The O'Colly, Friday, July 28, 2023

Friday, July 28, 2023

OSU joins networks focused on global impact

Oklahoma State University’s work toward global sustainability has been internationally recognized.

Additionally, the university has formally joined two academic networks with a focus on global sustainability. In July, the university was notified that it had been accepted as a member of both the U.N. Academic Impact Network (UNAI) and the University Global Coalition (UGC).

Formed in 2010, the UNAI assembles a diverse group of students, academics, scientists, researchers, think tanks and universities from around the world. The network has over 1,600 member institutions representing over 150 countries, reaching over 25 million people in the education and research sectors worldwide. The UNAI facilitates interaction between institutions of higher education and the United Nations to contribute to the U.N.’s missions.

U.N. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are the foundation of the United Nations’ work through 2030 and currently instruct the UNAI’s projects with their members.

The U.N. describes SDGs as the blueprint to achieve a better and more sustainable future for all. World leaders adopted the SDGs in 2015, marking the most ambitious global contract ever sanctioned. SDGs are a priority of

U.N.

Development

through 2030 and currently instruct the

the UNAI as they facilitate collaboration and publicity regarding SDG activities.

“In 2020, OSU made the SDGs our framework for international engagement,” said Randy Kluver, associate provost and dean of OSU Global. “Joining UNAI

Positions preview

After transfer portal shuffle, who steps up

downs last season and is the most experienced pass catcher and a veteran amongst the group of wideouts.

and UGC enables us to learn from other institutions and organizations about best practices in the academic context, such as curriculum development, sustainability practices, and sharing what we have learned.”

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A new quarterback and fresh defensive identity leading BYU’s charge into Big 12

Braden Bush Sports Editor

Over the next few weeks, The O’Colly sports staff will release its Big 12 preseason rankings in the form of team previews. This time, it’s the BYU Cougars, which our writers picked to finish 10th.

BYU needed to make some big additions in the offseason and do so quickly. The Cougars lost start-

ing quarterback Jaren Hall, top running back Chris Brooks and leading receiver Puka Nacua, all now on NFL rosters, from last season’s 8-5 squad. On top of that, 20 players hopped into the transfer portal just as BYU headed into its maiden season in the Big 12.

BYU countered by picking up 21 transfers, and none bigger than quarterback Kedon Slovis.

A Pittsburgh transfer, Slovis also spent time at USC and has thrown for just shy of 10,000 yards and 68 touchdowns in four collegiate seasons. Now, the senior with plenty of Power Five experience will lead the Cougars into the Big 12.

“I love his decision-making and his efficiency. He is exactly what I expected him to be,” said

BYU offensive coordinator Aaron Roderick during spring camp, “calm demeanor, and always in control out on the field. I wasn’t surprised how well he took to the leadership role because I had heard great things about him before I met him, and once I got to know him, I could see those qualities for myself.

Slovis passed for 2,397 yards in 2022 but only threw 10 touchdowns against nine interceptions. Since his freshman season at USC, when he threw for more than 3,500 yards and 30 touchdowns, his performance has dipped. His completion percentage has dropped each season – last year he completed 58.4% of passes.

A season ago, OSU owned the secondranked passing attack in the Big 12. Fast forward to 2023, and the Cowboys are hoping to again be atop those same standings, but this time after losing multiple receivers to the transfer portal.

The OSU wide receiver room will heavily utilize 2023 preseason All-Big 12 wideout Brennan Presley, along with a returning Jaden Bray and multiple others from the transfer portal.

Presley, who’s entering his fourth year in a Cowboys uniform, caught 67 passes for 817 yards and two touch-

Captain wide receiver John Paul Richardson, in addition to Bryson Green and Stephon Johnson Jr., transferred after the season, sparking a major turnover in the wide receiver room. Presley’s experience and leadership will become even more important after a tumultuous offseason. “This season is gonna present different problems, so we’ve just gotta deal with it when the season comes, and then we have to be mature enough to know what it is,” Presley said.

