today.uic.edu February 28 2018 Volume 37 / Number 23 today.uic.edu For the community of the University of Illinois at Chicago

#PackThePav Family, fun, free tuition at Flames game / pg. 5

Photo: UIC Creative and Digital Services

Ways to Students, East Meets 2 - student voice personalize alumni push West highlights 4 - campus news your personal for higher ed collaborations 8 - calendar statement funding 10 - deaths 3 12 - sports Facebook / uicnews 2 YouTube /6-7 uicmedia Instagram / thisisuic & uicamiridis Twitter / uicnews 2 UIC News | Wednesday, February 28, 2018 How to personalize your personal statement By Hoda Fakhari — [email protected]

What are some of your I gathered at the latest of such potential interview. So, if you’re strengths? What are you pas- workshops. considering describing a very sionate about and how have • Focus on describing how personal event, make sure it is you demonstrated commit- you have demonstrated the one that you would be willing ments to those causes? strengths you want the applica- to answer questions about. These are some of the tion committee to notice — • Recognize that the per- questions you are meant to don’t simply list those skills. sonal statement is one com- think about when developing a • Identify key experiences ponent of your application and personal statement for gradu- that serve as highlights for your it’s unlikely that it will be the ate and professional school college career. Then extract determining factor in your ac- applications. Some thoughts concrete examples from those ceptance. However, it is still may immediately come to experiences that add to the the only opportunity for you to mind, but when it comes to story-like quality of your state- introduce yourself on your translating those thoughts to ment. terms and likely the compo- the written word, it’s easy to • It’s OK to write about your nent over which you have the get stuck. background, but make sure you most control. So, instead of Personal statement work- use events that occurred prior viewing it as a burden, take shops, such as those hosted to college to paint a picture of advantage of it. by LAS Pre-Health Advising, who you are today and what The next LAS Pre-Health provide students with guid- you’re doing now. Advising personal statement ance as they struggle to find • You need to be comfort- workshop will be held March words to fill a blank Word doc- able speaking about every- 12 from 2 to 3 p.m. in 850 Struggling to find the words for your personal statement for graduate or professional school? Check out a campus workshop. ument. Here are some tips that thing in your essay at a University Hall.

Want to contribute a story? E-mail Christy Levy at [email protected] today.uic.edu UIC News | Wednesday, February 28, 2018 3 NIH awards $4.6 million for chronic pain research By Jackie Carey — [email protected]

UIC has been awarded a $4.6 million The new funding will provide an op- grant from the National Heart, Lung, and portunity for Wang to refine these tools Blood Institute to study the molecular and develop new therapeutic leads for neurobiology of chronic pain in patients treating chronic pain in sickle cell dis- with sickle cell disease and to develop ease. potential new drug treatments. One of the targets to be investigated Characterized by irregularly shaped is a class of protein kinases called PKCs. red blood cells, sickle cell disease is an “We have studied each member of the inherited condition that affects approxi- PKC family and have identified three dis- mately 100,000 Americans. The mis- tinct isoforms of PKC that are likely in- shapen blood cells are less flexible than volved in chronic pain,” Wang said. “We normal cells and do not pass through need to understand more about how blood vessels easily, sometimes causing these molecules work and what hap- a blockage that slows or stops blood pens when they are activated in chronic flow and prevents delivery of oxygen to pain, and we need to look for new thera- nearby tissues and organs. Patients ex- peutic drugs.” perience chronic pain, as well as epi- Wang says he hopes to be able to sodes of acute pain that can result in identify various molecular mechanisms hospitalization. and explore ways to target one or more While there have been many advanc- of these mechanisms for controlling es in managing the disease and acute pain in sickle cell disease. He says he is pain crises, researchers still do not know optimistic because the funding — a sev- much about how and why patients ex- en-year, R35 Outstanding Investigator perience chronic pain. Award — encourages “big ideas, not “Sickle cell patients are living longer small conclusions.” and treatment has improved, but pain is “This type of funding is unique be- still a major issue,” said principal investi- cause it allows for a broad range of re- Z. Jim Wang, professor of pharmacology and pharmaceutics, is the lead investigator on a grant to study chronic pain in sickle cell patients. ­(Photo: Jenny Fontaine) gator Z. Jim Wang, professor of pharma- search ideas to be pursued cology and pharmaceutics in the UIC simultaneously,” Wang said. “This will College of Pharmacy. help us incorporate newly developed courage long-term projects of unusual “Dr. Wang’s research on the basic sci- Wang and his colleagues have spent technologies into our study designs, for potential. ence principles behind pain in sickle cell years studying pain, how it develops and example, and expand in new directions.” Co-investigator on the grant Dr. Rob- disease and our ability to take those how it’s treated, including ways to fight According to the National Institutes of ert Molokie said he hopes the research findings to the clinic to improve our pa- the addictive nature of some pain killers, Health, R35 awards are meant to pro- will fill a void in doctors’ understanding tients’ lives is exciting,” said Molokie, clin- and have developed an array of cellular vide long-term support to an experi- of sickle cell disease and one day trans- ical associate professor of medicine in markers and tests that make it easier to enced investigator with an outstanding late into improved quality of life for his the UIC College of Medicine and the UI study pain in sickle cell disease. record of research productivity and en- patients. Health Sickle Cell Center.

