Eye on Education

This week, a look at the history of the Saluki mascot at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. We'll also hear about the digital humanities lab at SIU-C: Find out how students are producing podcasts, learning about artificial intelligence, and much more.

The Center for English as a Second Language at Southern Illinois University Carbondale has resumed in-person learning. In this episode, host Fred Martino interviews two students of the immersive English language program: Siti Hajaroh from Indonesia and Destin Deoudum from Chad.

Fred Martino speaks with Susannah Munson, curator of collections at the University Museum at SIU Carbondale. They'll talk about the interesting history and legend of the cannon, a campus artifact from the Old Main Quad that now resides at the museum. We'll also explore more highlights from the museum and talk about its important role in providing student internships.

The Center for English as a Second Language at Southern Illinois University Carbondale has resumed in-person learning.  In this episode, host Fred Martino interviews two students of the immersive English language program: Linda Montilla from Venezuela and Benit Mutombo from Republic of Congo.

Fred Martino speaks with Christie McIntyre, Director of the Office of Teacher Education at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. SIU’s Teacher Education Program is adapting to address the needs of students and to fill workforce gaps across the region, such as forming the Southern Illinois Future Teachers Coalition, working with the Illinois Tutoring Initiative, and developing partnerships.

Fred Martino talks with Maria Farris, Williamson County Classroom Coordinator for Illinois Agriculture in the Classroom. On "Saluki Sleuths," the story behind the Paul and Virginia fountain. SIU Carbondale is home to not one, but two statues of Paul and Virginia, two characters from a French novella. We uncover the story behind these statues and how they found homes at SIU.

Fred Martino talks with Anya Kamenetz, author of “The Stolen Year – How COVID Changed Children’s Lives, and Where We Go Now”.

Fred Martino talks with artist Aldon Addington. The retired Southern Illinois University Carbondale professor is still creating sculptures, some of which were recently installed at John A. Logan College in Carterville, Illinois. A video provided by the college precedes the interview.

A look at the fascinating history of Faner Hall, an iconic building on the Southern Illinois University campus. Fred Martino talks with Brent Pease, Assistant Professor of Forestry at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale to hear about efforts to study biodiversity in the region and threats to plant and animal habitats.

A rare journey inside the clocktower at Pulliam Hall on the Southern Illinois University campus, one of the best-known places in Carbondale. Fred Martino talks with Leah Wilson, Executive Director – Kidzeum of Health and Science in Springfield, Illinois.

Fred Martino talks with Hillary Esser, Executive Director – Cedarhurst Center for the Arts in Mount Vernon, Illinois.

A look at the history and diverse contributions of the Varsity Theater in Carbondale. Fred Martino talks with Dr. Marilyn Toliver, professor and advisor for the early childhood education program at John A. Logan College in Carterville.

A fascinating look at the steam tunnels that heat and cool campus buildings at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Fred Martino talks with Mont Allen, Ancient Practices Program Director at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. Allen is author of the book “The Death of Myth on Roman Sarcophagi,” published by Cambridge University Press.

Every spring, educators and students prepare for regional and state competitions for Illinois History Day. Some even advance to a National History Day competition. Fred Martino talks about the events with longtime educator Betsy Brown, a former Carbondale teacher who continues to be involved in the program.

Fred Martino interviews Jorge del Carpio, owner of www.farout.store. The website focuses on products and information for those 55 and older. del Carpio received assistance from The Incubator at Southern Illinois University Carbondale to start the business.

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale celebrated the 75th anniversary of the School of Journalism and Advertising in 2022. Fred Martino speaks with SIUC alumnus and WSIL anchor/reporter Danny Valle.

An interesting look at the rich history of homecoming at SIU Carbondale, including the story of an alumnus who brought back a homecoming tradition. Fred Martino interviews Cade Bursell of the All Species Puppet Parade, a Carbondale Earth Day event that raises awareness about the need to care for all species amidst various threats, including climate change.

Fred Martino interviews Craig Anz, Director of Graduate Studies in Architecture at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale. They discuss the undergraduate and graduate programs in architecture at SIU Carbondale, how environmental design is affecting the field, and many other issues related to form and function.

From time to time on the program, we cover issues that don't get a lot of attention in most classrooms...but affect our daily lives, sometimes in profound ways. Economic development is one of those issues. While many places in Illinois have been struggling, Marion is thriving. Fred Martino interviews Marion Mayor Mike Absher.

Fred Martino speaks with Dr. Tony Sanders, Illinois Superintendent of Education. They discuss a wide range of issues, including: efforts to improve equity in the state education system, an initiative to address behavioral health issues, the “culture wars,” and dual credit opportunities that allow students to earn a college degree while finishing requirements for a high school diploma.

Fred Martino interviews Brandy Nance, Executive Director of the Shawnee Hills Wine Trail. They discuss a wide variety of issues, including opportunities for students and graduates interested in working at area vineyards and wineries.

WSIU participates in a German-American journalism exchange program. Each year, German journalists travel to the United States and American journalists visit Germany. The program is offered through the RIAS Berlin Commission. Fred Martino talks with RIAS fellow Wiebke Bolle, a journalist who works for WELT in Berlin.

Fred Martino interviews Breanna Churchill, founder of the Brown Bear Book Club. They discuss the club and Churchill’s new book, "The Little Bird Who Wanted to Fly," a story about the importance of patience and perseverance.

June, 2023 marks the planned start of a fascinating NASA mission at the Johnson Space Center in Houston. Four people will be isolated for a year to simulate a mission to Mars. And one of those people is Dr. Nathan Jones, who works in emergency medicine at Springfield Memorial Hospital. Fred Martino talks with Dr. Jones.

Fred Martino speaks with Jenna Jamieson, author of “Giving Back…lessons from an adopted immigrant on why a happy life is about helping others.”  Jamieson is also the Director of the Public Health undergraduate program at Southern Illinois University Carbondale.

The Center for English as a Second Language at Southern Illinois University Carbondale has an active immersive learning program that welcomes scholars from across the globe. In this episode, anchor Fred Martino interviews Samuel Bello and Francisco Moreno, both from Colombia.

The Center for English as a Second Language at Southern Illinois University Carbondale has an active immersive learning program that welcomes scholars from across the globe. In this episode, anchor Fred Martino interviews Ludmille Lyvert from Haiti and Marial Deng from South Sudan.

Fred Martino speaks with Dr. Tim Daugherty, an Assistant Professor and Attending Physician within the Institute for Plastic Surgery at Southern Illinois University. This episode also includes video of a life-changing surgery performed by Dr. Daugherty. The procedure helped a farmer partially restore the use of his hand after a devastating accident.

Do you know someone with hearing loss? It’s one of the most common ailments in the U.S. population; even more so within the military and agricultural sectors. All of us lose some of our range of hearing as we age. Some also experience tinnitus, a persistent ringing in the ear that the brain creates. Hearing loss has always been thought to be irreversible. But is it -- really?