SIUE alumnus and certified public accountant (CPA) Josh Andres has been promoted to principal of Scheffel Boyle CPAs.
Andres earned a bachelor’s in accountancy in 2006 and a master’s in business administration in 2008, both from the SIUE School of Business. He achieved his CPA designation in 2010.
Details on his specialization within the company and his professional growth are available on AdvantageNEWS.com.
They helped set-up tables, chairs and stations for backpacks, books, games, shoes, and clothing. Students from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s inaugural Summer Success Program (SSP) were pleased to be a part of the Saturday, Aug. 3 East St. Louis Health Fair and Back-to-School Giveaway, hosted by the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center in East St. Louis.
The free event was a combined effort with Meridian Health of Illinois, who sponsored free health screenings and consultations, and Focus on the City of East St. Louis, who funded the giveaway. All 24 SSP participants, Program Assistants Capri Wroten and Kristina Beck, and Program Coordinator Fannie Acoff attended.
Makesha Harris Lee, EdD, assistant director for Pre-Collegiate Programs and SSP creator and director, wanted students to have an opportunity to experience volunteering and community service. The goal of the SSP program is to help first-generation college students be successful in the transition from high school to college.
“Since Southern Illinois University Edwardsville often works directly with the East St. Louis community, and the event organizers were in great need of volunteers, we decided to pitch in!” said Acoff. “The assistance that the SSP students provided was greatly appreciated.”
The health portion of the fair included diabetes and dental screenings, and weight and body mass consultations. The giveaway also included free toys and sports equipment. In addition, there were door prizes, free ice cream provided by Pirtle’s Famous Ice Cream, entertainment by radio station 104 The Heat, and the first 100 families received a $20 Save-A-Lot gift cards. One lucky participant won a Samsung Chromebook laptop.
Focus on the City founder Alonzo A. Perrin started the organization in honor of the community service of his mother, Toni Perrin, a former educator, and his late father Alonzo Perrin, a police chief.
“I am extremely grateful for the SIUE students’ participation at the Focus on the City event,” said Perrin. “They were a great addition to our success, and I feel they learned more about the importance of giving back and philanthropy. Thanks to Fannie Acoff and the SIUE Summer Success Program participants.”
Photos:
SIUE Summer Success Program (SSP) students provided community service to the East St. Louis Health Fair and Back-to-School Giveaway. On the far right Alonzo A. Perrin smiles with his mother, Toni Perrin.
Holding a backpack is SSP student Kiely Swanson with Renata Macias assisting.
Stacking one of the book tables are SSP students (L-R) Sydney Blocker, Joshlyn Robinson and Knolla Smith. Allen Williams is in the background.
Internationally-acclaimed linguistics scholar, Kristine Hildebrandt, PhD, is expanding her impact on the revitalization of the world’s endangered languages with colleagues worldwide as president of the Endangered Language Fund (ELF). Hildebrandt is a professor in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of English Language and Literature.
Her ELF presidency aligns with the United Nations’ declaration of 2019 as the International Year of Indigenous Languages.
“A language is only as “healthy” as its youngest generation of speakers, and in many cases, younger members are forced to turn away from traditional, community languages if they relocate, or if they see that the local language has little economic or social value on the larger global stage,” Hildebrandt said.
Hildebrandt notes that although debated, general consensus is that 90 percent of the world’s current number of languages, estimated between 6,000-7,000, will disappear within approximately the next 100 years. Reasons are quite varied, but often relate to political conflict, economic shifts, and associated outward migration or fracturing of language communities.
Hildebrandt is a noted scholar with extensive linguistics training and research activities centered around language documentation and community collaboration in Nepal. More specifically, two of the languages she has studied are Nar-Phu and Gyalsumdo, which have fewer than 1,000 living speakers combined, most of whom are over the age of 50. This leaves the languages “moribund,” or expected to disappear over the next couple generations.
From 2012 to 2019, Hildebrandt was the principle investigator of the first and only prestigious National Science Foundation CAREER grant awarded to an SIUE faculty member. Her research centered around documentation and description of four languages of Nepal.
“Nepal is the perfect example of a country undergoing massive political, economic and social changes,” she added. “It is heavily influenced by “big” neighbors such as China and India, and members of indigenous, and often minority, communities are bombarded by the prestige of “big” languages like Chinese, Hindi, and even English, in all dimensions of their lives. At the same time, communities see their indigenous languages as important conduits of history and traditional beliefs and practices.”
As a teacher-scholar, Hildebrandt emphasizes the significant community impact of linguistics studies.
“My research has historically been collaborative,” she explained. “I would not be able to accomplish many of the achievements that I have without working with other people, learning from their ideas and releasing our findings back to the community for their own use. I have tried to instill these ideals in the SIUE students, who have worked on my funded projects, and to include them in outputs, such as publications and conference presentations, in which the focus is not only the linguistic importance of my work, but also the broader impacts and benefits to these communities.”
Involvement and leadership in ELF reflect a natural extension of that desire and career-long effort, according to Hildebrandt.
This spring, ELF issued its 2019 Language Legacies grants, which support documentation and revitalization efforts throughout the world. The awards granted represent 17 different languages spoken in areas such as Nigeria, Mexico, Guatemala, Indonesia, China, Nepal, Canada, Papua New Guinea and Brazil.
“ELF is part of a solution that empowers community members and academics alike, and equips them with resources to effect positive change, or else capture information about a dying language before the last speakers are gone,” Hildebrandt said.
“ELF grants provide alternative support to those who are interested in learning about and developing preservation and revitalization resources, who would not ordinarily be able to secure some of the larger federal or institutional grants aimed at academic professionals,” she added. “Many of the grant holders in ELF are not PhD-holding academics, but rather community members and activists who want to do something positive for their communities.”
ELF’s next cycle of awards is for eligible tribes and languages through the Native Voice Endowment: A Lewis & Clark Expedition Bicentennial Legacy. Grants through this program are available to members of the Native American tribes that came in contact with the Lewis and Clark Expedition between 1803-1806.
Photo: SIUE’s Kristine Hildebrandt, PhD, president of the Endangered Language Fund.
The Ralph Butler Band is the featured artist as Lovejoy Library’s “Night in the Stacks” annual fundraiser celebrates the Mississippi River Festival’s 50th anniversary at 6 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 19, on the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville campus.
