• 2019 SIUE Alumni Hall of Fame, Graduate School
• National Endowment for the Humanities Fellowship from Harvard University
• Sojourner Truth Award from the Chicago Public Library
• Friends of Morris Library Delta Award from SIUC
• Women of Distinction Award from the Young Women’s Christian Association
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Humanitarian Award from SIUE
• Teaching Excellence Award from SIUE

Never before did Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School (CHS) freshman LaRhonda Anthony find math exciting, until she participated in mathematical games and activities during the second annual Pi Day Festival on Friday, March 13 at the CHS. 

CHS students enjoyed a day of math in recognition of international Pi Day, which is celebrated on March 14 or 3/14. Pi (Greek letter “π”) is the symbol used in mathematics to represent a constant – the ratio of the circumference of a circle to its diameter – that is approximately 3.14159. Pi has been calculated to more than one trillion digits beyond its decimal point. As an irrational and transcendental number, pi will continue infinitely without repetition or pattern. 

“Our team worked hard to come up with fun and exciting instructional games and exercises to celebrate Pi Day,” said Liza Cummings, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Teaching and Learning and CHS math instructional coordinator. Working with Cummings this year were CHS math instructors Anna Turner and Greg Laktzian. 

“I know many students were extremely excited this year and were ready to show how many of the pi digits they had memorized,” said Cummings. “Many have been working to beat Jalin Bejoile (CHS junior) who recited 121 digits of pi last year.” 

Winning this year’s grand prize for the most memorized pi digits was freshman Charles Shaw with 156. 

The festival consisted of the following 10 tables: π in the skyline, π in a circle, digits in π, π cookies, π measurements, π puzzle, π word challenge, π word search, π trivia and string a π bracelet/keychain. Students had seven minutes to complete each activity and receive a treat. 

“I love math and everything about it,” said Turner, who was operating the pi trivia table. “The day is about students understanding the application of pi within math, but it is also a time for creativity and math adventure!” 

“I thought these math exercises would be too hard for me,” said Anthony. “I found that I could do some of them, and that I liked the activities.” 

Carlos Hopson, who connected more than 100 digits in the pi circle, enjoyed the word search, trivia and pi circle. 

“This is a creative way for students to remember the pi numbers,” said CHS graduate student Saranya Seelam, a computer science major. “The students are having fun, and several have connected more than 90 digits in a circle.” 

“Activities like these make our students excited about math,” said Laktzian. “Next year’s pi festival will be bigger and better.” 

“This Pi Day Festival at the East St. Louis Charter High School showed off the mathematical prowess of some of our students,” said CHS Director Gina Jeffries, EdD, “and the mathematical curiosity and discipline of others to embrace new and creative ways of learning.” 

The festival closed out with CHS students being served selections of peach, apple, cherry and pecan pie with their lunch. 

 The SIUE Charter High School is a school-of-choice for families in the East St. Louis School District 189. The mission of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Charter High School is to prepare students who are career- and college-ready upon graduation. To achieve this mission, the school and its staff will positively impact the educational and economic lives of East St. Louis, Illinois youth through individualized instruction in core academic subjects, exploration of career interests and aptitudes, assistance in realizing students’ talents, high academic goals, and expectations that graduates will become competitive employees for the 21st century.  

Photos:
SIUE East St. Louis Charter High School math instructor Anna Turner helps CHS junior Zoey Milton with a pi trivia question. Also shown is CHS junior Jairen Robinson. 

CHS freshman LaRhonda Anthony works on making a pi bracelet. 

CHS sophomore Evan Bonner connects digits in a pi circle.

An electrophysics engineer, clinical pharmacist, statistical geneticist and STEM program coordinator shared personal experience and advice on overcoming challenges, believing in oneself and acting as a leader during the Women in STEM event held Thursday, March 15 at the Christian Activities Center in East St. Louis. The audience of girls ages 10-11 soaked in the inspiring remarks.

The Women in STEM event was coordinated by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville STEM Center Research Fellow Henriette Burns, a role model herself, as part of programming in the Exploring Global Challenges: A STEM+C Curriculum for Minority Girls initiative.

“Nationwide, women in STEM, especially engineering, are lacking diversity, including in the St. Louis area,” Burns said. “For years, my focus has been on the diversity of women in STEM. It is important, especially for girls of color, to see what they can be and how women of all colors struggle and overcome.”

The March Women in STEM event featured:

• Lakesha Butler, PharmD, clinical professor in the SIUE School of Pharmacy Department of Pharmacy Practice, and Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator
• Carrie Butts-Wilmsmeyer, PhD, director of the SIUE Center for Predictive Analytics and associate professor in the Department of Biological Sciences
• Candice Johnson, MAT, SIUE STEM Center program coordinator and resource manager
• April Pritchard, PhD, electrophysics engineer at Boeing

“The young ladies in attendance were engaged and eager to learn,” Butler said. “I saw leadership qualities in many of them. Early exposure to various career fields in STEM is important, and can make a significant impression even at the elementary level. This is especially important for underrepresented individuals in STEM fields.”

Butler encouraged the girls to learn from their failures, emphasizing that everyone who has had success has also failed. She told them to fail forward, by learning and growing from the experience.

“I have faced being the only female or the only African American in various spaces within my profession, which can be intimidating,” Butler explained. “However, those same intimidating spaces have helped to build my confidence in knowing who I am and being proud of that. It has also been helpful to be surrounded by genuine cheerleaders and mentors who want to see me succeed.”

Pritchard, who helps design, analyze and test aircraft projects, underscored the importance of having positive female role models.

“Even with having multiple degrees, I’ve sometimes struggled with feeling confident in my abilities,” she said. “Sometimes as a woman, I feel like I have to know it all and work harder than others to be taken seriously. I have overcome this by knowing that learning is a lifelong journey. No one knows it all. I reminded the girls that they are loved, talented, awesome, favored and can do amazing things!”

Johnson’s advice included using available resources, seizing opportunities, and never being ashamed to ask for help.

“Sometimes the journey to success takes a village supporting and uplifting you along the way,” Johnson said. “As a black woman, I have come across several hurdles to becoming a woman in STEM, and I enjoy sharing my story with young women who may experience some of those same hurdles.”

“People have made assumptions about my intelligence and abilities that were not true,” she continued. “I have always combated those thoughts by exhibiting how I excel in those areas. This ensures I am known for my outstanding abilities rather than a stereotyped assumption.”