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OSU faculty receive investment for new health care technologies

Canopy HealthTech has selected two Oklahoma State University faculty members to receive support and funding to further health care with innovative technology.

OSU, the University of Oklahoma, the University of Tulsa and Tulsa Innovation Labs announced, in January, the launch of Canopy HealthTech—a new multiyear program to further the commercialization of virtual health innovations from the state’s universities.

The initiative’s goal is to catalyze startup growth and increase and improve health care

outcomes by backing the development of vital virtual health technologies that target regional health care delivery gaps. Canopy’s initial investment totals $400,000 and was awarded to four faculty members from different partnered institutions with two being from OSU. They were chosen to receive non-dilutive funding and professional mentorship to quicken the commercialization of their intellectual property.

“The Canopy Health tech program is well aligned with OSU’s One Health initiative, and in particular is helping drive virtual and data health technologies to market via venturebackable startup companies,” said Elizabeth Pollard, OSU Research Foundation executive director.

See Investment on 6

Courtesy of OSU

Sustainable

Goals (SDGs) are the foundation of the United Nations’ work

UNAI’s projects with their members.

Courtesy of BYU Athletics

Kedon Slovis transferred to BYU after passing for nearly 10,000 yards in four years at USC and Pittsburgh.

Courtesy of Chase Davis

OSU picked up Leon Johnson III, a 6-foot-5 wide receiver from George Fox, in the transfer portal.

Parker Gerl Staff Reporter

Jake Sellers Staff Reporter

Mallory Pool Staff Reporter

Trevino’s Tidbits

Why OSU could lose four home games in 2023

The parity in the Big 12 is greater than most points in the conference history.

There’s fewer “easy” wins and Oklahoma and Texas haven’t competed in the conference championship in a few years. With the four new teams in the Big 12, Oklahoma State’s schedule looks much different than in prior years. The Cowboys aren’t facing Texas, Texas Tech, TCU or Baylor but will play each of the four new schools.

Here, I ranked each of OSU’s 2023 opponents from the most difficult matchup to the least.

Kansas State (Week 6, Home)

The Wildcats thumped OSU 48-0 last year in Manhattan en route to a Big 12 championship. Kansas State was picked second in the Big 12 preseason poll, and entering Stillwater on a Friday night in Week 6, the Cowboys will hope to not be embarrassed at home.

Oklahoma (Week 10, Home)

Oklahoma and its 91 wins against OSU is often the most important game on the Cowboys’ schedule — and while it still is — it’s not the toughest game. OSU will likely play with the backing of 55,000 in Boone Pickens Stadium as they go for one last win against the Sooners before they leave for the SEC.

Kansas (Week 7, Home)

Kansas used to be a freebie on every Big 12 schedule. Now, it’s one of the toughest teams in the conference. The Cowboys lost 37-16 last year in Lawrence to quarterback Jason Bean and running back Devin Neal. Quarterback and preseason Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year Jalon Daniels will likely be back, making it even worse for OSU.

South Alabama (Week 3, Home)

Call me crazy, but this is prime upset material. The Jaguars won 10 games last year, returned most of their starters, and with OSU likely still be adapting to its new offensive and defensive systems, South Alabama could walk into BPS in and earn a nonconference win.

UCF (Week 11, Away)

FBC Mortgage Field is a great home field advantage for UCF. The Knights’ game vs

OSU is sold out, and near the end of the season, both will be scrapping for a better bowl bid. UCF’s John Rhys Plumlee is one of the best quarterbacks in the Big 12, and Gus Malzahn’s offense could give the Cowboys a fit.

Houston (Week 12, Away)

These next few games are 50/50 for OSU, at least on paper. The Cowboys have experience facing Houston quarterback Donovan Smith when he played at Texas Tech, but maybe Lucas Coley is the starter by this point in the season. The Cougars are a wellrounded team, and this should be a good matchup.

