The State of Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) has approved $408,742 for artwork in and around Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Science Buildings as part of the CDB’s Art-in-Architecture program.

The Illinois General Assembly created the Art-in-Architecture (AIA) program in 1977. It is administered by the Capital Development Board. The program’s purpose is the “promotion and preservation of the arts by securing suitable works of art for the adornment of public buildings constructed or subjected to major renovation by the State or which utilize State funds, and thereby reflecting Illinois’ cultural heritage, with emphasis on the works of Illinois artists.” The works of art that have been created through the program create a permanent art collection for the people of the state of Illinois.

The AIA program reserves one-half of one percent of the construction cost of state building and renovation projects to purchase public art. In addition to the acquisition of single, significant artworks, the AIA program commissions site-specific works that are integrated into the structure of the building. Science West opened in fall 2013, while the renovation of Science East was completed in 2018.

All professional artists living and working in Illinois are eligible to apply for commission opportunities. Artists are selected and commissions are awarded based upon the recommendations of a Fine Art Review Committee comprised of representatives from the Illinois Arts Council, Illinois State Museum, the project architect and a site representative.

An SIUE design team of faculty, staff and students will help develop the design criteria for the artwork. SIUE Vice Chancellor for Administration Rich Walker will serve as the administrative chair of the on-campus committee.

“The artwork created by the program could be a single piece, but is more likely to be multiple pieces,” Walker said. “The exact locations and character of the works will be defined by SIUE and the commissioned artists. We are thrilled to receive this funding and excited to see what the design team and the artists create.”

Since its inception, the program has purchased or commissioned nearly 1,000 works of art by Illinois artists. SIUE has installed six projects through the program now located on the Edwardsville and East St. Louis campuses.

Photo: The Crossing by Evan Lewis, an example of the Art in Architecture program at SIUE.

Negative preconceived ideas, feelings of isolation and virtually no exposure to black scholars are struggles that black students face in college classrooms at predominantly white institutions (PWIs), according to Timothy Lewis, PhD, assistant professor in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Political Science. 

Lewis, who specializes in identity politics, facilitated the Inclusive Conversation, “Being Black in the Classroom,” which was held Friday, Feb. 21 in the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI). 

Lewis introduced the discussion of equity within the educational system by presenting a 1960s video of renowned American novelist, playwright, poet and activist James Baldwin. In the video, Baldwin spoke about race and racism. 

“I don’t know what most white people in this country feel … I can only conclude what they feel by the state of their institutions,” said Baldwin. 

“What do the institutions of America tell you about race?” asked Lewis. “In particular, what is the state of education for blacks?” 

Lewis shared Pew Research studies that showed two reoccurring themes in U.S. education:

• Being black merits suspicion. Black students are more likely to be punished and more likely to have more severe punishments (Balingit, 2018).
• Blacks are unintelligent (different than the inherit bias of standardized testing). 

“I’ve been in honors classes where I was asked, ‘How did you get in here?’” said Christen King, a senior, majoring in criminal justice and SIUE women’s basketball player. “I’ve also been told that I speak well. It’s hurtful.” 

“Additional data from Pew Research, shows that the manifestations of racism and racial bias are experienced more frequently in college than in high school or grade school,” added Lewis. “Why do you think that is?” 

“A majority of people go to grade school and high school in the neighborhoods where they live,” interjected King. “Most neighborhoods and schools are not overly diverse.” 

Many college students had no exposure to an African American instructor in their K-12 experience, according to Lewis. 

“This means that during the years of the most influential cognitive development, the classroom was a space where blackness as the authority did not exist,” he added. “There have been some students at SIUE who were surprised to learn I was a professor.” 

Lewis continued the discussion by asking what is the harm in educational spaces remaining predominantly white. 

“In some cases, it allows students to absorb stereotypes,” said Tarsha Moore, CSDI assistant director. “The absence of interaction with black people can validate some negative things seen via social media or mainstream media.” 

“That isolation allows you to stay ignorant,” said Telisha Reinhardt, admissions and records officer in the Office of the Registrar. “I was in the military, and I served with people who had never seen black people before. While military is not a perfect institution, it forced people to look at your fellow sailor with respect, because they may be the one to save your life one day.” 

SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook asked the group how their perspectives would change if the University were to drastically increase the diversity of its faculty and staff. 

“If I walked in certain classes and saw black faculty, that would be uplifting,” said King. 