The next Women in STEM event is scheduled for Thursday, May 14 at the Christian Activities Center in East St. Louis. Female influencers in STEM fields from the St. Louis area who are interested in participating may contact Burns at hburns@siue.edu.

Exploring Global Challenges is led by the SIUE Center for STEM Research, Education and Outreach, in partnership with the SIUE Department of Computer Science, the iBIO Institute EDUCATE Center and the East St. Louis Christian Activity Center. The program is funded by a $846,416 National Science Foundation (NSF) grant and is working to integrate computational thinking—a way of thinking about problems so that a computer can be used to explore or solve the problems—into the EDUCATE Center’s existing Stellar Girls STEM curriculum. Implementation of the student program began in November of 2018.

Photos: Attendees and contributors gather for a photo during the March Women in STEM event.

SIUE’s Lakesha Butler, PharmD, shares advice and answers questions of girls attending the Women in STEM event at the Christian Activity Center in East St. Louis.

April Pritchard, PhD, shows girls an aircraft model while inspiring them to consider a STEM field.

SIUE’s Carrie Butts-Wilmsmeyer, PhD, engages with young girls at the Women in STEM event.

SIUE’s Candi Johnson, MAT, offers inspiring advice as a featured guest at the Women in STEM event.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA) recently awarded scholarships to four students for the spring 2020 semester. 

A $750 scholarship was each awarded to freshmen Marcus Key and Jarae Tipton, and juniors Alishiana Ivy and William Hughes. 

“We raised money for the scholarships during our first BFSA Scholarship Gala, which was held Spring 2019,” said BFSA President Lakesha Butler, PharmD, clinical professor in the School of Pharmacy’s Department of Pharmacy Practice. “We are planning our second annual gala for early fall 2020. BFSA hopes to again award at least four $1,000 scholarships.” 

BFSA scholarships are offered to current students who embody the mission and vision of the organization. To be eligible for consideration, the applicant must meet the following criteria:

• Student must meet admissions requirements for SIUE and be enrolled for full-time undergraduate study for the Spring term
• Applicants with fewer than 12 college semester hours earned must have at least a high school GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale
• Applicants with 12 or more college semester hours earned must have completed at least one term as a full-time college student and have at least a college GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale 

“The scholarship gala was established to raise scholarships funds for minority students, and engage alumni and community leaders with BFSA members and friends,” said Butler. “It is also a time to celebrate our accomplishments as an organization.” 

The SIUE Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA) was organized to create better opportunities, ensure equity and inclusion, provide an engaging network, and create a welcoming environment for black faculty and staff. The Southern Illinois University Board of Trustees ratified constituency status of the BFSA on April 6, 2017. The BFSA is an organization representative of SIUE’s goal to be more inclusive and diverse. Its mission is to provide support while advancing the interests and promoting the welfare of black faculty and staff at SIUE.

Photo:
Shown left to right are William Hughes, Alishiana Ivy and Jarae Tipton. Marcus Key is not pictured.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumna Ashlee Oceguera, a rising leader focused on setting others up for success, is among the honorees on the ENR Mountain States’ 2020 Top Young Professionals list.

Oceguera earned a bachelor’s in construction management from the SIUE School of Engineering in 2013. An involved student and eager professional, she went on to swiftly establish herself as a standout in the construction industry.

She is among 20 presidents, architects, engineers, constructors, virtual design experts and project managers recognized on the list for having “demonstrated a mastery of new technologies and worked hard to mentor colleagues and others about better design and smart construction projects.”

“I feel privileged to be included among such incredible people,” Oceguera said. “I have worked incredibly hard to get to where I am, but I don’t do it for the recognition or reward, I do it because I love it.”

Oceguera is the corporate training manager for FCI Constructors, Inc., a premier general contracting company, based in Grand Junction, Colo., with locations nationwide. She is primarily responsible for coordinating training and compliance with company standard operating policies and procedures across all departments, including but not limited to operations, safety and quality assurance/quality control.

“My goal is to set our teams up for success,” Oceguera explained. “They’re doing the hard work. I’m here to support them any way I can, and find ways to make their job easier. I’m not creating leaders. They’re already here. My job is to give them the tools they need to succeed.”

“We incorporate training in soft skills and technology, including courses in leadership, communication, conflict resolution, risk management and more,” she added. “I do a lot of research on new technology and industry practices to identify opportunities to be more efficient, especially in the field. Education and technology evolve so quickly in our industry. That’s what keeps my job exciting!”

Oceguera rose to that position after having worked for FCI as a field engineer on one of the company’s largest projects in history, where her ability to effectively communicate with and manager others shined. 

“Ashlee’s combination of construction industry experience and diverse educational background provides an excellent perspective from which to perform her duties as the corporate training manger,” said FCI Corporate Safety Director Michael Saks. “She continually exhibits leadership by seeking out and exploring trends in the construction industry, and implementing positive change that keeps our firm on the forefront of employee training and career enhancement.

At SIUE, Oceguera was involved in multiple extracurricular activities and volunteer projects, such as the Constructors Club, industry networking events, grant research programs, school competitions and international travel opportunities.

“Opportunities offered outside of the classroom are what truly set me up for success,” she noted. “The classes are invaluable, don’t get me wrong, but what really sets SIUE apart are the extracurriculars. I was also fortunate to have some incredible professors who genuinely cared about their students. I especially valued those with a lifetime of real-world, relatable experience.”

As a noted female leader, Oceguera acknowledges the need for more diversity in the construction industry. That’s why she does her part to stay involved in recruitment and outreach initiatives.

She advises others desiring to achieve similar goals, “Keep persevering. You will be told no. You will have to make tough decisions and sacrifices. But, stay true to yourself and work hard, really hard. Good things will come your way. Nothing worth having ever comes easy. If you want something, earn it.”

Photo: SIUE alumna Ashlee Oceguera was named among the ENR Mountain States’ 2020 Top Young Professionals.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion is honoring 15 females as Phenomenal Women as part of its sixth annual observation in recognition of Women’s History Month. A closer look at this group reveals lives that are full of remarkable character, positive influence, tested strength and a commitment to a diverse and inclusive SIUE. 

“This year’s group represents women around the globe who are actively contributing to diversity and inclusion at SIUE, the region, the nation and the world,” said Venessa A. Brown, PhD, associate chancellor and chief diversity officer. “Chancellor Randy Pembrook and the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion would like to congratulate the 49 women nominated for the SIUE 2020 Phenomenal Woman Award.” 