Ralph Butler has long been one of St. Louis’ most popular entertainers and will focus on MRF-era music. The MRF was an outdoor concert series held on the SIUE campus from 1969-1980 and featured legendary bands such as The Who, Chicago, The Eagles and The Grateful Dead. The SIUE Alumni Association and SIUE Foundation are proud to partner with Prairie Farms and the Friends of Lovejoy Library to celebrate the Golden Anniversary of this iconic event.
LoRusso’s Cucina will provide dinner with a cash bar. A silent auction on Lovejoy’s first floor will include items from MRF performers. Other MRF memorabilia, including posters, t-shirts and photos, as well as two short films about the MRF, will be on display, courtesy of University Archives and SIUE alumnus Lyle Ward ’69, ’72.
Individual tickets are $65, and seating is limited. Tables of 8 are available for $480. For tickets, call 618-650-2760. Parking is free in Lot A.
All proceeds will benefit Lovejoy Library. For more information, contact Nick Niemerg, assistant director of constituent relations in the SIUE Foundation, at nniemer@siue.edu.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Xfest, one of the only university festivals of its kind, has garnered a positive reputation for presenting experimental, alternative and avant-garde performing artists from around the country. Xfest is celebrating its 10th anniversary from Monday, Sept. 9-Friday, Sept. 13 by bringing back some of its favorite artists.
SIUE Xfest will feature five companies that received high praise during their debut at SIUE. Productions are scheduled during the evening, while the Xfest artists will offer master classes and workshops during the day for a weeklong immersive learning event.
“By exposing our students to unique styles of theater and dance, we encourage them to gain a better understanding of the discipline and be inspired to create their own works,” said Prof. Chuck Harper, MFA, Xfest artistic director and Department of Theater and Dance (DOTD) chair. “We believe it is important to share the creation of new works and gain exposure to experimental theater. Xfest plays a vital part in this learning-sharing process.” View more about Xfest here.
Xfest’s production lineup is as follows:
The agony and ecstasy of “self-help” get a delirious makeover in this madcap multi-media dance-theater extravaganza. “Whammy!” was the opening production of the inaugural Xfest in 2010. The show returns re-imagined, re-cast and featuring DOTD alumni and faculty.
In “Rink Life,” Lucky Plush brings its highly integrated approach to dance-theater into a communal space that nods to the visual aesthetics and social dynamics of 1970’s roller rink culture, where relationships and storylines are as transient as the world that contains them.
“Heavy Like the Weight of a Flame” is a one-man show that is like watching a bar fight between the lead character’s demons, influences and aspirations. It’s a sometimes serious, sometimes hilarious journey filled with echoes of Shakespeare, Lightning Hopkins, Jack Kerouac and typical Brooklyn, New York archetypes and philosophers. Silva earned his bachelor’s in theater-performance from SIUE in 1999.
When Wendell discovers that both his wife and their beloved tree have vanished from the backyard, he must venture into “The Wilds” and face its mysteries to bring them home. Charming and profoundly moving, this wordless award-winning show features Wonderheads’ signature masks along with dazzling puppetry, and moves its audiences to both laughter and tears.
“No Blue Memories: The Life of Gwendolyn Brooks” brings to life the story of one of Chicago’s most beloved figures. Brooks was an icon, a poet laureate, and a Pulitzer Prize winner, but she was also a treasured educator and mentor to countless writers and children. Weaving together poetry, storytelling, sound design, original music and striking visuals, “No Blue Memories” is an exploration of Brooks’ beloved city, and a story of how she navigated identity, craft and politics over the course of one of the most remarkable careers in American literary history.
SIUE Xfest has more than lived up to its mission and goals, according to Peter Cocuzza, DOTD professor of performance, Xfest co-creator with Harper. A five-day event of alternative theater and dance, SIUE Xfest introduces the campus to a spectacular array of performing artists. Each September, the festival presents ensembles of national and international renown, along with works of regional emerging artists.
“SIUE Xfest has brought in 31 different companies from across the US,” said Grant Andree, Arts & Issues director. “We estimate that more than 1,500 students have participated in 65 workshops over the past 10 years.” Each year, Arts & Issues collaborates with SIUE Xfest and dedicates one of its events to the festival.
“Peter Cocuzza originated the idea SIUE Xfest,” noted Harper. “Peter wanted to create a summer event that would pull audiences and students to the campus during the quiet summer months. After four years of summer performances, the artistic team realized we were producing a fantastic festival. We thought it best to move the festival to September where more students could attend and participate.”
“Chuck played a huge part in making the festival happen in his role as the first and only artistic director,” interjected Cocuzza. “He also now functions as producer of the event. If Chuck would not have been as involved as he was in the beginning and as he is now, I don’t believe we would be celebrating 10 years.”
“I’m proud to say that SIUE Xfest gets better every year,” added Cocuzza.
For Xfest performances (other than Manual Cinema), tickets may be purchased through the Theater and Dance Department by calling 618-650-2774 or in person at the Theater and Dance Box Office, Dunham Hall, room 1042b. General admission is $15 for adults, $12 for SIUE staff, retirees, alumni, seniors and other students, and free for SIUE students with valid identification.
Tickets for Manual Cinema can be purchased beginning Monday, Aug. 26 online at artsandissues.com, by phone at 1-866-698-4253 or at the Morris University Center Welcome Desk. General admission is $20 for adults, $18 for SIUE staff, retirees, alumni and seniors 65 or older, $15 for other students and free for SIUE students with valid identification.
The following are the dance-theater companies that have performed at Xfest:
A fresh academic year is underway at the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy (SOP) as classes began Monday, Aug. 5.
The Class of 2023 is being welcomed into the tightknit, high-quality professional program through an orientation process including a meet-and-greet luncheon, presentations on support services and resources, and ample encouragement for the educational journey ahead from students, faculty and staff.
“Our hope during your orientation is that you will get to know your colleagues, that is the faculty and staff of the School of Pharmacy,” said Dean Mark Luer, PharmD, during the 2019 New Student Orientation Luncheon held Tuesday, Aug. 6.
“Although we tend to sit on different sides of the exam,” Luer joked, “this truly is a partnership. This is your new academic home, and we are thrilled to welcome you.”