Students, alumni push for higher ed funding By Christy Levy — [email protected]

About 250 University of Illinois stu- Illinois is making or has made a differ- nothing more important that having a perience more impactful for partici- dents, alumni, leaders and advocates ence in their life and how important personal story and being able to put a pants. will share their personal stories with higher education is,” said Marissa face to the actual story,” he said. “We “Students will have the opportunity state legislators Feb. 28 during the Brewer, assistant vice president of are the future of the state, of the coun- to meet some really engaged and annual University of Illinois Day at the alumni advocacy at the University of try. We can say, ‘I am your future. Please amazing alumni from each of our uni- Capitol, organized by Illinois Connec- Illinois Alumni Alliance. invest in me.’” versities, who have taken time out of tion, an advocacy network for the uni- UIC student Marvin Slaughter will Participants will ask members of their busy schedules to lobby for their versity. speak during the rally. the Illinois General Assembly to pro- alma mater, which is really cool to have They will talk about how higher ed- “Being able to go to the Capitol and vide a fiscal year 2019 state appropri- our students see that family that they ucation has impacted their lives and tell our state legislators that this is an ation for the university of $681 million are going to graduate into,” Brewer the importance of state support for the actual legitimate problem that needs a — a 5 percent increase from fiscal year said. university. legitimate solution, that is just essen- 2015. They will also request a stable “And it’s great for our alumni — they UIC participants will head to the tial,” said Slaughter, a junior in political funding system, more financial aid for love talking to current students and State Capitol in buses provided by UIC science and economics, and president students, and additional funding to learning about the university.” Undergraduate Student Government, of the UIC Student Advocacy Coalition. hire new faculty members and up- Students, alumni and other advo- then spend the afternoon speaking Slaughter is participating in his grade facilities. cates who want to get involved but directly to legislators before participat- third University of Illinois Day at the In recent years, students and alumni could not attend lobby day can visit ing in a higher education rally. Capitol this year. have participated in separate lobby the Illinois Connection website to “Alumni and students can share “Legislators hear a lot of informa- days in Springfield, Brewer said, but contact local legislators at illinois their story about how the University of tion from a lot of sources but there’s the combined event will make the ex- connection.org 4 UIC News | Wednesday, February 28, 2018 CAMPUS NEWS State funding proposed for new U of I-led research center By University Relations

A proposal by Gov. Bruce Rauner workforce development. would provide $500 million in state “Research discovery funding to match private donations for a is the springboard for new statewide research enterprise led by innovation that is now the University of Illinois System that is essential to create new being developed to accelerate innova- businesses, new jobs tion, job creation and economic growth. and economic growth,” Funding to support the Discovery Killeen said. “I am grate- Partners Institute (DPI) was included in a ful to Gov. Rauner for capital spending proposal for fiscal his support and hope 2019 that Rauner outlined during his the legislature will join annual budget address to the Illinois leg- him in helping build islature Feb. 14. He said the investment this new bridge to “could be the biggest spark ever to ignite progress.” our economic growth engine.” Plans were an- If approved, the state funding will go nounced in October for toward design and construction of the DPI, where world-class downtown Chicago innovation center, researchers will work which will be home to world-class re- side-by-side with stu- search and the hub of a new initiative dents and businesses known as the Illinois Innovation Network to foster next- (IIN) that would spread its impact across generation innovation the state. and workforce develop- State funding, through the Depart- ment. Work is currently ment of Commerce and Economic Op- underway on an imple- portunity, would match private donations mentation plan that will Artist’s rendering of the Discovery Partners Institute, which will house researchers, students and business partners to foster innovation and workforce development. that also are being sought to build and establish a timetable for operate the new innovation institute. opening and other de- U of I President Tim Killeen said fund- tails of the institute. and industry. When it was announced, top faculty in agriculture, healthcare, raising is underway, including discus- DPI will be developed on a donated officials said DPI also hopes to attract computing and other critical fields from sions with potential donors and with site along the Chicago River, and will government support, such as the capital the U of I System and partner universi- businesses that could partner with the operate principally through private dona- funding proposed by Rauner. ties that already include the University of innovation network on research and tions and partnerships with business The new institute will bring together Chicago and Northwestern University.