 This year’s Phenomenal Women received a certificate. They included: 

• Kelly Atkins, assistant director of Transition Services in the Office of Academic Advising
• Stephanie Batson, instructor in the Department of Applied Communication Studies
• Kimberly Carter, PhD, associate professor in the Department of Social Work
• Caroline Crabtree, senior in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior
• Nathalia Garcia, DDS, SIU School of Dental Medicine department chair of Applied Health
• Carol Gentry, office support specialist in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
• Diane Hayes, PhD, instructor in the Department of Applied Communication Studies
• Jessica Hinz, PhD, associate professor and director for Campus Wellness, Cultural Awareness, Diversity and Ethics at the SIU School of Dental Medicine
• Dorothy Hummel, executive director at the Alton Area YWCA
• Kelsey King, senior in the College of Arts and Sciences
• Kamariah Lewis, senior in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior
• Earleen Patterson, PhD, director of the Student Opportunities for Academic Results (SOAR) Center
• Miriam Roccia, associate vice chancellor in the Office of Student Affairs
• Mackenzie Rogers, senior in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior
• Mary Weishaar, PhD, executive director of the Office of International Affairs 

Also nominated for this year’s award were: Sarah Andersen, Lori Anderson, Kimberly Archer, Kathryn Bentley, Kelley Brooks, Brittany Buchanan, Anne Burton, Lakesha Butler, Rebecca Dabbs-MacLean, Derissa Davis, Alexis Edwards, Rachel Garrett, LaShatá Grayson, Katie Green, Jessica Harris, Alyce Herndon, Belinda James, Mary Kaemmerer, Kelly Jo Karnes Hendricks, Kiera Kennedy, Danielle Lee, Lindsy Perry, Taylor Robinson, Susan Seibert, Josie Smith, Melinda Stitzel, Gail Stukenberg, Lisa Tate, Jessica Ulrich, Rhonda Vonnahmen, Arielle Weaver, Armani Wilder, Mary Lou Wlodarek and Mariah Young. 

The Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion has held an annual luncheon to honor the awardees and nominees. This year’s luncheon, scheduled for Friday, March 24, was canceled due to the SIUE policy in response to the COVID-19 health crisis. 

Photo:
Shown are some of SIUE’s 2020 Phenomenal Women and Nominees.

The National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded $382,636 to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville for its collaborative GEOPATHS-EXTRA program. GEOPATHS will build pathways to careers in the geosciences through research experiences and internships that demonstrate the value of geosciences to society. Students will study local environmental problems and develop solutions that have the potential to contribute to global environmental challenges.

A team of SIUE researchers is leading the program, with collaborators from student co-curricular organizations and academic advisors. Sharon Locke, PhD, director of the SIUE STEM Center and associate professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences, is principal investigator (PI). Co-PIs include:

• Alan Black, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Geography
• Ben Greenfield, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences
• Shunfu Hu, PhD, professor in the Department of Geography
• Adriana Martinez, PhD, associate professor in the Departments of Environmental Sciences and Geography

The SIUE GEOPATHS project aims to raise awareness of geoscience careers among students who are from groups underrepresented in the geosciences, including women, racial and ethnic minorities, veterans, persons with disabilities, and first-generation college students.

“Our vision is that students will develop early confidence in their scientific abilities, and a sense of belonging to the geosciences that will propel them toward degree attainment and successful careers,” said Locke. “The program will include activities designed to strengthen scholars’ science identity and belief in their ability to be successful in geoscience careers. As they progress through SIUE, they will participate in research with faculty mentors, training in geotechnical skills and extended field trips that show the excitement of these fields. We hope that they will then consider graduate school or enter the geoscience workforce.”

GEOPATHS Scholars will participate in storm chasing in early June with Black, whose research examines extreme weather. According to Black, “This type of field experience allows students to apply what they are learning in the classroom to the real-world. There is no substitute for studying storm conditions in real-time. The locations we travel to will depend on the weather patterns in the Midwest at the time of the trip.”

Students will also travel through the western United States for two weeks in July and August to observe geological processes in spectacular settings such as Yellowstone and Zion National Parks.

“Students will learn about the geologic history of landforms such as river canyons, geysers, hot springs and rock arches. They will also discuss how recent human impacts are changing the park environments,” said Hu, who will lead the summer experience.

Human-environment interactions are a major theme of the GEOPATHS project. “We anticipate that students will be studying important local issues such as soil and air pollution and their impacts on human health,” explained Greenfield, whose environmental health laboratory will be one of several sites for GEOPATHS Scholars’ undergraduate research experiences.

The team will recruit two cohorts of 10 students who will begin the program in their sophomore year and will be directly supported by NSF funding for a minimum of two years. In addition to extended field excursions and research, the GEOPATHS Scholars will receive training in geoscience technical skills and participate in local field trips and seminars that highlight the diversity of geoscience careers.

Martinez will train the scholars in the use of drones to study the environment, and support them to become certified drone pilots. “Throughout their two years in the program, students will learn technical skills that employers’ value,” said Martinez.

The researchers note the program’s potential impact on the community through outreach to schools and the public, and by sharing research findings on the impacts of flooding, hazardous weather and climate change.

“We are excited about and committed to advancing knowledge in the geosciences and diversifying the geosciences workforce through GEOPATHS,” said Locke. “The mentored undergraduate research in climate, rivers, watershed hydrology, and soils will increase understanding of the dynamics of coupled natural and human systems. Scholars will be able to use geosciences to contribute to community well-being, while developing skills they can use in their career.”

NSF funding for SIUE’s GEOPATHS program runs through June 2022. For more information and to apply for the program, visit siue.edu/STEM. 

Photo: The GEOPATHS-EXTRA research team includes (L-R) Drs. Ben Greenfield, Adriana Martinez, Sharon Locke, Alan Black and Shunfu Hu.

SIUE is complying with Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker’s order to “Stay-at-Home,” requiring another modification to its evolving work relations. When available, the Governor’s Executive Order will be posted at www.coronavirus.illinois.gov. According to the Order, employees can still go to the doctor and buy groceries, etc. But movement outside of the home should be limited to essential activities (also outlined in the Order).

