A slew of event cancellations caused by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic have left children and adults alike disappointed for a variety of reasons. Thankfully, not all previously scheduled events have had to cancel altogether. Instead, many event organizers are creatively using technology to move online.

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Center for STEM Research, Education and Outreach is one such innovative organization, converting the annual regional Science and Engineering Research Challenge (SERC) to a virtual science fair.

In late March, local 5-12^th grade students experienced technology in action and joined the world in collaborative problem-solving. SERC features the finest STEM-focused student projects from a 10-county area. Participants uploaded their lab reports and submitted videos of their research presentations, which were judged by STEM experts from across the country.

“We are glad to have been able to offer our participants this experience after all of the hard work they had put into preparing for the event,” said STEM Center Instructor and Outreach Specialist Colin Wilson. “International, state and other regional science fairs canceled their events. It was important to us to do everything possible to ensure our local participants were able to showcase their hard work and innovative ideas.”

Wilson notes the virtual SERC was a success, leading organizers to document the process in hopes it can serve as a best-practice template for future science fairs. A welcome positive that arose was that the event was not limited by geography in its call for judges. Experts volunteered from across the nation and South America to review participants’ entries and offer constructive advice to help them advance their scientific inquiries.

The 2020 SERC Best of Challenge winner was Reagan Guerra of Metro East Lutheran High School in Edwardsville. For her superior work, Guerra won a trophy and a $600 prize. Guerra also took first place in the paper competition, earning a medal and $100. 

Winners in the senior division, included:

• 1^st place: Prescott Jeckel of Delavan High School
• 2^nd place: Amy Dong of Hinsdale Central High School
• 3^rd place: Sam Berkely of Governor French Academy

Junior division winners were:

• 1^st place: Lillian Kemper of Zion Lutheran School
• 2^nd place: Jude Luesse of Columbus Elementary
• 3^rd place: Will Wojcieszak of Liberty Middle School

“This event promotes independent critical thinking and the opportunity to learn through the scientific process,” Wilson said. “SIUE is proud to support these students who may go on to study in STEM fields and become future industry professionals.”

Photo: SIUE STEM Center’s Colin Wilson judges a student submission during the virtual Science and Engineering Research Challenge.

With a ceremonial “bite” from a trackhoe, the Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine (SDM) began construction Monday, April 13 on the site that will house its new Advanced Care Clinic (ACC) on the Alton campus. Drone footage captured the launch of demolition, making way for the $11.5M facility, which has an anticipated completion of June 2021.

The innovative clinical space will provide state-of-the-art accommodations for the SDM to facilitate treatment for its most vulnerable patient population, children who require general anesthesia for the completion of care. Additionally, the ACC will allow the SDM to expand and enhance its postdoctoral specialty programs.

“We are thrilled to be embarking on this next great phase in the growth of the School of Dental Medicine. The Advanced Care Clinic, created in response to recent challenges in the provision of healthcare, underscores our dedication to patient care in our region,” said SIU SDM Dean Bruce Rotter, DMD. “By adding general anesthesia capabilities in two medical operating suites, the SDM will be able to offer more comprehensive, predictable and safe treatment, allowing for the timely completion of care, particularly for children and patients with special dental care needs.”

Rotter extended his gratitude to Delta Dental of Illinois and the Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation for their generous financial support in making the ACC possible. He also thanked general contractor Poettker Construction Co. and a host of other supporting construction service providers for their contributions to the project’s success.

“The SIU School of Dental Medicine is preparing future dental professionals who will shape a changing world through their important work as clinicians and service to the community,” said SIUE Chancellor Randy Pembrook. “The new Advanced Care Clinic will allow our students to develop their skills in a top-level facility, with important focus placed on the care of vulnerable patient populations.”

The ACC project involves demolishing the former Multidisciplinary Lab Building 283, which is no longer in use. The new clinic will be constructed on that site, and serve dental students and residents. The clinic will serve a comprehensive range of patient dental needs through existing, expanded and new post-doctoral programs.

Photo: The demolition of the SIU School of Dental Medicine’s former Multidisciplinary Lab building will make way for a new Advanced Care Clinic.

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

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Office of Retention and Student Success is helping keep students on track to graduate by offering its Student Academic Success Sessions (SASS) online, which is one of several options to fulfill the Health Experience requirement for general education. 

“For more than five years, SASS has been offered in person. However, we did not want students to lose out on our option because of the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Ryann Bohle, sessions coordinator and academic advisor in the Office of Retention and Student Success. 

SASS seminars are available to all students, and each student must attend five sessions throughout their SIUE academic career in order to complete the health graduation credit, according to Bohle. 

Three of the five sessions currently online include:

• “Why Are You Here (What Are You Doing?),” by Tyler Phelps, PhD, Office of Retention and Student Success interim director
• “A Cougar’s Guide to Sexual Communication and Consent,” by Samantha Dickens, Prevention Education and Advocacy Center (PEACe) coordinator
• “Change a Shaping World Through Student Involvement,” by Sarah Laux, PhD, Kimmel Student Involvement Center associate director 

The remaining two sessions are scheduled to be uploaded soon.    

“Our sessions vary, because health looks different in many ways,” said Bohle.  “We have had sessions on depression, anxiety, sexual health, communication, self-care, nutrition, dangers of vaping, dangers of spring break, mental health, and staying healthy during finals week.” 

The online recordings are provided through the TechSmith Relay program system. 

“This program allows us to see who has viewed the video, and how much of the video they have watched,” offered Bohle. “Typically, there are specific dates and times for each session, but the online videos can now be viewed at any time. We plan to keep the videos up until the end of finals week.” 

