UMSL researchers Jason Atkins (left) and Mohit Patel are racking up awards and grants for their work in developing new technology to transfer DNA into cells. (Photo by August Jennewein)

On any given day, Jason Atkins and Mohit Patel can be found toiling away inside a chemical biology lab at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. And they love every minute of it.

“It doesn’t feel like work,” Atkins said. “This is what I love to do. It’s fun.”

Atkins, of Maryland Heights, Mo., and Patel, of Normandy, Mo., are research associates at the university, both pursuing doctoral degrees in biology and working in the laboratory of George Gokel, director of the Center for Nanoscience at UMSL.

Much of Atkins and Patel’s research centers on ion channels – proteins that act as pores within cell membranes and enable electrical currents to pass in and out of cells. They recently developed new technology to transfer DNA into cells. The development is an inexpensive and non-toxic method to help DNA cross the cell membrane so that cells can be modified.

In honor of their work, Atkins and Patel were inducted as honorary members of the UMSL chapter of the National Academy of Inventors, and they were presented the UMSL Student Inventor of the Year Award, which brought a $500 prize.

Atkins and Patel will also share a $50,000 grant with Gokel for the trio’s project “Novel, non-toxic and highly efficient chemical transformation and transfection reagents.” The four-campus University of Missouri System awarded the grant through its FastTrack Funding program.

The three honors were bestowed upon Atkins and Patel on April 26 at a reception that capped UMSL’s annual Research and Innovation Week.

And earlier this month, the pair picked up a fourth award, taking home a $50,000 Arch Grants to help fund their biotechnology startup company Genetix Fusion. The duo was among 20 companies chosen out of an initial field of more than 700 applicants, according to an article published May 14 in the St. Louis Business Journal.

“Standing among the winners not only validates our technology and the team, but also provides us the opportunity to network with entrepreneurs and scientific and business leaders,” Patel said. “The grant will help us establish our operations here in St. Louis and initiate sales and marketing for our first product.”

Eleven other researchers were honored at UMSL’s annual Research and Innovation Week reception:

• Matthew Hile, UMSL Senior Investigator of the Year Award

• Xuemin Wang, UMSL Senior Faculty Inventor of the Year Award

• April Regester, UMSL Junior Faculty Inventor of the Year Award

• Edward Jarka and Michael Howe, $42,000, UM System FastTrack Funding program for “A hand-held Meibomian gland warmer and expressor”

• Michael Nichols and Alexei Demchenko, $39,900, UM System FastTrack Funding program for “Development and testing of an Endotoxin antagonist compound”

• Joan Brennan, Matthew MacEwan and Steven Mestemacher, honorary inventor inductees, National Academy of Inventors, UMSL chapter

• Joseph O’Sullivan, inventor inductee, National Academy of Inventors, UMSL chapter

Media coverage:
KMOX (1120 AM)
KSDK (Channel 5)

Dan Isom, Endowed Professor of Policing and Community at UMSL, announces the St. Louis Initiative to Reduce Violence program during a news conference May 20 at UMSL. (Photo by August Jennewein)

With 24 years of experience in law enforcement, Dan Isom understands the problems facing St. Louis residents.

“During my tenure as police chief I saw the issues related to violence in our community, both for individuals, and for families and neighborhoods,” said Isom, Endowed Professor of Policing and Community at the University of Missouri–St. Louis. “We know it is a problem in our community, so a selected group of people came together to focus on two areas. We know that the violence is going down … but we think these areas need some special treatment.”

The St. Louis Initiative to Reduce Violence was announced during a news conference Monday at UMSL. The conference, hosted by Isom and Richard Rosenfeld, Curators’ Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice at UMSL, outlined the pilot program, which will be implemented in St. Louis’ sixth police district and Jennings, Mo.

SIRV is a grassroots effort to increase community safety, engage youth to build trust and increase the quality of life for families and communities. The initiative was created by the Rev. B.T. Rice of New Horizon Christian Church in St. Louis County, and brings together both law enforcement and community leaders from St. Louis and St. Louis County.

