‘I’m glad you’re here, we’re says. “It’s also just a nice way to be able to ate students from any discipline at USM. really trying to reach out to women whether employ students in pretty difficult times.” The badge can be affixed to students’ CVs or not they’re exceptional or particularly These student researchers will not only and résumés to highlight their skills in this qualified for this.’ I remember running into replenish their bank accounts, but they’ll up-and-coming field. As Dr. Walters said in that kind of stuff that I don’t see as much also gain experience that will help them early September, “I checked the history job anymore, which I think is really good. I improve their own research and com- market last week, and I only saw three new think, though, that we still have a lot of is- munication skills. Dr. Ural mentions that postings for history positions, and every sues.” Dr. Ural notes that many universities many students may spend hours and hours one of them asked for a digital historian.” across the U.S. don’t have a paid maternity doing research, putting together senior These valuable courses will include a buf- leave option, which can make it difficult for capstones, theses, and dissertations. These fet-style introductory course that will help many women to juggle family and career. brilliant ideas may be buried in a lengthy, students find out what kinds of DH tools She’s hoping to see more of “the kind of jargon-filled document, but with DH, “you they find most compelling, and the second things that make it possible for dual career can actually present online in this digital course will allow them to assist on some on- couples to also work as scholars, to have format that teachers are going to be able to going projects that faculty have underway that kind of support, so that the university use, that the public can benefit from, that at USM. “That’s what I’m excited about. as a whole is a welcoming environment.” a local historical society would want. What Through these collaborations and through When I ask both women to tell DH does, it enhances your ability to analy- these projects, we’re giving our graduate me what they’re looking forward to, Dr. ze and question, but it also enhances your students this phenomenal training and also Walters mentions her hopes for those ability to communicate your research with making them highly competitive on the job three positions she saw posted: “I’m ready groups that we haven’t traditionally always market.” to see those positions say Southern Miss, reached in the humanities.” What is also so wonderful is to see Southern Miss, Southern Miss. I think it’s This is a skill that researchers at two women collaborating to bring innova- going to happen, and I think that’s why I’m any level and from any discipline can use, tions in fields that are often very male-do- just really stoked about it. We thought this and that’s part of the beauty of DH. Dr. minated. Both history and DH (a tech was going to take years, but it shows how Walters gets excited thinking about just how field) draw many men. Both Dr. Ural and much people want it!” She adds, “Digital’s far-reaching DH can be, and she says that Dr. Walters are bucking stereotypes and here to stay, and COVID kind of proved it.” oftentimes, a student will hear “digital hu- making waves, but Dr. Walters notes just Dr. Ural is hoping to continue manities” and say, “Oh no, I can’t do that.” how well USM has done this for some time. searching through the governors’ papers Dr. Walters says, “Oh no, yes you can!” “The first Society for Military History [con- to create a book. She’s equally as excited as In fact, she says, “DH can definitely be a ference] I went to, I was definitely one of Dr. Walters to see all their hard work on one-size-fits-all method, which I appreciate the only female graduate students there for the DH badge come to fruition: “I’m really because I can grab an 80-year-old emeritus sure, but I was also one of the only women dedicated to what this could offer to the professor and an 18-year-old who just came there in general. In the last couple of years, university. I love working here. I love being out of high school, and I can offer them all I’ve noticed I’m not nearly as alone, which here.” Southern Miss is lucky to have such something.” is great, but I was so lucky to have started outstanding women among us. This is part of the driving force the program at Southern because we have behind one of the newest offerings that the so many incredible women professors in the By Karlie Herndon