The Office of Retention and Student Success provides resources and support to help students meet the demands of college and become successful graduates. We understand students face a variety of challenges on the road to graduation. We are here to help students manage those challenges and access the many resources available to them. 

Photo:
Ryann Bohle, academic advisor in the Office of Retention and Student Success.

SIUE alumnus Patrick Hall has been named senior vice president and chief financial officer at Allsup, a nationwide provider of disability representation and return to work services.

Hall earned a bachelor’s in accountancy from the SIUE School of Business in 1999. Details on his promotion are available at TrueHelp.com.

Rising recycling and waste management costs have the Madison County Planning and Development Department seeking resident input to determine how to effectively use county resources and ensure a better environmental future. 

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Omasan Ayonronmi, an environmental science management graduate student, is collaborating with the Department to gather input and study the recycling knowledge and usage habits of Madison County residents. 

SIUE’s Successful Communities Collaborative (SSCC) recommended Ayonronmi to County officials after learning about her research proposal. She devised a Recycling Drop-off Station survey to inform people of the recycling resources available, and to determine why more people are not recycling. 

Paper surveys are available at Madison County’s seven recycling drop-off stations and at the Planning and Development Department located in the County Administration Building at 157 N. Main St. in Edwardsville. 

Surveys can also be accessed online at surveymonkey.com, and are open through Friday, May 1. One survey participant will be selected to win a $25 gift card in a drawing on Monday, April 20 and will be notified by email on Monday, May 4. 

“This research is helping us educate people about all the recycling drop-off stations,” said Ayonronmi. “There are some residents who are unaware that the county recycling program exists for everyone or about the acceptable recyclable materials. 

Recycling drop-off stations have large containers that are compartmentalized to hold multiple types of recyclable materials. 

“The county needs to assess the use of recycling drop-off stations, the amount collected at each drop-off site, and how the sites are used,” said Bailey Lutz, Green Schools coordinator with Madison County’s Recycling and Resource Management Program. “I’m happy for the research help in these areas.” 

Ayonronmi gave an overview of the recycling availability and options in the county: 

• The County has seven drop-off stations, which are located at the Edwardsville Home Depot and in Alton, Granite City, Hamel, Marine, Maryville and New Douglas 

• Recycling drop-off stations provide a valuable community service by offering cost-effective recycling opportunities for residents 

• Recycling drop-off stations are available for all Madison County residents, including those living in multi-family homes, such as apartments, where curbside recycling pick-up is not offered 

“My goal is to help the county improve its recycling efforts and to let residents know exactly how recycling benefits the county,” explained Ayonronmi. “Hopefully, we can learn what is working, what is not working, and how to make the best use of resources as it relates to recycling in the county.” 

“Residents have been excited to share their feedback. We meet people who come every week with their sorted recyclables,” said Lutz. “People typically are more than happy for an opportunity to learn more about recycling, and they want their opinions to be heard.” 

For more information, visit the Madison County Planning and Development website. 

Photos:
Omasan Ayonronmi, SIUE environmental science management graduate student. 

One of seven recycling drop-off stations in Madison County.

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, international travel and the trade marketplace have been hugely impacted with in-person trade missions appearing “unlikely for the foreseeable future.”

Illinois SBDC International Trade Center (ITC) at SIUE Director Silvia Torres Bowman shared her plans for virtual exchanges to ensure continued assistance to Southwestern Illinois manufacturers in the development of networks and partnerships.

The Illinois Business Journal detailed the ITC at SIUE’s plans in an article posted Tuesday, April 14. Read the article here.

As Stay-at-Home orders and social distancing recommendations are the new, temporary normal, connecting with friends, mentors and other acquaintances is challenging.

Knowing the importance of having those exchanges, the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Office for Accessible Campus Community and Equitable Student Support (ACCESS) is hosting daily “Virtual Living Room” sessions. Every day, and twice daily on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, students gather on Zoom to chat, hang out and check in with ACCESS staff members.

“This was a frequent activity in our on-campus office space where students would come by just to hang out or check in with staff members, who in many ways came to know them like family and could set them on the straightened path toward success whenever they veered,” said ACCESS Director Dominic Dorsey, MSEd. “We started our Remote ACCESS campaign with “Virtual Living Room” hours for students to drop in and say hi. We engage in group conversation and dialogue about how they’re doing. We laugh. We joke. We share and offer individual words of encouragement.

“In many instances, the students are sharing stories, and building connections and community just by offering support, guidance and tips from what has worked for them. It’s an informal support group that’s being utilized by ACCESS students and non-ACCESS students alike.”

The “Virtual Living Room” is one of many adjustments ACCESS has made to its daily operations to ensure both students and faculty are receiving support as everyone navigates online learning and teaching.

Dorsey and his team surveyed students at the end of March to learn the types of challenges they were experiencing. Responses were “sobering,” according to Dorsey.

Results indicated a need for students’ approved accommodations to be better adjusted for the online setting, and struggles with internal and external issues such as decreased motivation, difficulty with time management and a lack of privacy at home. Dorsey notes other issues included increased anxiety, work/life imbalance and additional responsibilities with children in the home.

“To address these challenges, we created a special edition of our monthly newsletter addressing tips specific to assisting with the transition to online learning for individuals with Attention Deficient Disorder (ADD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a significant portion of our student population, and other students as well,” Dorsey explained. “We’ve also ramped up messaging to faculty about how to apply extended time in Blackboard exams, and walked individuals through our Accommodate system for reviewing approved accommodations.”

In response to reported feelings of isolation and diminished hope, ACCESS recorded a video with messages of encouragement from staff and sent it to students. The team also created a Netflix streaming guide to content that features characters with disabilities and/or promotes diversity. Watch parties are being planned.

