As an ISPP Scholar, Maria Cynthia (MC) Anderson is appointed with the Illinois Board of Higher Education. Her work is significant as she explores the ways in which to expand quality access and equity in higher education in Illinois, especially to individuals who have historically been underrepresented or underserved.
As an ISPP Scholar, Alicia V. Ross is appointed with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Broadband. Her work is significant as she looks to eliminate barriers to broadband and the digital divide. She supports communities, especially those that have historically been underserved and underrepresented in broadband access to bring digital equity to all neighborhoods. Alicia shared some thoughts with me about the ISPP program, and her work so far.
As an ISPP Scholar, Oluwakemi Adeyemi is appointed with the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus/ Black Caucus Foundation. His work is significant as he investigates reproductive and voting rights for Black communities to help inform policy in these areas. He is also exploring barriers to the health and well being of youth, especially those in underserved and underrepresented Chicago communities, to enhance policy and resources for youth and communities.
As an ISPP Scholar, Chukwuemezie (Charles) Emejuo is appointed with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Broadband. His work is significant as it explores the ways in which the digital divide may be eliminated in Illinois communities and how best to support digital equity among communities with high immigrant populations. Charles shared some thoughts with me about the ISPP program, and his work so far.
As an ISP Scholar, Yasamin Khoshpour is appointed with the Illinois Board of Higher Education. She uses her data analysis expertise to look at program specific outcomes for graduate and professional studies within the state of Illinois. She also is supporting efforts in socio-emotional learning and racial healing for teachers throughout the state. Yasamin shared some thoughts with me about the ISP program, and her work so far.
As an ISP Scholar, Skye Lewis is appointed with the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus/Black Caucus Foundation. Her work is significant in looking at culturally responsive healthcare for underserved communities in Illinois and enhancing her own knowledge and expertise so that she is a better steward for Black and Brown communities. Skye shared some thoughts with me about the ISP program, and her work so far.
Why did you apply for the Illini Science Policy Program?
As an ISP Scholar, Shubhika Agarwal is appointed with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Broadband. Her work is vital in identifying and evaluating the broadband needs of the communities of Illinois. Her skills are instrumental in data analytics and mapping, along with ensuring compliance for our communities. Shubhika shared some thoughts with me about the ISP program, and her work so far.
As an Illini Science Policy Scholar (ISP ), Adrienne Pickett is appointed with the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Broadband.
It would be easy to look at 2020 and only focus on all the challenges that arose this past year – many unexpected, and as we have all come to learn - unprecedented. But here at the Extension and Public Engagement Connection Center (EPECC), we are all about making connections for what lies ahead, for taking on the challenges and adapting what we do for who we serve, in order to have the best possible outcomes.
Above photo: ISP Fellow Allison Wheeler in a soil pit taking VR photos for a STEAM digital curriculum.
ISP Fellow Allison Wheeler is working with the Department of Innovation and Technology Education Group to provide accessible resources in STEM/STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math) for students, educators, and their families to close the digital divide. Visit www.illinois.gov/doit-steam to learn more.
Above Photo: Ana Paula with the Senator Omar Aquino, Ivan Gonzales, his staff and Dr. Layla Suleiman. Also, the founder of the Puerto Rican Cultural Center in Humboldt Park and his staff.
As an ISP Program Fellow, Diamond Ruffin is working with 12 Illinois communities awarded funding through the Connect Illinois grant sponsored by the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Office of Broadband.