The Governor’s office has confirmed that during the Order, all regular employees will continue to be paid and receive benefits. Some employees will be critical in supporting this phase of operations that will focus on facilitating distance education and services that support the health and well-being of those students living on campus. Deans, directors or supervisors will work with employees to ensure understanding of assignments during this period.

In harmony with Gov. Pritzker’s actions, SIUE is clarifying previous directions. These directions will remain in place from March 21-April 7.

• Online instruction will continue with critical support functions (e.g., faculty, IT support, tutoring, supplemental instruction, etc.).
• Students who remain at SIUE on-ground and in University Housing will continue to be supported with food and shelter.
• Registration and advising processes will continue, since students have planned and are ready for Summer and Fall registration. We anticipate starting summer and fall registration March 23^rd.
• Recruitment for the Fall 2020 class will continue through virtual means.
• NECESSARY business, health and safety functions will continue.

Whenever possible, employees will telecommute. Only those involved in functions related to the above list and designated by supervisors will be allowed to work on-ground.

Those employees at home receiving pay not performing a critical function are still expected to continue activities that support their job functions remotely, to the extent possible. If regular activities are not possible, employees are asked to engage in activities deemed appropriately related to their work from an off-site location. Examples include:

• Being on call for questions and should the University need an employee’s services.
• If possible, preparing for distance work, including becoming familiar and more proficient in the use of distance support options (e.g. Zoom, Teams, Office 365, etc.)
• Reviewing website content for respective areas
• Ensuring that campus phones and emails are checked regularly for messages and appropriate follow up occurs.
• Creating virtual and remote communications and services for respective departments
• Documenting processes.
• Engaging in professional development and e-learning opportunities via the web.
• Setting and participating in virtual meetings.
• Developing and engaging in processes and work tasks in ways that continue to meet SIUE’s legal and compliance requirements.

Those employees asked to remain home receiving pay will be in an “on-call” status and will continue to receive their base rate of pay and benefits.

Full-time employees on the hourly bi-weekly payroll will continue to receive pay based upon 37.5 or 40 hours per week as applicable. Employees on the semi-monthly payroll will continue to receive their regular base salary based upon their most recent semi-monthly pay. Regular part-time employees will receive pay based on their FTE percentage. Any corrections to account for any necessary changes will take place once normal operations resume.

The University will continue its mission critical services along with infrastructure to support them. During this time, the University will reduce on-ground hours in some areas and provide virtual hours instead. For example, the Library will close on-ground operations, but critical library support will be available to students and faculty. Students in Housing will continue to have access to food.

During this time, building access will be restricted. Although card swipes should still function, on-campus employees performing a critical function who need access to a building should reach out to SIUE Police at 650-3324.

Unit supervisors, department chairs and Deans will contact staff and faculty about whether they are required to report to work during this time of commitment to our mission and to social distancing.

This is an extraordinary circumstance, so it is imperative that each manager and employee communicate and understand clear expectations. Please continue to check email regularly and visit http://siue.edu/coronavirus for the most updated information. 

We want to thank everyone in the SIUE community for your efforts to support one another and our students. Your dedication and sound judgment in this critical time continue to make us all proud.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville summer session 2020 offers a quality education that features flexibility and convenience. SIUE offers nearly 1,000 summer classes in a variety of formats.

Register now at siue.edu/summer/apply-or-register.

A variety of introductory general education and required upper-division classes are offered during summer session. Classes begin Monday, May 11.

“SIUE’s summer session courses reflect the same quality and excellent instruction our students expect,” said Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Denise Cobb, PhD. “Summer session provides an important opportunity for students to advance toward graduation.”

Students don’t have to go far to mix sun and activity with their academic schedule, as SIUE’s campus is abuzz throughout the summer. The University’s beautiful campus features The Gardens at SIUE, sand volleyball courts, a disk golf course, Cougar Lake, the Edwardsville/Glen Carbon Community Pool and miles of scenic bike trails.

Additionally, SIUE offers a variety of active and engaging academic, sports, music and theater camps for youth of all ages. A convenient early drop-off/late pick-up option is available for certain camps. Additional information and camp details can be found at siue.edu/summer-camps.

A complete list of activities and registration details can be found at siue.edu/summer.

Photo: SIUE summer session 2020.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Scott Umbaugh, PhD, professor and graduate program director in the School of Engineering’s (SOE) Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE), has joined a prestigious group of tenured faculty members by achieving the University’s highest academic rank of Distinguished Research Professor.

Umbaugh is a prolific researcher known worldwide for the development and implementation of application software in medical imaging, satellite imaging, manufacturing, agriculture and robotics.

Subsequent to his promotion as professor, Umbaugh has been principal investigator of grant funding totaling $1,092,561, the majority of which has been external funding to support his research and development for computer vision and image processing (CVIP) applications.

Applications include robot vision for an automatic kitchen, computer vision algorithms for the screening and detection of skin cancer, development of a computer vision system for automatic analysis of lumber bundles, development of a computer vision system for quality control in the manufacturing of micro-display chips, automatic classification of land types in satellite images, and thermographic image analysis for pathology identification in veterinary images.

“Dr. Umbaugh’s CVIP software has a vast number of downloads to institutions worldwide, which includes prestigious research institutions and labs in the U.S. and abroad. This speaks volumes about the level of his research work and its application,” said Jerry Weinberg, PhD, associate provost for research and dean of the SIUE Graduate School. “Dr. Umbaugh’s research raises awareness of SIUE globally and helps in the recruitment of excellent graduate students to our high-caliber engineering programs.”

Since becoming full professor, Umbaugh has authored three editions of a textbook on digital image processing and analysis. He has also authored or co-authored 13 journal papers and 17 conference papers, many of which have been co-authored by SIUE graduate students.

“Our research is challenging and fulfilling,” Umbaugh said. “I take great joy in mentoring students in research and development, and involving them in its dissemination. It has been a particular honor and privilege to mentor 12 Competitive Graduate Award winners over the past 13 years, and I believe their contribution to our research has been exceptional.”

According to Umbaugh, the SIUE CVIP Lab has developed software used worldwide for research and development, as well as education and in commercial applications. Mirror sites have been established in Europe and Asia, and more than 80 SIUE students have been directly involved in the software development. Applications developed in the CVIP range from dermatology, eye fundus, satellite image classification and veterinary areas to an embedded system for use in the AgroDat project in Hungary, sponsored by a European Consortium and Hewlett-Packard Information Technology.