“Adaptation is our business, so ironically, we were better prepared for this than we probably could have envisioned,” Dorsey said. “We’re connected and available, and always looking for ways to do what we do better and serve more. Our numbers have consistently grown as we’ve seen more new students registered with ACCESS since the beginning of the spring semester than we saw in all of last year.”

Dorsey’s advice for all is to remember the element of grace, and to take whatever opportunities you can to pour back into the cups you’ve emptied.

“For me, it’s been go, go, go, and I had to stop and learn that while I have a desire to help and do for everyone else in a time of crisis and uncertainty, I need to make sure I’m reserving energy to check in on myself,” he noted. “We have to trust one another is doing our very best even absent of typical oversight, and be as accommodating and collaborative as possible with others who may be dealing with a completely different and unique set of circumstances.”

“While it may be difficult at times, we need to remember to laugh, find things we enjoy and do those as well as all the tasks and duties that may feel insurmountable,” Dorsey continued. “Mental health is paramount, feeling whole is essential. We may not be able to do all things in the ways we once did for the time being, but that doesn’t mean we stop trying to find joy and contentment whenever and wherever we can. That takes support. Whatever measure of that we can assist with at ACCESS, that’s our goal.”

Students struggling with their courses, feeling anxiety or adverse challenges with academics that weren’t present in face-to-face courses are encouraged to register with ACCESS by visiting siue.edu/access/students. Faculty and staff looking for assistance in making their content universally accessible to a wider array of diverse learners, should reach out via email to myaccess@siue.edu.

Students interested in joining in on the Zoom “Virtual Living Room” sessions should visit the ACCESS COVID-19 Response Page for more information.

Photo: SIUE ACCESS Director Dominic Dorsey (top middle) hosts a “Virtual Living Room” session on Zoom for interested students.

SIUE alumnus Corey S. Bradford Sr., PhD, will serve as Harris-Stowe State University’s 20^th president, effective Monday, May 4. 

Bradford earned his bachelor’s in math studies/statistics and his master’s in mathematics from SIUE in 1993 and ‘95, respectively. 

Bradford has worked in higher education for more than 26 years and returns to his hometown of St. Louis from Prairie View A&M University in Prairie View, Texas. 

Read more about Bradford in The St. Louis American.

When called into action, members of the National Guard and Reserves can always be relied on to offer help and support in a variety of ways. Units across Illinois have been deployed to assist as essential workers combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is proud to have 157 students who are active members of the National Guard and Reserves. Many of those students are currently spread throughout Illinois fulfilling their service duties, including freshmen Denver Duhs, of Mapleton, and Lucas Maue, of Maryville.

Duhs, a nursing major and aerospace medical technician in the Illinois Air National Guard, is stationed at the Bloomington COVID-19 Testing Site, with an array of responsibilities from swabbing patients, setting up new sites, equipment and supply control, and more.

“I enlisted in the Illinois Air National Guard for the education benefits they provide, and also to serve my country,” Duhs explained. “I wanted to be a part of something bigger than myself. It is humbling to be a part of this historic moment. I am working with some of the best Air Force and Army personnel, and it has been an experience I will not forget.”

Maue, a business finance major, aspires to be an Air Guard Pilot after college. His daily life has changed drastically since being activated to work at the McCormick Place Convention Center in downtown Chicago.

“I went from waking up to work on academic requirements each day to working long hours assisting in COVID-19 reaction measures,” Maue said. “I am working with members of all three Illinois Air Guard Units to construct an Alternate Care Facility. It’s a sort of overflow for the local hospitals. We work each day to prepare rooms for COVID-19 positive patients with mild symptoms to occupy as our hospitals run out of space to care for these people.”

As part of Phase A, Maue assisted in building a section of the center to consist of 500 rooms. Currently, Phase B is in progress, with teams constructing an additional 1,700 rooms.

“Phase A was a monumental task considering we had a blank, open space when we arrived on day one,” Maue explained. “Each item was packed in boxes and some of it wasn’t even assembled. For example, hundreds of IV stands that occupy a space in each room had to be put together. To go from nothing to something in just five days was neat to be a part of. We worked well together and were assisted by many civilian contractors.”

Upon learning of their deployments, the students connected with SIUE Military and Veteran Services and their course instructors to kindly request support and flexibility as they fulfilled their important duties.

“SIUE students are experiencing a series of challenges presented by our reaction to COVID-19,” said Kevin Wathen, director of SIUE Military and Veteran Services. “The men and women of the National Guard and Reserves are being called to provide essential services. This is exactly what they are trained to do.”

“These military members are still trying to complete coursework for the semester. Several students reached out to discuss our deployment policy and the process available to complete courses,” he continued. “Because each student’s case is unique depending on class level, difficulty of class material, student capability and the particulars of the deployment, we rely on the student to have full communication with their professors. We are fortunate at SIUE to have supportive faculty who go above and beyond in working with our military.”

“I was transparent and honest with my instructors as soon as I got the notification that I was being activated by my unit, and each instructor has treated me with compassion and understanding,” Maue said. “All of the professors have either made exceptions to future requirements or allotted very forgiving timeframes on due dates, tests, etc. I have nothing but great things to say about how the institution has dealt with my situation.”

For more information on SIUE Military and Veteran Services, visit siue.edu/military.

