NIU Today

History is still being written—and discovered. And perhaps among its most successful explorers is NIU History Professor Aaron Fogleman. His work on revolution, slavery, gender, religion and forced and free transatlantic migrations has helped develop the fields of early America and the Atlantic World—an area of study focusing on interactions among the people of Europe,...

NIU Chemistry Professor Tao Xu, a specialist in nanotechnology, has spent his entire career aiming to help ensure a brighter and more sustainable future for our planet. Xu is a recognized leader in three clean-energy research areas that are considered by some among the great challenges of this century: solar energy conversion and utilization, electrical...

Jessica Prothe is determined to use her personal experience to drive meaningful change. A nurse with over a decade of experience, Prothe was working in medical-surgical units, pediatric wards and on the front lines providing direct patient care. But after she had elective surgery, her health changed to the extent that working as a nurse...

NIU Libraries Regional History Center will host the second annual Northern Illinois Regional History Conference from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Saturday April 20, 2024, at the Barsema Alumni and Vistors Center on NIU’s campus in DeKalb. The conference theme is “Transnational Communities and Global Influences In/On Northern Illinois.” The conference keynote speaker is Professor...

Food Truck Wednesdays are returning this spring – with even more vendors and activities. The whole community is invited to stop by on Wednesdays in April, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Normal Road in front of the MLK Commons. “We’re thrilled to bring back Food Truck Wednesdays and to offer even more vendors,”...

Another election year, which means there is a feeling of uncertainty in the undocumented community. DACA is currently at risk of being eradicated by the Supreme Court. That means about 580,000 people in the U.S. risk losing their ability to obtain a job lawfully. DREAM Action continues fighting for undocumented rights and will hold its...

In 2023, NIU’s Edible Campus program broke ground on more than 100 raised beds throughout campus as well as the 5,000-square-foot Anderson Market Garden. One year later, the campus – and many hearts and minds – have been transformed. “During the pandemic we learned how fragile our global food system is. Making our food systems...

NIU established a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Azabu University during a visit Feb. 28 with university leaders and Azabu Deputy President Kensuke Taira. Founded in 1890 and located in Kanagawa Prefecture near Tokyo, Japan, Azabu University is one of the oldest veterinary universities in Japan. The private university serves about 3,000 student and has departments...

Arshay Cooper, protagonist of the documentary “A Most Beautiful Thing: The True Story of America’s First All-Black High School Rowing Team,” will speak Thursday, April 11, at NIU. Cooper is a trailblazing rower, bestselling author, award-winning activist and inspiration to others, especially athletes of color, thanks to his triumphant climb from the streets of Chicago...

The Graduate School will celebrate the outstanding accomplishments of NIU’s graduate students on Tuesday, April 16, 2024. These students were nominated for recognition by their academic departments, are fellowship recipients, or are dissertation and thesis prize winners.  Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistants will be recognized by the Center for Innovative Teaching and Learning. The following are recipients...

The theme of this year’s NIU School of Music World Music Series is “Encountering a Global Sounding World.”  The festival consists of a number of recitals, concerts and a Songkran (New Year) celebration. World Music Festival Concert Series Monday, April 8, 7 p.m., Music Building, Recital Hall  Traveler, Graduate Recital-Chih-I Hsiao In this recital, graduate...

Why do we crave ultra-processed foods? Why do we continue eating these foods, even when they negatively impact our health and well-being? Here’s why: Neuroscience research shows that ultra-processed foods affect the brain in the same ways as addictive drugs. Alex DiFeliceantonio, assistant professor of the Fralin Biomedical Research Institute and associate director of the...