SIU News

Cristina La is in a lab. She is holding a sample in a small silver container. There are more silver containers in front of her and a colleague is seen in the background.

(Above) Cristina La, who recently earned her master’s degree from SIU Carbondale, shows off samples in the lab. (Photo by Russell Bailey). (Middle) La and her teammates collect samples. (Photo courtesy of Robert Miller from ICF International). (Below) A smelt is smaller than a human’s palm. (Photo courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service)

SIU grad’s research illuminates pollution threats to endangered Calif. fish

The Sacramento Deep Water Ship Channel was still and quiet as the boat cut through the morning fog. For Cristina La, then a graduate student at Southern Illinois University Carbondale, this was the moment she had been preparing for over months of planning and lab work. Somewhere below the boat swam the last remaining stronghold of California’s delta smelt — a tiny, silvery fish whose decline has become a warning signal for the entire Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta ecosystem.

More Releases

Two men play guitars at an outdoor concert. Another musician is visible in the background. They are surrounded by green foliage.

Save the dates for this fall’s coming attractions at SIU’s Touch of Nature

Four exciting events are coming to Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Touch of Nature Outdoor Education Center this fall, so save the dates and make plans now.

Support SIU students affected by breast cancer by buying Saluki Strength apparel

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is continuing its campaign to raise awareness and fight breast cancer while providing valuable support to students impacted by the disease.

A woman works on making her own loteria (bingo) card for Hispanic Heritage Month.

SIU celebrates 2025 Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month, beginning Sept. 15

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is recognizing Hispanic/Latinx Heritage Month with a variety of special events, including guest speakers, a scavenger hunt, workshops, interactive activities, dancing and more.

SIU’s Simon Institute announces 2025 student scholarship recipients

Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Paul Simon Public Policy Institute is providing scholarships to SIU students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and a commitment to public service.

A woman cries while standing in a burned out room.

SIU’s Sharp Museum exhibition, Sept. 12 lecture highlights women photojournalists

Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Evelyn Hockstein will be the guest speaker as the notable work of women photojournalists is highlighted in Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s Sharp Museum this fall.

SIU receives grant to boost support for first-generation students

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is one of just 26 universities across the country to receive a First-Generation College Celebration initiative grant.

A woman stands next to a statue of Abraham Lincoln.

SIU’s Constitution Day includes panel discussion on federal vs. state education issues

A discussion on the effect that recent federal mandates involving education and diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives have on state-level efforts highlight Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s observation of Constitution Day on Wednesday, Sept. 17.

Discover how you can study abroad affordably

Here’s your chance to discover how affordable, accessible and wonderful a study abroad experience can be. Southern Illinois University Carbondale is sponsoring a Study Abroad Fair on Wednesday, Sept. 10, from 10 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. in the first-floor art gallery at the Student Center, and faculty, staff, students and community members are welcome.

SIU Alumni Association to honor 2025 distinguished alumni Oct. 3

The SIU Alumni Association will honor Col. Niki J. Lindhorst, a 1995 Southern Illinois University Carbondale graduate and decorated officer with the U.S. Air Force and Space Force, along with 11 other distinguished alumni — including members of the Little Rock Nine — at ceremonies next month.

Bob Odenkirk’s return visit to Southern Illinois includes public event at The Varsity

Southern Illinois University Carbondale alumnus Bob Odenkirk will return to the region in September. He and his brother Bill Odenkirk will meet with SIU students and others, and their visit includes a public event at The Varsity Center from 3-5 p.m. Sept. 12.

SIU honors 2025 “Women of Action”

Southern Illinois University Carbondale recently honored noteworthy women as the winners of the fourth annual Women of Action Awards.

SIU Carbondale enrollment up in Southern Illinois region, overall enrollment remains steady

Southern Illinois University Carbondale is pleased to report that the overall enrollment on the 10th day of class for fall 2025 remains steady (flat) at 11,785 – only five fewer students than last year – which saw a record percentage enrollment growth. This figure reflects increases among several demographics, including new students from the Southern Illinois region (6%), new students from states bordering Illinois (16%) and online students (23% growth overall, 161% in graduate programs). The success of the university’s enrollment stability was also greatly enhanced by the strategic efforts of Academic Affairs, yielding a 5% growth in retaining continuing students – from 7,532 to 7,898. Despite these increases, an area of concern was the overall reduction of international students, which accounted for the largest decrease among various groups.