Photos: SIUE freshman business student Lucas Maue, a member of the Illinois Air National Guard, carries mattresses as he helps set up an Alternate Care Facility in the McCormick Place Convention Center in Chicago. (photo credit: U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Jay Grabiec)

As a precaution, SIUE student Lucas Maue, a member of the Illinois Air National Guard, has his temperature taken at a health check while activated to assist in assembling patient care rooms at the McCormic Place Convention Center in Chicago. (photo credit: U.S. Air Force Photo by Senior Airman Jay Grabiec)

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is introducing an Intensive English Program (IEP) beginning the fall 2020 semester. IEP is a pre-university English language program designed for international students to complete in one or two semesters before starting their degree coursework.

“SIUE’s IEP is a wonderful resource for international students who would first like to strengthen their English skills before diving into their degree programs,” said Asha Kansal, IEP program director.

“Classes not only teach engaging and academic language skills, but also combine language with University skills, so that students become acclimated to American academic culture and complete the program ready for success,” Kansal said. “IEP students gain exponentially from the benefits of learning in an affordable program that offers cutting-edge learning strategies and high-quality educational experiences.”

To enroll students must:

• Complete an SIUE application and be conditionally approved to an SIUE undergraduate or graduate program
• Provide a TOEFL score of 60, IELTS score of 5.5 (no component below a 5.0) or a Duolingo score of 85
• Submit the required financial documents necessary to receive an I-20 (certificate of eligibility for non-immigrant student status)

Students are placed in one of two levels based on their verified English test scores or a placement test administered after arriving on campus. Each level can be completed in one semester.

“I was so excited about this interactive way of teaching, which is different from traditional lecture class,” said Lei Hu, of China. “It helps me a lot. In the past, I never dared to express myself in English. Now my language ability and confidence have been enhanced by IEP. I gradually adapted to American life.” 

IEP students have full access to all facilities and services available to SIUE students. Successful completion of the program satisfies SIUE’s English proficiency requirement to enter a degree program without additional English testing. 

“IEP is like a bridge,” said Shihao Zhai, of China. “It helps me learn more about American culture and American learning. It raised me like a phoenix – making me stronger and more confident.” 

The IEP program has a discounted rate. For the 2020-21 academic year, IEP tuition ($6,568) and fees ($1,238) totals $7,806 per semester.

IEP students may also qualify for scholarships and awards such as the International Geographic Enhancement Opportunity (GEO) award. IEP students with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale receive the GEO. During the 2020-21 academic year, GEO tuition ($4,379) and fees ($1,238) totals $5,617 per semester.

For more information, contact the Office of International Admissions at intladm@siue.edu.

Photo: Asha Kansal, SIUE Intensive English Program (IEP) program director.

When Edwardsville Public Library Director Jill Schardt wanted to respond to a growing need of patrons and area residents, she turned to the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of Social Work for help. 

The result was securing SIUE alumna and graduate student Brejani Owens as the library’s first social worker. Owens, whose internship began Friday, Jan. 31 and will conclude Saturday, Aug. 8, has continued, but modified her job duties in light of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“I have a list of patrons who are 65 and older. I call and check on them, see if their families need anything and share resource information,” said Owens, whose list contains 1,000 names. “I’m also calling to be a listening ear.” 

Owens was drawn to the field of social work because of her advocacy for disadvantaged, underrepresented and oppressed populations. The library volunteer earned her bachelor’s in social work from SIUE in 2019. She will complete a master’s in social work on Saturday, August 8. Owens was recommended for the library internship by Department of Social Work faculty members Kimberly Carter, PhD, associate professor, and Carol Wesley, PhD, practicum director and assistant professor. 

“Everyone is welcome at the library, which includes people who are experiencing homelessness, substance abuse, mental illness and so much more,” noted Owens. “People come in and are looking for resources. There needs to be trained professionals to assist them.” 

“On an average day, we have 400-450 patrons enter the building,” said Schardt. “We try to serve the needs of everyone who enters our library, but there are some needs we are not equipped to handle. Many libraries across the country are experiencing this same situation. As a result, you will find that having social workers or social work interns in public libraries is becoming more common.”

“The opportunity to help the Edwardsville Public Library expand its community reach in this way was welcomed by our department,” said Carter. “Because this was a novel initiative, we knew at the outset that we needed to identify a strong student, who would be comfortable being at the forefront of program development and community outreach. Picking Brejani was a ‘no-brainer.’” 

“Brejani brings a wonderful combination of empathy and clear thinking to her role,” added Schardt. “It is important to treat people with respect and listen to their voices, yet still be grounded in how we can assist.  She has also been flexible as this stay-at-home order has presented us with some delays.” 

Before the pandemic, Owens had library office hours and hosted a cupcake social on Valentine’s Day to introduce herself and offer assistance. 

“I have also met with social organizations, the Edwardsville Township, Madison County Community Development, food pantries and local churches to discover what resources they offer, and bring it back to the library,” offered Owens. “The field of library social workers is still relatively new, and I absolutely love being a part it. 

“My main goals have always been to make my presence known at the library, and build rapport with area social agencies. I want to help as many people as possible. I expect the library to continue this extremely important work well into the future.” 

Photo:
SIUE alumna and social work graduate student Brejani Owens is Edwardsville Public Library’s first social worker.

Their dark appeal, undisputable talents, blazing notoriety and even miscarriages of justice, have inspired the creativity of numerous writers and artists throughout the years. These “bad” men are the subject of the new book penned by Howard Rambsy II, PhD, professor in the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Department of English Language and Literature. 

“Bad Men: Creative Touchstones of Black Writers,” Rambsy’s second book, was published this month by University of Virginia Press. 

“Since 2000, black men — many of whom were perceived as bad, insubordinate, or troubling — motivated astonishing output from African American writers. Paul Beatty, Tyehimba Jess, Adrian Matejka, Kevin Young, and the late Amiri Baraka, to name some, concentrated on legendary and disreputable cultural figures as they composed literary works,” wrote Rambsy. “Those writers were of course extending longstanding practices among African American storytellers and artists who have been moved to share captivating tales of bad men for hundreds of years now. The sheer number and high quality of works on bad men produced during the 21st century signal how elemental those figures are to creativity.” 

