Political Science Major Naomi Barbour is leading a campaign to increase college students' participation in Michigan's voting process.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer recently approved a bill to change the date of the primary election calendar for the 2024 election. Barbour, who is majoring in Political Science with a concentration in Public Law and Judicial Politics and a minor in Public and Non-Profit Administration, worked on a task force to present election dates for the Michigan legislation to consider. Currently, she's focused on implementing on-campus early voting, voter registration at community early voting sites, and creating an opportunity for out-of-state students to register online.

"Michigan had the highest increase in young voters ages 18-24 registering to vote in 2022 when compared to 2018," said Barbour. "Student participation in Michigan’s elections continues to increase, and it is critical the needs of this significant block of voters are considered as additional reforms related to voting and elections are advanced. Youth voter participation is crucial to the future of our democracy."

Hannah Popofski, a Physics major, participated in the University of Toledo's Physics and Astronomy Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) Program during the summer of 2022. During the REU, she worked on an image resolution enhancement project with her advisor, Dr. Aniruddha Ray, and graduate student Somaiyeh Khoubafarin. The project involved the use of 150–180-micron spherical lenses ("microlenses") that were layered under a microscopic sample. These microlenses collected scattered light from the sample to form a virtual image of higher resolution and magnification than what could be obtained without the mircolenses.  Hannah imaged many different samples using this method of resolution enhancement, including gold nanoparticles, sickle cells, and fluorescent polystyrene spheres. Her best results yielded an image of fluorescent spheres that had 8.3 times the magnification than that obtained without the microlenses. 

Hannah is currently conducting research at EMU with Professor Marshall Thomsen on how scientific societies in the U.S. screen nominees for awards to deal with allegations of research misconduct and sexual harassment. Her report will be delivered to the Working Group on Ethics formed by the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics, providing essential background information for their deliberations.

Political Science and Economics Double Major Cedrick Charles initially decided to come to Eastern after being recruited by EMU forensics team's coaches and team members at one of his speech and debate tournaments during high school. "I attribute a lot of everything I have to the forensics team. I think that coming here, I could find a group of people I could connect with and lean on almost immediately when I came to Michigan."  

In addition to being a forensics team member, Charles is the student government vice president, news editor for the Eastern Echo, Swoops Food Pantry volunteer, and vice president of the newly re-established pre-law chapter of the national black student law association at EMU. 

"I want to make an impact by the time I leave Eastern. The motivation to make an impact and see a difference keeps me going."

Charles' parents immigrated to the United States from Haiti, and he intends to become an immigration lawyer and help other families with the immigration process.

The EMU Choir returned from its tour of Italy and provided a concert at Pease Auditorium on Friday, March 10.  Over winter break, the choir traveled to Assisi, Arezzo, Bologna, Brisighella, Perugia, Florence, Rome, and Venice. The tour highlighted the lives and music of many of western music’s pivotal composers, including Guido of Arezzo, Carlo Gesualdo, Andrea Gabrieli Gioachino Rossini, Claudio Monteverdi, Giovanni Palestrina, Giacomo Puccini, Giuseppe Verdi, and Antonio Vivaldi.

It is a primary mission of the EMU Choirs, under the direction of Dr. Brandon Johnson, to share beauty, artistry, and music with as many people as possible. While sharing music, students are transformed, and their perspectives are broadened by meeting musicians from around the world. The world feels less scary and less distant. Traveling and connecting with musicians and audiences at home and abroad changes how students approach their music-making in tangible ways. It makes the experience real for young performers and provides a personal connection for music education students. 

Steven Backues, Associate Professor of Chemistry, is the principal investigator on a $414,390 grant from the National Science Foundation entitled "RUI: Tools and Approaches for Investigating the Basic Mechanisms of Autophagy." This grant has the dual purpose of enhancing undergraduate education in the department and advancing humanity’s fundamental understanding of the medically relevant process of autophagy. 

This grant will enhance undergraduate education in the department by helping support mentored undergraduate and master's level research as well as continuing to bring this research into the undergraduate biochemistry lab in the form of a "Course Associated Undergraduate Research Experience (CURE)." Studies have shown that the most effective way for students to learn science is by participating in authentic scientific research, and these efforts are in line with innovations undertaken by other professors in the department.