The luncheon was sponsored by Walgreens. Walgreens Area Healthcare Supervisor and SOP Advisory Board Member Julie Bickers shared her advice with the new students.
“Congratulations for earning your seat at these tables today,” Bickers said. “You all have incredible potential. The impact that you will have on patients and healthcare outcomes demonstrates your value as future pharmacists. I encourage you to build yourself while at SIUE. Learn how to learn. Go slow and build a solid foundation. Also, learn the people around you. It’s a small field relative to others, and you will work with everybody around you at some point. The relationships you build today matter. They will withstand the rest of your career.”
During the luncheon, Class of 2023 students sat intermingled with SOP faculty and staff, enjoying opportunities for introductions and jovial conversation.
“From this orientation week, it is clear that the School of Pharmacy is setting us up to succeed,” noted Hannah Dietiker, of St. Louis. “With this event in particular, we’re getting to talk to our classmates and professors in a less stressful setting.”
“I fell in love with the SIUE School of Pharmacy while I was researching different programs,” added Tolu Efunkoya, of Glenwood. “I found that it has the pediatric specialty I wanted. Its small class size will allow me to get close with faculty rather than being lost in a crowd.
They said it was like a family and that they want everyone to succeed. That’s what I was looking for, and what I have found.”
On Wednesday, Aug. 7, SOP students enjoyed a KONA shaved ice treat. They’ll also had the opportunity to talk with other students and learn ways they can become involved during the Student Organization Fair.
Photos: SOP Dean Mark Luer greets a first-year student during the 2019 New Student Orientation Luncheon.
First-year pharmacy student Mimi Osei Larbi (left) and Radhika Devraj, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, smile while sharing conversation during the luncheon.
Walgreens Area Healthcare Supervisor and SOP Advisory Board Member Julie Bickers shared her advice with the new students.
SOP students enjoy a cool treat during orientation week.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is introducing a concurrent Doctor of Pharmacy and Master of Science in healthcare informatics (MSHI) program.
Healthcare informatics merges computer technology and clinical expertise to effectively organize, analyze, manage and use clinical knowledge and data for problem-solving and decision-making. Knowing that these skills are valuable to future pharmacists, SIUE now offers students the opportunity to obtain both degrees within 4 years.
“The new concurrent degree program will provide the opportunity for our graduates to incorporate information technology solutions into the medication-use process to further improve patient outcomes,” said SIUE School of Pharmacy Dean Mark Luer, PharmD, FCCP. “As healthcare has transitioned into the computer age, so has the profession of pharmacy. As such, the demand for pharmacists who can draw upon both the clinical and technological aspects of healthcare data has grown, as well. We are excited to offer this new program and look forward to the added opportunities that it will present for employers in this region.”
Students will have the opportunity to work with pharmacists who are experts in the field of informatics to develop real-life projects that impact patient care. Students who have a desire to advance in the profession of pharmacy will be able to enter the work force prepared for positions beyond entry level.
Students pursuing this program will benefit from:
The combination of PharmD and Healthcare Informatics weds two highly regarded programs. The SIUE School of Pharmacy (SOP) Class of 2018 North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination® (NAPLEX) board pass rate was 97.3 percent, which was No. 1 in both Missouri and Illinois, and ranked 19th nationally among 135 pharmacy schools. The NAPLEX exam measures a student’s knowledge of the practice of pharmacy. When all 10 graduating classes (2009-2018) are combined, SIUE’s 95.9 percent first attempt board pass rate ranks No. 1 among the eight programs in Illinois and Missouri.
SIUE’s master’s in healthcare informatics has been ranked 18th nationally by onlinemasters.com in its 2019 Best Online Master’s in Health Services Programs, while GradSchoolHub.com ranked the program among the Top 10 Most Affordable Master’s in Health Informatics Online in 2018.
For more information, contact Monica Kempland, SOP Director of Student Services, at 618-650-5127 or mkempla@siue.edu, or visit siue.edu/pharmd-hcim.
Photo: SIUE School of Pharmacy Dean Mark Luer.
SIUE alumnus Anthony Smith has been named principal at the Center for Educational Opportunities School in Troy. Smith earned a bachelor’s in health education from SIUE in 1999.
Details on his professional background and new role are available on AdvantageNEWS.com.
The advantages of banks over check cashing services, how to manage banking accounts, how to improve your credit score and how to establish and stick to a budget were some of the financial guidance participants received on Tuesday, Aug. 6 at the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Learning Resource Center’s (LRC) Lunch and Learn workshop.
Banking and Budgeting 101 was the first of a three-part financial assistance workshop, which was held as part of LRC’s Lunch and Learn series.
“I have a passion for financial education,” said Nikki Woelfel, vice president and community development officer at Carrollton Bank. “I want to help others make smarter financial choices. I made some really bad financial mistakes as a young woman.”
Woelfel led the workshop with assistance from Tamika Staten, financial education coach for Prosperity Connection in St. Louis.
“Banks offer a safe place to keep your money, and they can help make a financial plan for you and your family,” said Woelfel. “Bankers will happily assist you. Mainstream financial institutions will protect you. Do not be leery of banks, even if you have had bad experiences. There is something called second chance banking accounts, and many banks have them.”
Being financially solvent is for the committed, brave of heart and those who are willing to take charge, according to Woelfel and Staten.
“I was paying 26 different bills, until I used the snowball effect. I increased the minimum payment on one bill until the balance was gone,” said Staten. “Then I used the money freed up from that bill and paid it on another one, until I got down to 13 bills. Now, I only pay nine bills a month which includes my mortgage, car note, insurance and utilities.”
“The amount of bills that I had to pay monthly caused me more stress than the amount of money I actually owed,” continued Staten. “You have to figure out what works for you. But make a plan and stick to it!”
When it comes to budgeting, the banker and budgeting coach gave hard, but simple advice. “Stop spending money you don’t have.” “Don’t spend money for instant gratification.” “Choose carefully what you want and compromise on your spending.”
The next financial workshops at the LRC located in Building B, 601 James R. Thompson Blvd, East St. Louis, include:
An RSVP is required to attend the Lunch and Learn series and can be made by calling 874-8719 or siue.esl.library@gmail.com.
Staten has office hours for one-on-one appointments from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. each Tuesday at the LRC. For an appointment, please call (314) 230-5641 or email tstaten@prosperityconnection.org.