Visit sirvstl.org for more information about the St. Louis Initiative to Reduce Violence.

Media coverage:
CNN
KSDK (Channel 5)
KTVI (Channel 2)
St. Louis Beacon
St. Louis Public Radio | 90.7 KWMU

Media Coverage highlights some of the top coverage, but does not serve as a comprehensive listing. This post will be updated with new highlights throughout the month and beyond.

Edward Bennett, associate professor of optometry, wrote the April 1 Contact Lens Spectrum article “A reporter from the 2013 GSLS meeting.”

Alumnus Aron Blanke, BM 1994 and MME 2004, was featured April 11 in the Ballwin-Ellisville (Mo.) Patch article “Which CCL teacher is Rockwood’s Elementary School Teacher of the Year?”

Amy Broadway, a student pursuing a master’s degree in philosophy, wrote the April 4 Psychology Today article “Living an ‘ordinary’ life with extraordinary abilities.”

Berit Brogaard, professor of philosophy, wrote the April 13 Psychology Today article “When the brain’s biological clock goes haywire.” Brogaard was wrote the April 22 in the Psychology Today article “Do you suffer from emotional pain or anxiety? Pop a Tylenol.” She wrote the April 20 Psychology Today article “Micro-inequities: 40 years later.” Brogaard wrote the April 23 Psychology Today article “‘I can easily beat black jack.’” She wrote the April 26 Psychology Today article “Struck by Lightning.”

Niyi Coker, the E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professor of African/African American Studies, was quoted April 14 in the Lawrence (Kan.) Journal-World article “Film festival at KU to showcase reality of Africa.”

Julie Dunn-Morton, senior manuscript specialist for the St. Louis Mercantile Library, was quoted April 20 in The Edwardsville (Ill.) Intelligencer article “St. Louis Mercantile Library plans annual show, sale.”

Cynthia Dupureur, professor of chemistry and biochemistry, was quoted April 4 in the Riverfront Times article “Adrenaline boost: Music is more than a soundtrack for sports.”

Tim Eby, general manager of St. Louis Public Radio | 90.7 KWMU, was quoted April 19 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “KWMU, Beacon online publication merging soon?”

Thomas Eyssell, associate dean of the College of Business Administration, was quoted April 3 in the St. Louis Business Journal article “$1.3 million UMSL study tracks credit report errors.”

Chancellor Tom George was quoted April 18 in The St. Louis American article “AT&T invests in STEM at UMSL.” George was quoted April 24 in the Maryland Heights (Mo.) Patch article “Summer STARS program to draw students from across the nation to UMSL.”

Megan Green, director of new student programs, was quoted in the April 19 St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “10 necessities for college students.”

Alumna Kenya Haney, BSN 2010, was featured April 18 in The St. Louis American article “Health salute: Eight excellent awardees.”

Beth Huebner, associate professor of criminology and criminal justice, was interviewed on April 1 for a KMOX (1120 AM) story about St. Louis gun crimes and gangs. The story was picked up by the Associated Press, appearing in news media outlets throughout the United States.

Dan Isom, professor of policing and the community, was featured April 3 in the St. Louis Review article “Former Police Chief Dan Isom says Catholic faith has played a role in his career.”

David Kimball, professor of political science, was quoted April 6 in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel article “Voting change helped the GOP.”

David Klinger, associate professor of criminology and criminal justice, was quoted in the April 16 KTVI (Channel 2) story “Boston bombs meant to maim and kill; easy to build.” Klinger was interviewed for the April 19 KPLR (Channel 11) story “Terrorism expert breaks down Boston bombings.” He was quoted April 23 in The Los Angeles Times article “Women shot during Dorner manhunt to receive $4.2 million from L.A.”

Martin Leifeld, vice chancellor for university advancement, was quoted April 19 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “KWMU, Beacon online publication merging soon?”