20 ARETE Winter 2020-21 Designing to Forget: USM’s Theatre MFA in Design and Technology

There are a few experiences many of us take worked together on Teams, discussing for granted: climbing a staircase without patterns and progress, and once they had tripping, enjoying a drink without it spill- a good prototype, they had to decide who ing down our chins, or watching a show needed the masks the most. “Because I live about zombies and feeling that those zom- in Poplarville, Mississippi, I reached out bies could be real. While these are vastly to the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Depart- different experiences, something went into ment, and they got back to me the next day each of them that many of us may never with the reply: Yes, please! The students think about: design and technology. would send their completed masks back to USM’s Master of Fine Arts in Mississippi, and then I would coordinate theatre, with an emphasis in design and with the Sheriff’s Department for contact- technology, is a degree that does exactly less pick up from the driveway.” what many of us forget about in our day-to- As a child, Ms. James-Penot day lives: the rigorous and deeply creative learned to sew at an early age from her sew- work that goes into designing sets, cos- ing-enthusiast mom. Her mother was the tumes, and makeup that are so well-made first in their family to go to college, where that we in the audience forget about them. she began a home economics degree before We forget that the queen is really a woman putting that on hold to be a full-time mom. from Arkansas, or that the cobweb-clad When she returned to school, that degree boy can’t really fly. It’s in the work of these no longer existed, but as she earned a gen- artists that we find that escape from reality, eral education degree, she modeled a drive that moment in the theatre or sitting on our for education that stuck with her daughter. couches that is truly magical. On top of learning very early the impor- Even in designing masks to protect tance of sewing, Ms. James-Penot also Kelly James-Penot, Costume Shop Supervisor local police from COVID this spring, the began acting in local productions as a for the School of Performing and Visual Arts art of making something forgettable— child, and her passion for theatre and something that doesn’t impede breathing or performance grew from there. “I was instruments, and because I could sew, I got speech or comfort—proved to be a design always involved with the arts, played in the put on costumes. I remember one night in and technology challenge. USM’s Kelly orchestra, marched with the marching band rehearsal, I kept looking at the clock, and James-Penot, Costume Shop supervisor for in high school. I don’t think there was any I was like, are they done with my charac- the School of Performing and Visual Arts, aspect of it that I wasn’t involved in,” she ter yet? I need to get back up to the shop took on this challenge. She enlisted her explains. When it came time to go to col- and get back to that gown I’m working on. graduate assistants (GAs) in the task from lege, her family was stationed in Meridian, That was the real lightbulb moment for me, remote locations, using the opportunity Mississippi, her father’s job in the military [realizing] that I would much rather be in to discuss natural versus synthetic fibers, having carried them all over the United the shop than on stage.” Ms. James-Penot alternates to elastic ties, and functions States. She first attended a community col- went on to design a show for the compet- like breathability. What might seem like a lege to take advantage of their scholarship itive Kennedy Center American College simple task of putting straps on a rectangle program, then auditioned for the theatre Theatre Festival, where she placed first at became an in-depth project, well-suited program at William Carey, choosing a small state, then regional, then national levels, for her students’ skills and educational school to get the most personal experience which earned her a trip to New York. She needs. “There was a lot of logistics in that she could. saw Broadway shows and toured the design because Mackenzie Dunn was finishing her During her time in college, Ms. district, but the trip flipped the switch on degree from Alabama, while Erin Jester was James-Penot was involved in many different another lightbulb for her: she realized New completing her degree from Florida, and performances, even singing with the choir York was not where she wanted to be. Fast obviously, I was going to have to mail what- at Carnegie Hall, but it was a production of forward through completing her terminal ever we were working on,” Ms. James-Penot Much Ado About Nothing that her cohort degree at the University of Nevada, Las Ve- explains. “We ordered the supplies, and I at William Carey produced from start to gas, working with the Utah Shakespearean got them shipped to them. We had a weekly finish that solidified her future. “With that Festival, the Santa Fe Opera, the Houston check-in: how’s the progress, what are you program being so small, we did it all. If Grand Opera, and freelancing while living finding, oh that tip seems interesting, let’s you’re cast in a show, you’re also build- in New Orleans. Ms. James-Penot saw her all try that next week.” She and the GAs ing the set, you’re also hanging lighting current position open up at USM, and she and her “Southern boy” husband knew it