“I definitely think it will have a positive impact, if we increase those numbers,” remarked Moore. “However, support is also needed. We don’t want to just recruit black faculty, staff and students, we want to retain them as well.” 

Photos:
SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook listens to the concerns of Christen King, a senior, majoring in criminal justice. 

Timothy Lewis, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Political Science, facilitated the Inclusive Conversation, “Being Black in the Classroom.” 

Telisha Reinhardt, admissions and records officer in the Office of the Registrar, offers her point of view.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s student publication The Alestle won 15 awards at the annual Illinois College Press Association’s (ICPA) Convention in Chicago, including second place in the general excellence category in its division. The Alestle is in the most competitive division in the ICPA awards, with almost half of the total members competing as non-dailies with school enrollment of more than 4,000.

“I appreciate that our hard work was recognized in this way. Getting second in general excellence was the highlight of the whole convention and my Alestle career so far,” said Alestle Editor in Chief Madison Lammert.

The Alestle’s 14 other awards were primarily in design and photography categories.

The Alestle earned first place for its headline writing and feature page design. Online Editor/Opinion Editor Jordyn Nimmer also took first place for editorial cartoon in the open division, in which all schools compete, regardless of size.

Sports page design took a third place award, as did former Alestle staffers Spencer Peck, Bre Booker and Jakob Ruffner in the spot news photo, sports photo and feature photo categories, respectively.

Honorable mention recognition went to in-depth reporting and the entertainment supplement. Multimedia Editor Mackenzie Smith was recognized for her work in feature photo.

Former staffers Joann Weaver and Hannah Miller were recognized for their design work in the graphic illustration and sports page design categories, respectively.

Booker and Peck were also honored for their work in sports game coverage and general news photo, respectively.

 “I’m so proud of our staff. We have had a hard year of serious staff shortages. The fact that we are back in the general excellence category shows how hard The Alestle staff works,” Program Director Tammy Merrett said.

The Alestle competed with 33 Illinois colleges and universities in 12 open categories. Additionally, The Alestle competed in 21 categories against 15 non-daily student newspapers on campuses with more than 4,000 students including Columbia College in Chicago, Loyola University, Northern Illinois University, DePaul University, Illinois State University and others.

Nearly 1,000 entries in the competition were judged for excellence by working journalists across the country.

Photo: The Alestle Program Director Tammy Merrett.

Throughout February, more than 260 students from Roxana South Primary School engaged in interactive oral health education sessions and received free non-invasive screenings from dental students at the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SDM). The SIU SDM annually welcomes kindergarten and second grade students from local classrooms in celebration of National Children’s Dental Health Month. 

“We want to make a positive impression on children and establish a dental home for them early to promote prevention over intervention,” said SIU SDM’s Katie Kosten, DMD, assistant professor and director of community dentistry. “We use National Children’s Dental Health Month as an opportunity to educate kids on basic oral principles and identify any issues with their teeth that parents need to be aware of.”

Third-year SDM students led interactive education activities that included practicing brushing and flossing on friendly animal characters, creating an alginate hand mold, identifying good and bad foods for teeth, and spinning a colorful question and answer wheel.

Fourth-year dental students practiced their clinical skills, built rapport with patients and served the community in a meaningful way by offering free dental screenings. The aspiring dentists conducted screenings for those students with signed consent forms, under the supervision of a licensed dental faculty. Screenings offer an important, non-invasive check of the teeth for the benefit of the students and their guardians.

“What I love most about dentistry is the teaching aspect,” said Lexi Nash, a third-year student from Lebanon. “It’s important to work with children and give them a positive dental experience. It’s one of the most rewarding feelings when you take a child, who was timid and shy, and offer interaction and fun that makes them excited to be your friend and show you their teeth.”

Even for students who do not plan to pursue pediatric dentistry, the opportunity to develop their clinical and interpersonal skills with children is beneficial for their career.

“Working with children has expanded my experience as a clinician,” said Michelle Hickey, a fourth-year dental student from Lyle. “For kids, you have to explain things in an understandable and catchy way, since they want to know exactly what you’re doing and why you’re doing it. It’s important to develop those communication skills, because they can apply in any dental practice.”

Photo: A fourth-year SIU School of Dental Medicine student performs a non-invasive screening on a second grade student during a National Children’s Dental Health Month event.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlTSo_aEgGw&feature=youtu.be

Negative preconceived ideas, feelings of isolation and virtually no exposure to black scholars are struggles that black students face in college classrooms at predominantly white institutions (PWIs), according to Timothy Lewis, PhD, assistant professor in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Political Science.  

