Each semester, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) program recognizes excellent faculty mentorship and student work through four awards.

The fall 2019 Vaughn Vandegrift URCA Research Mentor of the Semester Award was presented to Darron Luesse, PhD, assistant chair and associate professor of the Department of Biological Sciences.

Jane Barrow, head of the painting program in the Department of Art and Design, earned the URCA Creative Activities Mentor of the Semester Award.

URCA students Henry Schilling, of Alton, and Haley Inyart, of Belleville, were also recognized for their phenomenal work. Schilling, a senior psychology major, received the Research Assistant of the Semester Award. Inyart, a senior drawing major, earned the Creative Activities Assistant of the Semester Award.

The URCA program provides opportunities for undergraduate students to participate in research and creative activities under a faculty advisor. At the introductory level, URCA assistants work on faculty-led research and creative activities to gain hands-on experience throughout various disciplines. URCA associates work one-on-one with faculty mentors to develop their own projects by honing their research and technical skills under professional guidance.

 “All URCA assistant faculty members have to ‘try out’ each semester, and it is not uncommon to receive well over 120 faculty applications for around 90 funded positions,” said Laura Pawlow, PhD, URCA coordinator and professor in the Department of Psychology. “Those who make it are excellent mentors and dedicated to helping their students achieve specific learning outcomes. To be recognized within this fantastic pool as an award winner is incredibly noteworthy.”

URCA student Kyle Warnecke nominated Luesse for instilling a research environment fostered by curiosity, encouragement and determination for his students.

“I feel incredibly fortunate to have an URCA faculty member like Dr. Luesse,” wrote Warnecke. “He is patient, understanding, and unbelievably knowledgeable. Each time I leave his office, I walk back to the lab confidently, anxiety dissipated and armed with encouragement, determined to try again.”

Art student Sutton Allen nominated Barrow for her unending dedication to all of her students.

“By dedicating herself to her student’s success, Professor Barrow is the kind of professor that propels our entire program forward,” said Allen. “I am sincerely grateful to have the opportunity to invest myself in her work the way she has mine, though it is only for a fraction of the time she has spent on my work.”

As for the students, faculty mentor Elora Voyles, PhD, assistant professor of psychology, describes Schilling as driven, intelligent, and passionate about research. After being approached by Schilling with a developed research idea, Voyles invited him to join her URCA lab to earn credit while conducting his study.

“Going beyond his contributions to lab work, Henry contributes to the development of other students,” said Voyles. “It is clear that other students look to Henry. Given his tenacity, positive attitude, humor and intelligence, it’s not surprising that he is an excellent leader and mentor to other students.”

Since completing his own URCA project, Schilling was promoted to lab manager in Voyles’ research lab. As lab manager, he oversees eight other undergraduate students and assists them in coordinating schedules and offers guidance on ideas and proposals for research conferences.

Meanwhile, Inyart’s professionalism, breadth of skills, creative inspiration, and ambition all constitute her receipt of the creative activities award according to faculty mentor Brigham Dimick, professor of drawing.

“Haley has proved to be invaluable to me as a talented and efficient assistant, as well as an inspiring co-creator,” said Dimick “In fact, it is highly probable that I am learning more from her than she is from me.”

Inyart is extremely active in applying to juried exhibitions throughout the country, and her efforts have been rewarded by a long list of exhibitions and awards. Recently, Inyart found an exhibition for her and Dimick to apply as collaborators, whose theme focused on the conversation between the artworks of mentors and their students.

For more information on SIUE’S URCA program, visit siue.edu/urca.

Photo: Upper Right - Darron Luesse, assistant chair and associate professor of the SIUE Department of Biological Sciences.

Lower Right - Jane Barrow, head of the painting program in the SIUE Department of Art and Design.

Cover Me, of Edwardsville, is the winner of the Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s 6^th annual Metro East Start-Up Challenge (MESC) business plan competition. CoverMe emerged from eight Southwestern Illinois-based entrepreneurs to claim the $10,000 first prize.

Tech entrepreneur Jeremy Packer has created CoverMe, an E-Gaming Platform that connects players and sponsors.

Representing House of Ninjas LLC, of O’Fallon, owner John Wilmas received the $6,000 prize as runner-up. John and Nicky Wilmas hope to promote an active, healthy lifestyle for kids by tackling physically challenging obstacle courses designed and inspired by the hit TV competition, American Ninja Warrior. The gym is scheduled to open mid-November in O’Fallon.

Sharon and Michael Sabo’s Tricentum Technologies LLC, of Monroe County, earned $4,000 for third place. The Renault duo has patented a medical product for use by patients with physical challenges and/or visual impairments that need to self-inject medication. The product goes over a syringe cap allowing ease of removal and ultimately the administration of required medicine.

“We are impressed by the large number of superior quality concepts brought forth by the participants,” said Jo Ann DiMaggio May, IL SBDC for the Metro East director. “It made the evaluation process and final decision on awarding the prize money extremely difficult for all of our reviewers and judges.”

The winners will also receive in-kind support from Carol Sparks, Sparks Law of Troy, and accounting services from Scheffel Boyle, of Edwardsville, to help form their businesses and manage start-up expenses. Other in-kind services include website design assistance from Tech Fusion, of Troy, and co-working space for a set period of time at The Lodge in Edwardsville.

The top three teams presented their winning business concepts before a live audience at the Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois (SWIL) board of directors meeting on Friday, Nov. 1. SWIL includes more than 200 leaders in business, industry, education, government and labor in southwestern Illinois.

May and SBDC Business Specialist Marti Wieland are enthused about the overall participation in the Challenge and the applicants’ efforts put into their business ideas and presentations, and hope to see continued community involvement for next year’s Challenge.

 “Our goal is to continue to increase awareness and reach of the Start-up Challenge’s vast opportunities,” May said. “The Challenge is becoming a recognized fixture in the region’s entrepreneurial community, and the Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE looks forward to its continued growth and success.” 

The IL SBDC for the Metro East organizes and manages the competition with the support of the SIUE School of Business, as well as from other business and economic development partners throughout its 9-county service area. 