ARETE Winter 2020-21 21 Samples of Kelly James-Penot’s costume builds, including a dress made from a parachute (left). was the right next step. “I didn’t want to create masks in the spring have since where she got her first taste for costume get into the academic world until I had graduated, and three new MFA students technology. “I just really fell in love with enough professional experience to mentor joined her studio later in the summer of being in the costume shop. I really liked others in preparation for the industry. I had 2020. Taylor Busch hails from Charleston, the whole process, so I wanted to learn a really strong mentor in undergrad, and South Carolina, and she earned a BFA in more about it and started taking costuming I wanted to be that for someone else.” In musical theatre from Anderson University. classes.” When she finally realized that fact, her mentor, Shannon Robert, is now She explains that her first assignment in costume design and technology were at Clemson, and she and Ms. James-Penot college was working in the costume shop, the areas she most wanted to pursue, it often adjudicate at festivals together. was already her junior year. Instead “I really felt like she was invested in of changing her major, she stuck to me and my success,” Ms. James-Penot her original plan, knowing that she says. could go to graduate school to deepen Now, Ms. James-Penot puts her costume technology and design a similar investment into her students education. at USM. She does a lot of hands-on, Rebecca Earehart knew from a workshop-style teaching for under- young age that she was interested in graduate and graduate students in clothing design. Originally from Tolles- the costume studio, guiding them in boro, Kentucky, Rebecca received a the costume design and technology BFA in theatre from Morehead State aspects of theatrical productions. In University, but even as a child she would defining what costume technology sit and draw row upon row of people, is, Ms. James-Penot explains that it’s focusing on their clothes. Additionally, “everything from the construction, she says, “there was always something the cutting,” down to “working with about movies and television that I always the student to shift the color in the loved. I would just devour the extras on dye.” Even with something as sim- all of the DVDs, and I just wanted to ple as a modern T-shirt and jeans, know [everything about the] behind-the- costume technology is an integral scenes.” She originally went to college part of building items that are couture to study things like editing and camera fit to each actor, coated in water-re- work, but she ended up taking a theatre sistant material, as in one show Ms. elective that offered extra credit for being James-Penot recalls, or fitted with a dresser in a production of Cabaret. electrical lights as in another show. Taylor Busch, Theatre MFA Student “I did the makeup, helped them do the The GAs who helped her quick changes, and I just fell in love with it.”

22 ARETE Winter 2020-21 costume design and technolo- up talking with Ms. James-Penot and Ms. gy, all three graduate students Bush for about 20 minutes. She thought, found their way to USM “This sounds like such a good program. I through great conversations would just love to go there. I was supposed with USM’s incredible repre- to come and tour, but then COVID hap- sentatives, Ms. James-Penot pened. I ended up doing a tour virtually, and Theresa Bush, assistant and the first time I was in Mississippi was professor of costume design when I was moving down here to come to and technology at USM. school.” Even before she moved to Mis- Madison went to the South- sissippi, Rebecca began design work on a eastern Theatre Conference, fall production with Ms. Bush via Zoom. and she met Ms. Bush and Ms. “There’s so much that she has to teach you, James-Penot in the graduate and I’m just gobbling it up.” The restrictions school interviews. “I’d eventu- that the pandemic created were especially ally like to teach costume tech- tricky for theatre faculty, staff, and students. nology, and so I was looking Ms. James-Penot explained how intimate for a grad school that would let the tailoring and dressing of an actor can me further my technology skills be, and in the age of social distancing, that because I’m more advanced closeness and ease of zipping up a gown sewing than I am designing, or pinning a hem became a tedious exer- but would also really heighten cise in eyeballed measurements, spoken my design skills and get them directions, and purchased items rather than to the same experience level preferable couture methods. In the costume that I have in technology.” Her studio, where she could usually come to a conversation made all these student’s station and offer assistance, her things sound doable through work now consists of playing Hot and Cold USM’s program and, “so far, it’s from six feet away. “[Ms. James-Penot] Madison Queen, Theatre MFA Student been everything that I thought it would makes the joke all the time that we’re going be,” Madison says. to be much more polite people after this is She realized, “This is it. This is the marriage Rebecca hadn’t planned on com- over,” Rebecca says, laughing about their of costuming and entertainment that I’ve ing to graduate school, but as she waited enhanced verbal communication in the loved so much. I just knew that’s what I for the job fair to open at the Southeastern workshop in light of COVID restrictions. wanted to do.” Theatre Conference, she stumbled upon Taylor also had great conversations Madison Queen joined USM from the USM graduate school booth and ended with Ms. James-Penot and Ms. Bush, who the western reaches of the United States, from Klamath Falls, Oregon. She earned a degree in makeup and costuming from Southern Oregon University. “I actually started out in special effects makeup,” she explains. Madison has been curious about how designers make fiction into reality since she was a child: “I was just such a big fan of the show, The Walking Dead. So since I was 11, because that’s when it came out, I’ve been wanting to know how to make zombies!” Even though she was interested in makeup, she quickly realized that she could hone two major skills. “I took my first costume class, and it just clicked. I actually like it better than makeup. I still love both, but I definitely have found the right passion.” Since coming to USM, one experience in particular has been exciting for Madison: “Someone who works on The Walking Dead gave a lecture and a demo [in a class], and that was incredible. That was so cool that they were able to provide that for us.” Aside from their shared love of An Elsa ( from Disney’s Frozen) dress and petticoat, built by Madison Queen