Carrollton Bank sponsors the financial education Lunch and Learn series four times a year as part of its mission to bring financial empowerment and education to the community.
Photos:
Some participants of the Banking and Budgeting 101 Lunch and Learn workshop are seen with class leaders. L-R: Jazma Dorsey, SIUE family engagement specialist, Nikki Woelfel, vice president and community development officer at Carrollton Bank, Tamika Staten, financial education coach for Prosperity Connection in St. Louis, Angela Cotton, SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start community worker, Kimberly Granger and Ora Lockett, both SIUE family engagement specialist.
Woelfel gives instruction on banking and budgeting.
A new academic year began Monday, Aug. 5 at the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM). Aspiring dental professionals eager to make a positive impact are easing into their heavy course load, important research and clinical work by enjoying opportunities to get to know one another and learn more about campus services this week.
On Wednesday, Aug. 7, SIU SDM students, faculty, staff and administrators were treated to free pizza, and massages during the second annual Resource Fair. Students also had the opportunity to visit with campus representatives who provided helpful information about available resources, such as Campus Recreation, the Career Development Center, Health Service, Library and Information Services, and more.
Free Dairy Queen blizzards were a major highlight of the event, as SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook and Mayor of Alton Brant Walker handed out the classic Oreo and cookie dough treats.
“Welcome to a new academic year at the SIU School of Dental Medicine,” said Pembrook. “As future health professionals, you all have a true calling to help people and a spirit of giving. I wish you well!”
“On behalf of the City of Alton, I welcome you,” added Walker. “This campus does an incredible amount to better the dental health of our kids and other individuals. Thank you in advance for all that you will do to reach out to the community this year.”
The lively atmosphere offered students a chance to mingle with their fellow students and get excited for their educational journey.
“Everyone has been incredibly welcoming,” said first-year dental student (D1) Haley Gouchenour, of Rockford. “Welcome events like this allow us to get to know each other on a more personal level outside of the classroom. I’m excited to get started at the SIU School of Dental Medicine.”
“The School is easing us into what will be a difficult academic journey,” said D1 Rich Williams, of St. Louis. “It’s refreshing to have an event like this, because we can mingle with the other classes. And, free food is always a plus!”
“I’m excited to have gotten into the SIU School of Dental Medicine and am eager to get started,” added D1 Chichao Jin, of Oak Park. “This is a great opportunity to learn about various resources and programs that will provide support, and help me become involved.”
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor Randy Pembrook today introduced Tim Hall as the eighth director of athletics in University history in the Lukas Annex Cougar Pavilion. Hall arrives on campus after serving as director of athletics at the University of Maryland-Baltimore County (UMBC).
“We are so excited that Tim Hall and his family have joined SIUE,” Pembrook said. “He is an experienced, proven athletic director who has had tremendous success at UMKC and UMBC. We anticipate great achievement in the future for SIUE Athletics, as Cougar student-athletes compete in the Ohio Valley and Mid-American Conferences.”
“SIUE Athletics has a strong foundation on which to build, but what has impressed me the most is the quality of the people with whom I will work and serve,” Hall said. “The notion of successful academics and athletics not being mutually exclusive, is clearly attainable at SIUE.
“I pledge to work every day to advance the reputation and impact of SIUE Athletics, doing so in the spirit of respect, honor, dignity, civility and inclusion. My family and I look forward to being part of both the University and extended communities.”
Hall served UMBC since July 2013. During his tenure, the Retrievers posted nine conference championships that encompassed men’s basketball, men’s and women’s soccer, men’s cross country, swimming and diving, and baseball. After reaching the 2017 College Insider Tournament, the Retrievers men’s basketball program made history by becoming the first 16-seed to upset a No. 1 seed when UMBC stunned Virginia in the 2018 NCAA Tournament.
Also on Hall’s watch, UMBC opened a $90-million events center during winter 2018, which serves as the home for the basketball and volleyball programs and the Department of Athletics.
Hall has an extensive history in intercollegiate athletics administration nationally. In summer 2017, he was appointed president of the Division I-AAA Athletics Directors Association (ADA), an organization composed of Division I athletics directors and administered by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA). He previously served the ADA as first vice president in 2016.
Hall was selected as chair of the NCAA Committee on Women’s Athletics (CWA) for fall 2014. He began serving the multi-divisional committee in 2011 and chaired the CWA/Minority Opportunities and Interests Committee (MOIC) Disability Subcommittee from 2012-14. He has also served on the NCAA volleyball rules committee.
Taking over as director of athletics at UMKC in February 2007, Hall led the Kangaroos to unprecedented NCAA Division I heights in competitiveness, academic success, fund-raising and community service efforts. He also led UMKC into a new era, as it joined the Western Athletic Conference (WAC) on July 1, 2013.
In 2008, UMKC received a $5-million pledge from the Stanley H. Durwood Foundation, the largest gift for the Department of Athletics and the fifth-largest gift in university history. The Stanley H. Durwood Soccer Stadium and Recreational Field debuted in August 2009 as one of the premier soccer facilities in the Midwest.
Hall’s career began with a foundation in development, as he was an assistant director of athletic development at Youngstown (Ohio) State in 1997 before moving to Saint Xavier (Illinois) University as assistant director of development in 1999.
Hall brings previous experience in the OVC at Eastern Kentucky University, where he began as the university director for development in 2000. He later was promoted to director of major gifts and special projects, and raised more than $4.6 million for the institution, including $1.3 million for intercollegiate athletics.
Hall moved to UMKC after serving as the associate athletics director for development at Kent State (Ohio) University from 2003-07.
Hall earned a bachelor’s in sports administration from the University of Toledo in 1994 and achieved a master’s in sports administration from Kent State University in 1998. He and his wife, Beth, have four children.
Hall succeeds Brad Hewitt, who retired at the end of the 2019 spring semester.
All-Time SIUE Cougars Directors of Athletics
Harry Gallatin (1967-72)*
Bob Guelker (1972-78)*
Ed Bigham (1978-83)
Jim Buck (Acting) (1983-85)
Lynn Lashbrook (1985-88)
Cindy Jones (1988-02)*
Brad Hewitt (2002-19)
Tim Hall (2019-present)
*Members the SIUE Athletics Hall of Fame.