CAMPUS CONVERSATION Online voting for student leaders will for the 2018–2019 academic year. In- defer a portion of their vacation and/or The latest Campus Conversation, take place April 10–11. formation about each opportunity and compensable sick leave payouts to their sponsored by the Office of the Provost, For more information or to apply, visit applications are available through UIC University 403(b) and/or State 457 re- will focus on Chicago’s health dispari- dos.uic.edu/vote SnAP, the campus-wide scholarship tirement accounts when separating or ties. management system. Visit https://uic. retiring from the university. The event takes place from noon to STROLL THROUGH THE GARDEN academicworks.com and complete the To defer a payout, contact University 1:30 p.m. March 12 in the Cardinal Tour the city’s only medicinal plant general application before addressing Payroll and Benefits (UPB), at least 60 Room, Student Center East. garden Friday when the College of Phar- criteria specific to each scholarship. The days before the last day of employment. Amanda Lewis, professor of African macy hosts the 2014 Garden Walk and application deadline is April 2. Contact UPB at [email protected] or American studies and director of the In- Lesniewicz Memorial Lecture. 312-996-7200, or visit the office at 809 stitute for Research on Race and Public The event will feature tours of the RETIRING OR SEPARATING FROM S. Marshfield Ave. 1st floor. Policy, will chair a discussion with Wayne Dorothy Bradley Atkins Medicinal Plant THE UNIVERSITY? For more information, visit Giles, dean of the School of Public Garden from 10 a.m. to noon and 1:30 UIC employees may be eligible to bit.ly/2hn8Lmn Health; Angela Odoms-Young, associate to 3 p.m. professor of kinesiology and nutrition, The lecture by Memory Elvin-Lewis, and Robert Winn, associate vice chan- biology professor at Washington Univer- cellor and Cancer Center director. sity, on “Understanding Traditional Heal- ing Plants of Tropical Rainforests in WANT TO BE A STUDENT LEADER? Northern South America,” begins at noon Students who want to represent the in 32 Pharmacy. student body and make a difference on The garden has more than 200 spe- campus can become candidates for stu- cies of medicinal plants, including black dent leadership positions. cohosh, purple coneflower and foxglove, Election application packets are avail- used to treat ailments around the world. able for: • student member of the Board of APPLY FOR STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS Trustees UIC Student Affairs is accepting ap- • president, vice president and as- plications for more than 30 competitive sembly member of Undergraduate Stu- scholarships open to students across all dent Government colleges and academic disciplines. • student member of the UIC Senate The scholarships award up to $5,000

Submit campus news items at today.uic.edu/campus-news today.uic.edu UIC News | Wednesday, February 28, 2018 5 Family, fun, free tuition at #PackThePav By Francisca Corona — [email protected]

Junior Aasiya Mufti showed up at the added that she’s grateful for the #Pack- UIC Pavilion Sunday ready for a win, but ThePav experience and opportunity. “I’m not for a $15,000 check. in a position where I don’t have to worry “I was really hyped,” said the pre-nurs- as much about finances next year as I had ing student about #PackThePav Family before, but I’ll keep working hard and Day 2018, where she cheered alongside focus on school.” more than 3,000 guests. The event cele- Support from fans like Mufti fueled the brated the men’s basketball team’s final Flames for a close finish. game of the regular season; honored two “It was a tremendous college basket- graduating players, Tai Odiase and Clint ball game in every sense,” head men’s Robinson; and offered family friendly ac- basketball coach Steve McClain said. “I tivities and specials like meet-and-greets thank everyone for coming out to support with mascot Sparky Jr., face painting and our team. We felt the energy in the build- UIC giveaways. ing all day long.” “It was fun, amazing and intense,” Mufti More events and opportunities like said. #PackThePav may be possible for UIC In the end, the Flames fell to the Wright fans, family and friends in the future. State Raiders, but Mufti still celebrated a “It was a smashing success,” said Mar- victory of her own: she won paid tuition for cus Betts, visiting senior director of com- the 2018-19 academic year, thanks to a munity and corporate relations. “The #PackThePav raffle sponsored by UIC hope is that we’re able to do creative Student Affairs. The award amounts to things like that and continue to collabo- $15,000. rate to make those types of opportunities “I was so shocked,” said Mufti, who available.”

Photo: UIC Creative and Digital Services

J. Rex Tolliver, vice chancellor for student affairs; raffle winners Itzel Elizarraraz and Aasi- ya Mufti, and Chancellor Michael Amiridis. (Photo: UIC Creative and Digital Services)

Photos: Amod Mahadik 6 UIC News | Wednesday, February 28, 2018

East Meets West is a collaboration of Provost Susan Poser and Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs Robert Barish. This monthly column focuses on UIC faculty and students meets from the east and west sides of campus engaged in interdisciplinary research. Using smart home devices for health By Christy Levy — [email protected]