Iowa State (Week 4, Away)

OSU has long despised Jack Trice Stadium. From 2011 and 2021 losses, the Cowboys continue to fear Ames. This year, they could likely get a win after defeating Iowa State in a sicko’s game in 2022, but you never know.

BYU (Week 13, Home)

Kind of upset OSU won’t travel to Utah this season, but despite my personal desire to travel to Provo and cover a game, the Cowboys are lucky they get BYU at home. Who knows where either of these teams are by the last week of the season, but if I had to pick four months out, I’ll take OSU.

Arizona State (Week 2, Away)

OSU handled the Sun Devils last year at home in

maybe the best Cowboys performance of the season. Now going to Tempe, I don’t think it’ll be any more difficult. It is a late game, but that shouldn’t be too much of an issue as it is an annoyance.

Cincinnati (Week 9, Home) OSU’s defense shut down now Cincinnati quarterback Emory Jones when he played with Arizona State last year, and with the homecoming environment, the Cowboys likely won’t be caught off guard.

West Virginia (Week 8, Away)

Neal Brown voiced his disdain to the media for the media picking West Virginia last in the conference. Well, someone had to, and the Moun-

taineers after not adding significance in the transfer portal are gearing for another losing season. OSU last won 24-3 in Morgantown in 2021, and while I don’t expect the same outcome — especially after last year’s loss in Stillwater — the Cowboys should leave with a win.

Central Arkansas (Week 3, Home)

I’m not sure how much OSU is paying Central Arkansas to come to Stillwater, but it’s probably more than what the university would contribute to a new softball stadium. If Central Arkansas beats OSU, I would delete Twitter off my phone so I don’t have to see Cowboys fans crying and calling for heads.

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201 S. Perkins Rd · 405-372-7170 Mon–Fri 9:30–6:30,

Courtesy of Davis Cordova

Home games against Kansas State, Kansas, OU and South Alabama all pose potential for an OSU loss.

Gabriel Trevino

Columnist

Column

Still, Slovis has big upside and has shown he can be the signal caller on a major college football team. Coach Kalani Sitake was looking for a QB with experience who could make an immediate impact on a team in transition, and he found that.

“I want to make sure we give him a comfortable pocket, but I know if it’s not too comfortable he can find ways to extend the plays and hopefully find success,” Sitake said. “There’s a lot of things that he brings to the table with his leadership and with the experience that we’re going to lean on heavily.”

Slovis will have the benefit of having preseason allconference offensive lineman Kingsley Suamataia protecting him. The sophomore started in 12 games as a redshirt freshman and didn’t allow a sack in 361 pass block snaps.

“He’s one of the best linemen in the country. A lot of people know it, he knows it,” Sitake told BYU Sports Nation. “There’s a lot of expectation for him… I imagine that we’re going to have the best five on the field, and I’m glad that he’s leading the charge.”

Sitake brought in Jay Hill from Weber State to be his new defensive coordinator, and Hill is implementing a new system. The Cougars will often play with a 4-3 front and try to put pressure on the quarterback, along with man-press coverage in the backfield. Hill will also present an occasional 4-2-5 scheme. Sitake, who spent a decade with Hill coaching at Utah, said Hill runs a defense just like Sitake himself would run it and that Hill is a good fit in Provo.

“We speak the same language when it comes to defensive-minded football,” Sitake said. “I think he’s going to be the guy that to be table to take our defense to where I think we do it.”

BYU gave up 29.8 points and 407 yards a game last season, which each ranked 86th in the country. Sitake wants improvement there as they enter the Big 12, and players are already taking notice of Hill’s new scheme. Linebacker Ben Bywater said the defense plays downhill more than last year are attacking gaps harder.

“It’s a lot more aggressive, I like it a lot,” said defensive lineman John Nelson. “The scheme lets the defensive tackles get more up field and cause havoc by themselves. As a whole, the defense has been pushed a lot harder and it’s been good.” sports.ed@ocolly.com

Positions...