Kristian Marlow, a student pursuing a master’s degree in philosophy, wrote the April 10 Psychology Today article “OCD, Tourette’s syndrome and addition: A real distinction?” Marlow wrote the April 17 Psychology Today article “Does colorblindness discriminate?”

Stephanie Merritt, assistant professor of psychology, co-wrote the April 8 St. Louis Post-Dispatch letter to the editor “Workplace smoking: The cost of perceived fairness and performance.”

Matthew Milunski, research assistant in the College of Nursing, co-wrote the April 8 St. Louis Post-Dispatch letter to the editor “Workplace smoking: The cost of perceived fairness and performance.”

Deb Moberly, adjunct associate professor of secondary and K-12 education, was featured April 22 in the Creve Coeur (Mo.) Patch article “Ask the Patch pro: Early childhood development expert to answer questions Thursday.” Moberly was featured in the article “Ask the Patch pro: Early childhood development expert to answer questions,” which appeared April 25 on several St. Louis-area Patch websites.

Charles Nowell, a junior majoring in studio art, was mentioned April 11 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “Beer love goes from Soulard to Edwardsville and beyond.”

Hannah Perryman, a freshman softball player majoring in criminology and criminal justice, was featured April 6 in the Elgin (Ill.) Courier News article “College report: Hannah Perryman in top form at UMSL.”

Andrea Purnell, communications coordinator at Missouri Institute of Mental Health, was featured April 4 in the Ladue (Mo.) News article “2013 Visionary Awards.”

J. Martin Rochester, Curators’ Teaching Professor of Political Science, wrote the letter to the editor “Terrorist require different treatment than garden-variety criminals,” which ran April 24 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Rick Rosenfeld, Curators’ Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, was quoted April 20 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “Success of Boston surveillance photos cited in support for broader system here.”

Vicki Sauter, professor of information systems, was interviewed for the April 29 KTVI (Channel 2) story “Contact 2: Schnucks Cyber Attack.”

Staci Shelton, a junior majoring in public policy and administration, was quoted April 6 in the St. Louis Public Radio | 90.7 KWMU story “At global conference, students inspired to tackle local problems.”

Helene Sherman, associate dean of the College of Education, discussed why improving math literacy in the U.S. is important at a young age on the April 9 episode of “St. Louis on the Air,” a program on St. Louis Public Radio | 90.7 KWMU.

Matt Taylor, assistant professor of psychology, was interviewed for the April 29 KSDK (Channel 5) story “Professor talks about affect Collins will have on athletes.”

Kenneth Thomas, professor of political science, was quoted April 3 in the Florida Watchdog article “Not everyone agrees with Scott’s corporate tax cuts.” Thomas wrote the April 10 U.S. News & World Report column “Want jobs back? Axe business tax subsidies.” He wrote the April 11 Business Insider article “Obama could undo all progress made against senior poverty since 1965.” Thomas was quoted April 12 in the Moneynews.com article “Using chained CPI risks a senior poverty crisis.” He wrote the April 14 Business Insider article “There’s been a big global move against tax havens in the past week.” Thomas wrote the April 24 U.S. News & World Report column “The beginning of the end for austerity” He wrote the April 26 Business Insider article “Germany’s aggressive hunt for tax evaders is paying off.”

Whittney Thompson, a junior majoring in psychology, was quoted April 14 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “Reality of clean-up eclipses excitement from Hazelwood tornado.”

Mark Tranel, director of the Public Policy Research Center, was quoted April 21 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “Sales taxes in St. Louis relentlessly on the rise.”

Student performance group Vocal Point was featured in an Associated Press photograph while singing by a makeshift Boston Marathon bombing memorial in Boston. The photo ran in newspapers and media websites throughout the United States.

Alumnus Brant Walker, BSBA 1987, was quoted April 10 in the Belleville (Ill.) News-Democrat article “Write-in candidate defeats Alton mayor.”

Eamonn Wall, Smurfit-Stone Corporation Professor of Irish Studies, was featured March 27 article “Wall sees parallels in our two Wests.” Wall was quoted April 23 in The Portland (Maine) Daily Sun article “Spring poet at UNE raises timely issues of identity and place.”