Lewis, who specializes in identity politics, facilitated the Inclusive Conversation, “Being Black in the Classroom,” which was held Friday, Feb. 21 in the Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion (CSDI). 

Lewis introduced the discussion of equity within the educational system by presenting a 1960s video of renowned American novelist, playwright, poet and activist James Baldwin. In the video, Baldwin spoke about race and racism. 

“I don’t know what most white people in this country feel … I can only conclude what they feel by the state of their institutions,” said Baldwin. 

“What do the institutions of America tell you about race?” asked Lewis. “In particular, what is the state of education for blacks?” 

Lewis shared Pew Research studies that showed two reoccurring themes in U.S. education:

• Being black merits suspicion. Black students are more likely to be punished and more likely to have more severe punishments (Balingit, 2018).
• Blacks are unintelligent (different than the inherit bias of standardized testing). 

“I’ve been in honors classes where I was asked, ‘How did you get in here?’” said Christen King, a senior, majoring in criminal justice and SIUE women’s basketball player. “I’ve also been told that I speak well. It’s hurtful.” 

“Additional data from Pew Research, shows that the manifestations of racism and racial bias are experienced more frequently in college than in high school or grade school,” added Lewis. “Why do you think that is?” 

“A majority of people go to grade school and high school in the neighborhoods where they live,” interjected King. “Most neighborhoods and schools are not overly diverse.” 

Many college students had no exposure to an African American instructor in their K-12 experience, according to Lewis. 

“This means that during the years of the most influential cognitive development, the classroom was a space where blackness as the authority did not exist,” he added. “There have been some students at SIUE who were surprised to learn I was a professor.” 

Lewis continued the discussion by asking what is the harm in educational spaces remaining predominantly white. 

“In some cases, it allows students to absorb stereotypes,” said Tarsha Moore, CSDI assistant director. “The absence of interaction with black people can validate some negative things seen via social media or mainstream media.” 

“That isolation allows you to stay ignorant,” said Telisha Reinhardt, admissions and records officer in the Office of the Registrar. “I was in the military, and I served with people who had never seen black people before. While military is not a perfect institution, it forced people to look at your fellow sailor with respect, because they may be the one to save your life one day.” 

SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook asked the group how their perspectives would change if the University were to drastically increase the diversity of its faculty and staff. 

“If I walked in certain classes and saw black faculty, that would be uplifting,” said King. 

“I definitely think it will have a positive impact, if we increase those numbers,” remarked Moore. “However, support is also needed. We don’t want to just recruit black faculty, staff and students, we want to retain them as well.”

Photos:
SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook listens to the concerns of Christen King, a senior, majoring in criminal justice.

Timothy Lewis, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Political Science, facilitated the Inclusive Conversation, “Being Black in the Classroom.” 

Telisha Reinhardt, admissions and records officer in the Office of the Registrar, offers her point of view.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Andrew Greenwood, PhD, is among the first scholars in the world invited to access the Serge Hovey Archive, a collection of Scottish song arrangements within the G. Ross Roy Collection of Scottish Literature, one of the world’s foremost holdings of Scottish songs.

The University of South Carolina Libraries extended the formal invitation to Greenwood, an assistant professor of musicology and graduate program director in the College of Arts and Sciences’ (CAS) Department of Music. Through the W. Ormiston Roy Fellowship, Greenwood will receive a total of $5,000 for two research visits from March 7-14 and May 26-June 1.

“I am excited to be returning to the University of South Carolina Libraries to conduct this new archival work,” Greenwood said. “I will be one of the first scholars to work in the Hovey Archive. Initially, I will assess its holdings, and then I plan to evaluate materials specifically related to the Scottish song arrangements.”

The Irvin Department of Rare Books and Special Collections hosts the G. Ross Roy Collection of Scottish Literature. The Serge Hovey Archive was donated to the Roy Collection by his son Daniel Hovey in 2010. Serge Hovey was a Jewish-American composer who studied with modernist composer Arnold Schoenberg, and arranged numerous traditional songs.

“I am particularly interested to discover what 18^th century Scottish songs Hovey owned and utilized,” Greenwood explained. “He had very eclectic interests as a composer and collector, and was interested in arranging traditional music for a new generation, as reflected in his settings for Scottish folksinger Jean Redpath.”