Finalists in the 2019 MESC also included:

• Maydai Trauma Focused Clinical Research & Network Center of East St. Louis
• Daughtsy of Belleville
• Grain Densification International of Granite City
• Stone’s Essential Care Package: Just for You! of Belleville
• 724 St. Louis Rd. d.b.a Hyperion Commercial Properties of Collinsville

The Illinois SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE and East St. Louis assists start-up ventures like these, as well as existing businesses headquartered in the nine-county region of southwestern Illinois, including Calhoun, Jersey, Madison, Bond, Clinton, St. Clair, Washington, Monroe and Randolph counties. It is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration, Illinois Dept. 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. The SBDC enhances the region’s economic interests by providing one-stop assistance to individuals by means of advising, 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 more about the SBDC, contact the IL SBDC for the Metro East at SIUE at 618-650-2929.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Jeff Darabi, PhD, professor in the School of Engineering’s (SOE) Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering is the 2019 Paul Simon Outstanding Teacher-Scholar Award recipient. He received the award Tuesday, Oct. 29 at the Graduate School awards ceremony in the Morris University Center’s Meridian Ballroom

The Simon award is presented to an SIUE faculty member who has been recognized as an outstanding teacher and research scholar. The award demonstrates the belief that to be a good teacher, one must also be a good scholar. Simon award winners have shown significant contributions to original research or creative activities, and have successfully integrated those contributions into their teaching practices.

“I am honored to be recognized for my efforts, but the credit actually belongs to my students,” Darabi said. “I have been fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with many talented and dedicated students, and am extremely proud and humbled if I have contributed in a small part to their academic and professional successes.

“Receiving this recognition gives me the drive to make a difference and encourages me to continue looking for new and better ways to inspire students to learn and succeed.”

Darabi’s research interests include micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEMS), micro/nanofluidics, biomicrofluidics, energy and thermal systems, and multi-physics modeling. His research in these areas has resulted in 32 journal articles, 39 peer-reviewed conference papers, four issued and pending U.S. patents, and over 50 technical presentations. Nearly 60 of his publications are co-authored with his students. According to Google Scholar, his publications have been cited 1,309 times in all and 506 times since 2014.

“Dr. Darabi is an outstanding scholar in the field of micro-electro-mechanical-systems, and has published a significant number of scholarly articles in highly-regarded journals and conferences,” said Cem Karacal, PhD, SOE dean. “He is the recipient of the SIUE Annette Baich Award, as well as the 2014 School of Engineering Outstanding Researcher award.

“The microfluidics lab he has established significantly enhances the research opportunities for our undergraduate and graduate students, and assist with connecting his research endeavors with his teaching.”

During the course of his academic career, Darabi has served as primary investigator (PI) or co-PI on 19 research grants totaling more than $950,000. He consistently incorporates material relevant to his research into his teaching, so that the students can see and make meaningful connections with real world applications. He has also provided research experiences to 20 undergraduate students. More than half of his students have gone on to obtain a doctorate at other universities. Meanwhile, all of his other students are gainfully employed by various companies.

Darabi has developed and taught two new courses entitled ME 442 - microelectromechanical systems and ME 592 - micro/nanofluidics, and restructured traditional ME 310 - thermodynamics I and ME 312 - thermodynamics II by integrating practice-oriented studio sessions into these courses that focus on active and cooperative learning.

Darabi has also been extremely active in national and international conferences, and organized and chaired technical sessions at American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) and Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE) Conferences. He currently serves as an associate editor of Heat Transfer Engineering Journal.

Darabi achieved both his master’s and doctorate in mechanical engineering from the University of Maryland in 1997 and 2000, respectively. The Iran native joined the SOE faculty in 2012.

Photo (L-R): Jeff Darabi, professor in the SIUE School of Engineering receives the 2019 Paul Simon Outstanding Teacher-Scholar Award from Graduate School Dean Jerry Weinberg.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville held a town hall meeting on Tuesday, Oct. 29,  to prevent underage drinking and substance abuse. The event was made possible with funding received from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

The Communities Talk: Town Hall Meeting to Prevent Underage Drinking is a program through a SAMHSA initiative with the goal of raising awareness among America’s youth. The event’s main focus was to discuss topics related to decision-making around alcohol and substance abuse, and provide attendees with scenarios and activities to better equip them for these issues.

“The goal was to create a platform for students to have realistic conversations about experiences they have had or might have concerning decision-making around the use of alcohol and other substances,” said Lisa Thompson-Gibson, MA, LPC, staff counselor and coordinator for outreach and prevention initiatives for Counseling Services. “We wanted students to feel comfortable expressing their ideas and to have genuine interaction to facilitate improved personal understanding and awareness.”

The event was a collaborative effort among Counseling Services, Prevention Education and Advocacy Center (PEACe), the Dean of Students Office, the Kimmel Leadership Center, Intercollegiate Athletics, School of Pharmacy, Psychology Club, Fraternity and Sorority Life, and SIUE Police.

“The planning committee was in tune with the complexities involved when making decisions about alcohol and substance use,” Thompson-Gibson added. “We wanted the time spent together to be grounded in realistic circumstances that students maneuver through while in college.”

Attendees were able to observe realistic scenarios acted out by Solid Lines Productions, a theater group that fosters community dialogue about socially relevant issues. Afterwards, participants engaged with the facilitator to discuss aspects of decision-making that occurred in the scenarios.

The College of Psychiatric and Neurologic Pharmacists (CPNP) SIUE student chapter also participated in the event, providing education to approximately 150 other students concerning alcohol use, how to talk to a friend about substance use and how to keep someone safe in the event of an overdose.

Additionally, students were able to participate in other interactive activities led by various organizations involved in the meeting. Activities included learning how to care for someone who has used alcohol or substances, self-care practices, journaling plans for future decision-making and learning about a field sobriety test. Attendees were also informed about community resources and ways to get involved throughout the campus community.