Smart home devices can make life personal assistant to manage their life, easier around the house, but what if they but the functions could help promote could also improve one’s health? their lifestyle for better health,” said Chin, Two UIC researchers are collaborating research assistant professor of biomedi- on a project that examines the use of cal and health information sciences. smart home devices for health promotion The simplicity of voice activation re- among older adults. duces a barrier to the technology for older Smart home devices, such as Ama- adults, Quinn said. zon’s Alexa or Google Home, allow users “People who are older don’t have the to speak to the device to request informa- same mental maps as younger people tion, such as the news and weather, or when it comes to technology, and give commands, such as playing music. voice-activated personal assistants get over the hurdle of access to technology,” “PEOPLE TEND TO USE said Quinn, clinical assistant professor of THESE DEVICES AS A communication. “There’s an ease of use PERSONAL ASSISTANT and access that makes them such an in- teresting technology.” TO MANAGE THEIR These devices may have potential to LIFE, BUT THE create health benefits, too, particularly in FUNCTIONS COULD terms of serving as memory aids to com- Jessie Chin, a researcher in the College of Applied Health Sciences, will examine how pensate for cognitive aging, Chin said. smart home devices, such as Amazon’s Alexa or Google Home, could be used by older HELP PROMOTE THEIR “People could add reminders to serve adults to serve as memory aids and improve health. ­(Photo: Jenny Fontaine) LIFESTYLE FOR as memory aids – they could tell the de- BETTER HEALTH.” vices where they stored their keys and Quinn, who focuses her research on “That level of engagement could be a ask them later, or set a reminder to take the social implications of technology use, really nice way to promote social inter- Jessie Chin in the College of Applied medications with the time and date,” she plans to examine how the devices could action.” Health Sciences and Kelly Quinn in the said. The devices can also be utilized to be used to enhance social well-being and Chin will present some preliminary College of Liberal Arts and Sciences want manage lifestyle. “Older adults tend to reduce loneliness among older adults. findings with Catherine Burns and Yeti to see how the functions of these devices have sedentary behavior, so they could “Social connection is really important Li, collaborators from the University of could be expanded. set reminders to take a walk regularly, for at older ages,” Quinn said. “We know that Waterloo, at the Cognitive Aging Confer- “People tend to use these devices as a example.” when older adults are disconnected and ence in Atlanta in May. lonely, there is a greater incidence of cog- Their collaboration formed after Chin nitive decline, depression and early mor- attended an East+West Research Mixer tality. during the fall semester. She was talking “There are some interesting things that about her research interests with anoth- happen when we age — we retire and er professor in communication, Zizi Pa- lose social connections, we lose spouses pacharissi, who connected her with and friends who have died. There’s mobil- Quinn. ity limitations and higher incidences of “I focus on how the physical health of chronic disease. All of these things are older adults can be improved through connected to the decline in the ability to the medium of technologies,” Chin said, connect with people.” “and Kelly has expertise on the social Smart home devices could help im- and communication aspects. It’s a good prove quality of life, Quinn said. complement that we can work together.” “We haven’t stretched these devices as The next East+West Research Mixers far as we need to stretch them,” she said. will take place from 4:30 to 6 p.m. April “But these are, in many ways, cognitive 12 in the Innovation Center, 1240 W. technologies. You can set social remind- Harrison St. ers – your niece’s birthday or a friend’s “We’re a big university, so these mix- anniversary. You can set a memory re- ers really create these smaller commu- minder to recall that certain things hap- nities,” Quinn added. “It’s helping us pened on this day. Or that you haven’t leverage the resources that the universi- talked to your cousin in a while and ty has to solve some of these larger Kelly Quinn studies social implications of technology use. (Photo: Jenny Fontaine) should send them a message. problems.”

Are you involved in an east-west collaboration? Email [email protected] and we may feature your story! today.uic.edu UIC News | Wednesday, February 28, 2018 7

Multidisciplinary focus on health studies

The Integrated Health Studies major provides training ranging from basic research methods to ethics in health sciences. The curriculum was developed using the educational and research expertise from the College of Applied Health Sciences and College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. (Photo: Kipling Swehla)

