Professors invent testing device
A prototype developed by two Southern Illinois University Edwardsville faculty members will allow clinical samples to be tested for toxic heavy metals, such as mercury and lead.
The portable electrothermal analyzer was showcased recently at the Southern Illinois University Carbondale Technology and Innovation Expo. SIUE associate professor Brad Noble from the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and SIUE assistant professor Edward Navarre from the Department of Chemistry collaborated to produce the inexpensive, portable device, which will be used for clinical applications such as blood and urine testing. The device will allow more people to be tested and will reduce the cost of testing.
Career speakers to visit high school
Students will have the opportunity to meet with local business people to learn more about their career aspirations at the first Career Speaker Week at Collinsville High School, 2201 S. Morrison Ave.
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The event is scheduled Monday-Friday, Nov. 29-Dec. 3, from 8 a.m.-3 p.m. Organizers have recruited about 30 speakers to meet with students and share their knowledge and experience.
Organizers are working to match students with volunteers from a specific career and plan to have small groups of 10 to 15 students meet with volunteers for an hour-long interactive question-and-answer session.
For more information, call 618-346-6320, ext. 1121.
SWIC student wins tech award
Southwestern Illinois College technical education student Erich Schaefer has used his education to create his own success for the second year in a row.
Schaefer, of Caseyville, won second place in the CNC Software Inc., 2009-2010 Wildest Parts Competition. To win the award, Schaefer had to create something by using a computerized numerical control machine entirely on his own. This year he made a custom coil cover, a car component worth hundreds of dollars at retail.
Unlike last year, when Schaefer also took second place for a custom-made chess set, the coil cover required him to machine something based on specific measurements for an existing auto part. With the chess set, he could create whatever he wanted at his own specifications.
Schaefer won $250 for his project. He is studying for an associate's degree in applied science in precision-machining technology.
Band places third in metropolitan contest
At the "Greater St. Louis Marching Band Festival" on Saturday, Oct. 23, the Collinsville High School marching band placed third in the "Red" class. The O'Fallon Township High School band took first place, and the Belleville East High School band took fifth place in the "Gold" (large band) class. The competition was on Oct. 23.
Nursing professor wins grant
Pam Newland, assistant professor of primary care and health systems nursing at the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing, has been awarded a $167,000 National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Nursing Research post-doctorate grant.
The grant is for her proposal, "Characterization of Symptom Occurrence in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis."
Newland said the importance of understanding how symptoms may occur together can assist nursing and other health-care providers to manage and improve care in the lives of those with multiple sclerosis.