Photo: Tim Hall, SIUE director of athletics.
Freda’s Fabulous Creations, LLC, which specializes in taking your imagination and turning it into a beautiful creation through decoration, celebrates its ribbon cutting at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 15 at the O’Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce. Owner Alfreda Banks has worked with the Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and Director Jo Ann DiMaggio May to help bring Banks’ passion for decorating to life.
As a certified interior decorator, Banks brings alive her clients’ creative visions. Whether it be a home, venue, business or event, her business goal is all about making decorating dreams a reality.
Banks has always enjoyed decorating as a hobby. After years of decorating for others and being told that her house should be on a magazine cover, she finally realized her gift.
“I love to see people happy, and if I can do that through decorating, that is what I am going to do,” Banks said. “My goal is to give God the glory through sharing my gifts to help transform people’s lives.”
Banks is humbled and grateful to the SBDC and DiMaggio May for all of the guidance, wisdom, and understanding provided.
“Throughout the two years I have worked with the SBDC, Jo Ann has been an amazing mentor to me,” Banks said. “It has been a pleasure having her as a part of my team, along with my family and friends, cheering me on. This is truly a gift in itself.
“I also want to give a special thank you to my daughter, Mia Reed, and aunt, Myra Banks, for their consistent help and support, as well as to Megan Grove and the SBDC team for helping share my story.”
Bank’ plan for the future is to have her own store building, one that is staged for customers to experience her creativity and unique decorating skills, and to offer event space.
Additionally, Banks is planning to expand Freda’s Fabulous Creations to feature her baking and cupcake decorating skills. She hopes to grow the company through sweet treats, and specifically through her famous #jassycaramel cupcakes.
Banks’ goal is to continue to grow, give back, and be a blessing to her customers and community. She wants to help customers bring their dreams to reality, with no budget too small. She is grateful that her business provides the opportunity to play an important role in a customer’s special day or event.
“Alfreda has been working hard to make her business dreams a reality,” DiMaggio May said. “She is always eager to listen and learn, so that she can make the best decisions for her business. I enjoy supporting her and seeing her shine. She is making great progress, and I look forward to all of her success!”
Contact Freda’s Fabulous Creations at 618-540-0866. For more information, visit Freda’s Fabulous Creations on Facebook.
The Illinois SBDC for the Metro East assists start-up ventures like Freda’s Fabulous Creations, as well as existing businesses headquartered in the nine-county region of Calhoun, Jersey, Madison, Bond, Clinton, St. Clair, Washington, Monroe and Randolph. It is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, and SIUE as a service to Illinois small businesses.
By aiding entrepreneurs and companies in defining their path to success, the SBDC network positively impacts the Metro East by strengthening the business community, creating and retaining new jobs and encouraging new investment. It enhances the region’s economic interests by providing one-stop assistance to individuals by means of counseling, training, research and advocacy for new ventures and existing small businesses. When appropriate, the SBDC strives to affiliate its ties to the region to support the goals and objectives of both the SIUE School of Business and the University at large.
To learn about the SBDC, contact theIL SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE at (618) 650-2929.
Bravely sharing her story of overcoming a past traumatic experience, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville senior and Miss Southern Illinois 2019 Autumn Sanderson is inspiring strength and changing lives.
“I want to be a voice for the voiceless,” Sanderson said. “I encourage people to put themselves out there and share their story. Don’t be afraid.”
In 2014, as a freshman on a different college campus, Sanderson was the victim of a sexual assault. The traumatic experience turned her world upside down. She took a year off from school and toured universities to find a safe, comfortable fit.
She decided SIUE was the home she needed. She also decided to turn her pain into a platform for helping others, so she pursued pageantry. She was crowned Miss Southern Illinois 2019.
“I thought that if this is happening to me, it’s happening to so many other young women,” Sanderson recalled. “I decided to start my social impact initiative, “No More 1 in 4,” so I could use my title, Miss Southern Illinois, to be an advocate. It’s given me the opportunity to work with non-profits in the area that work with children who are victims of sexual abuse. My platform has expanded from working with mostly college students to children. Sharing my story has made me a stronger person.”
Sanderson’s pageantry and advocacy experiences also inspired her future aspirations of becoming a broadcast journalist.
“I’m studying mass communications, with a concentration in journalism,” she explained. “Because of competing in the Miss America organization, I found my passion for public speaking and current events, and that is what ultimately led me to pursue journalism.”
“It’s hard to balance my personal life, pageant life and school, but SIUE has made my transition easy,” Sanderson added. “The Department of Mass Communications has been supportive of my Miss America journey.”
No matter where she lands post-graduation or post-pageantry, Sanderson’s amplified voice, increased confidence and steady strength will lead her to continued success as an inspiring female.
“I was scared the first time I shared my story in front of a panel of judges, but I’m incredibly thankful that I took that leap,” she said. “I can take these experiences with me in all stages of life now.”
Photo: SIUE senior mass communications major and Miss Southern Illinois 2019 Autumn Sanderson.
Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBp_WVsWK-U&feature=youtu.be
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing (SON) continues its pioneering advancement of the nursing profession across Illinois with its receipt of a competitive four-year $2.75 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for its innovative Advanced Nursing Education Workforce (ANEW) program.
The multi-faceted educational effort is creatively designed to increase the number of nurse practitioners who practice in rural and underserved communities throughout Illinois, by promoting a smooth and natural transition from the student role to practicing Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) into these areas.
Bolstering the success of the program will be academic clinical partnerships between the SIUE SON and Chestnut Health Systems, OSF HealthCare, Southern Illinois Healthcare and the SIUE We Care Clinic.
“We are thrilled to receive this award,” said SON Dean Laura Bernaix, PhD, RN. “We strongly believe that as a result of this project’s efforts, not only will the nurse practitioner workforce increase in these rural and underserved communities, but also there will be improved access to quality care and improved health outcomes for the residents in these areas.”
Under the leadership of project direct Valerie Griffin, DNP, PPCNP-BC, FNP-BC, PMHS, FAANP, SIUE assistant clinical professor and FNP program director, the ANEW program will provide financial support to student participants, as well as focused clinical educational experiences through deliberate placement in rural and/or underserved settings in the targeted region for a significant portion of their clinical practicum requirements.