But Bray – a 6-foot-2, 200-pound redshirt sophomore – is a player who coach Mike Gundy and offensive coordinator Kasey Dunn need a breakout from in 2023. Bray has shown flashes of high upside but has yet to stay healthy for a long enough period to play consistent snaps. He redshirted last season after only playing limited snaps in three games while dealing with a hand injury. Aside from Presley and Bray, there’s plenty of room for somebody else to have an impact. So, who could that be?

Well, OSU brought in new faces from the transfer portal in Arland Bruce IV (Iowa), Leon Johnson III (George Fox) and De’Zhaun Stribling (Washington

State). It also returns Rashod Owens, who appeared in 12 games last year, Tayln Shettron and Blaine Green.

Bruce started 11 games as a sophomore for the Hawkeyes last season, and at 5-10, 200 pounds, he could fill the role at slot receiver left by Richardson. Johnson and Stribling, at 6-5 and 6-3, respectively, are big targets on the outside and give OSU more deep threats. Each could become a significant contributor right away, and Presley said they’re fitting nicely into the offense so far.

“I worked out with Strib the other day, he’s gained like 20 pounds, or 18 pounds,” Presley said at Big 12 Media Days. “Arland has lost like eight pounds because he said we run too much in the Big 12.”

OSU also made a positions name change to its offense. The “Cowboy back” position, which was a tight end/fullback combo, is no more. OSU is going back to

two separate positions with tight ends and fullbacks. With this change, UMass transfer Josiah Johnson could start at tight end and bring a pass-catching element that Cowboy backs lacked. OSU replenished pass catchers in the transfer portal, and it will soon know whether or not those additions outweigh the losses. Either way, there are plenty of new names to watch out for.

“We’re gonna find out where we’re at with the swap out of players,” Gundy said. “What we tried to do is if we swapped three wideouts, say they left, we tried to bring three wideouts in. If one of them had three years of experience and was young, we kind of looked for a guy that we felt like could replace that type of player. If one of them was a one-year guy, then we tried to bring a one-year guy in to keep our numbers balanced.”

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Courtesy of Jaren Wilkey BYU coach Kalani Sitake brought in former Utah colleague Jay Hill from Weber State to be his new defensive coordinator, saying that he and Hill “speak the same language” on defense.

Courtesy of Mackenzie Janish

sports

Trevino’s Tidbits

Colorado to the Big 12? Cool. I’m more excited for what’s to come

its media days, and while I think most believed him, few expected it to be enacted two weeks later.

Maybe because the Big 12 didn’t expected to add Colorado so soon. Maybe it did. The University of Colorado was the one to apply for conference membership, which the Big 12 unanimously accepted, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. The Pac-12’s future is uncertain and the Big 12 took advantage.

At Pac-12 media days last week, commissioner George Kliavkoff said the Big 12 was “not a concern.”

“I know the truth,” he said.

How? Because Deion Sanders is the coach. He went 27-5 in three seasons at Jackson State and signed 12 four-star recruits/transfers and 2022 No. 1 player five-star Travis Hunter. When he jumped to Colorado, he signed 21 players — including No. 1 cornerback Cormani McClain — and 50 (!) transfers, including Hunter and Shedeur Sanders from Jackson State. 2023 season tickets sold out almost immediately.

levels of success. But Colorado made the move. You think all nine other Pac12 teams aren’t scampering this week? Without a media rights deal and three teams leaving the conference in 2024 — two from Los Angeles and the other with Deion — more will be looking for a new home.

Brett Yormark said he and the Big 12 had an expansion plan in mid-July at

Well, Colorado, a team with one winning season in its 12 seasons in the Pac-12 after leaving the Big 12 in 2011, is back.

Why? Because more will surely follow. Sure, Deion is Deion. He’s one of the biggest names in college football. The Buffaloes haven’t been a good, even somewhat competent football program before Deion was hired. And if he leaves for a better job one day, I doubt Colorado will go back to early 2000s

And the Big 12 owns a neighborhood. If Colorado is the only team to join from the Pac-12, it’s an add with high upside but low downside. But if it isn’t, it fired the starting gun of the Pac-12’s downfall and the age of super conferences. And the Big 12 will be there to stay.

sports.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of Davis Cordova

The Big 12 unanimously accepted Colorado’s application to join the Big 12 for the 2024 season.