ARETE Winter 2020-21 23 giving everyone involved a and performers find new ways to improve challenge outside of their the virtual productions. comfort zone to produce As we all look forward to return- something fresh and fasci- ing to a world without a pandemic, Ms. nating. James-Penot and her GAs all look forward This year has brought to more learning and interactions. “It’s in- even more chances for teresting how we’ve slowed down, and that’s collaboration and innova- good. We’re all just doing the best we can to tion. Under the direction of safely continue to create, but I do miss the Assistant Professor Jay Mor- high-speed energy of when we were in full ris, Southern Miss Theatre’s swing with everyone here,” Ms. James-Penot technical director, the scenic says. Hopefully, the fall will bring a return design students constructed of a shop without taped-off six-foot spaces, individual pods, complete one-way foot traffic, or Hot and Cold games with green or blue screens, of teaching, but even with all the restric- so that individual performers tions, new graduate students are getting a can act in their own pod in solid experience. These tireless artists’ un- front of a camera. “We have forgettable designs will continue to enchant an incredibly talented cohort audiences and make USM proud, no matter of graduate students. Using what challenges come their way. As Rebecca technology, they figured out noted, “If there’s someone who is thinking how to capture our perform- about coming here, I would take the chance ers’ entire bodies in indi- and do it, because it’s been worth it.” vidual spaces and combine them together in a virtual By Karlie Herndon space using perspective, so Rebecca Earehart, Theatre MFA Student it looks three-dimensional for our audience members,” Ms. James-Penot explains. Several “totally saw a drive in me and a wanting to shows have been produced virtually already, be in higher education, and I really liked and with each production, students, staff, that,” Taylor explains. “I decided to come visit, and once I saw the campus, I abso- lutely fell in love with it. Learning about the collaborative process here is very different than anything I’ve been used to, so that really drew me in as well.” Collaboration is something that Ms. James-Penot also noted as an incredible part of the program. “I’ve worked on some really exciting collaborations with faculty in dance and art that I wouldn’t have con- sidered if we hadn’t formed” the School of Performing and Visual Arts, she says. “Last year I received a grant through the College of Arts and Sciences to work on a piece with two dance faculty and one of our faculty from art who specializes in graphic design.” She purchased two parachutes, and made one “into a giant skirt for the dancer and the other one into a giant cape. So much of what we do in costumes is to make sure we don’t impede the performer’s movement.” For example, “if it’s too tight and they can’t move their arms, we’re going to add gussets to make sure they have their full range of movement. What was awesome about this collaboration is that I was intentionally put- ting the performer in something that would inhibit their movement.” The outcome was something collaborative and innovative, Rebecca Earehart’s costume builds for USM’s production of Describe the Night 24 ARETE Winter 2020-21 2020 Hall of Fame: Celebrating Graduate Student Achievement