“I look to the future with excitement for the continued research and development in the SIUE CVIP Laboratory, and the new research areas that will be created as a result of our CVIPtools software environment expansion” Umbaugh noted. “My new edition of the Digital Image Processing and Analysis textbook, with its chapter on research applications, will expose our CVIP lab and SIUE to new researchers worldwide.”

Strong support of Umbaugh as a deserving DRP candidate poured in from colleagues around the globe, underscoring the plentiful evidence of his research success and noting his international recognition.

“Dr. Umbaugh and his research team have made great strides toward developing effective new pre-screening protocols for detecting animal pathology,” said Dominic Marino, DVM, co-founder and chief of staff of Long Island Veterinary Specialists. “We are greatly pleased to be the first veterinary hospital in the country to use the thermographic image analysis software developed by Scott Umbaugh and his team at the SIUE Computer Vision and Image Processing Laboratory. It has been recognized as one of the most innovative and useful tools for diagnostic pre-screening in veterinary clinical settings. Dr. Umbaugh’s work has been broadly influential in the fields of engineering and medical image processing.”

“Of particular merit is the fact that a good number of students have been directly involved in the development of the SIUE CVIPtools software,” added Jose Luis Sevillano, PhD, professor in the Department of Computer Architecture and Technology and director of the Technical School of Computer Engineering at the University of Seville in Spain. “This shows Dr. Umbaugh’s outstanding ability to lead top-level teams of students and researchers, as well as his commitment to support younger faculty and students.

SIUE ECE Chair and Professor Andy Lozowski emphasizes Umbaugh as an influential mentor both for students and colleagues.

“Dr. Umbaugh has served on numerous promotion and tenure proceedings for our faculty,” Lozowski explained. “He never refuses such service and has been instrumental help for younger faculty writing their dossiers, including myself. His help comes as a confidence builder for them, with added ingredients of common sense and reassurance. His mentorship is influential, because other faculty see him as a highly established expert with written books, substantial research funds and international reputation.”

Umbaugh is an SIUE alumnus having earned a bachelor’s in electrical engineering in 1982. He went on to complete both a master’s and doctorate in electrical engineering at the University of Missouri-Rolla in 1987 and 1990, respectively.

Prior to joining the SIUE faculty, he worked for McDonnell-Douglas in St. Louis, ITT North Research Laboratory in Columbus, Ohio, and Microtel, Inc. and Affinitec, Inc. in St. Louis.

Photo: SIUE Distinguished Research Professor Scott Umbaugh, PhD.

Donned in white protective gear from head to toe, Dawn Huckelberry, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville integrative studies academic advisor, brought in an unexpected learning exhibit that was met with squeals of joy from students at the SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start Cahokia Center. 

Huckelberry, who is a part of the SIUE honeybee program and a member of the St. Clair County Beekeepers Association, visited the Cahokia Center on Monday, March 16. 

“We are currently studying insects as part of Head Start’s creative curriculum,” said Kim McClellan, Cahokia Head Start Center teacher. “Our curriculum encourages site visits by community members to provide extensions of classroom learning. I thought Dawn’s work as a beekeeper would be a fun and interesting way to offer enrichment activities to our students.”  

“The thing I like best about being a beekeeper is that I am helping my small corner of the world in several ways,” noted Huckelberry. “Bees pollinate to make flowers beautiful and to make many fruits and vegetables grow. Bees also produce honey that I can harvest and share with my friends and family.” 

The SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start program serves more than 14700 families and youth from birth to age five (including children with special needs) in St. Clair County. The program includes seven early childhood centers, seven managed directly and seven collaborations. Services include a rigorous school readiness comprehensive program that includes educational programs for family members, and health and dental screenings. 

Photo: Dawn Huckelberry, SIUE integrative studies academic advisor and part of the SIUE honeybee program, gave a presentation on the life of bees to children at the SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start Cahokia Center. 

It’s consistently clear that nurses play a huge societal role as educated, compassionate medical professionals and abundantly so in the midst of the current world health crisis. Whether on the frontlines, as administrators, educators or aspiring healthcare workers, nurses continuously seek new knowledge and skillsets that will add value for their patients.

One of the latest examples of this dedication is the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing’s (SON) innovative Advanced Nursing Education Workforce (ANEW) program. Despite the suspension of on-campus activities at SIUE as a result of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the ANEW program held its first continuing education conference on Saturday-Sunday, March 21-22 in a virtual format.

Almost 300 attendees, comprising regional Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRN) and students, participated remotely in the regional conference as nationally-renowned speakers presented on topics of opioid crisis, non-opioid pain treatment options, recognizing addictive behavior, rehabilitation of the opioid dependent patient, and long-term follow-up strategies.

“The ability of healthcare providers, and in particular, nurse practitioners to appropriately serve a patient population struggling with opioid use disorders within rural areas of Illinois is of critical importance,” said SIUE SON Family Nurse Practitioner Clinical Site Coordinator and Instructor Melissa Bogle, DNP, FNP-BC, ACNP-BC. “I was incredibly impressed with the level of participation, engagement and best practice sharing from attendees. Despite the virtual environment, you could sense the collegiality of the group.”

“We received so much interest from healthcare providers in the bi-state area for this conference, so it meant a lot to us to be able to deliver on our commitment to provide educational credits to this group, despite current COVID-19 challenges,” Bogle added. “The majority of attendees are required to have this type of opioid-focused education to renew their licenses within the state of Illinois.”

SIUE SON Instructional Designer Jodie Nehrt helped with the successful transition to a virtual format, primarily through the use of Zoom and Mursion.

“We were fortunate to have a collection of speakers who were motivated to share their content, despite the last-minute change in venue, and attendees who were eager to engage and participate from the comfort and safety of their homes,” Nehrt said.

“Zoom was the technology that saved the day for us,” she explained. “We were able to schedule the sessions and offer virtual attendance to this free conference using a free communication tool. We coordinated with our presenters to fulfill their needs for attendee participation and question-and-answer management. Additionally, one of the sessions was a dynamic demonstration of a software we use on campus, called Mursion, which offers mixed reality for the practicing of professional skills.”

“Dr. Melissa Bogle worked nonstop on developing this conference from the beginning. Jodie Nehrt came in to work last week when the World Health Organization declared COVID-19 a pandemic and we knew that our live campus event would likely be canceled,” said ANEW Program Director Valerie Griffin, DNP, PPCNP-BC, FNP-BC, PMHS, FAANP, assistant clinical professor and director of nurse practitioner specializations in the SON. “These incredible, dedicated women were able to transition this large event to a virtual format without exhibiting worry or stress over the process. They remained positive that we could pull this off, and we did!”