Column

Gabriel Trevino

Columnist

NSF program partnership will further research marketing at OSU

Lauren King Staff Reporter

Oklahoma State University is one of eight universities that make up the United States National Science Foundation (NSF). OSU’s Cowboy Technologies and the NSF’s Innovation Corp (I-Corps) helps researchers turn papers and lab reports into real technologies.

“Cowboy Technologies, OSU’s technology commercialization arm, works with 30 developing technologies per year in the NSF I-Corps program,” said John Nickel, Cowboy Technologies assistant director. “Participation in this program creates a pathway for teams to apply to NSF’s $50,000 National I-Corps program, providing them with further opportunities for advancement and support.”

The main priority of NSF’s I-Corps program is to train researchers to focus on commercial aspects of their technologies in order for them to become entrepreneurs. The program is divided into four sessions that focus on discovering customers and understanding the value that technology brings to those customers

“At Cowboy Technologies, we consider the I-Corps program essential for the development of licensed technologies or startup companies,” Nickel said. “We require participation for all our developing technologies, as confidently identifying a customer and their needs at the outset is crucial to long-term success.”

I-Corps is dedicated to helping researchers develop entrepreneurship skills and share their technologies throughout a wide array of markets. I-Corps provides funding, training and resources – like coaching feedback and 30 discovery interviews – to help these researches reach such lengths in the market.

“For over a decade, this immersive, entrepreneurial training program has helped thousands of NSF-funded

Monday - Wednesday: 10:00am - 10:00pm

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researchers develop the skills necessary to identify market opportunities for discoveries that emerge from their work,” NSF Director Sethuraman Panchanathan said. “Having been part of the I-Corps program myself, I know firsthand how

impactful this can be. I-Corps training empowers the entrepreneurial spirit and makes it possible to turn laboratory results into new devices, products and services that can serve the needs of people throughout the nation.”

Those who participate in the program are able to receive up to $3,000 in stipends and reimbursable travel funds to support their customer discovery activities. I-Corps is dedicated to those who wish to be a part

Courtesy of OSU

of the program by providing knowledgeable insight about entrepreneurship and helping individuals’ technologies breach the market.

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OSU’s Cowboy Technologies and the NSF’s Innovation Corp (I-Corps) helps researchers turn papers and lab reports into real technologies.

Networks...

Continued from 1

OSU’s efforts toward sustainability in 2023 was ranked 72 overall among over 1,600 global universities in participation of SDGs. The rankings come from the fifth edition of the Times Higher Education Impact Rankings, which assesses how universities’ research, stewardship, outreach and teaching contribute to global sustainability.

Kluver emphasized that joining the two organizations of institutions with similar commitments helps raise the visibility of OSU’s deep global and local

impact and exposes more opportunities for students.

In addition to the SDGs, the UNAI promotes research and collaboration on advancing and protecting human rights, access to education and conflict resolution. Further benefits of UNAI membership include potential student scholarships and connecting directly with the U.N.

“Our students gain a better understanding of the role of the U.N., and the role of their university, in addressing these critical global challenges,” Kluver said. The UGC — founded in 2019 by an international group of university leaders — also prioritizes SDGs by promoting their incorporation into the teaching,

Investment...

Continued from 1

Kitty Cardwell is a professor in entomology and plant pathology and received funding to further the development of Microbe Finder (MiFi). MiFi is a next-generation sequence-analysis, cloud-based software-as-aservice that quickly finds several pathogens in a single sequenced sample with high targeting for life-saving diagnoses. The current technology is focused on plants, but the funding will be put toward the adaptation of the technology to mammals with a track on diagnosing tick-borne diseases early.

Yu Feng, associate professor in chemical engineering at OSU, is using artificial intelligencepowered, user-centered smart inhalers that will gather patients’ pulmonary-air flow dynamics information to maximize inhaled medication delivery.

