ASCENT
This issue's theme is A New Approach to STEM and explores how the College of Arts and Sciences uses innovative methods to teach science, math and more.
The Ohio State University College of Arts and Sciences
Ohio State navigation bar
ASCENT 2026
ASCENT 2026
In this issue
Building Pathways to Possibility: How industry connections is opening doors for Arts and Sciences students
The Final Four, U.S. Open, Indianapolis 500 and Dallas Fort Worth International Airport. Separately, these events and locations are massive in their own right. Together, they create experiences…
A Musical Voyage: Inside the Wind Symphony’s Tour of Japan
In May of 2025, more than 70 members of The Ohio State University Wind Symphony embarked on a two-week cultural and musical odyssey across Japan. This tour was an opportunity to share music on an…
Field Work: Science comes to life in the College of Arts and Sciences
From solving crimes and chasing storms to studying abroad in paths forged by Charles Darwin and Marie Curie, professors in the College of Arts and Sciences are bringing scientific textbooks to life…
Transforming STEM Education: College of Arts and Sciences takes an innovative approach to teaching science and math
Majoring in subjects like chemistry, biology, physics or mathematics can open doors to successful careers in medicine, biosciences, technology, finance and…
Arts and Sciences AI: How the College of Arts and Sciences is shaping the future of AI in learning
Artificial intelligence is disrupting the ways we produce knowledge, create art, interact with others and the world around us and understand ourselves. In this time of profound change, institutions…
Et tu, Brutus? Theatre group provides artmaking outlet to a multitude of majors across the university
Few writers stir such mixed emotions as Shakespeare. His devoted fans — often called Bardolaters — speak passionately about their favorite scenes and timeless themes of fate, free will, justice,…
Alumni Insights: Matthew Hashiguchi ’07
Matthew Hashiguchi received his BA in journalism and photography from The Ohio State University and was a contributing member of The Lantern, the award-winning student newspaper at Ohio State. He…
Calming the Mindscape: Design student combines interior design with mental health research to create unique space for teenagers
When Brianna Thompson ’25 was creating her senior research project at The Ohio State University, she knew it had to be more than just a required assignment. She wanted her work to inspire and…
Graduate Student Profiles: Political science doctoral program
Chandler L’Hommedieu and Ra'Phael Davis are doctoral students in the Department of Political Science. In these profiles, they share what inspired their research and give advice to…
New Majors/Minors: Supporting success for life
The College of Arts and Sciences is the academic heart of the university. The arts and sciences provide extraordinary opportunities to collaborate across disciplines, blending creativity and…
If These Plants Could Talk
More than 700 unique species of plants, each with its own story and history — some even predating primates — flourish on top of a south campus parking garage on 12th Avenue. This secret garden left…
Office Hours: Faculty profiles
College of Arts and Sciences faculty discuss their research and what inspires them inside and outside of the classroom.
More than a major: How studying a language opens doors
Dana Renga researches and teaches on Italian film and media studies, with a focus on television. She is core faculty in the Film Studies Program, and…
Rethinking belief in an age of misinformation
Distinguished Professor Richard Petty’s research on how people form and change their beliefs has become increasingly vital with misinformation and polarization on the rise.
A new era for economics
Exciting changes are coming for the Department of Economics. As part of the college’s ongoing effort to enhance academic and collaborative spaces, the department will be moving from Arps Hall to a…
A formula for excellence
The Society of Actuaries (SOA) has officially named The Ohio State University’s Actuarial Science Program a Center of Actuarial Excellence (CAE) — a distinction reserved for the world’s top programs…