The specific subject of the research that this grant will support is autophagy – a process of cellular "self-eating" that helps cells survive starvation as well as getting rid of damaged or malfunctioning subcellular components that would otherwise be toxic to the cell. In humans, autophagy is part of our defense against infectious pathogens and cancer, and also helps to prevent neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. Autophagy is carried out by a suite of 30+ "Atg" proteins that create the autophagosome: a double-membrane vesicle that surrounds cargo in the cytoplasm (the body of the cell) and then delivers it to the vacuole/lysosome (the stomach of the cell) where it is broken down and the nutrients are recycled. The Backues lab seeks to understand how this process works by studying the functions of key Atg proteins in baker’s yeast, an easy-to-work with model system that has most of the same autophagy proteins as humans. This NSF grant funds three related projects: 1) Identifying how Atg11 interacts with Atg9 to start the process of autophagosome formation, 2) Determining whether the enzymes Atg10 and Atg3 control autophagosome size or autophagosome number, and 3) Developing a more realistic computer simulation of autophagic bodies in the vacuole to allow improved measurements of autophagosome size and number from electron microscopy images.

Dr. Rita Shah, Associate Professor of Criminology, is a Fulbright Scholar and a Visiting Fellow at the School of Regulation and Global Governance (RegNet) of the Australian National University.  

Shah's project looks at Australian attempts to incorporate the framework of human rights within prisons, with a focus on the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) in Canberra, which claims to be a human rights-based prison. "In studying the design and operation of the prison and the legislation the AMC is based on, this study will discern whether the implementation of human rights principles can lead to change or if the ideals legitimize existing practices," Shah said.

Dr. Solange Simões, Professor of Sociology and Women's & Gender Studies, attended the sixty-seventh session of the United Nations' Commission on the Status of Women as the Lead Delegate for Sociologists for Women in Society (SWS). Two current Women's and Gender Studies MA students, Katie Kiacz and Monioluwa Ogunleye, and one former Women's and Gender Studies MA student, Zhanar Tuleutayeva, joined Dr. Simões as official delegates of SWS.

Professor Victor Oguejiofor Okafor, Department Head of Africology and African-American Studies, recently presented a three-part lecture on "The Civil Rights Movement in the United States from the 1950s to the 1960s" to the Michigan Department of Education’s Teaching Comprehensive History Webinar Series. Each of Dr. Okafor’s lectures attracted more than 300 Michigan educators. Part I on February 8 was based on the theme of "The Civil Rights Movement (1950s to 1960s): The Catalysts," part II on February 15 discussed "The Social–Psychological Consequences of Jim Crow and a Highlight of Some of the Key Leaders of the Civil Rights Movement," and part III on February 22 featured "The Civil Rights Movement (1950s to 1960s): Its Evolution into a Black Power (Empowerment) Movement."

Dr. Brad Romans (BS, English Language and Literature, 2008; MA, English Language and Literature, 2010) has been appointed Dean of the School of Liberal Arts at Henry Ford College.

"The student population here at HFC is very diverse, which resonated with me," said Romans. "The faculty are impressive and accomplished. Our common goal is reaching our students and helping them achieve the next step in their lives. Many students who attend the College are first-generation college students. I can relate to that, being a first-generation college student myself."

A two-time alumnus of Eastern Michigan University, Romans earned both his bachelor's and master's degrees in English Literature. He subsequently earned his PhD in English from the University of Buffalo in Buffalo, NY. Additionally, Romans completed training as a New Leadership Academy Fellow through the University of Michigan National Forum for Public Good in Ann Arbor. He lives in Dexter with his family.

Romans spoke about what inspired him to pursue a career in higher education. "As a student, I loved watching professors at the front of the classroom pouring out knowledge, wisdom, and information to me and other students. I found it incredibly intoxicating," he said.

Alumna La'Leatha Spillers (Graduate Certificate, Nonprofit Management, 2010) has been appointed Vice President of Marketing and Communications for Calvin University. 

Spillers has 20 years of experience in public relations, marketing, communications and fundraising. She graduated from Wilberforce University with a Bachelor of Arts in mass media/communications. She also earned a certificate in nonprofit management from Eastern Michigan University. She currently serves as chief advancement officer for the YWCA West Central Michigan.

"The depth and breadth of experience that La'Leatha brings to Calvin will elevate the great work happening here," said Wiebe Boer, president of Calvin University. "What she has shown in her previous experience is the ability to help organizations, both global and local nonprofits, advance their reputation and tell their story better. I have no doubt she will help us do the same here."

Matthew Stuard (BA, English and American Literature and Language Teaching, 2002; MA, K12 Administration, 2013) has been selected to be the next Superintendent of Fowlerville Community Schools. 

"As an experienced educator and leader, I am committed to ensuring that every student has access to a high-quality educational experience," Stuard stated. "I look forward to collaborating with the talented and dedicated staff and community members of Fowlerville to build upon the district's successes and ensure that all students have the tools they need to succeed."