In 2019, Greenwood was named SIUE’s Teacher Excellence Award Winner, the University’s most prestigious teaching award. Additionally, Greenwood was recognized with the SIUE Graduate School’s 2019-20 Vaughnie Lindsay New Investigator Award for his significant research contributions to his field, CAS and the University as a whole.

Greenwood’s research on The Musical Enlightenment in Eighteenth-Century Scotland involves conducting new archival research with Scottish song collections in the United States and Scotland, and revising his dissertation into a book. It will be the first book-length study of the relationship of Scottish song and musical culture to the Scottish Enlightenment.

Photo: Andrew Greenwood, PhD, assistant professor of musicology and graduate program director in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Music.

Graduates of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s School of Pharmacy (SOP) class of 2019 have exceeded both state and national averages, boasting a first-attempt board pass rate of 95.83 percent on the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam^® (NAPLEX). These results place SIUE in the Top 20 of the 135 pharmacy programs in the country, and first among all programs in Illinois and Missouri.  

The NAPLEX is a requisite component of the licensing process for pharmacists in the United States. Along with the NAPLEX, the class also achieved a 90.57 percent first-attempt pass rate on the Multistate Pharmacy Jurisprudence Examination^® (MPJE), which serves as a state-specific pharmacy law examination and the second requirement of licensure after graduation.

The graduates’ combined scores were the highest board pass rates of any program in Illinois or Missouri, and exceeded both the 2019 NAPLEX state and national averages of 84.52 percent and 87.95 percent, respectively, and the 2019 MPJE state and national averages of 75.31 percent and 83.58 percent, respectively.   

“The class year may have changed, but our graduates continue to excel,” said SOP Dean Mark Luer, PharmD. “While not the largest program in the region, we are highly robust with our efforts to prepare graduates ready for the workforce and profession. Our faculty and staff understand that without student success, our mission would be unrealized.”  

Considering all 11 graduating classes from SIUE (2009-2019), the SIUE graduates rank No. 1 among the eight pharmacy programs in Illinois and Missouri with a 95.85 percent first-attempt pass rate on the NAPLEX.

“These pass rates are a strong testament to the educational experience offered by our faculty and staff,” Luer said. “This sustained success is the result of incredibly bright students who have worked diligently to earn their Doctor of Pharmacy degrees. These graduates are quite deserving of the title, registered pharmacist.”

Photo: SIUE School of Pharmacy class of 2019 during its pinning ceremony.

“Take chances and be vulnerable. Be open and willing to receive help from available resources.” These are the wise words of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business student Natalie Horstmann. The senior accounting major speaks from experience, after realizing the value of utilizing campus resources to make professional connections and achieve internship opportunities.

Horstmann, of Trenton, will graduate in May 2020 with a bachelor’s in accountancy. Her next step is already set in stone as she has accepted a position with Anders CPA + Advisors in St. Louis. The job opportunity arose after Horstmann proved herself as a valuable member of their team during an internship.

“Through my internship, I was able to get the vibe of what a professional environment is like,” Horstmann said. “I learned a tremendous amount, not only about the technical aspects of accounting, but also about how to sign up for the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) exam, since those I worked with had been in my shoes once.”

A motivated student and developing professional, Horstmann also interned for the City of Collinsville last summer. She actively participated in the SIUE Career Development Center’s (CDC) annual career fairs and the School of Business’ Meet the Firms event, and utilized the Cougar Jobline to succeed in her pursuit of securing such internship opportunities.

“The Career Development Center helped me turn my template resume from high school into something that I was confident presenting to professionals at public accounting firms,” Horstmann explained. “The career fairs helped get me comfortable with networking. Then, the School of Business’ Meet the Firm event is where I first met with an Anders representative. I was able to do an on-campus interview and one at their office in St. Louis.”

“Internships are essential to bridge classroom knowledge with real-world experience,” said School of Business Internship Coordinator Amanda Russell. “For students, internships offer a valuable opportunity to apply theories and concepts learned in the classroom; gain a competitive advantage when applying for jobs; build a professional network; and identify the types of jobs they interested in.”

“Benefits abound for employers as well,” she added. “The School of Business adds value to the business community by preparing our students for an ever-changing, global work environment. Through collaboration with the CDC and employer partnerships, our students are coached on workplace interactions, communication, time management and professional etiquette. Fostering the transition from student to highly-skilled and innovative professional is a vital part of our students’ success.”

