A statue is shown on campus at sunset.

Friday, August 7, 2020

Four Northeastern Illinois University students, under the direction of three professors and in partnership with the EPA and the Student Center for Science Engagement, spent 10 weeks of the summer studying the impacts of air pollution. Read about their research and more in this week’s Noteworthy at Northeastern.

Around the Commons

Air pollution research

Under the direction of Physics Department Chair Greg Anderson, Earth Science Professor Elisabet Head and Chemistry Department Chair Ken Nicholson, and in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency Region 5, four students have begun the arduous task of examining air pollution data to study two separate issues: if areas with higher levels of particulate matter (or PM 2.5) correlate with higher cases or mortality rates of COVID-19 and the occurrence of ozone plumes. The research, which began this summer, is facilitated by the Student Center for Science Engagement, a Northeastern resource that offers students research opportunities to not only expand their resumes, but also examine various critical issues in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

New Multicultural Student Orientations

In partnership with Undocumented Student Resources, the Angelina Pedroso Center will host a New Multicultural Student Orientation from 1-3 p.m. Aug. 18, via Zoom. This free program is designed to support incoming students of color, first-generation, undocumented, and LGBTQ+ students during their transition to NEIU and is supplemental to the new student orientation. All registered participants will receive the link to the Zoom meeting one week before the program. For questions regarding the program, contact Dear Aunaetitrakul at v-aunaetitrakul@neiu.edu.

And there’s more!

Events at home

Though most buildings are locked, Northeastern has adapted by creating remote events and promoting the work of our students, alumni, faculty and staff. 

Next Steps for Admitted Transfer Students

Northeastern’s Transfer Center will host a virtual presentation on Next Steps for Admitted Transfer Students from 2-3 p.m. Monday, Aug. 10. Registration is required. Questions can be directed to Patricia Rodriguez at (773) 442-4139 or p-rodriguez@neiu.edu.

Financial Aid and Awards for NEIU Transfer Students

Northeastern’s Financial Aid Office will host Virtual Presentation: Financial Aid and Awards for NEIU Transfer Students to help students understand ways to eliminate cost as a barrier for earning a college education. The workshop will take place from 1-2 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12. Questions about the presentation can be directed to Patricia Rodriguez at (773) 442-4139 or p-rodriguez@neiu.edu.

TRIO Student Support Services

TRIO Student Support Services (TRIO SSS) will host virtual information sessions from noon-1 p.m. Aug. 14 and Aug. 28 via Google Meet. TRIO SSS programs are free academic and professional development programs for students who are income-eligible, first-generation, and/or who have disabilities. Members benefit from academic advising and support, TRIO scholarships, career planning, test preparation, and scholarship and financial aid guidance. Questions can be directed to triosss@neiu.edu. 

View all of Northeastern’s future events at neiu.edu/events. Please email public-relations@neiu.edu to submit events for consideration in future editions of Noteworthy at Northeastern. 

In the media

  • Northeastern was featured in La Raza newspaper as an institution that gives students the support and flexibility they need to continue their education in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Professor of Education and Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies Erica Meiners was quoted in an article by NBC News about what the “defund the police” movement could mean for survivors of sexual assault.
  • Meiners was also interviewed in Jacobin to address how investments in public services can reduce sexual violence. Meiners co-authored “The Feminist and The Sex Offender: Confronting Sexual Harm, Ending State Violence,” which was recently discussed in LARB.
  • Rodrigo Garcia (B.S. ’07 Finance), Deputy Treasurer of the State of Illinois, was featured as part of TEDx Wrigleyville’s “The People Within Economies.”   
  • Professor of Urban Community Studies Lance Williams was featured in a segment on Fox 32 regarding violence in Chicago. Williams was also featured in an article in the Wall Street Journal regarding federal agents in Chicago.   

Student Support Spotlight

Student Counseling Services

Students are welcome to contact NEIU’s Student Counseling Services to set up an appointment to talk either by phone or their online platform for teletherapy. To access NEIU’s Student Counseling Services, call (773) 442-4650 or send an email to counsect@neiu.edu. The hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Friday. After hours, students may also reach a counselor for more urgent consultation by calling the main number and pressing “2” during the outgoing message.

Food drive

Northeastern’s Alumni Association will host a drive-through food drop-off to support the University’s Student Pantry from noon-3 p.m. Aug. 10. The pantry has altered its delivery of services due to COVID-19. Students are now able to order food online. A food donation bin has also been placed at the University Police station to collect needed items throughout this time as other drop-off locations are now closed. Monetary contributions are being collected online to support the Student Pantry and the Student Emergency Fund. Student Pantry questions may be directed to Christopher Maxwell at c-maxwell2@neiu.edu.

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