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SIU Today - October 05, 2023

Celebrate a ‘Salukis in Paradise’ Homecoming Oct. 16-21

“Salukis in Paradise: A celebration of Southern Illinois as our home away from home!” is the theme of the 2023 Homecoming celebration, set for Oct. 16-21.

SIU prof receives $200K to study mechanisms of inflammation

Chilman Bae, assistant professor in the School of Electrical, Computer, and Biomedical Engineering, recently received a $200,000 Engineering Research Initiative grant from the National Science Foundation to look into mechanobiological ion channels, a subset of proteins that translate mechanical signals into biochemical responses in the body. The project’s findings could offer potential therapeutic approaches to inflammation.

‘Journey to the Eclipse’ talk on Friday features national citizen science project  

A series of public talks about the upcoming total solar eclipse continues Friday, Oct. 6, featuring Matt Penn, an adjunct assistant professor of practice in the School of Physics and Applied Physics. Penn has decades of solar research and will discuss a nationwide observation project and the university’s leadership role in it.

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month 

October is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, which serves to remind everyone that knowledge of cyber threats, awareness of risks and caution around connectivity is everyone’s responsibility. The biggest and easiest threat to cybersecurity is the human component.

300+ students expected at SIU’s 2023 FFA Career Day

More than 300 students from 22 school districts in the region are exploring diverse agriculture career fields today (Oct. 5) as SIU hosts the annual FFA Career Day.

Always feel warm with Saluki spirit

Whether you are outside in cooler temperatures or inside a building, like John Wade, a retail associate in the Student Center, showing Saluki spirit is always in style. There’s a variety of athletic events available for Saluki fans, both indoors and outdoors. Men’s and women’s swimming and diving open their seasons by hosting McKendree at 2 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, in the Student Recreation Center’s Shea Natatorium. The women’s volleyball team hosts Murray State at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 6, and Belmont at 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7, at Davies Gym, while women’s soccer hosts Belmont at 6 p.m. today (Oct. 5) and Indiana State at 1 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8, on Senior Day, both at Lew Hartzog Track and Field Complex. The women’s softball team hosts Olney Central College in a doubleheader beginning at noon Saturday, Oct. 7, at Charlotte West Stadium. Be sure to check team schedules at siusalukis.com and tag your favorite photo in Saluki best with #SpiritFriday.

SIU political experts: House is in ‘chaos’ 

The unprecedented ouster of U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy — forced by a small contingent of Republican lawmakers in his own party — raises questions about the short-term effectiveness in governing and signals a political development found in other countries, according to political experts at SIU Carbondale.

Eduardo Chavez presents his ‘Hailing César’ documentary on Oct. 11 

Eduardo Chavez, the grandson of two legendary civil rights activists, César Chávez and Cuban revolutionary Max Lesnik, will be speaking and presenting his “Hailing César” documentary showcase on Oct. 11 on campus. The free presentation begins at 5 p.m. in Morris Library’s John C. Guyon Auditorium.

‘Ride the Cyclone’ starts SIU’s School of Theater and Dance stage season

The carnival deaths of six teenagers — and their subsequent efforts to be the one chosen to come back to life — will hit the McLeod Theater stage Oct. 12-15 as the School of Theater and Dance opens its 2023-2024 season with the dark comic musical “Ride the Cyclone.”

Leadership training workshops for staff set for November

Seats are available for free leadership training workshops for non-faculty employees in November by the Staff Advisory Committee for the SIU System.

Saluki pop-up yard signs available 

The Civil Service Council Education Assistance Program is presenting an opportunity for Salukis to show their spirit. A variety of Saluki pop-up yard signs can be purchased through Silkworm through Oct. 15. A portion of all sales will go to the council’s education assistance program, which provides scholarships for dependents of SIU civil service employees. Additional information and purchasing options are at shopsilkworm.com/siucivilsigns.

Reminder: SIU Carbondale accepting honorary degree/service award nominations

The university is now accepting nominations for honorary degrees and distinguished service awards that will be presented at May 2024 commencement ceremonies. The nomination deadline is Oct 18.

New Arts Jazztet will perform Sunday 

Members of the New Arts Jazztet, a Southern Illinois jazz group comprising SIU faculty, along with guests will perform at Jazz Vespers, an evening prayer service at Epiphany Lutheran Church, 1501 W. Chautauqua St., Carbondale, at 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 8. NAJ was formed in 1984 among several School of Music faculty and has been in residence from that time. The performance will celebrate the music of American jazz pianist and composer McCoy Tyner.