Each Hall of Fame graduate student’s name, degree program, and brief description of their graduate research is included below. Aaron Wesley Romero Broussard Delores McNair MBA Child and Family Studies MS Aaron’s capstone project simulates Statistics show the critical need to pro- vide resources and programs to fami- running a business over an eight- lies to prepare children for school for year period. It examines how to academic development and achievement. successfully manage a corporation by Yet, many children who enter school making decisions regarding research do not meet the standards for school readiness. Delores’s research evaluated and development, marketing, sales the decline in kindergarten readiness in forecasting, and human resources. public school districts. Will Ford Amy Moody Economic Development MS Marine Science PhD Will has completed numerous economic Groundwater input to the Sound is development research projects for the known to cause low oxygen, excess Trent Lott National Center’s clients. His nutrients, and harmful algal blooms. work includes conducting economic im- Amy’s research examines groundwater pact analyses for new and existing jobs in discharge into the Mississippi Sound various regions; creating comprehensive from coastal aquifer systems. Her goal industry performance analyses based on is to determine if the groundwater in job growth, sales, and regional impact; this region is causing low oxygen events, and secondary data analyses for econom- leading to fish kills. ic development organizations. Janice Taleff Scaggs Raymond Jones Nursing DNP Kinesiology (Exercise Physiology) Intrapartum nurses’ beliefs influence nursing PhD behavior and nursing interventions during labor and birth. Janice utilized the Intrapar- Raymond’s research focuses on sedentary tum Nurse’s Beliefs Related to Birth Practices behaviors and cerebrovascular blood instrument to establish that 93% of nurses flow, especially in minority populations. who participated in the survey have birth be- liefs that more closely align with normal birth Using noninvasive techniques, such as practices. The results of the survey illustrate Doppler ultrasound, he examines the that the nursing culture values normal birth blood flow response to prolonged sitting. and indicates education and training that builds knowledge and skills to support intend- ed vaginal birth is likely to be successful. Hallie Ray Jordan Lucas Somers Psychology (Counseling) PhD History (United States) PhD As a member of the Behavior and Lucas’s dissertation looks at the estab- Addiction Research (BAR) Lab, Hallie lishment of schools for formerly enslaved developed a research program focused on children and adults in Kentucky and Ten- the intersection of mental health factors nessee following emancipation. Build- (e.g., posttraumatic stress) with social, ing on existing scholarship, this study cognitive, and behavioral predictors (e.g., explains why freedom did not guarantee drinking motives, protective strategies) of revolutionary change for freed people alcohol and marijuana-related outcomes. during and after Reconstruction.

Kendall King Joshua Tropp Speech and Hearing Sciences Polymer Science and Engineering (Speech-Language Pathology) MS PhD Kendall served as a graduate assistant at Joshua’s research utilizes polymeric the DuBard School for Language Disor- materials for the optical and electronic ders. She completed practica at DuBard, detection of environmental pollutants in USM’s Speech-Language Pathology complex aqueous environments, such as Clinic, Oak Grove Primary School, and seawater. His research interests include North Mississippi Medical Center-Acute chemical sensing, polymer synthesis, and Care. supramolecular chemistry.

ARETE Winter 2020-21 25 Graduate Alumni Spotlight:

Veshell Lewis PhD, Science Education, 2019

What is your current position and what kinds of duties does that entail?

For the past 10 years, I have worked in education as a science teach- er, and currently I’m an intervention specialist in the Jackson Public Schools District. As an intervention specialist, I provide academic intervention and support to general education students with aca- demic skills deficits and/or below grade level performance. In addi- tion, I have taught undergraduate classes for the past three years as a science content adjunct instructor at Belhaven University.

How did graduate school at USM help prepare you for this role?