According to the CDC, SIUE students like Horstmann have proven to be valuable additions to the work environment of the many employers who return annually to recruit the latest group of high-quality workforce contributors.

“Our career fairs are growing tremendously as more employers continue to show interest in talented SIUE students and alumni as they look to recruit the next generation of employees,” said CDC Assistant Director for Employer Relations Carrie Smolar. “Career fairs allow students a chance to network with employers and learn about their open internships, Co-ops and full-time positions. It’s wonderful to provide an opportunity for students to connect with employers face-to-face. It is also great to see alumni returning as representatives for their companies.” 

The CDC will host its Spring Career Fairs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesday, March 4 (School of Business, College of Arts and Sciences, and all non-teaching degrees) and Thursday, March 5 (School of Engineering) in the Morris University Center’s Meridian Ballroom.

New this year is an IT Fair for technical majors from the Schools of Business and Engineering. The IT Fair will be held from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Thursday, March 5 in the Morris University Center Second Floor Conference Center.

Photo: SIUE senior accounting major Natalie Horstmann (right) turned her internship opportunity into a full-time job. She shakes hands with School of Business Internship Coordinator Amanda Russell.

Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xnCDJFG8BbU&feature=youtu.be

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s University Marketing and Communications Department received eight awards in the 35th annual Educational Advertising Awards announced in late February. Higher Education Marketing Report sponsors the awards.

The Educational Advertising Awards is the largest, oldest and most respected educational advertising awards competition in the country. This year, over 2,350 entries were received from more than 1,000 colleges, universities and secondary schools from all 50 states and several foreign countries. Entries are judged on creativity, marketing execution and message impact.

SIUE received awards in the following categories:  

Chancellor’s Report                                                                SIUE Winter Sports Marketing

Award: Gold                                                                                   Award: Gold

Category: Annual Report                                                          Category: Athletic Marketing Program

SIUE Homecoming Website                                               Find Your Potential

Award: Silver                                                                                Award: Bronze

Category: Website                                                                     Category: TV Advertising – Single Spot

College of Arts & Sciences Dean’s Report                    Arts & Issues Brochure

Award: Merit                                                                                 Award: Merit

Category: Brochure                                                                   Category: Direct Mail Advertising

Men’s Basketball Poster                                                      Research & Creative Activities           

Award: Merit                                                                                Award: Merit

Category: Poster                                                                        Category: Publication External      

Gold awards were granted to 294 institutions, silver awards were awarded to 201 institutions and 157 institutions received bronze awards. Judges for the Educational Advertising Awards consisted of a national panel of higher education marketers, advertising creative directors, marketing and advertising professionals, and the editorial board of Higher Education Marketing Report.

• Advisor Award (New Advisor and Advisor)
• Community Agency Award
• Community Service Award
• Creative Brilliance Award
• Excellence in Advocacy Award
• Faculty/Staff Volunteer Award
• Kimmel Scholarship
• LeaderShape Ripple Effect Award
• LeaderShape Vision Award
• New Student Organization Award
• Program Awards (Collaborative, Community Service, Diversity, Educational, Philanthropic and Social)
• Rising Leader Award
• Student Leader Awards (Graduate and Undergraduate)
• Student Organization Award (Small and Large)
• Student Organization Member Award
• Student Organization Officer Award
• Student Volunteer Award

“Understanding how plants adapt in an extraterrestrial environment is critical for providing agronomically significant targets for genetic engineering and helping to grow plants on the International Space Station (ISS) for future long-distance space exploration.”

Spoken with true passion and the promise of a pioneering career as a molecular biologist, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville biological sciences graduate student Sophie Bandurski is making a name for herself as a forward-thinking inventor. Bandurski was a finalist in the Growing Beyond Earth Maker Contest, earning acclaim for her team’s creation of an Aeroponic Microgravity Planting System.

“We designed an aeroponic growth chamber that considers how plants respond on a physiological and molecular level to microgravity, compared to Earth, to successfully grow plentiful, robust crops aboard the ISS,” Bandurski explained.

According to Bandurski, and her contest partner, Daniel Sarafconn, a mechanical design and robotics engineer, their system prototypes the necessary modifications that future growth chambers could include to successfully cultivate lettuce and other produce in space. 