“Any time we can create opportunities for students to engage together about important topics like this, there is the capacity to make a positive impact on student well-being,” said Thompson-Gibson. “Our goal is to facilitate positive student well-being using multiple methods, like this programming. This, in turn, impacts students while encouraging a sense of community on our campus.”

Photo: Students visit a booth at an SIUE town hall meeting to prevent underage drinking and substance abuse.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Theater and Dance (DOTD) will present its longstanding series, “Dance in Concert,” which opens at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 13 in Dunham Hall Theater. 

This will be the series 50^th anniversary celebration. Performed by SIUE students with choreography by current and emeritus faculty, alumni, and guest artists, the celebration will offer a range of styles and music. “Dance in Concert” will continue at 7:30 p.m. from Thursday-Saturday, Nov. 14-16. It will conclude at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17. All performances will be in Dunham Hall Theater. 

General admission is $15 for adults 18 and older, $12 for SIUE faculty, staff and retirees, senior citizens, and non-SIUE students with school identification. SIUE students with valid school ID are admitted free. 

To purchase tickets, visit the DOTD Box Office located inside Dunham Hall, or call 618-650-2774.  SIUE students should present their school ID for their complimentary ticket. One ticket is provided per student and per production. For directions and parking, visit siue.edu\maps. 

“Our students are performing choreography by alumni Geoffrey Alexander, Nick Blaylock and Eketi Songu, and by professor emeritus Calvin Jarrell and guest artist, Maria Majors, as well as current faculty members Kevin Hockenberry, Omar Olivas and myself,” said Kristin Best Kinscherff, artistic director and assistant professor and head of dance at SIUE. 

“Each evening you will see a showcase of featured guest performances by local dance schools,” continued Best Kinscherff. “We are ecstatic to welcome Turning Pointe Academy of Dance, Alton Academy of Dance, Fusion Dance Studio, and The Creative Dance Studio to our stage.” 

For additional information about “Dance in Concert’s” 50^th anniversary, visit the DOTD website at siue.edu/artsandsciences/theater.  

SIUE’s Department of Theater and Dance presents four plays and one dance concert during its October through April season.  All productions are open to the community at large. DOTD is part of the College of Arts and Sciences at SIUE. 

Central to SIUE’s exceptional and comprehensive education, the College of Arts and Sciences has 19 departments and 85 areas of study. More than 300 full-time faculty/instructors deliver classes to more than 8,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Faculty help students explore diverse ideas and experiences, while learning to think and live as fulfilled, productive members of the global community. Study abroad, service-learning, internships, and other experiential learning opportunities better prepare SIUE students not only to succeed in our region's workplaces, but also to become valuable leaders who make important contributions to our communities. 

Photo:
L-R: Wittni Cotton, Adrien Dammer, Brian Lynch, Kristen Ahring, Danielle Faller and Melissa Juodawlkis.

SIUE alumnus Dewayne Staats, bachelor’s in mass communications from the College of Arts and Sciences, ’75, is among eight finalists for the Baseball Hall of Fame’s Ford C. Frick Award.

The 67-year-old Staats is an East Alton native and a graduate of East Alton-Wood River High. He has broadcast Tampa Bay Rays games since its inaugural season 22 years ago and just completed his 44th year in the business.

The Frick Award is given annually by the Hall of Fame for excellence in broadcasting. Read more in The Alton Telegraph.

Photo: Dwayne Staats was on the SIUE campus in October 2015 for a book signing appearance.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Psychology has teamed with Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7 (ECUSD7) to train a doctoral psychology student, Chelsea Ritter, as a school psychology intern. This partnership was made possible by the Illinois School Psychology Internship Consortium (ISPIC), a program accredited by the American Psychological Association, and involved a nationwide match process during the 2018-19 school year.

This partnership came to fruition a few years ago, when the governing board of the ISPIC asked SIUE about a potential interest in developing an internship. The board was enthusiastic about developing a site in Edwardsville to expand the footprint of the statewide consortium to the Metro East, which was not an area of the state previously served.

Leading the partnership on the University’s side is Liz McKenney, PhD, associate professor, and Sarah Conoyer, PhD, assistant professor. Both are dually licensed as psychologists and school psychologists, and Conoyer is an alumna of the ISPIC program. The duo is joined by ECUSD7’s Adam Garrett, special education director, and Cindy Steele, special education coordinator.

“In our roles, Sarah and I have the opportunity to shape the preparation of a future colleague,” said McKenney. “We have two goals—to increase the availability of mental health services to children in our area and to help young professionals in our field start their career in school psychology. This is not just a need in our area, there’s a nationwide shortage of school psychologists, both in faculty positions and in school-based practice.”

“The doctoral school psychologist program is mutually beneficial for both the school district and the University as it helps to further strengthen our relationship and continue to bring evidence-based practices to our staff and students,” added Garrett. “It is through strong community partnerships such as the one with SIUE that allows ECUSD7 to continually improve services and opportunities for all students.”

Ritter is the program’s inaugural intern. She will graduate with a PhD from the University of Cincinnati in 2020. Throughout the duration of the internship, she will continue to work at SIUE and throughout the Edwardsville school district.

“I applied to a lot of sites through the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Careers (APPIC) match system, as most do when going through the process, but after interviews it was clear that ECUSD7/SIUE was the best fit for my goals,” said Ritter. “I was lucky enough to be matched here.”

At SIUE, Ritter works at the Attention and Behavior Clinic and the Comprehensive Autism Spectrum Evaluation Site (CASE). At these sites, she provides direct client services and assists in the supervision of graduate practicum students for evaluations. While working through the psychology department, she also receives mentorship regarding undergraduate and graduate teaching. Additionally, she will have the opportunity to lecture in a few classes this fall and will teach her own course during the spring.

Within ECUSD7, Ritter works three days per week at Edwardsville High School South and one day at Leclaire Elementary School. She consults on systems level behavioral projects at the high school and conducts educational evaluations at the elementary setting. Throughout her time with the district, she will work on prevention projects, risk of harm assessments, lead problem-solving teams, conduct evaluations and re-evaluations, conduct skill building groups, implement academic, behavioral and mental health interventions, participate on committees, conduct research, and implement individual, group and family therapy.