Jim Widner, director of jazz studies, discussed the 10th annual Greater St. Louis Jazz Festival April 12 on “Cityscape,” a program on St. Louis Public Radio | 90.7 KWMU. Widner was quoted April 17 in the St. Louis Beacon article “Greater St. Louis Jazz Festival celebrates a strong decade.” He was interviewed on April 17 by KPLR (Channel 11) about the Greater St. Louis Jazz Festival.

Abigail Wood, a junior, was featured on April 15 by West Newsmagazine (St. Louis County).

Ron Yasbin, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, was quoted April 5 in the University City (Mo.) Patch article “U City student receives award from UMSL.” Yasbin was quoted April 12 in the Town and Country-Manchester (Mo.) Patch article “Parkway South student honored for foreign language excellence.” He was quoted April 5 in the Sunset Hills-Crestwood (Mo.) Patch article “Student’s foreign language achievement leads to award at UMSL.”

Dan Younger, professor of art, was featured April 12 in the University City (Mo.) Patch article “U City resident, UMSL professor to appear on C-SPAN.”

On April 20, more than 150 alumni, faculty and friends attended “50 Years of Great Chemistry,” a Jubilee event celebrating the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. Chemistry alumni included (from left) Joseph Bono, BS 1969; Michael Finkes, BS 1973 and MS 1978; Yanina Levchinsky-Grimmond, BS 1997 and MS 1999; Jim Grib, BS 1976 and MS 1982; and Ken Henderson, BS 1972. (Photo by Dan Younger)

Joseph Bono graduated from the University of Missouri–St. Louis in 1969 with a bachelor’s degree in chemistry. He shares many of the same memories that others have of UMSL’s early years. So, when he traveled from his home in Virginia last week to attend the reunion “50 Years of Great Chemistry,” Bono recalled the old clubhouse, classes in the laundromat and the opening of Benton Hall.

“After this visit, I realized my fondest UMSL memory is the camaraderie,” Bono said. “You were never just a number. The advanced chemistry students were all pretty tight. The faculty cared, not only about those students at the top of the class, but everyone. We all cared about each other. And that’s what we’re remembering – how much fun it was back then.”

UMSL’s Great Chemistry event was held as part of the UMSL Jubilee, a yearlong celebration of UMSL’s founding in 1963.

Bono also earned a master’s degree in political science in 1979. He recently retired from a long and distinguished career, most of it spent as a forensic scientist with the federal government. He was director of the forensic science laboratories for the Drug Enforcement Agency, the Naval Criminal Investigative Services in Washington, D.C., and the St. Louis County Police Department. He also taught in the Forensic and Investigative Sciences Program at Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis.

Lawrence Barton, professor emeritus of chemistry and biochemistry, arrived at UMSL in 1966. He served as chair of the department from 1980 to 1998 and as director of the Center for Molecular Electronics until 2006. As the unofficial historian of the department, he served as one of the organizers of the event, which attracted more than 150 people.

“It actually exceeded my expectations,” Barton said. “Alumni came from all over the country.”

With his history collection, Barton provided materials for slide shows and posters. He had a display of departmental milestones, a timeline of chemistry faculty and staff over 50 years, memorabilia and listings of alumni who had received Distinguished Alumni Awards.

For the record: From 1971 to present day, 48 major awards were presented to faculty for research and teaching, some of them multiple times. Eight chemistry alumni received Distinguished Alumni Awards, and delivered 25 Distinguished Alumni Lectures.

“I dug out lots of old stuff, things nobody else wants,” he said. “It all added to the camaraderie.”

Barton recalled the earliest days of the university when he was brought in by Charles Armbruster, the division director, to help build the science program. It was top-notch, right from the start, he said.

“Chemistry was there from the beginning, followed quickly by biology and physics,” he said. “UMSL’s first graduating class in 1967 had 10 chemistry majors, and all but one of them went on to graduate school.”