“When plants are in space there are myriad stresses that they are exposed to that affect them on a molecular, cellular and physiological level,” she said. “Lack of air convection, for example, can lead to oxidative and hypoxic stress that negatively affects growth and development. This is important, because other space agriculture systems like Veggie and Advanced Plant Habitat do not adequately account for such stresses. This is what our machine was built to improve upon. We chose aeroponics, because essentially growing them in air helps aerate roots unlike other hydroponic, soil or petri dish systems that have been tried in space.”

“While we did not win, we were honored to have placed in this competition,” Bandurski added. “My partner and I worked hard to combine our biological and technical expertise to design the novel, efficient machine. We will continue to optimize our design.”

Bandurski previously completed a degree in genetics and molecular biology at Smith College and worked for Monsanto. Now as a master’s candidate at SIUE, she has the unique opportunity to work as a research assistant in the lab of Darron Luesse, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences, a highly-regarded teacher-scholar who has partnered with NASA on research endeavors.

“Sophie has embraced space science, and for me, it is exciting to see young scientists become enthusiastic about the things in which I’m interested,” Luesse said. “Space exploration is exciting, but to make it happen we need better technology. Long-term colonies on Mars or long-distance travel will require technology we are just developing. While plants are often ignored, they are a critical part of space exploration, because they make oxygen and food. Learning to successfully cultivate plants in space is a major part of planning for long-term exploration.”

“Being a graduate student teaches you to become independent and ask more questions, so that you can come up with your own ideas and pioneer your own research,” said Bandurski, who is researching how plants adapt in an extraterrestrial environment as part of her master’s thesis. “As my mentor, Dr. Luesse asks difficult questions so that I can troubleshoot. I believe his influence helped me not only with building the Aeroponic Microgravity Planting System, but also is shaping me as a scientist so I can be successful in any career I choose.”

Bandurski will present on her research being conducted in the Luesse lab in November 2020 at the American Society for Gravitational and Space Research. While there, she plans to use her Aeroponic Microgravity Planting System design as a point of conversation with experts in the field.

Photos: SIUE graduate student Sophie Bandurski was a finalist in the Growing Beyond Earth Maker Contest.

Bandurski and her partner created an Aeroponic Microgravity Planting System.

• Advisor Award (New Advisor and Advisor)
• Community Agency Award
• Community Service Award
• Creative Brilliance Award
• Excellence in Advocacy Award
• Faculty/Staff Volunteer Award
• Kimmel Scholarship
• LeaderShape Ripple Effect Award
• LeaderShape Vision Award
• New Student Organization Award
• Program Awards (Collaborative, Community Service, Diversity, Educational, Philanthropic and Social)
• Rising Leader Award
• Student Leader Awards (Graduate and Undergraduate)
• Student Organization Award (Small and Large)
• Student Organization Member Award
• Student Organization Officer Award
• Student Volunteer Award

Hailed as an “exceptional mentor,” “highly-accomplished and adaptable educator,” and an “authority on implementing flipped classrooms methodology,” Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Chaya Gopalan, PhD, has been named the American Physiological Society’s (APS) 2020 Arthur C. Guyton Educator of the Year.

Gopalan is an associate professor in both the SIUE School of Education, Health and Human Behavior’s (SEHHB) Department of Applied Health and the School of Nursing’s (SON) Department of Primary Care and Health Systems. She is highly-regarded nationally for her commitment to implementing a range of teaching modalities to connect with diverse learners.

The distinguished Arthur C. Guyton Educator of the Year Award honors her for excellence in classroom teaching at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels, and for her strong commitment to the improvement of physiology.

“I was totally shocked and simply could not believe that I was receiving this prestigious award,” Gopalan said. “I owe my success to the American Physiological Society. I have been a member of the society for over 20 years, and have received constant encouragement, guidance and opportunities to grow and develop.” 

Gopalan’s long-time involvement with the APS has included service on the advisory group of physiology educators, Fellowship Committee, Institution of Teaching and Learning and Steering Committees, as well as a Nomination Committee Chair, Symposium Chair and more.

“I have witnessed firsthand her tremendous passion and energy for physiology education,” noted APS colleague Jonathan Kibble, PhD, professor of physiology and assistant dean for students at the University of Central Florida’s Health Sciences Campus at Lake Nona College of Medicine, in his letter of recommendation. “She has become an authority on implementing flipped classroom methodology, and has published several manuscripts on the topic, as well as given several invited workshops and podium presentations.”

