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SIU Today - May 16, 2024

SIU researchers mitigate two problems by transforming waste plastic into food 

Lahiru Jayakody, assistant professor in the School of Biological Sciences and the Fermentation Science Institute, is leading the team of SIU researchers using a $25,000 grant from NASA’s Deep Space Food Challenge. The grant challenged teams around the nation to conceive novel food technologies to solve the problems of feeding astronauts on long voyages – and it has implications here on Earth.

Decals-By-Mail program available through June 7  

The Department of Public Safety Parking Division’s Decals-By-Mail program for eligible faculty and staff for the fiscal year 2025 is available through June 7. This is for those choosing payroll deduction. The salary ranges for decal categories have not been increased. 

Flexible schedule summer program starts May 26 

The university is offering an employee flexible schedule program again this summer. The program will begin May 26 and will continue through July 27, 2024.

2 SIU seniors win NSF Graduate Research Fellowships

Seniors Elijah “Eli” Jones and Aleida Iriarte have won prestigious fellowships from the National Science Foundation, which they will use to pursue their passions in chemistry and biodiversity.

SIU wins national recognition in Campus Race to Zero Waste competition

The university is once again recognized for its commitment to going green, this time claiming a victory in the Campus Race to Zero Waste 2024 competition for its operation of a zero-waste station at the International Food Festival.

Saluki Pride: Valerie Boyer receives SIU’s Women of Distinction Award

Valerie Boyer, associate professor and communication disorders and sciences program director in the School of Health Sciences, has a strong and longstanding connection to SIU. A triple alumna, she’s been a faculty member since 2009. Boyer was recently presented with the university's Women of Distinction Award.

Saluki softball team opens NCAA play Friday 

A sea of maroon is expected in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, this week as the Missouri Valley Conference champion Saluki softball team opens play in the NCAA tournament at 12:30 p.m. Friday, May 17, against California. The SIU baseball team closes out the regular season today (May 16) through Saturday, May 18, at Missouri State before opening Missouri Valley Conference Tournament play Tuesday, May 21, in Evansville, Indiana. Be sure to check team schedules at siusalukis.com.

Three join SIU Alumni Association board of directors 

The SIU Alumni Association has selected three Salukis to join the organization’s board of directors and serve two-year terms, beginning July 1.

SIU ag student reflects on serving as a national FFA officer

Spending a year as a national FFA officer taught sophomore Gracie Murphy a lot about herself, as well as lessons she can carry throughout her life.

View this month’s ‘Saluki Watch Dawg’ 

The Department of Public Safety’s May 2024 issue of the “Saluki Watch Dawg” is available. This month’s edition showcases Saluki Patrol Sgt. Kendell Adermann, who received the 2024 Student Employee Community Service Award, and “Pops with Cops” during the April 12 Salukis Care Day event.