“Through this position, I am continuing to hone my skills in psychoeducational and diagnostic evaluations, systems level consultation, and academic, behavioral and mental health interventions,” said Ritter.

“Chelsea is able to provide professional development to our staff and assist in the development of research-based practices for behavioral supports and interventions across the school district,” added Steele. “This directly impacts the students by equipping our staff with the tools and skills to continue to meet the ever-changing needs of our student population.”

Beyond the internship, Ritter hopes to continue to work in academia while teaching and conducting research. Additionally, she’d like to continue consulting within schools while working as a faculty member.

“We hope that many of our interns will choose careers in academia, conducting research and helping to train the next generation of school psychologists,” said McKenney. “However, some of our interns may decide to spend their careers in private practice or working in schools. We’re just as excited about the idea that we’re helping shape their future work, too. Especially if it results in increasing mental health services in the Metro East.”

Photo (L-R): Elizabeth McKenney, Chelsea Ritter, Cindy Steel and Adam Garrett.

Calamities, tumults and grave injustices do not have to stain the soul and crush the spirit, according to Yusef Salaam, one of the “Central Park Five” wrongly convicted of the rape of “Central Park Jogger” Trisha Meili. Salaam talked about hope and purpose during his presentation on Monday, Nov. 4 at the Morris University Center’s Meridian Ballroom at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. 

SIUE’s Campus Activities Board (CAB) sponsored the event that drew more than 500 people. 

“CAB decided to bring Dr. Yusef Salaam to campus, because with the many tragedies that occur daily to black and brown children, it is important that modern society remain hopeful for better times,” said CAB chair Tamryn Williams, a junior majoring in industrial engineering. “The first step to change begins with having difficult conversations and listening to how others have overcome difficult situations.” 

Described as one of the most publicized crimes of the 1980s by The New York Times, the Central Park jogger criminal case was based on the assault and rape of 28-year-old Trisha Meili who was jogging in the park on April 19, 1989. Eight others were also attacked. Five males, ranging in age from 7-13, were arrested, charged and convicted of the crime. The young males became known as the “Central Park Five.” 

Their sentences were overturned in 2002, after the five men had spent 13 years in jail. A convicted murderer and rapist serving a life sentence confessed to the crime. 

“Dr. Salaam emphasized that although it may not seem like it, everyone was born for a purpose,” said Williams. “Even when the unimaginable is happening, and you feel that you want to give up, remember that everything happens for a reason. Sometimes, you might have to walk through a storm, similar to how he did, before the sun comes out.” 

“It was a joy to have Dr. Yusef Salaam on campus,” said Alexa Bueltel, coordinator of Campus Life with the Kimmel Student Involvement Center. “He was very engaging with the audience and students. He is an amazing individual whose story has inspired a nation, and I am so thankful SIUE could have him on campus.” 

Photos:
Dr. Yusef Salaam addressed his audience on Monday, Nov. 4 at SIUE. 

SIUE’s Campus Activities Board sponsored Dr. Salaam’s visit to campus.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Gerald O’Brien, PhD, professor in the Department of Social Work within the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), will present the annual William and Margaret Going Endowed Professorship public lecture at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 12 in the Morris University Center’s Maple/Dogwood Room.

O’Brien will present “Eugenics, Genetic Innovations and the Minority Group Model of Disability.” Following the lecture, he will be joined by panelists Cathy Contarino, IMPACT Center for Independent Living executive director, Dominic Dorsey, SIUE ACCESS Office director, Alison Reiheld, PhD, associate professor in the SIUE Department of Philosophy, and Duff Wrobbel, PhD, professor and chair of the SIUE Department of Applied Communication Studies.

In February 2019, O’Brien received the William and Margaret Going Endowed Professorship Award in CAS, which honors faculty who fundamentally connect their scholarship to their teaching and transform students’ lives. O’Brien’s scholarly work centers on historical eugenics and contemporary bioethics, and brings a disability perspective to the issues. O’Brien’s research also considers the relationship of pejorative metaphor themes to social injustice movements.

O’Brien’s latest research objective is to expand his knowledge of the various ways that historical eugenics relates to both new genetic technological innovations, as well as the relevant policy issues which will likely be developed in the wake of the completion of the Human Genome Project.

“This is an extremely important issue as we consider the various ways in which the findings of the Human Genome Project and related bioethical research will be implemented,” O’Brien explained. “This issue is particularly important to many in the disability community, since the polices that will be implemented in the future related to genetic research will arise in part from our collective view of disability and its presumptive place in the world. This will in turn be impacted in no small degree by the metaphors and other rhetoric that is invoked to frame both disability and biogenetic technology.”

Sign language interpreters will be present during the lecture, which is free and open to the public.

Photo: Gerald O’Brien, PhD, professor in the SIUE Department of Social Work.

House of Ninjas, LLC, a family-owned ninja warrior obstacle course training facility for youth and adults, will celebrate its grand opening on Saturday, Nov. 16, at 1334 Central Park Drive in O’Fallon.

Owner John Wilmas and his wife, Nicky, have 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 achieve their dream of opening a ninja warrior gym.

Their interest in American Ninja Warrior began six years ago when Wilmas first saw the NBC-TV show and told his wife he wanted to apply to be on it. From there, Wilmas competed in seasons 9, 10 and 11, further fueling his ninja warrior passion.

After discovering there was no ninja warrior gym in the area, Wilmas’ passion grew into building the gym of his dreams, with the goal of helping people of all ages become stronger, healthier and more confident. The gym consists of a ninja obstacle training course for children and adults. Additionally, the gym will host birthday parties, camps and special events.

“We noticed that this area is full of kids who are the perfect age for this,” Wilmas stated. “Now that the American Ninja Warrior Junior show has started, we would love to help these kids get on the show.”

By utilizing his cinematography degree and experience on the show, Wilmas is looking forward to assisting both children and adults in the creation of their own submission videos.