As Rambsy studied and taught African American literature, he became fascinated with the recurring patterns of bad men and vulnerable black boys in the work of various writers. The professor also received inspiration from the more than 500 first-year black male students that he has taught at SIUE since 2004. 

“I thought it was important to highlight, document, and share what I was witnessing,” he explained. “In the process of researching and writing about the subject, I also became immersed in the field of creativity research. So, I had the opportunity to merge African American literary studies with this subject of study where scholars were investigating the nature of creativity."

One example Rambsy offers in his book is Huey Freeman, a black boy character in the American adult comic strip and animated sitcom. 

“What difference does it make that one of the most recognizable and prevalent bad black male figures in the late 20^th century and early 21st century was an afro-wearing, 10-year-old, black boy militant comic strip character?” wrote Rambsy. “The Boondocks reached hundreds of thousands, if not millions of readers each day, and McGruder’s main character, Huey, inevitably became a pop-culture icon. He was a black, pint-sized, well-read, aspiring revolutionary.” 

“I’m hoping that this book will prompt new awareness about the kinds of muses or artistic inspirations that motivate African American writers,” reflected Rambsy. “It takes groups of scholars covering related topics to elevate a subject, so ideally, the work I’m doing will contribute to conversations that merge and advance African American creativity.” 

Photos:
Howard Rambsy II, PhD, professor in the Department of English Language and Literature. 

“Bad Men: Creative Touchstones of Black Writers” was published this month by University of Virginia Press.

Governor J.B. Pritzker has appointed SIUE alumnus Robert Maguire to serve a four-year term on the Illinois Arts Council.

Maguire earned a bachelor’s in art and design from the SIUE College of Arts and Sciences in 1971. Details on his appointment were posted Friday, April 17 in The Telegraph.

“We came to work for you. Please stay home for us.” A recurring national headline, this plea from healthcare professionals reverberates across the country as the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic remains in full force. Among those courageously serving on the front lines are countless Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni.

The rapid spread of the novel Coronavirus has caused monumental challenges and daily changes across the public and private sector. Intertwined in COVID-19 responses are adaptability and communication. Front line workers are finding that true both at work and at home, as they adjust real-time for the safety of their patients, families and themselves.

From fast-paced hospital settings to crowded pharmacy lines and community checks, SIUE alumni are experiencing an array of tense scenarios requiring careful and compassionate service.

“Adapting to this new challenge has brought our teamwork and communication skills to a whole new level,” said Robert Ehrhardt, a registered nurse in the Emergency Department at DePaul Hospital in Bridgeton, Mo. Ehrhardt earned a bachelor’s in nursing from SIUE in 2018. “One of the most notable, and absolutely necessary, changes that occurred was an update to the visitor policy at SSM facilities. Currently, the policy is ‘no visitors unless the patient is a minor or a loved one is in critical condition.’

“Patients reporting COVID-19 symptoms are quickly intubated, meaning a tube is placed in their lungs and a machine takes over breathing for them, to give them the best chance of fighting off the infection.”

While he and his colleagues know the reality of what needs to be done, Ehrhardt says it’s still difficult to know patients cannot have their loved ones with them.

“It’s for the sake of their survival. But once they are intubated, they are under continuous sedation without a chance to talk to their loved ones,” he explained. “Families won’t get to see them unless they have already passed or there is no foreseeable chance of recovery.”

Among the changes and requirements in Ehrhardt’s medical setting: all staff are wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) and taking measures to safely reuse N-95 masks when possible, communication has increased, treatment methods have changed with people being treated and discharged from an outdoor medical tent, and a bio containment unit for highly infectious diseases was created within the emergency department.

“The unknown has been a huge challenge,” noted Ehrhardt’s nurse coordinator Samantha Jeananne. “Preparing for a virus with an unknown etiology, effecting an unknown amount of people, in an unknown way was not an easy task.”

Ehrhardt has also isolated himself from family and friends since the outbreak began. Other front line workers are taking extreme measures to sanitize themselves and their belongings before returning home to their loved ones.

“My transition from work to home has changed drastically,” explained Ashley Dicks, PharmD, a pharmacist manager at Michelle’s Pharmacy in Gillespie. Dicks earned a bachelor’s in biological sciences/medical science and a doctor of pharmacy from SIUE in 2008 and 2012, respectively.

“I take off my gloves when I walk outside of work. I sanitize my hands and Clorox anything that I brought in the pharmacy with me,” said the mother of two. “When I get home, I wipe down the inside of the car. I change out of my work clothing in the garage, placing my shoes in a designated bin, and then head straight to the shower. This is my new normal.”

At Michelle’s Pharmacy, Dicks notes that major precautions have been implemented to ensure everyone’s safety, including a one-person limit in the store to lessen exposure.

“Our staff are wearing PPE, including gloves at all times and masks when in contact with any patients,” Dicks noted. “We are wiping down all surfaces and doors hourly with medical grade cleaners. We are also encouraging our patients to call for curbside pick-up or utilize our delivery service.”

Alumna Lindsey Douglas is a public health associate with the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). She completed a bachelor’s in public health in 2019 and is on a two-year fellowship assignment for the CDC. Douglas is in Kalispell, Montana at the Flathead City-County Health Department.

