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SIU Today - December 14, 2023

Bringing the eclipse to schools outside the moon’s shadow

Cori Brevik, assistant professor of practice in the School of Physics and Applied Physics, is leading a team of researchers from SIU and Adler Planetarium in Chicago on a project to bring the 2024 total solar eclipse to young students who do not live near the eclipse path, thanks to a two-year, $465,000 grant from the National Science Foundation.

SIU prof named fellow of National Academy of Inventors

Ken Anderson, professor of geology and director of the Advanced Energy Institute, has been named a fellow by the National Academy of Inventors for its 2023 class. He is just one of 162 academic inventors receiving the honor this year.

University inks Saluki Step Ahead pact with Kentucky community college system

SIU Carbondale strengthened its commitment to students in Kentucky with the recent signing of a Saluki Step Ahead program agreement with Kentucky Community and Technical College System.

Hascup Lab, SIU Carbondale collaborate to explore new path for Alzheimer’s therapy  

A collaboration between neuroscience and engineering will explore a novel approach in reducing the formation of plaques commonly found in those with Alzheimer’s. Chilman Bae, assistant professor, electrical, computer, and biomedical engineering, and Kevin Hascup, assistant professor, Center for Alzheimer’s Research and Treatment with the SIU School of Medicine, recently were awarded an SIU System Collaborative Grant.

Fall 2023 commencement is Saturday  

Faculty and staff are reminded that the academic achievements of more than 1,300 SIU Carbondale students will be celebrated at commencement exercises starting at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 16, at the Banterra Center.

Help SIU save energy, improve sustainability 

As students, faculty and staff prepare to leave campus for the holiday break, now is a good time to take simple steps to save energy, which will help the university improve sustainability, one of the five pillars of the Imagine 2030 strategic plan.

Reminders on payroll, W-2 forms 

Human Resources-Payroll wants to remind employees who are responsible for entering or reporting time or sending paperwork, that December is a short month for running all of the necessary payrolls. Please pay attention to run dates on the December calendar so that everyone is paid correctly on their designated pay date. Please note that all payrolls will be run in advance of the university’s holiday closure, which begins on Dec. 23.

Reach new heights in maroon

The need to climb the walls from going stir crazy might not hit yet, but a good escape could be visiting the Student Recreation Center’s indoor climbing wall as Jakob Pasdertz, a program assistant with Touch of Nature Outdoor Recreation Center, shows. There is plenty of action indoors the next several weeks: the men’s basketball Salukis host four games at Banterra Center over the next three weeks — 7 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 19, against North Dakota State; 6 p.m. Dec. 22 against Southern Indiana; 6 p.m. Dec. 30 against University of Illinois Chicago, and 7 p.m. Jan. 2 against Belmont. The Dec. 22 game is “Blizzard of Egypt” with a special halftime performance, and the second “Saluki Bash” on Dec. 30 will feature a record balloon drop; learn more about these promotions. The women’s basketball team hosts Drake at 1 p.m. Dec. 30, UIC at 6 p.m. Jan. 4 and Valparaiso at 4 p.m. Jan. 6. Be sure to check team schedules at siusalukis.com and tag your favorite photo in Saluki best with #SpiritFriday. 

Reminder: Faculty and Staff Excellence

If you know someone who inspires you with their incredible talent, passion and commitment, nominate them for a Faculty and Staff Excellence Award. The nomination deadline is 4:30 p.m. Jan. 26.

Reminder: Supplemental retirement, deferred compensation plans updated 

The Internal Revenue Service has increased the amounts individuals can contribute to their 403(b) and 457(b) accounts for 2024. The basic limit increased from $22,500 to $23,000. Employees age 50 and older can elect to defer an additional $7,500 for the year, for a total maximum deferral of $30,500. The limits apply to both the 403(b) and 457(b) plans. More detailed information can be found in the updated universal availability notice, or you can contact the Human Resource Employee Benefits office at 618-453-6668 or hrbeneifts@siu.edu if you have any questions.

SIU Today holiday schedule

This is the last SIU Today issue before winter break. SIU Today will resume in January.