House of Ninjas also plans to focus inclusivity for all. Inspired by past competitors on the show with special needs or disabilities, the Wilmas are extremely excited for plans to host special-needs nights at the gym, showing that there can be ninjas of all kinds.

“Our goal is to help people live healthier lives and leave the gym knowing they can take on the world,” Wilmas shared. “We want to help kids who are unaware of their potential and let them know what they are capable of. You may not be the strongest or the fastest, but you may be the best ninja warrior, if provided with the outlet.”

Since May 2019, SBDC Director Jo Ann DiMaggio May has assisted Wilmas by providing advising and assistance with business plan development, obtaining permits, the timeline process and making necessary connections.

“Jo Ann gave us the structure we needed,” Wilmas said. “We had an idea, and she was able to help us get the ball rolling and turn that idea into a reality.”

 “John and his family have worked hard physically and mentally to prepare for business ownership,” DiMaggio May said. “The Wilmas’ will keep learning, and I am excited to see them open House of Ninjas. I look forward to seeing their future success and assisting them along the way.”

In the future, Wilmas hopes to expand his passion to open multiple ninja warrior obstacle gyms in the area.

For more information, visit houseofninjas.com, Facebook at @houseofninjas, Instagram at @house_of_ninjas or email contact@houseofninjas.com.   

The Illinois SBDC for the Metro East assists start-up ventures like House of Ninjas LLC, 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.

Photo (L-R): Nicky and John Wilmas, owners of House of Ninjas, LLC.

Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SIU SDM) held is fifth annual Dean’s Scholarship Gala Saturday, Nov. 2 at the Westin St. Louis. The SDM continued its annual tradition of awarding at least three Dean’s Scholarship Awards valued at $5,000 to deserving dental students. 

Since the Gala’s inception, the SDM has awarded 17 Dean’s Scholarship Awards and provided $85,000 in scholarship funding to deserving students through support from the Gala and the Dean’s Scholarship Endowment.

“Through proceeds from the 2019 Dean’s Scholarship Gala, we fully anticipate meeting our first milestone goal of $350,000 for the Dean’s Scholarship Endowment, which will fully fund three Dean’s Scholarship Awards of $5,000 in perpetuity,” said SDM Dean Bruce Rotter, DMD. “Looking ahead, we are excited to begin the work of increasing both the number and monetary value of the scholarships. Building on the generosity we have seen to date, we believe our future goals are sure to be realized.”

Four 2019-2020 Dean’s Scholars were recognized at the event:

• Alexis Polczynski, of Venedy
• Adam Falasz, of Bloomington
• Mary Beth Di Lisio, of Edwardsville
• Karolina Migus, of Prospect Heights

Rotter said the Dean’s Scholarship Awards have inspired the establishment of additional endowments and scholarships:

• Dr. Lowe Memorial Scholarship – Established by Sherry Baker, widow of SDM alumnus Dr. Larry Lowe, for deserving students. Stefanie Curtis, of Bartlett, and Claire Willenborg, of Effingham, were the 2019 recipients.
• Dr. Keith and Mrs. Peggy Dickey Scholarship Endowment – Established by the SIU SDM Alumni Council.
• Premier Dental Partners in St. Louis has established its own SDM endowment. 
• Dr. Chris Maurer Endowment – Established by classmates, friends, family and colleagues of the late Dr. Maurer, it benefits a non-traditional student annually. 
• Dr. and Mrs. Sami Latif Endowment – The Class of 1984 alumni established a scholarship to support a student of Middle Eastern descent.
• Dr. Sondra Naegler Memorial Scholarship Endowment – Established by Dr. Kristiane Naegler (Class of 1994) in honor of her mother, a fellow SDM graduate (Class of 1980), to benefit students who are raising one or more children while pursuing their DMD degree.

SIU SDM gratefully acknowledged the support of its Gala Platinum Sponsors: Delta Dental of Illinois, Heartland Dental, Drs. Frank and Carla Orland of Orland Family Dental, Dr. Neal and Mrs. Marilyn Roller, Simmons Hanly Conroy, Dr. Kristoffer and Mrs. Patricia Tumilowicz, and Dr. Bruce and Mrs. Cindy Rotter.

The SIU School of Dental Medicine students manage approximately 35,000 patient visits each year at its patient clinics in Alton and East St. Louis. In addition, students offer oral health treatment, screenings and education to more than 10,000 people annually through a wide variety of off-campus community outreach events. These opportunities provide students the training they need to graduate and become highly skilled dentists. The School of Dental Medicine is a vital oral health care provider for residents of southern and central Illinois, and the St. Louis metropolitan region.

Photo: SIU School of Dental Medicine Dean’s Scholarship awardees Karolina Migus, Mary Beth Di Lisio, Adam Falasz and Alexis Polczynski.

The Alestle, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s student newspaper, won two national awards during the 98th annual Associated Collegiate Press/College Media Association (CMA) National College Media Convention in Washington, D.C.

The Alestle won first in the CMA Pinnacle Awards in the Best Portrait category and a second-place in the Best Newspaper Entertainment Page/Spread category.

“I was so pleased that The Alestle placed, and placed well, in two Pinnacle Award categories,” Student Publications Program Director Tammy Merrett said. “The awards recognize best individual work in college media across the country.

“This is the third year we entered this particular competition. Last year, we were finalists for one category, but didn’t win. It was a great surprise and honor to be finalists again this year, and win in both categories.”

For Best Portrait, the winning photo was SIUE student Jakob Ruffner’s portrait accompanying a story about University Hair that appeared in The Alestle’s January 2019 edition. The competition was wide open and not broken down by school size or frequency. Any school and news organization from across the country could compete in the category. Other winners included the University of Miami, University of Kentucky, California Baptist University and the Savannah College of Art & Design in Atlanta.

For Best Newspaper Entertainment Page/Spread, student Ryan Bieri and former graduate student Joann Weaver created the winning entry, the Metro East Eats “Battle of the Buns” in June 2018. Other winners included Langara College in Vancouver, B.C., and Elon University in Elon, N.C.