By Francisca Corona — [email protected] From economics and ethics to biolo- professor of biological sciences and topics. The health and science concen- broader perspective to either their em- gy and psychology, determinants of associate dean for student academic tration offers courses that cover Men- ployment after their bachelor’s degree health fall under a broad range of cate- affairs in LAS. delian and molecular genetics, or to their postgraduate studies,” John gories. Gonzalez-Meler explained that LAS neuroscience, developmental biology, said. “Health is complex,” said Demetra brings “the economics, social, human biochemistry, mammalian psychology Graduates of the Integrated Health John, associate dean for academic and and biological aspects,” while AHS has and more. Studies degree program can enter the student affairs in the College of Applied “the human applications of that knowl- “The IHS program provides a really job market in a variety of health-related Health Sciences. ”So, anyone who edge in a specific way — internships exciting, new option to undergraduates professions — as health care adminis- wants to practice anywhere in the and things of the like.” who have a broad interest in human trators, sales specialists, health educa- health-related field really needs to un- The degree program consists of rele- health-related studies,” said Janet Rich- tors, laboratory technicians, patient care derstand it from a multidisciplinary per- vant core content that spans subjects mond, professor and head of biological advocates and more. The major also spective.” such as life sciences, natural sciences, sciences. “I think this is a great alterna- allows undergraduates to complete A curriculum developed using the health economics, social sciences and tive to the really highly popular degree their prerequisite course requirements educational and research expertise the humanities. The major, which is programs offered by biology.” for medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, physi- from the College of Applied Health Sci- jointly supported by the departments of Examples of other available courses cal therapy, occupational therapy and a ences and the College of Liberal Arts biological sciences and psychology, also include “Ethics, Law and Professional- number of other professional health and Science lets students do just that. allows students to focus on one of two ism in Health Sciences,” “Nutrition,” and graduate programs. Implemented in fall 2016, the Inte- concentrations: health science or be- “Health and the Public,” “Human Anato- “It’s a progressive degree: it’s modern, grated Health Studies major teaches havioral health. my and Physiology,” “Disability in U.S. it’s the direction we should really be undergraduates to think about and “Both concentrations have a fair Society” and “Physics in Modern Medi- looking,” John said. understand the ways in which cultural, amount of flexibility of what students cine.” Undergraduates must take “Introduc- societal, behavioral and environmental can take,” said Michael Ragozzino, pro- The degree is designed to prepare tion to Integrated Health Sciences,” factors impact human health and dis- fessor and head of psychology. He students for life after graduation. (AHS 200) to declare the major. ease. added that the behavioral health track “We really think that this degree will For more information about degree “[The degree program] is looking at includes courses related to develop- broaden the perspective of all of our requirements or to contact advisors, visit those aspects of health relations more mental and community psychology, and students, no matter what field they go the Integrated Health Studies website holistically,” said Miquel Gonzalez-Meler, basic research methods, among other into, and that they’re going to bring that ihs.uic.edu

Are you involved in an east-west collaboration? Email [email protected] and we may feature your story! 8 UIC News | Wednesday, February 28, 2018

CALENDAR MORE CAMPUS EVENTS AT today.uic.edu

THROUGH MARCH 3 FEB. 28 EXHIBIT WEBINAR

FÉLIX CANDELA’S CONCRETE SHELLS: AN ENGI- SURVEY NEERED ARCHITECTURE FOR MÉXICO AND CHICAGO RESPONSE Gallery 400 exhibit curated by Alexander Eisenschmidt, associate RATES: USES professor of architecture. Originated by Juan Ignacio del Cueto AND MISUSES with contributions by Lorelei Stewart, the exhibit highlights the Webinar presented work of Félix Candela, one of the most prolific architects of the by the Survey Re- 20th century. search Lab. Gallery400.uic.edu Noon–1 p.m.

FEB. 28–MARCH 3 FEB. 28 MARCH 1 UIC THEATRE PRODUCTION SEMINAR SPECIAL EVENT

INTIMATE APPAREL THE MONSTER, THE BRIDE UIC Theatre production of Lynn Nottage’s work, direct- AND THE MOVIES: THE ed by Lydia Diamond. At the turn of the 20th century, CULTURAL ICONOGRAPHY lonely black New York seamstress Esther fabricates OF FRANKENSTEIN dreams with each stitch. Stuffing her cash savings Lecture by Marsha Cassidy, senior into a quilt along with bundles of love letters she can’t lecturer in English. read, Esther stockpiles hope for the future. But will her dreams unravel against the harshness of reality? 4–6 p.m. Institute for the Humanities March 1–3: 7:30 p.m. Lower level, Stevenson Hall Feb. 28 and March 3: 2 p.m.

RACISM AS A PUBLIC MARCH 1 HEALTH ISSUE SPECIAL EVENT Panel discussion sponsored by the School of Public Health Alumni Board. THE KERNER REPORT: 50 YEARS LATER Keynote speaker Camara Jones, Keynote speaker Fred Harris, an original member of the senior fellow of the Satcher Health Kerner Commission, which was tasked with examining Leadership Institute and Cardiovas- the condition of cities in the aftermath of urban riots in cular Research Institute at More- 1967. The commission’s report marks a pivotal moment house School of Medicine. in the changing dynamics of U.S. cities and analysis of 6–7:30 p.m. the role of race as a division in America. School of Public Health Auditorium 9–11 a.m. sphalumniseries.eventbrite.com Illinois Room, Student Center East

MARCH 8 MARCH 8 SPECIAL EVENT SPECIAL EVENT

AN EVENING WITH ANA NAVARRO HEALTH HUMANITIES LIBRARY Ana Navarro, a Republican commentator on CNN and recur- DEDICATION ring panelist on “The View,” discusses the country’s social and Recognizing former UIC professor Suzanne Poirier, political climate. Sponsored by the Student Activities Board. visionary leader in building a humanities presence 6:30–8 p.m. in health sciences education, and the RIC Donnel- UIC Forum ley Ethics Program for the gift of their collections. Students free with i-card 4–5:30 p.m. Employees and the public can buy tickets for $25 at College of Medicine Faculty Alumni Lounge go.uic.edu/AnaNavarro18 1819 W. Polk St.