Stuard served in the U.S. Army from 1991-93 and the National Guard from 1993 to 2003. He also completed a preparation program for new and aspiring superintendents that provides embedded opportunities to learn the skills and proficiencies for district leadership.

Valerie Marvin (MA, Historic Preservation, 2009) has served as the Michigan State Capitol Historian and Curator since 2015. Previous to that, she worked at the Capitol since 2005, when she hired on as part of the Capitol Tour, Education, and Information staff, interpreting the building to visitors for over 10 years. 

As Capitol historian, Ms. Marvin is the keeper of the Capitol's historical record, which is added to every day. Along with valued colleagues, she collects and archives news stories, photographs, videos, objects, and images that document the use and evolution of our Capitol building.

Ms. Marvin is constantly doing research on the Capitol, sharing this information with the education team who utilizes it in public programming, special tours, social media content, Capitol publications. She has published articles for state-wide publications like Michigan History magazine, and she gives between two and three dozen talks and special programs around the state each year. 

Valerie is also a curator and is part of a team that oversees the care, preservation, interpretation, and use of a small but growing collection that ranges from antique portraiture and architectural salvage to political buttons, 200-year-old state documents, and protest signs gathered after a rally held last month. One of Valerie’s  proudest accomplishments thus far was working with colleagues to create exhibits in Heritage Hall, the new underground education and event center adjoining the Capitol. Together, they selected every photograph and object, writing, editing, and rewriting exhibit labels.

The latest episode of EMU Today TV features CAS alums who are making a difference in their businesses and communities.

Segment one of the new episode features Morgan Iverson, a 2022 graduate in Computer Science. Iverson is a Software Engineer at VMWare in Palo Alto, California. Iverson shares her story about being recruited to Eastern to compete in women’s track and field and working as a tutor in the Computer Science Department, before graduating and starting her career. She discusses the importance of internships, mentorships and networking as she works to excel in her career.

Segment two features Courtney Smith, a 2014 graduate in Sociology. Smith is President and CEO of the Detroit Phoenix Center, a nonprofit organization that responds to the needs of underserved and street-connected youth in Detroit. Smith discusses her academic journey at Eastern Michigan and her founding of the Phoenix Center, which supports young people, ages 13-24, through services including a daily drop-in center for young adults, afterschool enrichment programs for teens, youth action board, emergency crisis housing, and a scholarship fund. She serves on the EMU Alumni Association Board of Directors and was recently selected as one of nine metro non-profit leaders for a sabbatical fellowship sponsored by the McGregor Fund.

Hosted by the College of Arts & Sciences, the 43rd Undergraduate Symposium will welcome students, staff and the public from 9 a.m. until 4:15 p.m. on Friday, March 31. This annual event's mission is to celebrate and display undergraduate research and creative projects at the EMU Student Center.

Ypsilanti Mayor Nicole Brown, a three-time Symposium presenter and Symposium Undergraduate Research Fellow (SURF) will serve as the Dennis M. Beagen Keynote Speaker at this year's celebratory luncheon, which will be open to students, faculty mentors, and guests. 

The research and creative projects will encompass topics from various schools, disciplines, and colleges, which will be presented by undergraduate students nominated by a faculty mentor and recommended by the respective school or department. 

Dr. Jenny Quinn will speak about "Solving Mathematical Mysteries," at 5:00 pm, Thursday, March 30, 2023, in Pray-Harrold 204. This talk will be the Donald Buckeye Lecture for Winter 2023, and is approved for LBC credit.

Dr. Quinn is Professor of Mathematics at the University of Washington Tacoma. She has held many positions of national leadership in mathematics, including Executive Director of the Association for Women in Mathematics, co-editor of the Mathematical Association of America (MAA)’s Math Horizons, and Director of Publications at the MAA. She received an MAA Haimo Award for Distinguished College or University Teaching and a Beckenbach Book award for Proofs That Really Count: The Art of Combinatorial Proof, co-authored with Arthur Benjamin. As a combinatorial scholar, Jennifer thinks that beautiful proofs are as much art as science. Simplicity, elegance, transparency, and fun should be the driving principles. As President of MAA 2021-2022, Jenny worked to do what was needed when it was needed to keep MAA strong and build community during pandemic isolation. She chronicled everything in her blog Math in the Time of Corona.

Much as mysteries in fiction consider evidence, find common patterns, and draw logical conclusions to solve crimes, mathematical mysteries are unlocked using the same tools. This talk exposes secrets behind a numerical magic trick, a geometric puzzle, and an unknown quantity to find a fascinating pattern with connections to art, architecture, and nature.

