The topic was journalism and art and whether the two can co-exist in an "objective" realm. I wrote a play about the issue, featuring W. Eugene Smith, the photojournalist. His dialogue was entirely based on his life, but the storyline was, well, surreal. The play has been used in several journalism classes here and at MSU. I've seen it performed a few times, and played one of the roles once. I kid my husband, who wrote a stunning thesis for his master's in history, that mine gets taken off the shelf more!

Has your MALS thesis research proven applicable to your current endeavor?

I'm a journalist and the study about art and journalism and objectivity entirely changed my worldview about the profession and it's intentions.

Did you originally see the MALS degree as a stepping stone in your professional advancement?

Yes, I hoped it would shore up my CV of course, and help me keep my beloved day job (teaching); but I also wanted to stimulate my gray matter.

Are you currently working? If so, what are you doing?

Yes, I'm a journalist and I'm on the faculty here in the journalism program at OU.

Has the interdisciplinary education of your MALS degree influenced your work? If, so please explain the benefit?

It's been mind expanding; a steady stream of new ideas, ideals and theories for four years has resulted in a list of story ideas that will have to be handed over to my great grandchildren.

I'll go where things take me. But for now, yes, I'm here.

Are you working on any projects or volunteering currently?

I always have four or five projects "in my drawer" and volunteer wherever needed.

Have you been traveling since completing this program? If so, please tell us about your experiences.

I travel whenever possible.

If there is a piece of advice that you could pass on to current and incoming MALS students, what would it be?

Be discerning but open-minded about what you take. Stretch beyond what you know and beyond your comfort level. I wrapped my mind around things that I never thought possible ...■