Attendees expressed their appreciation to the SON for their creative online management and successful execution of the ANEW Conference.

“During a time when faculty are stressed to get their classes online, I am amazed at your commitment to those who registered for this meeting,” noted Margaret Faut Callahan, CRNA, PhD, FNAP, FAAN, senior vice president of Strategy and Innovation at Loyola University Chicago, in a post-conference email. “The skills required to make this happen so quickly, in just a week, are remarkable. Further, the lectures were of high-quality both from a content perspective and the technology used to bring this to us virtually. It was clear to those of us who participated that your faculty and support staff worked long and hard to provide this excellent conference.”

Funded by a four-year $2.75 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), the ANEW program is a multi-faceted educational effort that is creatively designed to increase the number of nurse practitioners who practice in rural and underserved communities throughout Illinois by promoting a smooth and natural transition from the student role to practicing APRNs into those areas.

The SIUE SON and its clinical partners collaborated on the conference’s development. Clinical partners bolstering the success of the ANEW program are Chestnut Health Systems, OSF HealthCare, Southern Illinois Healthcare, Synergy Healthcare Solutions, LLC., and the SIUE We Care Clinic.

Photo: SIUE School of Nursing.

Be attentive. Be respectful.  Be flexible. This is good educational advice anytime, but especially when dealing with online instruction, according to J.T. Snipes, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. 

Since SIUE first moved its courses online as a result of the growing concern over slowing the spread of COVID-19, Snipes has emphasized the instructional style called humanizing online teaching. 

“This type of teaching is important now more than ever, because students and the University community are dealing with all types of crises given the COVID-19 outbreak,” said Snipes. “I want my students to know that I recognize they are human beings and not just another cog in our educational system. 

“What that means, as I transition my courses online, is that I am always centering on their humanity. I am teaching students with jobs, families, dreams, passions and goals. If my teaching doesn’t consider those ideals, then I’m not humanizing online teaching.” 

Based on Snipes’ research on the matter, he is continually working to perfect principles and techniques. Some of them, as noted by Drs. Mary Raygoza, Raina Leon and Aaminah Norris of Saint Mary’s College of California, include:

• Be present and prepared to be engaged
• Engage students in a “temperature check” at the beginning of class, for example ask them to represent their week in an emoji or a hashtag
• Listen deeply to whomever is speaking in the virtual room
• Try not to interrupt. If you do, apologize
• As the professor, summon a higher amount of energy to demonstrate your excitement and engagement
• Be authentic
• Foster equitable participation
• Be patient 

Photo: J.T. Snipes, PhD, assistant professor in the Department of Educational Leadership.

Phi Theta Kappa (PTK) Honor Society has named Southern Illinois University Edwardsville among 123 colleges and universities to its 2020 Transfer Honor Roll in recognition of the dynamic pathways created to support transfer students.

The Transfer Honor Roll recognizes four-year colleges and universities that have developed transfer pathways leading to excellence and success among community college transfers.

“SIUE has always been committed to serving transfer students,” said Scott Belobrajdic, EdD, associate vice chancellor for enrollment management. “Our faculty truly embrace working with focused and pragmatic students who enter the University with previous academic experience. Each year, nearly half of our 2,500 baccalaureate degree recipients originally enter the University with previous college credit.

“We are looking forward to expanding our work with transfers through the fall 2020 launch of several online undergraduate degree completion programs. Our RN to BS online degree completion program for nurses is already extremely popular and highly respected. Our new offerings in business and criminal justice, among others, will also provide additional highly accredited options for transfers.”

Institutions were selected based on their Transfer Friendliness Rating, which is determined by the transfer profile they create in PTK Connect, an online tool that helps students find their best-fit colleges, career pathways and more. Students can search for colleges by name, scholarship offerings, or cost, and they can use the institutions’ profiles to help evaluate where they’d like to enroll.

Each institution’s transfer profile addresses admissions practices, cost of attendance, campus life, recruitment practices and peer reviews. The transfer student experience is reflected, as well as the strategies universities are taking to support and enroll transfer students. The top 25 percent highest-rated universities are named to the Transfer Honor Roll.

“SIUE focuses on building strong relationships with our community college partners and key stakeholders across campus, as well as providing key resources that clearly identify how courses transfer and apply to our programs,” said Jennifer Harbaugh, SIUE associate director of admissions. “This is critical in assisting students with successfully navigating their transfer path.

“The heart of our success is a direct result of the ongoing collaboration between dynamic individuals across campus and at the community college. Our conversations center around serving both current and future transfer students, and how we can help them soar at the highest of levels.”

“The Transfer Honor Roll reflects the growing importance of recognizing and responding to the needs of transfer students,” Phi Theta Kappa President and Chief Executive Officer Dr. Lynn Tincher-Ladner said. “This award is given to four-year colleges and universities with proven outcomes for transfer success. They are the best at providing a supportive and smooth transition from community college – equating to increased rates of bachelor’s degree attainment for transfer students.”

Phi Theta Kappa is the premier honor society recognizing the academic achievement of students at associate degree-granting colleges and helping them to grow as scholars and leaders. The Society is made up of more than 3.5 million members and nearly 1,300 chapters in 11 nations, with approximately 240,000 active members in the nation’s colleges. Learn more at ptk.org.

Photo: Jennifer Harbaugh, SIUE associate director of admissions.

Courtney Parker, of Belleville, a mother of four children who is described as ambitious, courageous and compassionate, has been selected as the 2020 Illinois Head Start/Early Head Start Parent of the Year by the Illinois Head Start Association. 

Parker, president of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Head Start/Early Head Start Belleville Center’s Parent Association, received the award during the Illinois Head Start Association’s (IHSA) Annual Conference on Thursday, March 12 at the Abraham Lincoln DoubleTree Hotel in Springfield.  

“SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start has really been great to me and my four children,” said Parker. “If it had not been for Head Start, I don’t know what I would have done. I also don’t know what I would do now to fill that void for my children, or to help other children and their families.” 

Parker’s four girls are Londynn, 9; Brooklynn, 5; Kourtnii, 3; and Peytynn, 2. Londynn received Home-Based instruction from SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start home visitor Kathy Cotton. Cotton currently teaches Kourtnii and Peytynn in the Home-Based option. Brooklyn is enrolled at the SIUE Belleville Head Start/Early Head Center. 