Send information about campus events at today.uic.edu/submit-an-event today.uic.edu UIC News | Wednesday, February 28, 2018 9 Sleep apnea increases risks in Type 2 diabetes patients By Sharon Parmet — [email protected]

People with Type 2 diabetes who have Type 2 diabetes affects roughly 9.4 moderate-to-severe sleep apnea and hy- percent of Americans and more than 366 pertension are three times more likely to million people worldwide. People with experience diabetes-related complica- Type 2 diabetes don’t produce enough tions, including neuropathy, retinopathy insulin or are resistant to its effects. They and coronary artery disease, according to must closely monitor their blood glucose a new study in the Journal of Diabetes Re- throughout the day and, when medication search. fails, inject insulin. The researchers, led by Sirimon Reutr- The researchers wanted to explore the akul, associate professor of endocrinolo- relationship between sleep apnea and dia- gy, diabetes and metabolism in the betes-related complications in people College of Medicine, found that the in- with Type 2 diabetes and see if they could crease in complications among this popu- determine the role of hypertension in the lation may be influenced by the presence development of these complications. of hypertension, which is also associated A total of 131 patients with Type 2 dia- with both Type 2 diabetes and sleep betes were screened for obstructive sleep apnea. apnea. Seventy-five percent of partici- Sirimon Reutrakul, associate professor of endocrinology, diabetes and metabolism in Sleep apnea is a breathing disorder pants had sleep apnea, and about 40 per- the College of Medicine­. (Photo: Jenny Fontaine) that affects about 30 million individuals in cent had moderate-to-severe sleep the United States and is linked to numer- apnea. About half of participants had at well as oxidative stress. “These effects hypertension among this population was ous health problems, including insulin least one diabetes-related complication, could be major contributing factors to dia- linked to higher complication rates.” resistance, Type 2 diabetes and hyperten- and 70 percent had hypertension. betes-related complications like neuropa- Dr. Nantaporn Siwasaranond, Dr. Ha- sion. In sleep apnea, breathing is inter- The researchers found that compared thy.” taikarn Nimitphong, Areesa Manodpiti- rupted. These pauses can last several with participants with mild or no sleep “Treating sleep apnea in people with pong, Sunee Saetung and Ammarin seconds and can occur 30 times or more apnea, those with moderate-to-severe Type 2 diabetes could help significantly Thakkinstian of Ramathibodi Hospital, in an hour. sleep apnea and hypertension were three reduce the risk for diabetes-related com- Bangkok and Dr. Naricha Chirakalwasan The common treatment for sleep times more likely to have diabetes-related plications, but more and larger-scale stud- of King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, apnea is a continuous positive airway complications. ies are needed to determine if using a Bangkok, are co-authors on the paper. pressure device, or CPAP, that is worn Reutrakul explained that hypertension, CPAP device can reduce the risk of these The research was supported by a during sleep and forces air into the lungs a known consequence of sleep apnea, complications,” Reutrakul said. “We also grant from the Faculty of Medicine Ra- to prevent breathing pauses. But long- could have negative effects on tissues of didn’t tease out differences in complication mathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, term adherence to the device is poor and the body by restricting blood flow and oxy- rates by the degree of hypertension. Fur- Bangkok, and the Endocrine Society of many patients simply stop using it. gen through the constriction of vessels, as ther studies could look to see if worsening Thailand. 10 UIC News | Wednesday, February 28, 2018

DEATHS temporary political science research. School of Government. Doris Graber At the time of her retirement in Aug. Among her numerous professional Political Science 2012, she was among the top 100 most scholarly accomplishments are career cited scholars in political science. recognition awards from organizations Doris Graber, 94, professor emeritus “Her contributions as a scholar, men- such as the International Society of Politi- of political science, died Feb. 17 at her tor, administrator, colleague and friend cal Psychology, the National Communica- Evanston home. are beyond measure,” said Evan McKen- tion Association and the American Graber, a founding member of the zie, professor and head of political sci- Political Science Association. The latter UIC department of political science, was ence. “I don’t know how anybody could group’s political communication section a pioneer in the study of political com- live a fuller life. Everyone who knew her bestows an annual award in her honor munication and public opinion, and she will miss her.” that recognizes the best book published was widely considered an international Graber published 18 books, many in on political communication in the last ten leader in the field. multiple editions and languages, and hun- years. Some of her most influential works dreds of book chapters, articles and book Graber was recognized for superior involved the effect of public opinion on reviews. Her book Processing Politics: teaching and research at UIC when she Doris Graber the presidency and foreign policy, and Learning from Television in the Internet was named a University Scholar in 2003. the role of the media in American poli- Age was awarded the 2003 Goldsmith She held several departmental adminis- “She was smart, gracious, leader and tics and political psychology. Survey re- Book Prize by the Joan Shorenstein Cen- trative roles during her career and served mentor to generations of students, a search techniques she developed ter on the Press, Politics and Public in various committee and service capaci- number of whom have gone on to be uni- continue to be used extensively in con- Policy at Harvard University’s Kennedy ties for the College of Liberal Arts and versity faculty around the world,” said Dick Sciences and the university. Simpson, professor of political science. She was hired by UIC as a lecturer in “She helped make UIC and political sci- 1963, when the school was based at ence what they are today.” UIC News Staff Visual Communication & Design Navy Pier, and promoted to assistant pro- She is survived by her children Dr. Lee Published on Wednesdays during the Anna Dworzecka — [email protected] academic year (monthly during summer) by: fessor in 1964, associate professor in Graber, Dr. Tom Graber, Jack Graber, Dr. Associate Graphic Designer 1967 and professor in 1970. She previ- Jim Graber, and Dr. Susan Graber Rob- Office of Public and Government Affairs Megan Strand — [email protected] University of Illinois at Chicago ously held appointments at Northwestern bins; 14 grandchildren; and 10 601 S. Morgan St., 1320 UH (MC 288) Editorial Associate University, University of Chicago and great-grandchildren. She is preceded in Chicago, IL 60607-7113 Carley Mostar — [email protected] death by her husband Dr. Tom Graber. Farooq Chaudhry — [email protected] North Park College. Editorial:...... (312) 996-0662 Graber was an avid skier, world travel- Private family services have been Advertising: . . . . .(312) 996-3456 Editorial Intern Fax: ...... (312) 996-3754 Jessica Larocque — [email protected] er and mother of five children. held. Plans for a campus memorial will “I love my work, my students,” she said be announced later. Associate Editor Photography Christy Levy — [email protected] Jenny Fontaine — [email protected] in a 2003 UIC News profile. “I love to tell Memorial donations may be made to

