News from October 2024
Crime expert joins Chicago-Kent faculty after tenure at Kirkland & Ellis
By Southland Marquee | Oct 14, 2024
Zach Sommers has joined Chicago-Kent College of Law as an assistant professor in fall 2024, fulfilling a long-held aspiration to work in academia. "It's not an exaggeration to say this is my dream job," he stated. His journey into academia comes after four years with the white-collar-crime group at Kirkland & Ellis, where he gained extensive experience conducting investigations and defending against them.
OPINION: Obama's Audacity
By LeAlan Jones | Oct 14, 2024
The year 1985 isn't just the year the Chicago Bears had the most dominant team in the NFL. It was the year a messianic figure descended into Chicago. Barack Obama arrived in the city as Harold Washington became the first Black Mayor of ascended to power against the Democratic institutions owned by the Daley family. In Hyde Park, the epicenter of Independent Voter of Illinois politics. The man with dark skin and a white mother found fertile ground to lay the foundation to him becoming a historical figure.
Amazon hiring 8,000 in Illinois for Prime Big Deal Days, holidays
By A. D. Nghiem | Oct 14, 2024
Amazon has announced Prime Big Deal Days, a two-day event offering exclusive deals for its Prime members. The company is actively hiring to support events like these and the upcoming holiday season.
Rogers: 'I am a candidate for President for the Village of Hazel Crest to make an effective change '
By Southland Marquee | Oct 15, 2024
Java Rogers, currently serving as a trustee for the Village of Hazel Crest, announced her candidacy for Mayor on October 14. She said, "I am committed to building an economic engine that will sustainably support our village and lead to an overall improvement in our community."
MobilePoser app offers real-time motion capture using mobile devices
By A. D. Bamburg | Oct 15, 2024
Northwestern University engineers have introduced a new system for full-body motion capture that operates without the need for specialized rooms or expensive equipment. Named MobilePoser, this innovative technology utilizes sensors already present in consumer mobile devices such as smartphones, smartwatches, and wireless earbuds.
Illinois Tech launches $2M initiative for skills training in Bronzeville
By Southland Marquee | Oct 15, 2024
Illinois Tech, located in Chicago's Bronzeville neighborhood, is set to strengthen its ties with the community through a new initiative supported by a $2 million federal grant. The project, named the Bronzeville Opportunity Engine, aims to provide skills training for thousands of local residents.
UChicago accelerator building makes way for new engineering innovation center
By A. D. Nghiem | Oct 15, 2024
The University of Chicago's Accelerator Building, constructed in 1949, is set to be demolished in 2024. This facility was initially home to a particle accelerator requested by Enrico Fermi after his work on the Manhattan Project. It operated for ten years and contributed significantly to particle physics before being decommissioned.
Northwestern hosts panel on U.S. politics amid tumultuous election season
By A. D. Nghiem | Oct 15, 2024
From the first presidential debate issues to the late entry of a major party candidate and the reality of political violence, the 2024 presidential election season has been significant. To explore these developments, Northwestern Pritzker School of Law is hosting its annual panel titled "The Knox Conversations: America, 2024, and a Political Reckoning?" on Thursday, Oct. 17 at Thorne Auditorium in Chicago.
UChicago students engage in diverse global projects during summer break
By A. D. Nghiem | Oct 15, 2024
As the academic year begins, members of the University of Chicago community return from a summer spent in diverse global locations. Their experiences ranged from scientific research to cultural immersion and professional development.
Chicago strengthens ties with London through successful economic mission
By A. D. Bamburg | Oct 15, 2024
Mayor Brandon Johnson recently led a business and tourism mission to London, aiming to strengthen Chicago's global partnerships. The trip focused on attracting international investment and fostering collaborations in areas such as food innovation, clean energy, and quantum computing.
Mathematicians aim for sustainable solutions amid California's groundwater challenges
By Southland Marquee | Oct 15, 2024
Severe drought and climate change have impacted groundwater aquifers worldwide. In response, an Illinois Institute of Technology researcher is collaborating to aid California's agriculture industry in redistributing this dwindling resource. Igor Cialenco, a professor of applied mathematics, has secured a National Science Foundation grant alongside Mike Ludkovski, a professor at the University of California, Santa Barbara. Their goal is to create a mathematical solution for groundwater distribution.
Discovery Partners Institute and Amazon partner to advance STEM education in Chicago Public Schools
By A. D. Bamburg | Oct 15, 2024
Discovery Partners Institute (DPI) has partnered with Amazon at SIL4 in West Humboldt Park, Chicago, for an event aimed at advancing STEM education in the city’s public schools. The gathering welcomed over 50 Chicago Public Schools principals, administrators, and educators. DPI's representatives, affiliated with the Chicago STEM Ecosystem, spearheaded the initiative alongside Amazon.
Campus buildings transition to winter heating mode next week
By A. D. Bamburg | Oct 16, 2024
With the arrival of cooler temperatures, Utilities and Energy Services is set to begin transitioning campus buildings and plants into winter heating mode next week. This process will take several days to complete. If outdoor temperatures exceed 55 degrees after the transition, some buildings may experience discomfort.
AI-based system forecasts terror threats; new reports released
By A. D. Nghiem | Oct 16, 2024
Northwestern University is set to unveil new reports from the Northwestern Terror Early Warning System (NTEWS), a machine-learning platform designed to forecast potential terrorist activities. The release is scheduled for Thursday, October 17, at the Conference on AI & National Security in Evanston, Illinois.
Northwestern awards $133M in minority contracts for Ryan Field redevelopment
By A. D. Nghiem | Oct 16, 2024
Northwestern University has announced that it has awarded $133 million in contracts to minority- and women-owned businesses as part of the Ryan Field redevelopment project. This was disclosed during a meeting with the Evanston M/W/D/EBE Development Committee, chaired by Alderman Bobby Burns.
UIC renews commitment to diversity and inclusion on campus
By A. D. Bamburg | Oct 16, 2024
With the academic year in progress, UIC reaffirms its dedication to fostering a campus environment that respects and promotes tolerance, inclusion, and diversity. The university emphasizes its collective responsibility to embody values of inclusivity, dignity, and respect.
Northwestern launches partnership for improved access to speech-language services
By A. D. Bamburg | Oct 16, 2024
Northwestern University has initiated a community-based partnership aimed at addressing systemic barriers to speech and language services for preschool-aged children. This initiative, known as the Communication Justice Project, seeks to screen hundreds of children, particularly those from historically underrepresented groups in scientific research.
Blackhawks announce details for red carpet event before home opener
By A. D. Bamburg | Oct 16, 2024
The Chicago Blackhawks are set to host their annual red carpet event for the 2024-25 home opener against the San Jose Sharks. The event will take place on Thursday, October 17, at the United Center. Presented by Circa Sports, the red carpet arrivals will occur along Madison Street, which will be closed to traffic for this occasion.
UIC announces fall commencement dates and welcomes Class of 1974 graduates
By A. D. Nghiem | Oct 16, 2024
This December, the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) will hold its annual fall commencement ceremonies. Scheduled for December 13 and 14, the events will take place at the Credit Union 1 Arena. The university will also welcome back Golden Graduates from the Class of 1974.
Chicago hosts seventh annual summit on advancements in quantum technology
By A. D. Bamburg | Oct 16, 2024
Experts in quantum science and technology will convene in Chicago from October 21-22 for the seventh annual Chicago Quantum Summit. The event gathers leaders from government, industry, and academia to discuss recent developments and future directions in quantum science. David Awschalom, a key figure at the University of Chicago and director of Q-NEXT, highlighted the significance of this year’s advances in research and commercial endeavors.