Ensconced in a laboratory packed with high-tech equipment, SIU Carbondale’s Arash Komaee is working on technology that might result in a new generation of surgical instruments. His efforts may someday lead, for example, to physicians using magnetize tools that can safely be operated inside a patient’s body using sufficiently strong magnets outside the body.

Whether in person, virtually, or behind-the-scenes, Richard Smith plays an important role in keeping the university community safe from cyber threats. Smith’s extensive knowledge and commitment to delivering outstanding service…

The SIU Board of Trustees recently honored Khalid Meksem with the inaugural SIU System Inventor of the Year award. Meksem, a professor of genomics and genetics at SIU Carbondale, is an internationally recognized expert in the field of seed traits and nematodes resistance.

Karen Baertsch came to SIU Carbondale nearly two decades ago after first attending a conference on campus. That Baertsch enjoys working with faculty and students is evident, according to Shannon McCrocklin, an assistant professor in the linguistics department. In Baertsch’s year as department chair, McCrocklin notes Baertsch’s supportive demeanor and a change in the environment with a goal of “working toward productive solutions to problems.”

Tarnisha Green directs the Success in Engineering through Excellence in Diversity Program (SEED), supporting students in SIU’s College of Engineering, Computing, Technology, and Mathematics, especially those from underrepresented populations. Holly Tugiyanto, an account technician at SIU Extended Campus, nominated Green for Saluki Pride, saying “Tarnisha goes above and beyond to encourage people from diverse backgrounds to study STEM, and she supports them along their journey to make sure that they are successful. It is quite evident in her work that she truly cares about our students and about sending them off into a bright future in STEM.”

After working in the restaurant business, Gail Odaniell, administrative assistant in the Office of Information Technology, was ready for a new challenge.

Susan Graham’s work on campus doesn’t just stop at the end of the work day. Graham’s commitment to students, faculty and numerous agriculture-related organizations recently earned her “Outstanding Cooperation” selection from the National Association of Agricultural Educators Region IV, representing a six-state region that includes Illinois.

A university runs on technology, and folks like Shannon Newman help keep it running smoothly.

For a moment, imagine the sheer amount of data an institution with thousands of students, staff and faculty must generate and deal with. Christina Rowell, a member of SIU’s Institutional Research and Studies team, helps make sense of it all.