Senior Executive Director, Public Affairs my women students you can have it all.” the Doris A. Graber Endowed Graduate Sherri McGinnis González — [email protected] She is remembered by colleagues and Fellowship, University of Illinois Founda- Editorial Writer students for bringing scholarly distinction tion, 601 S. Morgan St., 2503 University Francisca Corona — [email protected] today.uic.edu and visibility to campus, while being a Hall, MC 002, Chicago, Illinois, 60607 or department pillar and role model. online at give.uic.edu today.uic.edu UIC News | Wednesday, February 28, 2018 11 Conversation with Yara Shahidi Actress, activist speaks at UIC for Black History Month By Farooq Chaudhry — [email protected]

At 18 years old, actress and idea that they can be progressive activist Yara Shahidi works 60- and liberal and really open in hour weeks on set for the Emmy- some areas of their life, and we and Golden Globe-nominated TV still see that they have growth in show “Black-ish,” and its spinoff other areas,” she said. “Grown-ish.” “I think it’s so important to And on top of that, she’s also have those more nuanced con- leading an initiative called Eigh- versations because it isn’t as teen x ’18 to mobilize young vot- clear-cut or clean-cut as we think ers for the midterm elections. it is. [In ‘Grown-ish’] I’m really Shahidi spoke to a crowd of looking forward to going even UIC students, employees and deeper in addressing college guests at the UIC Forum Feb. 19 culture.” as the keynote speaker for Black Her initiative Eighteen x ’18 is History Month. an extension of her goal to con- Her roles as both an actress tribute to society in socially and activist intersect at her goal meaningful ways. to make a positive contribution in “Eighteen x ’18 was also real- the world. izing that the themes of the “All the projects that I invest (2016) presidential election were my time in have to have a certain not new,” she said. “Xenophobia level of nuance to make sure that isn’t new. Racism isn’t new. Dis- Actress Yara Shahidi (center) meets students backstage at the UIC Forum. (Photo: Amod Mahadik) it is adding to the conversation at crimination isn’t new. Sexism isn’t large,” she said. new. Eighteen x ’18 was really a and it really highlights even why years, she also showed off her can studies and social sci- In her character “Zoey” on call to response.” humanitarian interests are such more playful and amiable side ence. “Black-ish” and “Grown-ish,” She credits the late Afri- a passion of mine because it was by discussing what hair prod- Her plans after graduation Shahidi has the ability to portray can-American novelist, poet and talking about the idea of wanting ucts she uses, accepting a are just as impactful and the complex realities of identity social critic James Baldwin as to reach for the stars, but realiz- birthday card from a student meaningful as the work she is and growth. one of her inspirations. ing our possibilities have been and taking questions from doing now. “What I really appreciate “James Baldwin is a huge in- limited; not by our own desire, or children in the audience. “After college I’m of course about the show [‘Black-ish’] is fluence for me. I started my ob- want, or lack of trying, but be- Shahidi plans to attend looking forward to continuing that characters come in with session when I read the short cause of the barriers society put Harvard University next fall, acting and such, but I’m really their own bias. In no way are any story ‘Sonny’s Blues,’” Shahidi on us.” after deferring her acceptance looking forward to like moving of the characters perfect, or even said. “It’s really beautiful because Though Shahidi’s words and this year. At Harvard, she plans to D.C. and possibly working in close to perfect. But I love the that story highlights community, wisdom were well beyond her on majoring in African Ameri- the nonprofit space,” she said.