The Alestle has placed several times in recent years in national American Scholastic Press Association (ACP) Best of Show competitions at the fall national college media convention in the four-year weekly tabloid, large school website and special edition categories. The publication is consistently an American Scholastic Press Association winner and regularly wins several awards in the annual Illinois College Press Association contest.

Photo: SIUE Student Publications Program Director Tammy Merrett.

The normal stress and challenges of college life can be magnified when a student is facing possible expulsion from their school, their life and the country. Becoming an ally for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) undocumented students can not only help their educational pursuits, but also assist in their well-being, according to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville junior Tannya Cristina Sánchez. 

Sánchez was one of seven SIUE students and staff who attended the “I Support Illinois Undocumented Students” Ally Training on Friday, Oct. 25 at the University of Illinois (U of I) at Urbana-Champaign. Other students attending were Marisol Corral, Amy Corrales, Fatima Gonzalez and Carla Márquez- López. Accompanying them were Elizabeth Caldieraro and Kirsten McDermott, both managers in the Office of Student Financial Aid. 

“I attended the training on DACA and undocumented students, because I heard about it during the celebration of Latinx Heritage Month at SIUE,” said Márquez- López, a junior majoring in Spanish. “I support DACA and undocumented students, as I am aware that the majority simply would like to receive an education and contribute to the well-being of this country.” 

“On Wednesday, Oct. 2, SIUE and the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI) were thrilled to host Dr. Gioconda Guerra Perez, assistant vice chancellor for Diversity and Academic Inclusive Excellence at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, as part of the Latinx Heritage Month Celebration,” recalled Miriam Roccia, associate vice chancellor for the Office of Student Affairs. “Dr. Perez presented an afternoon session entitled, ‘Supporting Undocumented Students.’ During the session, and in discussions following, many in attendance communicated a desire to be able to do more and better support DACA students.” 

During Perez’s presentation, she informed participants about the DACA Ally training at U of I. Coordinating the SIUE contingent’s trip to the training was Carolina Rocha, PhD, professor in the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature. 

“CSDI was excited to partner with Dr. Carolina Rocha and the Office of Financial Aid to send two staff members and five students to the training,” said Roccia. 

“DACA students face limitations, as they cannot apply for/nor receive federal funding,” said Rocha, who teaches and researches immigration. “Universities and colleges have created, and are creating ways, to welcome them and support their education. Because DACA dates from 2012 and is still somewhat new, it requires keeping up with changes in legislation that allow students to work and study. 

“In addition, opportunities such as studying abroad are not available for undocumented students, as they cannot leave the United States. Therefore, staff and faculty need to be aware of what DACA students can and cannot do, and devise strategies to help them succeed in their studies.” 

“As an immigrant, I do understand at some level, the struggles and barriers undocumented, including DACA, students face,” said Sánchez, originally from Ecuador and a junior majoring in Spanish education. “Most of them represent hope for their families when they attend school, but the pressure of being undocumented can impact their performance in and out of the classroom. It is vital that we be more empathetic about their situation, and try to provide them with the right resources and contacts during their educational path." 

“There are many units and people at SIUE who are aware of undocumented students,” noted Rocha. “While Student Affairs have been involved in various ways, we have to come together to coordinate efforts and the flow of information. I met with (Director of Admissions) Todd Burrell, and we discussed ways we could develop a supportive environment for these students. 

“I learned that there was a training organized by Student Affairs at SIUE in December 2017,” continued Rocha. “Hopefully, we can set up another one soon to bring together those interested in understanding DACA, and help our undocumented students feel welcomed and supported at SIUE.”

Last month, eight Southern Illinois University Edwardsville exercise and sport psychology students attended and presented at the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP) 34th Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon. The conference is the largest of its kind worldwide, and features over 100 workshops, lectures and panels for students and professionals alike.

Lindsay Ross-Stewart, PhD, associate professor of exercise and sport psychology (ESP) and graduate program director in the SIUE Department of Applied Health, attended the conference as the faculty author on 9 of the 10 presentations given by students.

“The opportunity for students to both attend and present at an internationally attended conference such as AASP is invaluable for their education,” said Ross-Stewart. “The conference gave students a chance to learn about different areas within applied psychological skills training and see what the current research trends are within the field. By presenting their work, students learned how to communicate with others in the field, allowing for networking connections.”

Current graduate students in attendance included Victoria Roberts, Karen Swanner, Aleia Campbell, Ginny Kjer, Parker Hardcastle, Destinee Ganious, Jailin Allen and Camille Watkins. Student authors unable to attend included Megan Mottola, Zach Osborne and Paige Davis.

“I was pleasantly surprised on how many insightful sessions there were in a variety of topics, which in turn confirmed that I had picked the perfect discipline to be a forever student,” said Watkins. “I’m so grateful for the opportunity to attend this phenomenal conference.”

“Participating in the conference was an amazing way to gain insight into what the sport psychology realm is like,” agreed Hardcastle. “It was the perfect opportunity to make connections with students and professionals in the field, along with the opportunities to learn from them and teach them what we’ve learned.”

Students presented posters on the following research studies at the conference:

• Living with Post-Concussion Syndrome
• How Self-Reflective Practice Can Facilitate Learning in Neophyte Sport Psychology Consultants
• Body Dissatisfaction, Self-Efficacy and Trait Self-Control in NCAA Athletes
• Go Home and Bake Cookies: A case study of a Female Official’s Experience in Men’s Soccer
• The Effect of Socioeconomic Status and Sport Participation on Resilience of High School Students
• Investigating the Effectiveness of an Imagery Assisted Virtual Reality Protocol for Soccer Goalkeepers Physical and Psychological Development
• High Intensity Resistance Training has Positive Effects on Perceived Physical and Mental Health of Anorexia Nervosa patients after hospitalization

In conjunction with these studies, students presented posters based off the experiential work they completed while taking a graduate-level sport psychology course. These projects were made possible due to a collaboration with SIUE club sports, overseen by Philip Leyer, an ESP alum. During the course, students served as mental performance coaches (in-training) to an assigned SIUE club team. The following studies were presented as a result of this collaboration:

• Promoting Team Cohesion in Collegiate Club Baseball Players through Team Building Exercises
• Applying the P.A.C.E Performance Program to Collegiate Endurance Athletes
• The Benefits of Sport Psychology Consulting with a Collegiate Club Dance Team

Alumni who were authors on the various presentations included Molly Josephs, Kerry Guest, Moira Kelly and Jeffrey Price.