“The Canopy Health tech program bridges a critical gap in the commercialization of OSU’s innovations by providing muchneeded prototype development funding and commercialization expertise,” said Daniel Will, Cowboy Technologies executive

director. “The program is synergistic with the OSU Research Foundation and its for-profit accelerator and venture capital arm, Cowboy Technologies, that provides resources to drive OSU technology-based products and services to market, and support burgeoning startup ecosystem at OSU and in the state.”

The OSU faculty join two other researchers from OU as Canopy’s initial investments. Industry executives, both locally and nationally, visited Tulsa to assess the business plans from nine university-based innovators. The chosen research was selected based on their projected and recognized market strengths, encompassing a high chance of clinical use or follow-on funding by 2025.

Recipients hope to initiate technology-related startups in Tulsa.

“Canopy elevates Tulsa as a thought leader and fertile ground for virtual HealthTech innovation by highlighting our state’s intellectual capital to in- and out-ofstate stakeholders,” said Rachel Lane, Canopy HealthTech executive director. “Our inaugural year is just the first flurry of activity in the industry avalanche we anticipate.”

news.ed@ocolly.com

research, operations and partnerships of higher education institutions through a commitment from institute leadership.

“Our partnerships are complementary,” Kluver said. “We develop them because they are mutually beneficial, in helping us learn more about the others’ context and efforts, and them to learn about ours. These partnerships, such as study abroad programs, can directly help our students and faculty, as it opens up opportunities for them to learn more about the international context and to see a dimension of their scholarship or research that they might not see if they were to stay here.”

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Courtesy of OSU

Kitty Cardwell is a professor in entomology and plant pathology and received funding to further the development of Microbe Finder (MiFi).

Courtesy of OSU Oklahoma State University’s work toward global sustainability has been internationally recognized.

Coffee and college

The inside scoop from a Starbucks barista

Cloe Campfield Staff Reporter

Coffee and college seem to go hand in hand in every student’s life.

Although Stillwater has a variety of great options that offer caffeine to struggling college students, Starbucks has always been my first option.

Being a barista at Starbucks has taught me many new skills and the complexity that comes with something as simple as coffee. Today, I will share personal experiences, recommendations and tips and tricks to ensure you leave satisfied and caffeinated.

Training to be a barista at Starbucks was one of the most exciting and overwhelming experiences I have encountered in quite a while; especially when two months ago, I knew absolutely nothing about coffee. I was always a latte girl, short and simple.

However, working as a barista has shown me how broad and various coffee combinations can be. It can be quite overwhelming stepping into a coffee shop, especially when you are not quite sure what to order.

I have been asked many times as a barista what I recommend, and I love to answer this question.

My personal recommendation would definitely have to be the brown sugar oat milk shaken espresso, one of our most popular items, and for good reason. A combination of brown sugar syrup, blonde espresso, cinnamon and oat milk, this drink will definitely do the trick if you are in need of a refuel during your busy schedule as a student.

The special thing about brown sugar oat milk shaken

espressos is that it includes an extra shot in your drink, which is why I recommend it so strongly to people who are in need of an extra boost to start their day or keep energized while studying.

I am particularly new to Starbucks, and I have not yet experienced what it is like to work there while also being a full time student. So, I have asked a few of my partners for insight on what it is like working as a barista while being a student, as well as their personal recommendations and their favorite benefits that come with the job.

Allie Beach has worked at Starbucks for about two years and gave me insight on what it is like to be a working student at Starbucks.

“It is so fun getting to be able to see all of my friends in the drive thru,” Beach said.

“Being college students I know they will need a coffee break and it makes me excited going to work knowing I will see

them on my shift. I try to open up my schedule so I can work as much as possible during school. Starbucks has always been so flexible with my student schedule that I am offered as many hours as I need while also being able to balance my school and personal life.”