“I have watched Courtney Parker blossom into a remarkable parent educator and Head Start volunteer, and her children into avid learners,” wrote Cotton in her recommendation letter. “She is always advocating for Head Start, her children and other program children and their families. I am impressed with Ms. Parker’s enthusiasm, commitment, eagerness and leadership in support of Head Start families.” 

Parker has been with Head Start since 2010. Along the way, she became more involved with her children’s education and in volunteering her time. 

Some of Parker’s Head Start duties and volunteer work include: 

• President of Belleville Head Start/Early Head Start since 2018
• 2019 Illinois Head Start Parent Ambassador
• President of SIUE Home Base since 2019
• SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start Policy Council Parliamentarian since 2019
• Parent Leader of Head Start Parent Cafés since 2020
• Parent Volunteer with more than 1,500 hours 

“I like Head Start because they are extremely open to my opinions and those of other parents. Center Coordinator Alicia Parker eagerly and graciously welcomes parent involvement,” noted Parker. “I’ll bring up an idea, and if it’s OK with the administration, she lets me run with it. She’s a good listener, and the whole Head Start staff is great.” 

“Just about every child at the SIUE Belleville Head Start Center knows my name, because I spend so much time up there. Many parents tell me what a good job I am doing, and that warms my heart,” continued Parker. “I am happy to work with parents and provide them resources, such as free or discounted event tickets and ways to save money through couponing. I also offer carpooling for parents that have transportation issues and babysitting for those who need it or can’t afford it.” 

“Ms. Parker is a shining example for our SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start Program,” said Cotton. “I know she will remain a dedicated mother to her children and will continue to do many more exemplary things for our program and community.” 

The SIUE Head Start/Early Head Start Program serves more than 1,300 families and children birth through age five, including children with special needs, throughout St. Clair County. The program also provides services to expectant mothers. The program is housed in 13 early childhood centers, seven managed directly by SIUE staff and six collaborations. The program includes a rigorous school readiness program and provides comprehensive services, such as health/ dental screenings and family engagement and support activities. 

Photo: Courtney Parker, of Belleville, is the 2020 Illinois Head Start/Early Head Start Parent of the Year.

(L-R) are Londynn, Peytynn, Kourtnii, Parker and Brooklynn.

Although Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is operating remotely as a result of the “Stay-at-Home” order from Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker to slow the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), there is still a pathway for prospective students and parents to view the campus and get admission information. 

Virtual campus tours have always been available online at siue.edu/visit. Now, beginning Monday, March 30 SIUE’s Office of Admissions will also offer virtual presentations and online chats with SIUE students ambassadors within the Office of Admissions. 

The virtual presentations will feature admission counselors sharing information on scholarships, financial aid, the application process and campus life. Prospective students and their families can tune in for a live 30-minute presentation at 3 p.m. Monday-Friday. The chats at 5 p.m. Monday-Friday, will feature current SIUE students who are available to answer questions from prospective students. Students may register for the virtual presentations and chats at siue.edu/visit. 

“Despite the challenges associated with the coronavirus pandemic, SIUE is committed to providing information to prospective students and families,” said Kelley Brooks, assistant director of undergraduate admissions for Campus Visits and Black Faculty and Staff Association (BFSA) board member, who helped coordinate the virtual admissions presentation and SIUE chats. 

“With this added virtual option, prospective students and families can safely learn about our vibrant campus and engage with an admissions representative and student ambassadors,” Brooks added. “We hope these virtual options will help prospective students see all that SIUE has to offer them as a future student.” 

In addition, the Office of Admissions will offer a Virtual Transfer Visit Program for prospective students wanting to transfer to SIUE. The online program will be from 1-2:30 p.m. Friday, April 24. Registration is available at siue.edu/visit. 

SIUE’s Office of Undergraduate Admissions has canceled all in-person campus visits through at least the remainder of the spring semester. To stay current with SIUE admissions information, visit siue.edu/admissions.

Photo: Kelley Brooks, assistant director of undergraduate admissions for Campus Visits.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s nationally ranked Healthcare Informatics program has received accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM). Having always been accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, initial program accreditation through the CAHIIM further underscores the premier program’s continuous quality improvement in higher education.

The master’s in healthcare informatics emphasizes the application of state-of-the-art computing technologies to healthcare. Healthcare informatics professionals integrate the worlds of medicine and technology by combining their expertise in data management, patient care and information technology systems.

“The CAHIIM accreditation process involved transforming the program’s curriculum to an entirely online format, which has been most beneficial to everyone, especially our students, given the current issues associated with COVID-19,” said Program Director Frank Lyerla, PhD, RN, CAHIMS, FHIMSS, associate professor in the School of Nursing. “The work necessary to meet CAHIIM standards has resulted in one of the best programs in the country that regularly receives national recognition. Additionally, the knowledge and skills our students obtain equip them to face healthcare threats, meet the needs of the industry, and lead to satisfying careers.”

The graduate program provides a unique opportunity for healthcare professionals to leverage prior education and experience to provide leadership to teams using technology to improve patient healthcare options.

SIUE developed the program in a corporate partnership with BJC HealthCare in 2010, and continues to serve BJC HealthCare as its premiere partner. The program has evolved to an online format which better suits the needs of working adults and students, and has expanded in capacity to accept additional students outside of the BJC HealthCare system.

For more information, visit siue.edu/healthcare-informatics or contact Lyerla at flyerla@siue.edu.

Photo: SIUE Healthcare Informatics Program Director Frank Lyerla, PhD, RN.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumnus Bill Plaschke of the Los Angeles Times has been chosen the 2019 top national large-publication sports columnist by the Associated Press sports editors. It is the eighth time Plaschke has received the award.

Plaschke earned a bachelor’s in mass communications in 1980 from the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences. He was inducted to the SIUE Alumni Hall of Fame in 2009.

Plaschke has been an L.A. Times columnist since 1996. He also has twice been named national sports columnist of the year by the Society of Professional Journalists and National Headliner Awards.

For his community service, Plaschke has been named Man of the Year by the Los Angeles Big Brothers/Big Sisters and has received a Pursuit of Justice Award from the California Women’s Law Center.

Photo: SIUE alumnus and L.A. Times sports columnist Bill Plaschke (courtesy Los Angeles Times).

