A Message from the Dean
Welcome to the October 2018 issue of This Month in CAS!
September was a month with some great events for CAS, including the rededication and ribbon-cutting of Science East. You can read all about “Science Showcase”, the event celebrating that $32-million renovation of Science East. Now, as we enter into the heart of the fall semester, we focus on some outstanding projects from our always-innovative faculty.
With the recent release of the new UN climate change report, the issue of sustainability has never been more relevant. You can read about SIUE’s efforts in this area spearheaded by Dr. Connie Frey Spurlock in the Department of Sociology.
Technology continues to affect us in important ways, fundamentally changing even basic human emotions. Dr. Jocelyn DeGroot, in the Department of Applied Communication Studies, studies how modern technology has transformed our grieving process, and that work is highlighted this month. The Humanities, as well, are being transformed through digital technology. Madison Historical, an online encyclopedia and digital archive, is capturing and preserving Madison County’s history. Edited by Drs. Jason Stacy, Jeffrey Manuel, and Steve Hansen in Historical Studies, Madison Historical is collaborating in important ways with Madison County schools to incorporate teachers and their students in the archival process.
Of course, technology’s impact on learning has been profound and Dr. David Jennings, from the Department of Biological Sciences is contributing to that impact on our campus with the launch of the Active Integrative Synergistic Learning Environments (AISLE) project, funded through a TFI grant. Incorporating Bluetooth technology, it made its successful debut on campus during “Science Showcase” in collaboration with the University Museum.
Our students are always in the TMiC spotlight, and this month is no exception. The student-led Lyceum Club in the Department of Philosophy will be hosting the 13th Annual Undergraduate Philosophy Conference October 12-13. Nine schools from across the country will participate in the conference this year, sending their undergraduates to give presentations. Distinguished scholar Dr. Lisa Downing of Ohio State University will give the keynote address this Friday at 4:00 PM. The spotlight also falls on SIUE Senior & Art Major Allena Brazier, the fall 2018 Katherine Dunham Fellow. Named after the legendary dancer and social activist, Katherine Dunham, the fellowship promotes diversity in the Arts by having African American students working with mentors in leadership roles.
Here is October’s This Month in CAS!
Filed Under: Uncategorized