“At the conference, students were able to meet with alumnus Kerry Guest and Jermaine Bean, both of whom are currently completing PhDs in the field, to discuss their paths in the field and receive advice on their futures,” said Ross-Stewart. “Having alumni of their caliber to help our students navigate the field is a true asset.” 

“For me, the experience was amazing,” claimed Swanner. “Attending the conference was an opportunity for me to present my research and to get a sense of its relevancy. I found that there was considerable engagement during my poster presentation, and meeting others who had also presented helped in my learning experience.”

“In the exercise and sport psychology program, we focus on giving students opportunities to truly engage with the material, while grounding their interventions and applied work in theory,” added Ross-Stewart. “Seeing students and alumni live this philosophy at the conference was truly meaningful.”

Photo (L-R): SIUE students Destinee Ganious, Karen Swanner, Parker Hardcastle, Camille Watkins, Zach Osborne, Jailin Allen, Aleia Campbell and Victoria Roberts at the Association for Applied Sport Psychology 34th Annual Conference.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumnus David Deets, superintendent of Harmony-Emge School District 175 in Belleville, has received the 2019 Herman Graves Award from the Illinois Principals Association (IPA). 

Sponsored by Horace Mann Companies of Springfield, the Graves Award was established in 1991 to recognize outstanding service to IPA. Graves was selected as the first honoree, and the award was established because of the intrinsic contributions he made to the Association and his enthusiasm for the profession. Winners are chosen from the IPA’s 21 regional areas. From these elite administrators, a state winner is chosen by a committee comprised of IPA past presidents. 

“Dave Deets epitomizes what it means to be a learning leader who effectively leads his learning organization,” said Dr. Jason Leahy, IPA executive director. “Beyond his work in his school, Mr. Deets has committed himself to positively impacting the education profession and schools across the state through his significant involvement in the Illinois Principals Association. We are grateful for his passion and commitment to help school leaders throughout Illinois do what is best for their students.” 

Deets has been an IPA member since 2008 and has served on the IPA board of directors as state director for the Southwestern Region (Jersey, Madison, St. Clair, Monroe and Randolph counties). He previously served on the Southwestern Region board as board secretary and region director. He has also served at the state level as a representative to State Superintendent’s Principal Advisory, Illinois State Board of Education ESSA (Every Student Succeeds Act) Indicators of Success and Early Childhood Readiness committees. 

Deets was previously recognized by his peers as the 2017 Southwestern Region Reaching Out and Building Bridges Award winner for his partnership with St. Matthew United Methodist Church in Belleville to provide character education programming and tutoring to students at Ellis Elementary. He was also named Southwestern Region Elementary Principal of the Year in 2013. 

A Glen Carbon resident, Deets earned a bachelor’s in elementary education from the SIUE School of Education, Health and Human Behavior, where he also received a superintendent endorsement.  

The IPA is a leadership organization which serves over 5,700 educational leaders throughout the state of Illinois and whose mission is to develop, support, and advocate for innovative educational leaders.

St. Louis Magazine has tapped SIUE School of Business alumnus Darryl Tyler among its 2019 Best Dressed St. Louisans. Read more at stlmag.com.

A vice president/commercial banking officer with Carrollton Bank, the 40-year-old Tyler earned a bachelor’s in business administration with a marketing concentration in 2003. He has served on the School’s Advisory Board for the past four years. To satisfy his taste for style, he also owns Tailored Gents Custom Clothiers in Clayton, Mo.

Students, political scientists and historians will have easy access to research the long tenure of Congressman John Shimkus (R-15^th District-Collinsville) following the completion of his 24-year career in the U.S. House of Representatives. Shimkus and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Chancellor Randy Pembrook announced Friday, Nov. 8 that records, correspondence, photos and more will be housed in the “Shimkus Collection” at the Elijah P. Lovejoy Library on campus. 

“We have already begun the process of identifying the material that University officials believe is appropriate for the collection,” said Shimkus of the 450 archival boxes that his staff is going through. “My staff will screen everything to ensure privacy laws and regulations are followed. As my offices in Washington, D.C., and in the 15^th Congressional District wind down and eventually close at the end of my current term, items will be transferred to the library.” 

“As we approach Veterans Day, I’m reminded of the freedom that we share, and that entails the freedom to come to a library and have access to information, said Lydia Jackson, interim dean of Library and Information Services (LIS). “The First Amendment’s right to freedom of expression encompasses intellectual freedom, which is an individual’s right to receive information in a wide range of topics and views. We at the library are proud that we will be able to make this historical material available to students, to the region and to the world.” 

“Congressman Shimkus has been a dedicated public servant for four decades,” said Pembrook to an audience full of local, regional and national legislators, judges, Shimkus family members and staff workers. “We appreciate his service to the state of Illinois and to our country as our Representative in Washington D.C. We also appreciate his military service to our country.  

“Today’s announcement is exciting for SIUE in that it will provide materials for future students to study and research, creating richer political science and history resources for our students.” 

Pembrook hailed Shimkus for his many accomplishments including:

• Expanding the use of biodiesel fuels
• Expanding 911 emergency number legislation and coverage
• Establishing an Internet domain to provide a safe place for young children to surf and learn
• Encouraging child safety with booster seat testing and placement of heart defibrillators in schools
• Advocating for energy issues and a safe environment 

“Southwest Illinois has been very gracious to me. I’m a Republican in a historic Democratic county,” said Shimkus. “They gave me my start. I hope when people look back on the issues I campaigned on and believed in when I first started, they will see that I was consistent to those values. I am also so proud of the connection and partnership I have had with SIUE through the years.” 