“An important, and sometimes overlooked, characteristic of impactful educators is the time they devote to mentorship of others,” he added. “Chaya is an exceptional mentor, which I have witnessed directly in the way she interacts with colleagues and junior members of the physiology education community.”

In her recommendation letter, former student Rim Hadgu, PharmD, described Gopalan as the “epitome of excellence.” She credited Gopalan for inspiring her to become a confident leader and persistently pursue her goals.

“Not only is Dr. Gopalan passionate about teaching, but she also cares deeply about her students beyond the classroom,” wrote Hadgu, an assistant professor of pharmacy practice at the Midwestern University College of Pharmacy-Glendale. “She wants her students to understand her course material, and she also notices when they are struggling. She gives invaluable advice and encourages her students to find how they learn best. She has taught me to be persistent, and to pursue my goals regardless of the outcome.”

Gopalan is principal investigator of a National Science Foundation-funded project to advanced flipped teaching in STEM education, and the APS 2018 Teaching Career Enhancement Award winner. In 2019, she was recognized with a Phenomenal Woman Award from the SIUE Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion. 

Gopalan earned her doctorate in neuroendocrine physiology from the University of Glasgow. At SIUE, she currently teaches Advanced Human Physiology and Advanced Human Pathophysiology courses in the SON’s Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist and Family Nurse Practitioner doctoral programs. She also teaches the Biology of Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases course to exercise science majors in the SEHHB.

Photo: SIUE’s Chaya Gopalan, PhD, has been named the 2020 Arthur C. Guyton Educator of the Year.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Women’s Studies Program in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) is hosting its first Symposium on Women and Gender Thursday, March 19 in the Conference Center at the Morris University Center. Funded by a grant from the CAS Targeted Funding Initiative program, the event seeks to provide students and faculty from SIUE and institutions across the country with a multi-disciplinary view of topics and issues surrounding women, genders and sexualities, both past and present. 

“This event is held in conjunction with Women’s History Month to celebrate women’s contributions in multiple ways,” said Women’s Studies Program Director Carolina Rocha, PhD. “The symposium is truly a collaborative effort by a number of faculty in CAS and across the University. For instance, SIUE Associate Professor of Art Barbara Nwacha created the Symposium logo and many colleagues were involved in reviewing abstracts and moderating panels.”

Through 70 presentations by undergraduate and graduate students and faculty from SIUE and other higher education institutions, the symposium will investigate the interplay between gender and the social, cultural and legal norms that shape it, both in the U.S. and around the world. Presentations will range from women’s representation in the media to the gender pay gap to feminism in the U.S. and abroad, plus much more.

This event takes place prior to registration for the fall 2020 semester, an intentional decision that Rocha hopes will lead to an increase in enrollment for Women’s Studies classes this fall and, ultimately, elevated interest in the Women’s Studies minor.

“As a CAS-sponsored program, the symposium presents a multitude of methodologies and themes related to women’s studies with the hope of being a model for other universities to propose similar events,” added Rocha. “We hope to initiate fruitful discussions and collaborations that will extend beyond the conference and create spaces of solidarity.”

The symposium aims to inspire new topics of research for SIUE graduate students and students participating in the University’s Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) Program. Rocha believes the symposium will strengthen CAS’ position both regionally and nationally, showcasing research about a broad range of subjects dealing with women, gender and sexualities.

The symposium will culminate with a presentation by keynote speaker Amy Koerber, PhD, communications studies professor and associate dean for administration and finance in the College of Media & Communication at Texas Tech University. Koerber’s presentation, “Translation and the Rhetorical Power of Medical Expertise: A Critical Examination of Gender, Infrastructure, and Intimacy in the Larry Nassar Scandal at MSU,” will be held at 5:30 p.m.

Koerber’s presentation is free and open to the public.

The many partnerships happening within SIUE’s Student Affairs division and with the community were featured by Campus Rec Magazine in an article posted Tuesday, March 3.

The article detailed the benefits of partnerships, especially related to the Food Recovery Network, and the Food and Housing Insecurities Task Force. Read it in full here.

The Illinois SBDC International Trade Center (ITC) at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, in partnership with the Southwestern Illinois Trade and Investment Council (SWITIC), will host “Export Needs and Trade Initiatives for Southern Illinois: Dialogue with the Business Community” from 10 a.m.-noon Wednesday, March 11 in the Birger Hall boardroom on the SIUE campus. 

