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SIU Today - August 26, 2021

SIU engineering professor uses NIH grant to probe how stem cells become specific tissue 

Farhan Chowdhury, associate professor of mechanical engineering and energy processes, recently received a National Institutes of Health grant to study ways to create and direct massive numbers of stem cells to help speed healing, even when the injury is beyond the body’s typical ability to heal itself naturally.

SIU’s Diversity Week events look toward a more inclusive future

The university will celebrate its rich history of diversity and inclusion while also looking toward a more diverse, equitable and inclusive future during Diversity Week 2021. The activities start Monday, Aug. 30, and run through Sept. 3.

Saluki Pride: Aaron Lisec helps researchers gain historical insight

Aaron Lisec of Morris Library’s Special Collections Research Center helps researchers from throughout the world with their projects. He also uses the library’s Facebook page to connect the community and Saluki alumni with frequent posts featuring historic photos from the center. Lisec is featured this week in Saluki Pride, which profiles faculty and staff whose work is integral to the university’s success. Nominating a colleague is easy; simply fill out this form.

SIU Day at the Du Quoin State Fair is Sept. 6

Salukis will be highly visible during the 2021 Du Quoin State Fair as SIU Carbondale has several activities set, starting with the Twilight Parade on Friday, Aug. 27, and culminating with SIU/College Day on Labor Day, Sept. 6.

Retired fighter pilot, former U.S. Senate candidate to discuss lessons from Afghanistan and Iraq

Amy McGrath, a retired fighter pilot who served in Afghanistan and Iraq, will share her thoughts next week on lessons the United States should learn from the nation’s withdrawal from Afghanistan. The Paul Simon Public Policy Institute is hosting the virtual discussion on Tuesday, Aug. 31.

SIU Aviation-Delta Air Lines pact to offer accelerated pilot career path 

An agreement between Southern Illinois University Carbondale and Delta Air Lines is providing an accelerated career path for aviation students interested in becoming professional pilots. Chancellor Austin Lane and Delta representatives signed a memorandum of understanding between the university’s School of Aviation and Delta’s Propel Collegiate Pilot Career Path Program in the Transportation Education Center’s multipurpose room on Aug. 24.

SIU Credit Union donates $500K to Touch of Nature

A $500,000 donation Aug. 19 from the SIU Credit Union will go toward building an event center at the Touch of Nature Environmental Center. The SIU Credit Union Event Center at Touch of Nature will be at the trailhead of the facility’s new mountain biking trails.

Carbondale is finalist for grant to improve Eurma C. Hayes Center

The campus community can help in the city of Carbondale’s efforts to receive a $25,000 grant to make improvements to the Eurma C. Hayes Center. The top 40 projects in State Farm’s Neighborhood Assist program will each receive a grant. Voting is through Friday, Aug. 27. More information on the project is available on Carbondale’s website and voting is here. Each person gets 10 votes a day.