Beach recommended an iced white mocha, no whip, with vanilla sweet cream cold foam, topped with caramel drizzle— a very popular item we sell quite frequently. Beach also mentioned that one of her favorite benefits working as a partner is the free Spotify Premium each employee is offered when they first start their job.

Next, I talked to Trevor Johnson, a coffee master who has been working at Starbucks for two years as well.

Johnson always drinks sugar-free, giving a great recommendation to those wishing to order drinks in this fashion.

“For coffee, I do a flat white with breve, sugar-free vanilla, about half a pump and

three blonde espresso shots in a tall cup,” Johnson said.

Although Johnson has not yet been a student working at Starbucks, he will use his benefits as a Starbucks partner to obtain an online bachelor’s degree from Arizona State University. Starbucks and ASU collaborate together to allow partners of Starbucks the option to maintain a free degree online, a benefit many employees, including Trevor, seek to pursue.

Lastly, I talked to Hannah Ray, another student who has also worked at Starbucks for two years. Ray recommended a dragon drink with a scoop of vanilla bean and strawberry cold foam.

“Something very refreshing that also works as a substitution for those not seeking coffee,” Ray said. Ray’s favorite benefit is that each partner also gets 30% off food, drinks and merchandise, a deal she uses quite often.

There are many different ways to stay caffeinated in Stillwater during the school year.

Working as a barista has changed my entire perception on coffee making and broadened my variety of options, allowing me to finally find a drink that keeps me energized and leaves me satisfied.

If you are still unsure of what to order during your next trip to Starbucks, ask your barista. We love to answer questions and help you find a drink that fits your personal palate and caffeine intake. Another option would be to always try our drink of the week. Crafted by our baristas, each week we come up with a new drink that offers something new to curious customers wishing to try something different. Stay caffeinated, and good luck this school year. If you need me, you know where to find me!

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Courtesy of Cloe Campfield

Trevor Johnson always drinks sugar-free, giving a great recommendation to those wishing to order drinks in this fashion.

OSU student applies psychology to law enforcement career

As Samuel Lian set foot in the Tulsa Police Department (TPD) for the first time, a profound sense of responsibility washed over him.

The original feeling of displacement faded as he became a familiar face to the officers and detectives he shadowed as a TPD intern. Laughter and camaraderie filled the offices of TPD as Lian formed a casual relationship with his summer coworkers.

But as quickly as the month and a half long internship began, it was over, leaving Lian eager to return to policing after completing his education.

Lian, an undergraduate senior psychology major, plans to pursue a Master’s degree in forensic psychology and a career as a police officer once he graduates.

The internship aligned with Lian’s goal of embodying empathy to improve the relationship between a community and its police officers.

Similar to those he hopes to help, Lian’s goal has not always been met with respect.

“Recently, a supervisor even laughed when I shared my career goals,” Lian said. “But instead of letting that discourage me, it made me even more determined.”

After all, Lian is no stranger to challenges.

Lian’s early childhood memories are soiled by a sense of unfairness. Political turmoil forced Lian and his family to flee their home country of Myanmar in 2005, and in 2007, his family moved to the United States under the guise of refugee immigrants.

He described a childhood plagued with abuse and darkened by the death of a family

member.

“It made me sad and frustrated, and I kept hoping someone would step in and make things right,” Lian said. “As I got older, I realized no one was coming; I had to save myself.”

Now, his intentions span beyond personal interest. Lian’s personal struggles sparked an interest in psychology, and his process of self healing evolved into a passion for others.

Lian described human behavior, empathy and communication as integral to effective policing. These core values translated to a unique philosophy to interviewing that Lian

said produces more effective conflict resolution than traditional methods. “I believe in the unorthodox methods in the U.S. of questioning suspects to where they can speak comfortably without raising their stress indicator too much,” Lian said. “People tend not to cooperate when their stress level is too high. This technique, called PEACE, has been popularized in England, compared to Reid’s nine steps of interrogation the U.S. uses.”

Unlike many of his peers, Lian’s values have withstood reality, and he has seen the crimes and community stress-

ors that rarely qualify as breaking news.