Ramifications and precautions surrounding the COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented methods of fighting the disease, which has in effect shut down half of America. Many states, including Illinois, are under shelter-in-place and stay-at-home orders. However, Danielle Kulina, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville environmental science graduate student and Watershed Nature Center educator, is inspiring people to venture out into their own yards and watch spring unfold. 

Kulina and Sheila Voss, Watershed Nature Center board member and SIUE alumna, are hoping people will participate in the Center’s campaign, “Nature's Not Cancelled.” Voss earned a master's in environmental science in 2002 from SIUE. 

“I know this is an interesting time, and people can get a little stir crazy being cooped up in the house all day,” said Kulina. “The Watershed Nature Center trails are still open, but all the Center-led programming has been put on hold. We were scheduled to have a Discovery Day on March 27 and upcoming fieldtrips, but all that has been cancelled. 

“Still, people can experience nature at the Center, or right outside their front door or in their backyards. Nature is not stopping. Spring is here.” 

Kulina and Voss launched the eight-week campaign on social media on Monday, March 23. Last week’s topic was migration, and frogs is this week’s topic. 

The campaign features weekly prompts and content designed for people of all ages:

• Mondays – Trivia! Go to Watershed Nature Center’s Facebook page and answer 10 trivia questions about the topic of the week.
• Wednesdays – Tune into the Center’s Facebook page and catch a live video about the subject of the week, and participate in a real-time question-and-answer session. The time of day changes depending on the topic. For instance, this week the Facebook Live event will occur at approximately 8 p.m., so viewers can hear frog calls. If you can’t watch live, each week’s video will be available all week.

• Fridays – Get ready to participate in a community challenge or activity to complete over the weekend. Participants are asked to post their project on social media and tag the Watershed Nature Center, using #NaturesNotCancelled.
• Weekly – There will be a random drawing of those who participated in the trivia quiz. Winner(s) will receive Watershed Nature Center swag and be notified through email.    

“Last week went extremely well,” said Kulina, who has a bachelor’s from Indiana University Bloomington in elementary education, with a concentration in math and science education. “In the video about migration and citizen science, we explained that you don’t need a degree in biology or have to be a botanist to gather and collect data or record your findings. In just two days, that one video had more than 1,000 views. 

“So far, we have received a lot of comments from parents who are thrilled that the campaign is giving their children something to do. I also had a teacher offer her appreciation for the campaign. That was also exciting to me, because being able to help teachers with e-learning is a big plus.” 

Kulina shared some numbers from the first week of campaign that underscored its popularity. While 50% of quiz participants lived in Edwardsville and Glen Carbon, people from St. Louis, Chicago, and as far away as Florida, participated. The campaign’s first Friday Weekend Project video reached 1,825 people. 

“It’s nice that we can help parents, children and educators in the Metro East,” remarked Kulina. “But we’re hoping to reach as many people as possible, and help them get through these challenging times.” 

The Nature’s Not Cancelled challenge runs from Monday, March 23-Friday, May 22. For more information, visit the Watershed Nature Center’s Facebook page or watershednaturecenter.org.  

Photos:  
Danielle Kulina, SIUE environmental science graduate student and Watershed Nature Center educator, helped create the Nature is Not Cancelled campaign to get people out of their homes and into nature.

Shown is a bloodroot flower from Kulina’s backyard in Lebanon.

With the goals of creating a sense of community and offering people an outlet to work skillfully through experiences related to the COVID-19 pandemic, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Linda Markowitz, PhD, is bringing her mindfulness and meditation gathering online and welcoming all. 

“The pandemic has shown that we are all connected in profound ways,” said Markowitz, chair and professor in the College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Sociology. “SIUE has done a great job of bringing us all together during this difficult time. I hope these accessible meditation gatherings demonstrate another positive way community manifests.” 

Previously, Markowitz offered meditation weekly in Lovejoy Library’s Meditation Room. Due to Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s “Stay-at-Home” order, she is now offering meditation via Zoom. She invites SIUE students, faculty and staff, as well as the general public, to join the online gathering as they’d like. 

On Monday and Friday mornings from 7:30-8 a.m., Markowitz and her colleague Diana Parra, PhD, MPA, assistant professor at Washington University in St. Louis, will offer meditation as a way to start people’s day.  

On Wednesday’s from 12-1 p.m., Markowitz will offer a guided meditation, followed by a calm abiding (silent) meditation, and finally a short reading about mindfulness with discussion. Participants are invited to hop on and off the Zoom space during the hour as their schedule permits. 

All of the virtual sessions can be accessed at siue.zoom.us/j/3674281586. Participants who desire a reminder email before each session, or who are new to meditation and may feel nervous, should contact Markowitz at lmarkow@siue.edu. 

“Research shows some wonderful benefits of daily meditation practice,” Markowitz explained. “For example, people who meditate daily, even a short meditation, are likely to demonstrate more compassion toward themselves and others, and to feel a greater sense of calm and ease.” 

As a trained sociologist, Markowitz emphasizes how the main ethical foundations of mindfulness and meditation fit into the sociological perspective. According to Markowitz, the foundations help people recognize three truths: 

• Everything changes – the seasons, our emotions, our bodies, everything. 
• We change – depending on the people we’re with, the time of day, the period of our lives. 
• Life can be unsatisfying – sometimes things go people’s way, sometimes they don’t. Life can be organized in a way that creates inequality, and it can be organized in a way that supports people. 

“These three truths are also the foundation of sociology,” Markowitz noted. “The only difference is that with mindfulness and meditation, we are asked to work with our minds, practicing being present with these truths in a kind and gentle way, so that we work skillfully to create a world that benefits most people. In sociology, we are generally working with people, studying how these truths manifest in the world, so that we can create change in society that benefits most people.” 

Markowitz has developed an integrative studies course, Meditation and Mindfulness: Mind, Body and Society, in collaboration with Wendy Weber, PhD, professor in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior’s Department of Teaching and Learning, and Juliet Gray, interim assistant dean and health sciences librarian in Library and Information Services. 

In fall 2020, Markowitz will teach the course, which includes daily practice of mindfulness and meditation, and emphasizes research surrounding how mindfulness and meditation affect the mind, body, and society. Fall course registration is now open, with a full schedule available at siue.edu/registrar/schedules.   

Photo: Linda Markowitz, PhD, chair and professor in the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences’ Department of Sociology.