Being a non-traditional teacher, I was confident in my science con- tent knowledge, due to my undergraduate and graduate education in biology; however, I longed to gain a deeper understanding of how to improve the quality of my teaching through effective teaching pedagogy. As a science education doctoral student at The University of Southern Mississippi, I gained an in-depth knowledge of peda- gogical practices, research methods, science curriculum, history of science education, teaching strategies, biology content, and science education programs focused on K-12. In addition, I was strongly encouraged to participate in professional development and teacher training that would enhance my knowledge and presentation skills. The science education coursework, professional development, and teacher training helped me become an effective teacher, professional development facilitator, and interventionist.

Please tell us a little about your webinar with NASA. The webinar took place on August 13, 2020. I was contacted by Marilé Colón Robles, NASA scientist at NASA Langley Research Center, and was asked to participate as a presenter for the Cloud Challenge. In 2018, I served as a teacher intern at NASA Langley Research Center in Virginia. During the internship, I worked with various NASA scientists and educators, including Marilé Colón Robles.

The Cloud Challenge webinar consisted of various scientists and educators who worked together to provide teachers and par- ents with GLOBE cloud activities. I highlighted the GLOBE activity, Cloud Fun, and introduced Elementary GLOBE books. In addition, I briefly explained the benefits of nature journaling.

I really enjoyed presenting the activity. I hope the video provided a great learning experience for teachers and parents.

Are there any women, in particular, who are your inspiration or mentors?

I have been blessed with the pleasure of experiencing a remarkable graduate education at The University of Southern Missis- sippi. Yet, I am most appreciative of the opportunities for inspiration freely bestowed by the faculty. Dr. Sherry Herron, asso- ciate professor emerita of science education for the Center for Science and Mathematics Education, is an incredible woman who inspires others by leaving them feeling encouraged, confident, and ready to make the most of their lives. Dr. Herron’s passion for education can be seen in her actions and heard in her voice. Her passion for education inspires others to move beyond themselves. As a past student of Dr. Herron’s, she always encouraged me to take opportunities to learn about concepts that I was most passionate about. I took those opportunities and learned more about myself along the way.

Do you have any advice for other graduate students?

Believe in yourself and surround yourself with others who believe in you, too.

26 ARETE Winter 2020-21 Impacting the Greater Community

Jeremy Noble PhD, Counseling Psychology, 2014

What is your current position, and what kinds of duties does that entail? I am the command psychologist for the 75th Ranger Regiment, which means I am responsible for the psychological well-being of approximately 3,500 Army Rangers. I primarily function as an opera- tional psychologist. Operational psychology is a relatively new field of psychology that is technically defined as “the providing of services through a consultative relationship that enables individuals to more effectively understand, develop, and influence an individual, group, or organization to accomplish tactical, operational, and strategic ob- jectives.” In plain terms, my job is to apply psychological principles to my organization’s practices in order to maximize its performance and the performance of its members. How did graduate school at USM help prepare you for this role? I found my passion for psychology and cultivated a a strong work-ethic as a graduate student, and that was largely due to the learning environment created by the faculty. My major professor, Dr. Michael Madson, modeled exactly how a teacher/coach/mentor should operate. His leadership style has shaped my own. The quality of training provided by the Counseling Psychology department was also exceptionally high. When I began my pre-doctoral internship, I was adequately prepared to meet the demands of a rigorous pro- gram. Are there any women in particular who have been role models or mentors for you in your profession or here at USM? Drs. Bonnie Nicholson, Emily Yowell, and Melanie Leuty are all admirable psychologists and human beings. Either directly through clinical supervision or indirectly through observation, each has been influential in my professional development in some way. What’s something you’ve accomplished that you’re proud of? The position I currently hold is a rather difficult one to obtain. All job applicants for the 75th Ranger Regiment, to include psychologists, must pass a series of intense physical events and rigorous interviews before being selected to serve in the organization. However, before someone can attend Ranger selection, they must first be recruited/invited by someone in the Ranger Regiment based on goodness of fit for the organization. My recruitment into the Ranger Regiment was partially due to the strong skill-specific foundation instilled in me by the Counseling Psychology program at USM. As a postdoctoral resi- dent, I was required to complete an oral examination that consisted of reviewing a psychological assessment case and fielding questions from a panel of psychologists around diagnosis, recommendations, considerations, etc. Fortunately, USM’s Coun- seling Psychology program conducts its own oral examinations of a similar fashion, so I had prior experience in this prac- tice. The exam went exceptionally well, and afterwards, one of my residency faculty members, a prior Ranger psychologist, approached me and inquired about my interest in assessing for the 75th Ranger Regiment. If I had not received the quality of training I had at USM, I’m confident I would not have the job I have today. Do you have any advice for other graduate students? 1) Prioritize well. The most successful and productive people in the world are masters at prioritization. 2) Understand your values. Graduate school is stressful. You are task-saturated, your income is next to nothing, and you are constantly fighting a case of imposter syndrome. Despite this, it will be important to regularly participate in activities that you find fulfilling and enjoyable. When your behaviors and values don’t match, your mood will suffer, which will lead to a degra- dation in performance. 3) Be sure to take the time to appreciate where you are and who you are with. Whether it means staying for an extra round at Keg & Barrel or agreeing to play on your classmates’ intramural flag football team, take full advantage of your current social network. Your future self will thank you.