Lian said one of the most surprising aspects of his internship was the quantity of drugs confiscated by TPD. Methamphetamine consistently led the pack in volume, and Fentanyl made the top three despite its potency.

Lian said identity theft was equally prevalent. Lian said cases involving senior citizens were particularly troubling, as the victims arrived at the station disoriented and upset, demanding an immediate solution to a problem with no simple fix.

“It’s disheartening to

see the frustration on victims’ faces, but knowing that we are helping them regain control over their lives in some way was a rewarding aspect of my time as an intern,” Lian said.

These experiences only solidified Lian’s passion for policing.

“I know that being a police officer can be dangerous, but I also know that it’s what I’m meant to do,” Lian said. “I don’t want to do anything else besides law enforcement. I’m ready to do whatever it takes to protect and serve my community.”

entertainment.ed@ocolly.com

Courtesy of Samuel Lian

The internship with Tulsa Police Department aligned with Lian’s goal of embodying empathy to improve the relationship between a community and its police officers.

Bella Casey Staff Reporter

Los Angeles Times Daily Crossword Puzzle

Edited by Patti Varol and Joyce Lewis

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Daily Horoscope

Nancy Black

Tribune Content Agency

Linda Black Horoscopes

Today’s Birthday (07/28/23). Rising professional influence especially rewards this year. Make a summer shift at home, before energized creativity inspires new professional directions. Adapt around changing news or disagreements next spring to discover fascinating possibilities through study, travel and research. Grab a career break and run with it.

To get the advantage, check the day’s rating: 10 is the easiest day, 0 the most challenging.

Aries (March 21-April 19) — Today is an 8 — For three weeks, with Mercury in Virgo, work gets more interesting. It’s easier to find new efficient tricks. Focus on balancing physical health, wellness and creative projects.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) — Today is a 7 — It’s easier to put your feelings into words, with Mercury in Virgo. Express your affection. Make bold declarations. Communicate your love and passions. Relax and have fun.

Gemini (May 21-June 20) — Today is a 7 — Decorate, beautify and add ambiance. Put love into your home over the next three weeks, with Mercury in Virgo. Music and lighting work wonders.

Cancer (June 21-July 22) — Today is an 8 — Talk about subjects near to your heart. Over three weeks, with Mercury in Virgo, you’re especially brilliant and inventive. Creative communications thrive and flower.

Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) — Today is a 9 — Network, wheel and deal. Communication gets profitable over three weeks, with Mercury in Virgo. Express passion in your work and cash flows in.

Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) — Today is an 8 — Your natural communicative gifts and artistic creativity flower over the next three weeks, with Mercury in your sign. Speak out powerfully. Make fascinating connections.

Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) — Today is a 7 — Introspection, writing and organization flourish, with Mercury in Virgo. Include ritual, meditation and spiritual or philosophical thinking in your schedule. Consider a mystery.

Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) — Today is an 8 — It’s easier to work with groups. Your team gets stronger over the next three weeks, with Mercury in Virgo. Friends help you advance.

Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) — Today is a 9 — Take charge of your career, with Mercury in Virgo for three weeks. Discuss options and opportunities. Create exciting possibilities in conversation with interesting people.

Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) — Today is a 7 — Make vacation or travel plans, with Mercury in Virgo. Expand your territory over the next three weeks. Make long distance connections. Study and research.

Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) — Today is a 9 — Communication gets lucrative, with Mercury in Virgo over three weeks. Financial discussions, inquiries and requests can yield fruitful results. Make valuable connections. Network and collaborate.

Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) — Today is a 9 — Connect and collaborate. Partnership flowers, with Mercury in Virgo. Compromise and negotiate for mutually beneficial solutions. Share ideas and invent possibilities with someone attractive.

ACROSS

1 Shred

7 Built-in part of a camisole, maybe

10 Menu item

14 Mark who won the Masters and the British Open in 1998

15 __ Palmas de Gran Canaria

16 Spanish

Podos