Accomplishments - June, 2025
“Exploring Mental Health Disorders Among Air Traffic Controllers,” a paper by Amy Rutledge, assistant professor, Matthew Romero, associate professor, and Elliott Benton, assistant instructor, all of the School of Aviation, was cited during the June 1 episode of “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” during a segment about the shortage of air traffic controllers and their working conditions. The paper was published in the proceedings section of Collegiate Aviation Review International.
Jeb Asirvatham, associate professor, agribusiness economics, recently published an article titled “Do Tablet Devices Improve Academic Performance? A Causal Approach” in the Journal of Education and Learning. The research study revealed a marginal increase in GPA (0.15) among students provided with a Dell tablet as part of SIU Carbondale’s Mobile Dawg program piloted in 2013. This GPA increase helps students who narrowly miss the next letter grade and are on the verge of losing scholarships or fellowships.
Tony Williams, professor, English, recently wrote “What makes K cry out? Welles and Camus,” an analytic and critical article on a neglected aspect of director and actor Orson Welles’ 1962 film, “The Trial,” for Wellesnet.com, an international resource for Welles scholars.
Photos and video by Julia Rendleman, assistant professor, School of Journalism and Advertising, appeared on the front page of The New York Times’ National section for “A Peach and Apple Farmer’s Uphill Quest to Feed Poor Families, and His Own” on June 2 that highlighted Flamm Orchards of Cobden and the impact of the loss of IL-EATS program funds.
Bridget Lescelius, associate lecturer, and Amy Dion, business manager, Daily Egyptian, both in the School of Journalism and Advertising, have been elected to roles for the American Advertising Federation (AAF) District 6 Board. Lescelius is the organization’s governor-elect, where she will help lead strategic initiatives across a district that includes Illinois, Indiana and Michigan. Dion will oversee the 2026 National Student Advertising Competition.
Jan Thompson, director, School of Journalism and Advertising, directed the May 25 livestream of the 2025 Bahá’í Choral Devotional Festival at the Bahá’í House of Worship in Wilmette, Illinois. The livestream program was seen in 10 countries.