“My community health work has been postponed until further notice, and my focus is now solely on COVID-19 response in the Flathead community,” Douglas explained. “The county has opened its Emergency Operations Center, and cases are coming in rather quickly. So, everything is changing by the hour. That is how fast this virus is spreading. I am currently monitoring people with confirmed cases, as well as those they have been in close contact with. We monitor everyone daily for 14 days.”

Douglas calls patients and exposed individuals to check-in on them during their self-quarantine. The calls allow her to assess how they are feeling by asking question such as “What is your temperature? Do you have a cough? Any shortness of breath, chest pains or other symptoms?”

According to Douglas, the rapidity of protocol and guidance changes has been the biggest challenge.

“This work has definitely increased my flexibility and understanding of what it is like to be in the middle of a public health crisis, and how quickly you need to adapt in order to effectively and efficiently help your community,” she said.

The trio of front line workers underscores the importance of taking this pandemic seriously and staying home.

“This virus does not discriminate based on age or how healthy you are,” Douglas said. “It’s important not only to care about your health, but the health of others. It requires all hands-on-deck to flatten the curve and combat COVID-19.”

“Stay at home, use social distancing, wash your hands and show your support to the front line staff,” Ehrhardt added. “That’s not only the nurses and doctors, but food service staff, cleaning teams, therapists, technicians, respiratory therapists, and many others.”

“Thank you to all who are doing your part, whether staying home or serving on the front lines,” Dicks concluded. “We see you. We appreciate you. We will come out stronger as a nation. This too shall pass.”

Photos: SIUE School of Nursing alumnus Robert Ehrhardt is a registered nurse serving on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Emergency Department at DePaul Hospital in Bridgeton, Mo.

SIUE School of Pharmacy alumna Ashley Dicks wears a mask at work while combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

SIUE School of Nursing Dean Laura Bernaix, PhD, RN, and senior nursing student Emilie Olmstead, shared their perspective on what graduating nurses will face upon entering the workforce amid the COVID-19 pandemic. The two noted the training, preparation and coping mechanisms that will be put into action as graduates join nursing colleagues on the front lines.

KMOV Reporter Ray Preston interviewed Bernaix and Olmstead via Zoom, and shared their insight in a story that aired Monday, April 20. View the story here.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Zhi-Qing (Z.Q.) Lin, PhD, professor in the College of Arts and Sciences’ (CAS) Departments of Biological Sciences and Environmental Sciences, has achieved the University’s highest academic rank of Distinguished Research Professor.

Lin is an environmental ecologist with special research interest in phytoremediation, a biotechnical process that utilizes plants for the cleanup of trace element contamination. His research lab at SIUE conducts original research in environmental biogeochemistry of selenium, with focus on biotransformation and volatilization of selenium in the environment.

“I am honored to have received this award,” said Lin. “Selenium is an essential nutrient element for humans and animals, but in excess, it can become an environmental toxicant. It is best known as an anti-oxidant and shows anti-carcinogenic properties. Selenium intake deficiency might have affected up to one billion people worldwide. My research lab at SIUE has made efforts to explore selenium biological transformation processes in the environment, and has integrated selenium phytoremediation with the development of selenium-enriched food products for people in selenium-deficient areas.”

Since joining the SIUE faculty in 2002, Lin has received a total of $293,912 in external research grant funding for work as a principal investigator (PI), and a total of $682,284 for projects on which he has served as a co-PI or participant. His research activities at the University have been supported by major federal funding agencies including the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency.

“Dr. Lin’s research on how species of plants and mushrooms can be used as a means of cleaning contaminated soil has an immensely significant worldwide impact,” said Jerry Weinberg, PhD, associate provost for research and dean of the SIUE Graduate School. “Natural approaches like this will save billions of dollars in pollution clean-up, and importantly, give countries that do not have the funds for pollution clean-up a practical means for making their environments safe to live in. Dr. Lin is certainly a deserving SIUE Distinguished Research Professor.”

Since his arrival at SIUE, Lin has co-edited seven books, published 30 peer-reviewed book chapters and contributed to 44 research articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals, 30 of which were co-authored by his students. Additionally, he recently co-edited “Development and Uses of Biofortified Agricultural Products,” the first book published on the subject of biofortification in the world.

“In addition to benefitting SIUE and its students, Dr. Lin’s work offers broad societal benefits,” said Elizabeth Pilon-Smits, PhD, professor of plant physiology at Colorado State University, in her recommendation letter. “Elucidating the mechanisms by which plants or fungi metabolize and accumulate or volatilize selenium and other trace elements, along with the development and optimization of remediation and biofortification technologies, is of great importance for the health of humans, livestock, wildlife and the overall environment.”

In addition to his research achievements, Lin has held numerous leadership roles at SIUE, including acting as his department’s program director and chair. He has also held several elected positions in international societies, including serving as the vice president of the International Society of Environmental Indicators and the secretary of the International Society for Selenium Research.

“Dr. Lin is one of this institution’s most prolific scholars,” agreed Vance McCraken, PhD, chair of the Department of Biological Sciences, and Nicholas Guehlstorf, PhD, chair of the Department of Environmental Sciences, in a joint letter of support. “He has developed an exceptional international reputation and has connected his work at SIUE with collaborators around the world. Since his promotion to professor, Dr. Lin has maintained the almost aggressive pace of research that he brought to SIUE as an assistant and associate professor, while also succeeding in his roles of teacher, mentor, colleague and administrator.”

Lin earned a bachelor’s in environmental biology at Liaoning University in China and a master’s in ecology at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. He went on to earn his doctorate at McGill University in Canada in 1996, and later was a postdoctoral research fellow at the University of California at Berkeley.

Photo: SIUE’s Zhi-Qing (Z.Q.) Lin, PhD, distinguished research professor in the Departments of Biological Sciences and Environmental Sciences.