ARETE Winter 2020-21 27 USM Graduate Enrollment, Fall 2020-21

Heat Map Index by Enrollment Darker colors correspond to increasing number of students. Number of Graduate Students Enrolled by Country • Angola, 1 • Iran (Islamic Republic of), • Spain, 3 • Australia, 1 3 • Sri Lanka, 1 • Bahamas, 2 • Jamaica, 4 • Taiwan, Province of • Bangladesh, 5 • Japan, 2 China, 2 • Brazil, 14 • Jordan, 1 • Thailand, 5 • Cameroon, 1 • Korea, Republic of, 2 • Trinidad and Tobago, 1 • Canada, 3 • Kuwait, 2 • Turkey, 1 • China, 27 • Malta, 1 • Ukraine, 1 • Colombia, 7 • Mexico, 5 • United Arab Emirates, 1 • Cuba, 1 • Nepal, 17 • United Kingdom, 3 • Egypt, 3 • Nigeria, 12 • United States, 2,944 • Ethiopia, 1 • Pakistan, 1 • Uruguay, 1 • Fmr. Yugoslav Rep. of • Panama, 1 • Uzbekistan, 1 Macedonia, 1 • Peru, 4 • Venezuela, 1 • Ghana, 7 • Philippines, 2 • Virgin Islands (British), 1 • Guyana, 1 • Portugal, 1 • Yemen, 1 • Honduras, 2 • Puerto Rico, 2 • Zimbabwe, 1 • Hungary, 1 • Saudi Arabia, 5 • India, 53 • South Africa, 1

28 ARETE Winter 2020-21 Enrollment by Race/Ethnicity Fall 2019 to Fall 2020

2,051 White 1,765 161 Nonresident Alien 144 71 Asian 57 104 Hispanic/Latinx 82 Black/African 692 American 440

0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 Fall 2020 Fall 2019

Increase in Enrollment by Race/Ethnicity Fall 2019 vs Fall 2020

White 12%

Nonresident Alien 9% Black/African American 42%

Asian 18%

Hispanic/Latinx 19%

Graduate Enrollment by College (Fall 2019 vs Fall 2020) 3,500 60.00% 54.38% 3,000 50.00% 2,500 43.43% 40.00% e n g

2,000 h a C 30.00% 1,500 ce n t r Headcount 24.21% e

20.00% P 1,000 14.86% 500 10.00% 5.68% 0 0.00% Arts and Business and Education and Nursing and Total Sciences Economic Human Health Development Sciences Professions Fall 2019 Fall 2020 % change ARETE Winter 2020-21 31 ARETE Winter 2020-21 29

Arete_2020.indd 31 3/3/2021 3:31:36 PM The Graduate School 118 College Drive #5024 Hattiesburg, MS 39406

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