“Congressman Shimkus and many members of his family are SIUE alums, so his contribution to Lovejoy Library at SIUE makes great sense,” said Pembrook. “We appreciate this very special collection and could not be prouder of this legacy family.” 

Shimkus’ deep SIUE roots include:

• The congressman finished his master’s in business administration in 1997, as he was beginning his first term in the House of Representatives
• Shimkus’ father, Gene, earned an associate’s degree in business in 1968
• Shimkus’ wife, Karen, earned a master’s in music, with a music performance specialization in 1990
• The couple’s son, David, earned a bachelor’s in computer science in 2017 

A Collinsville High School alumnus, Shimkus graduated from the United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., in 1980. He then served as an active duty Army officer for more than five years. Shimkus earned a teaching certificate from California’s Christ College Irvine (now Concordia University Irvine) and returned to his native southwestern Illinois to teach at Metro East Lutheran High School in Edwardsville before launching his political career. 

Photos:
Congressman John Shimkus (R-15^th District-Collinsville) is donating his political collection to SIUE’s Elijah P. Lovejoy Library. 

SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook thanks Shimkus for his generous donation of his political archival to the University. 

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Professor Xin Wang, PhD, has received the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) St. Louis Section 2019 Outstanding Educator Award. Wang, an associate professor in the SIUE School of Engineering’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, accepted the honor at the IEEE Annual Awards Banquet on Saturday, Nov. 9 at the Engineer’s Club of St. Louis.  

The Outstanding Educator Award is presented to IEEE members who motivate students to research, study and get involved in engineering topics and technologies, and those who encourage students to pursue careers in the engineering field. This award recognizes the superlative research and education contributions that Wang has brought to the SIUE community.

“I was overwhelmed when I heard that I was going to receive the outstanding educator award,” Wang said.  “I am fortunate enough to work with my wonderful colleagues at the SIUE Electrical and Computer Engineering Department. I could not have obtained  this award without the great help and support from my colleagues. I am also very thankful to my previous students.”

One of Wang’s projects, “Ushering in the Smart and Autonomous Power Converters for Utility Power Grid,” proposes an innovative method of designing power converters. The newly designed power converters will keep the power grid stable even when power is coming from solar, wind and other forms of distributed power generation resources, which directly connect to the grid through a converter.

The IEEE is a professional organization comprised of students, engineers and scientists. It is one the largest professional organizations in the world.

Photo: Xin Wang, associate professor in the SIUE School of Engineering’s Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering.

Learning activities, arts and crafts, exhibits, field games, and food led more than 250 people to the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Early Childhood Center (ECC) 50th Anniversary Alumni Open House and Family Play Day on Saturday, Nov. 2. 

“It was a wonderful day. It was great to see so many past families and employees,” said ECC Director Rebecca Dabbs MacLean. “People enjoyed connecting with new and old ECC friends. We had many varied activities that included art and STEM activities. Also at the Family Play Day was Jennifer Ward (noted children’s author from Edwardsville), who offered activities that were related to her book, ‘I Love Birds!’” 

 Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs Jeffrey Waple, PhD, greeted guests in opening remarks for the day. In addition, welcoming guests were Dabbs MacLean and former ECC Director LaVernn Wilson, who served from 1971-2000. 

“ECC has served as a model for early childhood education for many, many years,” said Dabbs MacLean. “We have had a continuous waiting list, because families share their ECC experience with other families. Many of the early childhood teachers who work for local school districts were student employees at the ECC.” 

The ECC recognizes the potential of each child and the vital contributions parents make to the ECC community. Our philosophy is strongly influenced by the Reggio Emilia Approach. Our work with children and families is grounded in our commitments to nurturing trusting relationships. We are devoted to growing a deeply connected community that allows intellectual and emotional risk-taking. We emphasize a joyful, playful climate with a culture of intellectual inquiry and critical thinking. 

Photos:
(Left photo): Current ECC Director Rebecca Dabbs MacLean and former ECC Director LaVernn Wilson welcome guests. (Right photo): Jennifer Ward, (right) children’s author, explains one of her book activities. 

Families engage in STEM games and activities. 

Children participated and enjoyed outside activities!

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Engineering (SOE) is hosting its second annual ‪‪SIUE Energy Symposium at 1 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 20 in the Dunham Hall Theater. The day will focus upon energy topics, and awareness of alternative and clean energy sources.

“We have focused on creating an annual fall event to become the top-of-mind institution when people talk about energy and sustainability topics in the Greater St. Louis area,” said Serdar Celik, PhD, professor and graduate program director in the SOE Department of Mechanical Engineering. “We hope to increase understanding of regional and global energy issues, and promote awareness on various energy topics.

“A year ago, we received extremely positive feedback from faculty, students, community members and industry professionals. It was quite productive for students. They shared their knowledge and exchanged ideas with the professionals. They also were able to make corporate sector contacts. Some of those students are now working in the energy sector.”

The afternoon begins with a poster session featuring presentations on alternative energy resources, followed by comments from SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook, PhD, and Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Denise Cobb, PhD.

The featured event at 2:30 p.m. is the hydropower vs. wind energy debate. ‪The debate is open to the public, and individuals from different fields including political offices, higher education administration, representatives from Chambers of Commerce, and energy professionals from the corporate world are invited to attend to promote awareness on energy topics. Representatives from higher education, alternative energy, corporate leadership, public utilities, energy consultants and environmental agencies will serve as debate judges.

“With the increase in both global population and industrialization, and our changing habits in consuming energy, the need for sustainable energy has become quite evident in the past two decades,” Celik said. “Increasing energy consumption brings the challenges of energy supply and demand, energy security, and environmental concerns. Awareness is the first step to managing these challenges for a greener and safer future.”

A networking hour closes the day.

For more information, contact Celik at scelik@siue.edu.

Photo: Serdar Celik, PhD, professor of mechanical engineering in the SIUE School of Engineering.