Kevin Leonard, PhD, has been selected as the new dean of the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville College of Arts and Sciences (CAS). Leonard will assume the role effective July 1, 2020 contingent upon SIU Board of Trustees approval.

Leonard brings nearly a decade’s worth of administrative experience in strategic planning, the recruitment, hiring, mentoring and evaluation of faculty, program assessment and budget management. He most recently served as professor and chairperson in the Department of History at Middle Tennessee State University since 2017. Prior to that, he served as chair of the Department of History at Western Washington University from 2011-17.

“I want to thank the search committee chairs, Drs. Gillian Acheson and Jessica DeSpain, and the members of the committee who worked to build a strong and diverse pool for this important leadership position,” said Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs Denise Cobb, PhD. “I am excited that Dr. Leonard will be joining the SIUE campus community. His commitment to a teacher-scholar model is apparent in his work as a faculty member and his efforts as a chair.

“I am enthusiastic about the careful and collaborative leadership style that he will bring in service of the College and the University. I look forward to working with Dr. Leonard in supporting the work of students, faculty and staff.”

“The College of Arts and Sciences is critical to SIUE's success not only because of the excellent courses offered to students in all majors as part of a general education, but also because of the outstanding teaching and research occurring in specific CAS disciplines,” added Chancellor Randy Pembrook. “We enthusiastically welcome Dr. Leonard to SIUE and know he will provide outstanding leadership to our community, building on the record and accomplishments of our retiring CAS Dean Greg Budzban.”

 “I look forward to continuing my career at a doctoral university where I can support an institutional commitment to academic excellence,” Leonard said. “I am particularly impressed by SIUE’s outstanding record of community service. Throughout my career, I have been a strong advocate for equity, inclusion and diversity, and I want to continue my work at a university that is committed to affordability and diversity.

“CAS has the potential to exert significant influence on the region, nation and world as we emerge from the COVID-19 pandemic. Students, alumni, and faculty have the potential to work cooperatively with elected and appointed officials, public health experts, and private employers to shape the economic recovery, to prepare for future crises, and to prevent the spread of contagious disease.

“For many years, CAS graduates have gone on to change Southern Illinois, the United States and the world. I expect CAS to continue to graduate highly-prepared students whose knowledge, skills and creativity will serve them and their employers well.” 

Leonard’s scholarly expertise focuses on twentieth-century U.S. history, history of the U.S. West, African American history and LGBTQ history. His current research involves race and the policing of gender identity and expression in the 1940s, and religious freedom in the Pacific Northwest in the 1920s. He authored the book The Battle for Los Angeles: Racial Ideology and World War II, and has an extensive publishing record including peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters and more.

Leonard’s academic journey in higher education began as a lecturer in the California State University Hayward Department of History in 1993, before he served as a visiting assistant professor of history at the University of New Mexico later that year. Before joining the Western Washington faculty in 1997, he was an assistant professor in the Antioch College Department of History from 1994-97.

Leonard earned both a master’s and doctorate in history from the University of California, Davis. He received a bachelor’s in history from Pomona College in Claremont, Calif.

Leonard succeeds Greg Budzban, PhD, who will step down from the Dean role on June 30. Budzban will remain at SIUE as a professor in the CAS Department of Mathematics and Statistics and will work to support SIUE’s contributions in data analytics.

Photo: SIUE College of Arts and Sciences Dean Kevin Leonard, PhD.

Onlineu.org has ranked the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing’s (SON) Master of Science in Nursing - Healthcare and Nursing Administration program 11^th among its 2020 Most Affordable Colleges. See the entire list at onlineu.org/most-affordable-colleges/nursing.

Optimal published its 2020 Best Value Colleges rankings on Guide to Online Schools for 121 programs. The rankings are based on degree-level and program-specific tuition rates, and PayScale salary data.

“I can’t think of a better place than SIUE for a graduate nursing student!” said SON Assistant Dean for Graduate Programs Andrew Griffin, PhD, CRNA, APRN. “Student satisfaction is high, students are meeting their outcomes, and they are getting quality jobs. And as OnlineU has indicted, we are among the most affordable options in the nation. I couldn’t be more excited regarding what we are achieving at SIUE.” 

The methodology for the rankings incorporates a return on investment formula to show accredited programs with the best value. Since the cost and return of a college can significantly vary by the degree, tuition rates and salary numbers are specific to degree-level and major. All tuition rates were manually researched on official school websites in order to ensure accuracy. Salary figures were reported by PayScale and reflect earnings of students 10 or more years after graduation. In order to select the best options for value in each major, Optimal researched more than 78,000 online programs.

“Our goal is to show data that is difficult to find elsewhere,” said Optimal Chief Executive Officer Sung Rhee. “Guide to Online Schools shows students what they can reasonably expect to make in salary 10 years after graduating from a particular program. We want people to know how their education choices can measurably impact their financial futures.”

About Optimal™
Optimal helps prospective students make informed, data-driven decisions to improve their collegiate experience and their post-college careers. The company provides over 85,000 in-depth student reviews and college rankings for every major based on alumni salaries and manually researched tuitions. Optimal’s tools and services provide accessible and transparent financial data regarding cost and earning potential that give students educational paths that lead them to success, without burdening them with insurmountable debt.

Photo: Andrew Griffin, SIUE SON assistant dean for graduate programs.

In 1970, the first Earth Day was organized by a college student. Fifty years later, in recognition of Earth Day on Wednesday, April 22, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Successful Communities Collaborative (SSCC) is highlighting its Earth Edwardsville research project. 