Chemistry alumni came from all over the country to celebrate – Oregon, New York, and the mountains of northern Georgia. Most alumni have remained in the St. Louis region developing careers in chemistry with companies such as Mallinckrodt, Sigma, Pfizer and Steris. Some went on to medical and dental school. Others are teaching.

Michael Finkes, who earned a bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1973 and returned to get his master’s degree in chemistry in 1978, was one of those alumni. He recently retired from Monsanto after 35 years, a job he got, thanks to UMSL.

“I came back to UMSL because I needed to learn more lab skills,” Finkes said. “I worked with David Garin in chemistry doing some research, honed my skills and when I interviewed, they wanted to know all about that research.”

Finkes has remained very active with the chemistry department and has served on the executive committee of the Alumni Association for many years. Among alumni groups, chemistry stands out as a very active one. They recently developed a LinkedIn group page that numbers more than 300. Finkes says there’s a formula for their success.

“It doesn’t happen by itself,” he said. “The faculty respected us, showed a lot of interest in us and they developed that culture. And once we left, they kept up with us. It takes the existence of that culture and work of several key faculty like Lol Barton.”

The company was recently founded by Allen Kesselring, Katie Grayson and UMSL alumna Jennifer Eagan, BS Biology 2000. The trio bring together more than 40 years of experience in science and regulatory knowledge and assisting pharmaceutical and medical device products get to market.

E.K.G. Life Science Solutions is a contract analytical laboratory and solution provider for pharmaceutical or medical device development.

“Our focus is providing analytical solutions, and what makes us stand apart from our competition is our novel thinking, technical advising and customized project design focused on meeting the client’s scientific and regulatory requirements,” Kesselring said.

E.K.G. Life Science Solutions offers laboratory analysis focused on challenging testing such as extractable programs, impurity identification, method development/optimization and structural elucidation. In addition to their laboratory services, they also provide scientific and regulatory consultation, FDA response/remediation and program design/management.

E.K.G. Life Science Solutions has leased office and lab space, totaling over 650 square feet.

ITE now houses seven startups. With its world-class infrastructure for chemistry, IT and life sciences technologies, ITE is a valuable resource for early stage entrepreneurs, providing on-site assistance for business plan development, commercialization planning and financial forecasting. ITE also provides entrepreneurial programming presented by regional experts and leverages strong relationships with regional economic development groups for the benefit of entrepreneurs.

Media Coverage

St. Louis Business Journal
BioSpace

Jessi Cerutti, senior lecturer in art at UMSL, will teach a papermaking class this summer. (Photo by Myra Lopez)

Jessi Cerutti’s creative spark was lit early on. The senior lecturer in art at the University of Missouri­–St. Louis recently came across some drawings she made as a child. One piece foreshadowed her future vocations as a printmaker and papermaker. The young Cerutti had colored a picture with a red crayon and added a layer of green. Then, she scraped away portions of the top color to reveal the red underneath.

“My dad joked, ‘This was your dark phase,’” she said.

But more than it’s sullen appearance, the early work, according to the artist, reflects her lifelong obsession with order and process – a passion that’s useful in creating prints and paper.

Cerutti, of St. Louis, earned a bachelor’s degree in studio art at UMSL in 2005 and has returned to her alma mater to teach. This summer, she’ll offer UMSL students the opportunity to take Studio Art: Papermaking 3074.

“We’re going to be inside and outside a bunch,” Cerutti said. “We’re going to be making a big wet mess. The great thing about making paper is that you’re taking this sort of raw material and transforming it, which I think is really cool.”

Cerutti’s students will learn how to transform recycled and plant fibers into unique sheets of paper.

“Paper can be a surface to make art on, but it can also be the artwork itself,” she said. “I love the medium, because it’s really intuitive.”

Cerutti earned a master’s degree in printmaking at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 2011, and her paper artwork has been shown in various exhibitions and galleries. One of her pieces, “10 Rivers, 1000 Years,” is made of handcrafted paper and takes up an entire room, with portions of the work spanning 30 feet.