Academic clinical partnerships will be strengthened through a preceptor development program, including avatar clinical simulation experiences for providers focused on primary care mental health cases and student/preceptor interaction scenarios.
The SIUE SON and its clinical partners will also collaborate on the development of a regional conference for primary care settings highlighting mental health treatment, the opioid crisis, non-opioid pain treatment options, recognizing addictive behavior, rehabilitation of the opioid dependent patient, and long-term follow-up strategies.
“We are excited to receive this funding, not only for our students, but also for our collaborating partners and the patients we serve,” said Valerie Griffin. “Primary care providers face difficult clinical decisions related to opioid prescribing and mental health management. The SIUE School of Nursing will focus continuing education and training on evidence-based guidelines in these areas. By providing students with focused clinical training in underserved regions, we hope to increase access to quality primary care throughout Illinois.”
“We understand the importance of collaboration in serving people and communities,” said Dave Sharar, CEO, Chestnut Health Systems. Chestnut offers a variety of primary and behavioral health services in the Metro East area of St. Louis and in Central Illinois.
“Chestnut is acutely aware of the issues facing rural and underserved areas – from the perspectives of both primary health care and addiction treatment,” Sharar added. “We’re confident that the clinical partnerships possible under this grant will benefit students, patients seeking care, and communities as a whole.”
OSF HealthCare also expressed its excitement to collaborate on the innovative ANEW program. Headquartered in Peoria, the integrated health care network serving patients of all ages across Illinois and Michigan will assist in clinical placement.
“OSF HealthCare is pleased to support SIUE in providing rural office placements for family nurse -practitioner and doctor of nursing practice students,” said OSF HealthCare’s Cheryl Crowe, MS, RN, director of Behavioral Health Services. “This will provide an excellent clinical experience for students who will be working in primary care offices where there is a critical need for physicians and advanced practice nurses with comprehensive skills. Additionally, OSF HealthCare hopes this will enable us to identify and retain talented students who are interesting in pursuing a career in these important settings. We are thankful for this opportunity.”
“As a three-hospital system in rural southern Illinois, having a team of skilled nurses is critical to Southern Illinois Healthcare’s (SIH) mission,” said Philip L. Schaefer, FACHE, senior vice president, ambulatory services and chief care and network development officer with SIH Medical Group. “With the many practice avenues available to advanced practice nurses, the value of these skilled practitioners is growing rapidly.”
“Additionally, a focus on mental health and opioid priorities makes the HRSA grant both timely and of great importance to our region,” Schaefer added. “We at SIH applaud Southern Illinois University’s commitment to nursing education and congratulate SIUE on this advancement of nursing workforce education. We look forward to working together in the future.”
The decision to focus a portion of this effort on mental health and opioid priorities was supported by recent changes to the Illinois Nurse Practice Act, which states: “An Illinois-licensed advanced practice registered nurse certified as a nurse practitioner must complete a minimum of 50 hours of continuing education, including no less than 20 hours of pharmacotherapeutics and including 10 hours of opioid prescribing or substance abuse education every two years.”
For more information on the SIUE School of Nursing, visit siue.edu/nursing.
Photo: ANEW Project Direct Valerie Griffin, DNP, assistant clinical professor and FNP program director in the SIUE School of Nursing.
Twenty-four incoming freshmen were hailed as pioneers by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor Randy Pembrook, at the SIUE Summer Success Program’s (SSP) Closing Ceremony and Awards, held Thursday, Aug. 8 at Fixin’s Restaurant on campus.
The Office of Retention and Student Success offered its inaugural residential program that ran from July 7-Aug. 9. Makesha Lee Harris, EdD, assistant director for Pre-Collegiate Programs, devised and designed the program with the goal of helping first-generation college students be successful in the transition from high school to college.
“To be a pioneer it takes courage and adaptability. Congratulations to you all,” said Pembrook. “I hope the program was a good mix of academic challenge and fun. We want you to succeed and will do everything we can to help.”
Also addressing SSP graduates was SIUE Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Denise Cobb, PhD.
“This is new for us. We want feedback from you, so we can learn, grow and get better,” said Cobb. “What did you learn?”
Some of the students’ responses:
Cobb offered another question to the group. “If you find yourself struggling in a class, what are you going to do?”
To the last response, Cobb expressed delight and encouragement. “Many students don’t feel comfortable going to faculty office hours, but go. If there is a line, wait. If it is scary, be bold. It’s important to let faculty help guide you.”
During the program, SSP students gave poster presentations on books they read in English Literature taught by Margaret Black, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of English Language and Literature.
Alexis Banks and Kiely Swanson, both students in the public speaking course taught by Jocelyn DeGroot Brown, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Applied Communication Studies, each presented a speech. Banks talked about SIUE Emergency Campus Telephones, and Swanson told the audience about campus safety.
Neshay Sanders was selected to make remarks for the graduating class. “I don’t believe any other college could have produced a more beneficial and exciting program,” Sanders said. “Programs like this sets SIUE apart.”
Students also received awards and recognition for achievements and participation. Among those were Alexis Davis and Emma Davis for making the highest A in quantitative reasoning, taught by Drew Imhoff, lecturer in the Department of mathematics and statistics. Receiving the SSP Shining Star Award were Sanders and Curtis Galloway.
“I would encourage every incoming freshman to apply for this program,” said Christian McAffee, of St. Louis, who plans to major in chemistry.
“The best thing about the program was getting six hours of college credit for free,” said Gabrielle Hoffman, of Mulberry Grove, who plans to major in psychology. “I also appreciated making connections with faculty, staff and fellow classmates.”
“My biggest accomplishment was getting through 16-week courses in five weeks,” said Jakhari Gant, of Springfield, who plans to major in accounting. “If I can do that, I can get through the rest of college.”
“I look forward to shaking your hand four years from now when you graduate and cross the stage, prepared to shape a changing world,” encouraged Pembrook.
Photos:
SIUE Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Denise Cobb, PhD, speaks to SIUE Summer Success Program (SSP) students at their Closing Ceremony.
Receiving one of the SSP Shining Star Awards was Curtis Galloway. L-R: Fannie Acoff, SSP program coordinator, Makesha Lee Harris, EdD, assistant director for Pre-Collegiate Programs and SSP program director; and Capri Wroten, SSP graduate assistant.
SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook, PhD, far right, celebrated with the SSP graduating class, faculty and staff.
The torrential morning rains did nothing to dampen the excitement as students strolled down a red carpet Monday, Aug. 12, and into their first day at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS).
“Our students are the stars at the SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School, and we wanted to treat them like it,” said Gina Jeffries, EdD, CHS director. “We, the Charter High School faculty and staff are the supporting actors.”
The Red Carpet welcome was taken indoors, and CHS faculty, staff and others lined the hallways outside of the cafeteria at the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus. Also cheering on the students were Phillip Weishaar, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning; Kim Durr, chief of staff in the Office of the Chancellor and CHS board member; Tiffany Caguitla, SIUE East St. Louis Center assistant director; and Willis Young, retired CHS assistant director.
Following the Red Carpet greeting, students were welcomed and given brief instructions for the first day of classes.
“I am blessed and delighted to be your principal,” Jeffries told the crowd. “We are so glad that you are here and are ready to rock out learning from day number one.”
Jeffries introduced her “rock star team” who included:
The SIUE Charter High School is a school-of-choice for families in the East St. Louis School District 189. The mission of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School is to prepare students who are career- and college-ready upon graduation. To achieve this mission, the school and its staff will positively impact the educational and economic lives of East St. Louis, Illinois youth through individualized instruction in core academic subjects, exploration of career interests and aptitudes, assistance in realizing students’ talents, high academic goals, and expectations that graduates will become competitive employees for the 21st century.
Photo:
Sophomore Damien Johnson is all smiles on the first day of school at the SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville senior Macee Weiss, of Sumner, plans to work in public health to put to use her passion for helping people. Recently, that supportive nature was reciprocated as she was named a recipient of the Green Charter Trust Scholarship.
“Third time’s the charm,” said Weiss, of her successful receipt of the scholarship. “I had applied the past few years, and am so excited to have now been one of 10 chosen for it. This scholarship will help tremendously by paying off some of my school debt. Every little bit helps, and I am grateful.”
Weiss is pursuing a bachelor’s in public health, with future intentions of earning a master’s in health administration and working at a health department near her hometown. She is the communications director for Eta Sigma Gamma, the health education honorary society.
“When I found the public health track, I knew it was exactly what I wanted,” Weiss said. “The program has opened my eyes in many ways.”
“Macee demonstrates perseverance, commitment and self-initiative in all of her public health coursework and responsibilities,” explained Alice Ma, PhD, MPH, assistant professor of public health in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior’s Department of Applied Health. “Her strong academic achievement, service-learning record and personal qualities made her an excellent candidate for the Green Charter Trust Scholarship. I am proud of Macee’s accomplishments and anticipate that future opportunities are forthcoming.”
Photo: SIUE senior Macee Weiss, recipient of the Green Charter Trust Scholarship.
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Graduate School has selected 10 recipients for 2019 Research Grants for Research Doctoral Students (RGRDS) awards. The RGRDS program awards small grants worth $1,000 on a competitive basis to support research/projects initiated and conducted by students of the SIUE education doctorate (EdD) programs, doctor of nursing practice (DNP) programs and co-operative PhD programs to enhance their academic progress.
“SIUE doctoral students conduct original research and creative activities as part of their programs,” said Jerry Weinberg, PhD, associate provost for research and dean of the Graduate School. “These projects can have wide-ranging impact, as well as produce scholarly works such as publications and public presentations. The research grants for doctoral students provide necessary resources to conduct and enhance the students’ outstanding work.”
Although faculty advisors oversee the students, the program’s purpose is to support doctoral research. Proposals are approved by the student’s major advisor. The RGRDS Review Committee makes the recommendation on funding.
The following is a list of the 2019 RGRDS award recipients:
School of Education, Health and Human Behavior
Brian Arteberry, of Glen Carbon, Educational Leadership, “School Board President Perspectives of Challenges and Opportunities of Evidence-Based Funding in Illinois”
Dustin Bilbruck, of Carlyle, Educational Leadership, “Outcomes and Equity in EC Programming in the Carlyle School District”
Christopher Brown, of Belleville, Educational Leadership, “Parents of Prospective First-Generation College-Going High School Students: Perceptions of Accessing College”
Barbara Daugherty, of Brownstown, Educational Leadership, “The Effect of Administrative Leadership Traits on School Culture and Staff Retention Rates in Therapeutic Day Treatment Programs in Illinois”
Adam Garrett, of Glen Carbon, Educational Leadership, “Special Olympics Illinois Unified Champion School Youth Activation Committee”
Ryan Ketchum, of Glen Carbon, Educational Leadership, “Teacher Perceptions of Discipline Practices and the Implementation of a Book Study on a Collaborative Problem Solving Approach to Discipline Practices”
Matthew Noyes, of Troy, Educational Leadership, “Exploring the Caring School Community Program Implementation at One Middle School”
Brandon Taylor, of Mascoutah, Educational Leadership, “Screen Time and Children’s Health: Administrator and Teacher Perceptions”
School of Engineering
Saeed Onsorynezhad, of Edwardsville, Mechanical Engineering, “Non-Resonant Piezoelectric Energy Harvesting Using Impact-Based Frequency-Up-Conversion Technique”
College of Arts and Sciences
Courtney Breckenridge, of Glen Carbon, Environmental Sciences, “Social Indicators to Evaluate and Impact Learning and Adaptation in Nutrient Reduction Practices”
Within the circle, feelings of hurt, anger and reflection were shared with open honesty, and were met with understanding and support. The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) hosted “Coffee, Conversation and Dessert” on Friday, Aug. 9. The event dealt with the Netflix miniseries, “When They See Us,” created, co-written and directed by Ava DuVernay, and was coordinated and hosted by CHS Director Gina Jeffries, EdD.
“When They See Us” was premiered as a four-part series beginning on May 31 and was based on the events of the 1989 Central Park, New York jogger criminal case, where a white woman was assaulted and raped. She was one of nine victims attacked. A total of 10 suspects were arrested for the crimes. Of those, five teenagers were wrongfully convicted of raping a woman. A serial rapist confessed to the crime after the teens had spent from six-13 years in prison.