This Friday, March 17, EMU Bands is hosting the Great Lakes Concert Band Festival. Bands from 12 invited high schools will present 20 minute performances in Pease Auditorium. Guest clinicians will then present 30 minute clinics in the Sill building.  This year’s guest clinicians include Albert Nguyen (University of Memphis), Elizabeth Peterson (University of Illinois), Stephen Peterson (University of Illinois), and Shanti Simon (University of Oklahoma).

The EMU Wind Symphony will perform a short program from 1:45-2:15pm, which is free and open to all. This Music for All Affiliate Festival is sponsored by Yamaha.

The annual Women of Color Feminisms and Leadership Symposium will be held on Tuesday, March 21 from 11:00 to 3:00 in 310A-B in the Student Center. This year’s theme is Resistance, Accountability, and Action and will feature keynote speaker Julisa Abad and keynote poet e nina jay. There will also be a community panel feature leaders and activists including Ypsilanti mayor Nicole Brown, EMU student activist Melissa Urieta, and local chiropractor Dr. Christina Violante.

Prior to the symposium, there will be a writing workshop by e nina jay on March 20 at 7:00 pm in room 300 of the Student Center: ARE WE LIVING LIVES OF RESISTANCE OR SURVIVAL? (can we do both?). This workshop uses poetry as instrument to inspire an intimate exploration of our diverse ways of resistance to oppressive culture and how we hold ourselves accountable, as individuals and as community. The workshop will explore accountability and silence through the filters of the stories we learn from culture. How much of us has been survival? Are we being/living the liberated versions of ourselves that we imagine? We will play in the vast language of poetry as we question just how much of ourselves we actually author and how much we unconsciously adopt.

How does one honor the legacy of parents who survived the Holocaust while at the same time recognizing the ripples of the inherited trauma they experienced? From their recently published book, The Ones Who Remember: Second-Generation Voices of the Holocaust, authors Rita Benn, PhD, Fran Lewy Berg, PhD, and Avishay Hayut will read excerpts highlighting the gifts of healing and forgiveness and familial challenges growing up in the shadow of this history. Authors will encourage Q and A and discussion about their lived experience, and intergenerational transmission of  trauma, healing and resilience.

Presented by the Center for Jewish Studies, this panel will take place 7:00-9:00 pm, Monday, March 27, 2023,  in the Student Center Auditorium. The book The Ones Who Remember: Second Generation Voices of the Holocaust,will be available for purchase and signing at the event.

The Clinical Behavioral Master's Program in Clinical Psychology has been chosen to be a part of the inaugural round of accreditation for Masters programs via the American Psychological Association (APA). Prior to this, only psychology doctoral programs were accredited by the APA. This year, however, programs across the nation were invited to apply to be among the first to go through APA's Masters accreditation process. Dr. Thomas Waltz, head of the Clinical Behavioral program, submitted EMU's application, and he also was selected to serve as a consultant to the APA as this process unfolds. Being among the first in the United States to have an accredited Masters program in Clinical Psychology keeps EMU at the cutting edge of mental health services training.

Every March the College celebrates Women's History Month with special pride because of the contributions of Michigan State Normal College (now EMU) professors to the fight for women's legal and economic equality.

Normal College faculty including English Professor Estelle Downing and Physiology Professor Jessie Phelps formed the Michigan State Normal College Equal Suffrage Association, which later merged into the county-wide Washtenaw Equal Suffrage Association. Their efforts bore fruit in November 1918 when Michigan's (male) voters approved a referendum extending the vote to women. Soon thereafter, in 1919, Mary B. Putnam, Bertha G. Buell, and Bessie Leach Priddy--all professors in the Department of History and Social Sciences--published a Handbook for Women Voters of Michigan: A Practical Guide in Citizenship. In 1920, Buell, Downing, and Phelps helped to organize the Ypsilanti League of Women Voters. Buell served on the board and chaired several important committees of the Michigan League of Women Voters, and at the Normal College she organized one of the League's first campus chapters.

Professor Putnam also collaborated with English Professor Alma Blount on two articles in The American Schoolmaster arguing for equal pay for women teachers: "The Laborer and His Hire"(1917) and "Wages and Service" (1920). Grounding their appeal on economic and ethical bases, Putnam and Blount concluded, "The above examination of arguments leads us to the conclusion that there is no valid reason why the character of the position and the efficiency with which it is filled should not determine the salaries of teachers, without consideration of sex. The present inequality has apparently only one excuse for being--the old excuse that it has always been. ... In the righting of this wrong, women will be satisfied with no make-shifts and no evasions."

EMU today commemorates this generation of leaders in the names of the Downing, Buell, and Phelps dormitories.