A Message from the Dean
Welcome to the September 2018 issue of This Month in CAS! I hope the new academic year has started well for everyone. The energy on campus at the beginning of a new year is always joyful for me.
Let me begin by introducing Emily Dustman as our new lead writer and publisher of TMiC. Emily graduated from SIUE with a degree in Biological Sciences, earned an MS degree from Murray State, and then spent time at the Rhode Island School of Design. To view some of her work, you can go to E-Squared Magazine, an international Art and Science print magazine which she founded and publishes, and can be found here: www.esquaredmagazine.com. In addition to producing TMiC, she is also a lecturer in Biological Sciences. We’re pleased to welcome her to CAS!
Our September issue describes some new initiatives and some connections with history.
In our faculty spotlight, read about Dr. Faith Liebl’s new research grant with the National Institute of Health investigating how gene expressions can affect the brain and certain neurological disorders. This new grant will provide our students with great opportunities to work on questions at the boundaries of cognitive science.
New initiatives in mindfulness and meditation are the focus of articles as well. Read about the new IS class, “Mindfulness as the Center of Human Experience” in which Dr. Linda Markowitz in Sociology is collaborating with colleagues in Lovejoy Library and Special Education. Additionally, CAS faculty, staff, and students will be able to take advantage of the new meditation room in Lovejoy Library that is planned to open in January. We all have days when a few moments of quiet contemplation would be most helpful. Personally, I know I’ll be taking advantage of the room!
From a historical perspective, read all about Emeritus Professor Eugene B. Redmond and the East St. Louis Heritage Festival. This event was a part of the Illinois Bicentennial celebration, and helped to highlight the many contributions of East St. Louis to our state’s history. Speaking of history, it’s hard to believe that X-Fest is already in its 9th year. Each year, this celebration of alternative theater and dance provides our students access to some of the nation’s most creative artists. It all culminates in a great Arts and Issues event, Deeply Rooted Dance Theater, tonight, September 14, at 7:30 p.m. in Dunham Hall Theater. There may be a few tickets still available!
Until October, here’s This Month in CAS!
Best,
Greg
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