“I cried the whole four hours of the series. It was so emotionally charged for me,” said Pamela Saffore, CHS counselor. “It was something I felt could happen to any of the young boys I’ve encountered.”
“I haven’t watched it yet,” said Johnathan Tate, CHS Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) instructor. “I understood that I would have to be emotionally prepared to take in the series, and I just knew I wasn’t ready.”
Eighty-three-year-old Reginald Petty, civil rights leader, activist, educator, author, historian and former Peace Corp director, reminisced and voiced alarm at today’s current events. “We fought for civil rights in my time,” said Petty. “Back then, injustice was not a surprise. My concern is that we thought that by this time, things like this would not be happening.”
“How did this false perception of black men illustrated in the movie change the overall perception of black males from your perspective?” Jeffries asked the group.
“It didn’t,” said Jeremy Snipes, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership. “When you trace the history of black youth and criminality, you will find that the two have been wrongly linked together. I was a young child when this case happened, but to see the actors being dragged through the police station and assaulted weighed heavy on me, because it is not new. That is the sad thing.”
“As it relates to perception, I thought about how I was raised,” said Carolyn Kribs, CHS social studies instructor. “I was raised to believe that if you don’t do anything wrong, then you don’t have anything to worry about. That fact is not reality for everyone.”
“There is a much larger problem with people, and I don’t know if it’s fixable,” said Colin Neumeyer, CHS English and Spanish instructor. “I have a stake in this, because I work here. But where I live, the fluidness and ease of racism is something to take note of. I feel it all the time, and it’s ugly.”
Shawn Roundtree, CHS social worker, confessed his fears for his African American sons. “You have to tell your black children what to do and how to act if they are pulled over by the police,” Roundtree interjected. “They are nice kids, but I don’t want them taken advantage of or accused of something they didn’t do. Worse, I don’t want them to get arrested or harmed. It’s unnerving that they have to live like that.”
In another line of questioning, Jeffries asked the group about black males and education. “When we look at boys of color how do perceptions hinder them in the educational system? How is that related to the school to prison pipeline?”
“It bothers me that black boys can be seen and treated as if they are not boys,” said Bridget Nelson, English instructor. “When you don’t see them as children, it’s very problematic.”
“I work with our boys to let them know that first impressions are important,” said Roundtree. “I also let them know that some people have bad perceptions of black males, and they need to work to counteract that.”
“There is a societal logic that makes the argument easy to accept that black boys get what is coming to them,” added Snipes. “The logic is so deeply engrained that even when confronted with the truth, some people’s perceptions remain unchanged. Our children are equally deserving of praise and love.”
“We don’t have a collective imagination of black brilliance,” Snipes continued. “I challenge everyone to see value, brilliance and wisdom in our black youth.”
Part two of the “When They See Us” discussion will occur with student participation during Diversity Day on Tuesday, Oct. 15.
The SIUE Charter High School is a school-of-choice for families in the East St. Louis School District 189. The mission of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School is to prepare students who are career- and college-ready upon graduation. To achieve this mission, the school and its staff will positively impact the educational and economic lives of East St. Louis, Illinois youth through individualized instruction in core academic subjects, exploration of career interests and aptitudes, assistance in realizing students’ talents, high academic goals, and expectations that graduates will become competitive employees for the 21st century.
Photos:
SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School Director Gina Jeffries, EdD, was the moderator and coordinator of the “Coffee, Conversation and Dessert” event. In the foreground is Johnathan Tate, CHS Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) instructor.
Participating in the conversation is Jeremy Snipes, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership.
CHS math instructor Basil Yurcision listens to the discussion.
While student activity is quieter on campus through the summer months, faculty research continues full swing at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. This summer, the lab of Kyong Sup Yoon, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences, was bustling with important activity as he hosted colleagues from South Korea’s Dongguk University.
It marked the second of a three-summer visit during which Yoon and his graduate students are validating a newly developed Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) official non-animal testing method for the detection of hazardous chemicals, including endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs). The project is led by principal investigator Yooheon Park, PhD, of Dongguk University.
“Dr. Park is a food scientist, and I’m a toxicologist, making this collaboration a perfect fit,” Yoon said. “Dr. Park is developing a non-animal screening method. He’s developing a method using cell cultures that are genetically transformed to detect chemicals by bioluminescence. My team is validating that method.”
“The OECD has a set of strict rules for developing a new standardized method to detect environmental chemicals, including various EDCs,” Park explained. “It is obvious that the method should be suitable for member countries to use and ensure test results can be shared without further treatments. Validation of a newly developed method, therefore, is an important part of the current project to gain international support and acceptance of the method that can be used for hazard identification and risk assessment.”
“According to the OECD guidance, the validation should be done in a Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) or equivalent laboratory,” Park added. “I strongly believe that Dr. Yoon’s research team and his laboratory in the Department of Environmental Sciences are highly qualified and capable of validating our method.”
While Yoon acknowledges this new model will likely not completely replace screening methods using animals, it is a noteworthy step toward reducing usage.
“The animal model is vital in any research field,” Yoon said. “But, without putting effort to reduce the usage, we’ll continuously be depending on this animal model for our medical or biological research. We want to show that certain things can be done in a standardized way, without using the animal model.”
Park notes his research group is working with South Korea’s National Institute of Food and Drug Safety Evaluation (NIFDS). Development of this new method aligns with Dongguk University’s values as a Buddhist-affiliated university.
“My current research to develop a non-animal test method reflects one of the Buddhist teachings: Do no harm to all living creatures,” Park said. “Once developed, our method, accompanied with a detailed Test Guideline, will be used by many government, industry, and independent laboratories to identify hazard and/or determine the safety of chemicals. This will promote the generation of dependable data for human and animal health, and environmental risk assessments”
Following next summer’s completion of the validation process, Yoon and Park hope to pursue new projects that will produce synergic outputs through their institutional collaboration.
Photos: Student researchers Hyeyeoung Seo (Dongguk University) and Carl Namini (SIUE) prepare cell cultures for detection of endocrine disrupting chemicals.
Visiting SIUE from South Korea’s Dongguk University were (back L-R) Dr. Seokhee Lee, Hyeyeoung Seo, Dr. Yooheon Park, and (front L-R) Hyemi Kim. Sitting alongside the research team are SIUE graduate student Carl Namini and Dr. Kyong Sup Yoon.