The regional business community is invited to join the roundtable discussion at no cost. Registration is encouraged via email to international-trade-center@siue.edu. Reservations will be accepted through Tuesday, March 10, or until seats are filled.

“This event will engage exporting businesses, and discuss the results of our annual Export Needs Assessment Survey,” said ITC Director Silvia Torres Bowman. “The survey helped us identify specific opportunities and challenges the business community in our region is facing with regard to their international activities, as well as key areas for improvement to enable more businesses to become successful exporters.”

“We will present survey findings, and importantly, hear personal stories, challenges and concerns from the business community, in order to innovate ways to better support their export growth,” she added. “This is a unique opportunity for businesses to be represented and heard. Participants will help us design future projects and initiatives that will best serve their needs, including the selection of the next target country or region for our third Southern Illinois Trade Mission, which will take place later this year.”

Trade missions are about opening doors for businesses and entrepreneurs, and developing long-term opportunities in foreign markets. Participants will be provided an exclusive look at the new list of trade shows and missions for 2020-21, sponsored by the Illinois Office of Trade and Investment and other partners of the ITC. These shows cover various industries relevant to the region.

“In 2009 and 2019, the ITC led two trade missions to South America, bringing positive results to our region,” Bowman explained. “We look forward to organizing our third Southern Illinois Trade Mission, in partnership with the Trade and Investment Council, to place regional businesses in front of new international customers and partners. This trade mission will be designed based on what our businesses need and want.”

According to Torres Bowman, the roundtable discussion will also offer updates on ISTEP funding, including how regional companies can take full advantage of the program which assists Illinois businesses to cover major expenses associated with international travel, participation in trade shows/missions, product compliance certification and website localization. The ISTEP program offers 50-75% cost reimbursement on pre-approved eligible international activities for Illinois small- to medium-sized businesses. Details are available at siue.edu/business/itc/istep.

For more information about how to do business globally, and how to benefit from the Southwestern Illinois Trade and Investment Council, contact the ITC by email International-Trade-Center@siue.edu or phone at (618) 650-3851, or visit siue.edu/business/itc.

The Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at SIUE serves businesses in Southern Illinois by providing individualized, no-cost export advising, identification of foreign buyers, agents and/or distributors through trade leads, international market analysis, and more.

The ITC is funded in part by the U.S. Small Business Administration, the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. It has a longtime partnership with the Illinois Office of Trade and Investment (OTI), which maintains a full-time staff of both foreign and domestic-based international trade and marketing experts. OTI also manages six foreign trade offices located in Belgium, Japan, Mainland China, Mexico, Canada, and Israel.

Photo: Silvia Torres-Bowman, director of the Illinois SBDC International Trade Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Students at Liberty Middle School in Edwardsville had the opportunity to document, preserve and share the rich history of Madison County thanks to a team of Southern Illinois University Edwardsville students and staff working with Madison Historical: The Online Encyclopedia and Digital Archive for Madison County.

During a three-day lesson, the eighth grade students in Rachel Harris’ U.S. History class used digitized artifacts from the Madison Historical archives to analyze how the local history of Madison County speaks to the larger narrative of the United States in the 20^th century. The project gave students a chance to work as historians by bringing in an artifact from home, writing the associated metadata and aiding in its digitization.

SIUE historical studies doctoral student Shannan Mason led the team of SIUE archivists, who also included Interdisciplinary Research and Informatics Scholarship (IRIS) Center technician Ben Ostermeier and undergraduate research assistants Jake Elmer, Jacob Engel, Madeline Halstead and Lillian Stevens.

“This was an excellent opportunity to make real-world connections between what the students are learning in the classroom and the significant archival resources available in their community,” said Mason.

After learning about the archival process, the eighth-graders were tasked with speaking to family members, neighbors or friends within the community who possessed an artifact that was of historical significance to them or relevant to the history of Madison County. The students analyzed the artifact and considered its credibility, structure and context before bringing it to school to be scanned or photographed by the Madison Historical team for digital preservation.

“Through this process, the middle school students became active participants in the digital archival process, learning how to synthesize information from texts and artifacts into a concise written narrative for publication,” added Mason.

While this project likely pushed some students out of their comfort zone, the step-by-step approach presented by the Madison Historical team guided students through the process, resulting in impressive outcomes that will make great additions to Madison Historical’s digital archive. The projects created by the students will be included in Madison Historical’s online database and published on the site.

Photo: SIUE student Lillian Stevens photographs an artifact brought in by a Liberty Middle School student.