“The project is a collaborative effort with the City of Edwardsville to measure attitudes toward, perceptions of, and motivations for pro-environmental behaviors and policies among Edwardsville residents,” said Connie Frey Spurlock, PhD, SSCC faculty director and associate professor in the Department of Sociology. 

Earth Edwardsville is one of three projects that SIUE students are addressing as part of the City of Edwardsville and SSCC’s partnership year. Students in School of Business instructor Joel Petry’s Marketing 475 Consumer Behavior class helped construct the survey, along with support from Frey Spurlock’s Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities (URCA) assistants. 

“The research is gaining momentum. We have classes working on identifying community assets and relevant stakeholders, as well as a class collecting data on community members’ attitudes,” said Frey Spurlock. “We have 100 responses so far and will be collecting data through the end of the semester.” 

Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, in-person forum meetings and focus group work were conducted. Now, surveys can be found online, via SSCC’s and SIUE Sustainability’s Facebook pages. 

A sample of survey questions include:

• How satisfied are you with the current state of the environment in Edwardsville?
• How likely are you to support efforts to protect Edwardsville’s environment?
• What challenges, if any, do you face when trying to adopt environmentally-friendly practices? 

Based on what is learned from community feedback, research teams will develop a plan and present findings to the city for future implementation.  

“The project will help the City better understand what residents want in terms of an earth-friendly community, and benefit SIUE students by providing them with real-world experience that will couple with what they’re learning in the classroom,” noted Petry. 

Edwardsville residents interested in participating can also find the survey at siue.co1.qualtrics.com. 

For more information on Earth Edwardsville, contact Frey Spurlock at siue_sscc@siue.edu. 

Photo:
Connie Frey Spurlock, PhD, SIUE Successful Communities Collaborative faculty director and associate professor in the Department of Sociology.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Susanne DiSalvo, PhD, has been honored with the Graduate School’s 2020-21 Vaughnie Lindsay New Investigator Award for her outstanding research contributions and exemplary dedication to educating student researchers.

DiSalvo is an assistant professor in the College of Arts and Sciences’ (CAS) Department of Biological Sciences. Her research focuses on the process of symbiosis, an interaction of two different organisms living together in which relationships can be neutral, positive or negative. By studying these relationships, she hopes to further the understanding of this symbiotic spectrum by studying the intimate interactions between amoeba hosts and their bacterial symbionts.

“I am thrilled to receive the Vaughnie Lindsay New Investigator Award,” said DiSalvo. “It will provide me with the resources to propel my research forward, generate preliminary data to apply for competitive grants, and help me train and fund phenomenal SIUE student researchers in the lab.”

The award supports DiSalvo’s research project, Connecting Unique Outcomes with Dynamic Infection Processes in an Emerging Microbial Symbiosis System, which studies an emerging Burkholderia bacteria-amoebae host system, to investigate the mechanisms and outcomes of bacterial colonization. She will receive a combined $12,500 from the SIUE Graduate School and the CAS to be used in a one-year period.

“Dr. DiSalvo’s fundamental research in microbial symbiotic relationship will lead to new knowledge and understanding of infection processes and, more importantly, new treatments for infections,” said Jerry Weinberg, PhD, associate provost for research and dean of the SIUE Graduate School, “Our current situation clearly shows how important her work is to our future.”

“My lab works to highlight the diverse consequences that bacterial symbionts impart to their hosts and how environmental context modifies these consequences,” said DiSalvo. “Currently, we have made good headway on describing these interactions. The work enabled by receiving this award will begin us on our trajectory of dissecting the molecular mechanisms that mediate the infection process.”

After joining the SIUE faculty in 2016, DiSalvo set up her lab in record speed, and three of her students had presented results of their work at a statewide meeting within her first year. Since then, she has submitted three proposals to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), given numerous oral presentations at regional and national meetings, and co-authored several presentations with her students.

“This is an impressive amount of productivity for a new faculty member, especially for one who is also a star in the classroom and dedicates much time to innovative teaching,” said Vance McCraken, PhD, chair of the Department of Biological Sciences. “As demonstrated by her preliminary data, which was generated at SIUE, and her publication record, she has years of expertise with the techniques to be used in this study.”

DiSalvo’s lab studies natural bacterial symbionts that infect and live inside Dictyostelium discoideum, a model soil amoeba that has a unique life cycle as it transitions from single cellular to multicellular life stages. As the amoeba engulfs and digests bacteria as a food source, the bacteria often evolve, surviving within the amoeba and causing long-term infections. DiSalvo and her students characterize these bacterial infections and analyze them to better understand the mechanistic underpinnings within these interactions.

Award funding will allow DiSalvo to work closely with hired lab students, providing them with proper training and support to independently assist with essential project components while confidently serving as student mentors within the lab.

“Being able to do hands-on inquiry research with talented and hard-working students is a delight,” said DiSalvo. “It has been particularly exciting to see students go on to succeed in new career or educational opportunities after graduating.

“SIUE has been a wonderful place to teach and conduct research. My colleagues are supportive and enthusiastic, and the students continually impress me with their dedication and positivity.”

Stephen Hansen, PhD, faculty emeritus, established the Lindsay Research Professorship Endowment that funds the award in honor of Lindsay, who served as graduate dean from 1973-1986. Lindsay was responsible for creating much of the infrastructure that supports faculty research and scholarly activity at SIUE. Faculty and emeriti faculty at the time of the award’s conception donated the funds to endow the award.

Those wishing to help support new investigators through the award may donate to the Graduate School section of the endowment at siue.edu/give/.

Photo: SIUE Vaughnie Lindsay New Investigator Award winner Susanne DiSalvo, PhD, assistant professor in the College of Arts and Sciences’ (CAS) Department of Biological Sciences.