Photo: UIC Creative & Digital Services Photo: Amod Mahadik Photo: UIC Creative & Digital Services

“All the projects that I invest my time in have to have a certain level of nuance to make sure that it is adding to the conversation at large,” says Yara Shahidi, who plays “Zoey” on the ABC comedy “Black-ish” and its spinoff, “Grown-ish.” 12 UIC News | Wednesday, February 28, 2018 SPORTS Flames falter in regular season finale By Dan Yopchick — [email protected]

Wright State got 23 points from Loud- bined to go 6-for-8 beyond the arc in the on Love and 21 from Grant Benzinger in first 12 minutes. an 88-81 win over UIC the regular sea- Love scored eight of Wright State’s son finale Sunday at the UIC Pavilion. final 10 first-half points, while UIC strug- Love also had 15 rebounds, and Everest gled to control the defensive glass down Winchester contributed 19 points. the stretch. Though the Flames’ lead got UIC will enter the Horizon League as high as 14, the Raiders went into the tournament as the No. 3 seed versus No. locker room down by only eight. 6 Milwaukee at 4 p.m. March 4 in Detroit. Wright State went on an 8-1 run over Purchase women’s and men’s game the first two minutes of the second half. tickets at bit.ly/2FAeRf0. Use the code Though Marcus Ottey had a three-point “UIC” for single-game tickets and the play following a layup on a nice step- code “FLAMES” for all-session passes. through move, Wright State continued The Flames finished third in the Hori- attacking the paint and tied the game at zon League standings with a 12-6 re- 55 moments later. cord. After the Raiders took a one-point Before Sunday’s game, UIC honored lead, the Flames held WSU without a seniors Tai Odiase and Clint Robinson, as field goal for four minutes. Dixson turned well as senior manager Mike Kelly, for up the offense with six straight UIC their contributions to the men’s basket- points, and the home team reclaimed a ball program. five-point lead. Dikembe Dixson led with 19 points. The Raiders took control of the mid- Tai Odiase poked the ball away on a dle stages of the half. Dominique Mat- Raiders 2-on-1 break, and the Flames thews halted that momentum in a flash turned the steal into a Tarkus Ferguson with back-to-back threes. layup to go up 7-4 in the first minutes. The teams traded the lead until the Later, Jordan Blount made a scrappy play final minute. Wright State forced the to track down an offensive rebound, Flames to defend an extra-long posses- drove while avoiding contact and made a sion by grabbing an offensive rebound layup of his own. and milking the shot clock until Everett Three players — Dixson, Ferguson and Winchester made a short jumper. The Wright State’s Benzinger — each reached Flames turned the ball over, and the double digits in the scoring column be- Raiders got the dagger on a shot with Marcus Ottey goes up for a layup. (Photo: Steve Woltmann) fore the eight-minute mark. They com- one second on the shot clock. Women’s basketball preps for tournament By Jenn Zoellick — [email protected]

The women’s basketball team will play their first game in the 2018 Little Caesars Horizon League Championship at 11 a.m. Friday in Detroit. The Flames (8-21, 1-17 Horizon League) fell, 80-53, to Wright State (21- 9, 12-6 Horizon League) Sunday in the final matchup of the regular season. The Flames honored seniors Gabryelle John- son and Teodora Zagorac for their ca- reers at UIC before the start of the game. FLAMES @ HOME Taylor Toney closed out the regular season in style with her fifth double-dou- Sunday, March 4 ble of the season, leading the Flames Women’s gymnastics with 16 points and 10 rebounds. Toney vs. Michigan State also helped spread the ball around with five assists. The Flames honored Gabryelle Johnson and Teodora Zagorac. (Photo: Steve Woltmann) 2 p.m. / UIC Pavilion The Flames won the tipoff, and Toney Men’s gymnastics found an open lane to drive in a layup for first 10 minutes. The Flames ended the finished the third quarter 2-for-15, while vs. University of Minnesota the game’s first bucket. Wright State first quarter with 10 turnovers, seven Wright State poured in 23 points to run 2 p.m. / UIC Pavilion found its first points at the free throw were also Wright State steals. away with a 51-32 lead heading into the The Flames outscored the Raiders, final quarter. line and built a 16-6 lead off a 12-0 run. Tuesday, March 6 The Flames committed seven turnovers 15-12, in the second quarter to end the The Flames had their best offense in Baseball vs. Northwestern in that span. first half in striking distance, 28-24. the fourth quarter, netting 21 points, but Kara Wilson sunk a short jumper to The Flames went 1-for-10 in the first the visitors had their best quarter as well 5:35 p.m. / Curtis Granderson end the Raiders’ streak, but the Flames seven minutes of the half, allowing the with 29 points, giving the Raiders the Stadium faced a 16-9 deficit at the end of the Raiders to go on a 9-0 run, 44-29. UIC 80-53 win. MORE SPORTS AT uicflames.com