She said many of her creations are delicate and storing them after an exhibit ends can be stressful. One such example hangs gingerly within a portfolio bag.

“I cringe every time I look at it,” Cerutti said. “I don’t know what I’m going to do with it in the long run.”

Rock n Roll Craft Show

In 2005, Cerutti co-founded the Rock n Roll Craft Show, an independent, alternative art and craft fair. The annual event is held in November and features live music. The show has grown to include about 100 vendors.

Cerutti said the idea evolved from a regular poker night she held with friends. Some evenings they’d play cards, and other times they’d make arts and crafts.

“We started thinking about where we wanted to sell our stuff, and there wasn’t a venue that was appropriate,” she said. “The venue we wanted didn’t exist.”

So Cerutti and her friends created their own venue. Early versions of the Rock n Roll Craft Show were held in a parking lot adjacent to a store Cerutti’s mom owned. The event then moved to a gallery space. This year, the show will be held at the Scottish Rite Cathedral in St. Louis’ Midtown neighborhood.

Visit rocknrollcraftshow.com or jessicerutti.com for more information.

Levi Locke, marketing coordinator at UMSL, lost 30 pounds in a university weight-loss contest.

Losing weight was serious business for Levi Locke. It wasn’t just about looking slimmer; he was determined to be victorious when he signed up for the University of Missouri–St. Louis Biggest Loser Weight Loss Challenge in January.

“I had been interested in getting in better shape for a while,” said Locke, marketing coordinator at UMSL. “This ended up being a good catalyst for it.”

The competition lasted 12 weeks and included biweekly weigh-ins and five free educational seminars on fitness and wellness.

Locke’s co-workers in University Marketing and Communications tracked his weight loss on a dry erase board in the office. Each week, a new cartoon depicted an updated weight and a slimmer Locke, who earned a bachelor’s degree in English at UMSL in 2004.

At the end of the 12 weeks, he had lost 30 pounds. He did it by sticking to a high-protein, low-carbohydrate diet and exercising occasionally.

“Basically, I reduced my carb intake to under 20 grams per day, ” Locke said. “I exercised here and there, particularly biking once it got warm. The vast majority of the weight loss was from changing my diet, however.”

And the change worked. He claimed first place and half the sign-up pool. His winnings totaled $500. The remaining money went to second place ($300) and third place ($200). Locke said he plans to purchase parts and build a new computer with his prize money.

For now, he’s stopped dieting and said he’s content with his current physique.

“It was a good experience, but I’m happy to be finished,” he said.

The College of Nursing sponsored the UMSL Biggest Loser Weight Loss Challenge.

UMSL alumnus T. Christopher Peoples is president of Pitzman’s Company of Surveyors and Engineers. He was honored in February by the St. Louis Business Journal as one of the newspaper’s “40 Under 40″ for making an impact in business before the age of 40. (Photo by August Jennewein)

The daily commute from his home in north St. Louis to his high school in Kirkwood, Mo., was an opportunity for T. Christopher Peoples to contemplate. The student’s mind often juxtaposed the two communities.

“Kirkwood was nice and beautiful, kind of like Pleasantville,” he says. “But no one was really fixing up places in the city of St. Louis.”

Peoples, 33, is now the president and chief executive officer of Pitzman’s Company of Surveyors and Engineers in Maplewood, Mo., but he says it was that car ride in high school and the disparity he observed that turned on his interest to engineering.

“I thought, ‘What can I do, and what can I go to school for that would allow me to make my neighborhood like Kirkwood?,’” he says.

He eventually enrolled at the University of Missouri–St. Louis as a civil engineering major. Through a partnership with Washington University in St. Louis, UMSL offers an engineering program in which students take pre-engineering and general education courses at UMSL and upper-level engineering courses at WUSTL.

“You basically get a Wash U engineering education for UMSL prices,” Peoples says. “I felt UMSL was offering me everything I needed.”

Almost all of the engineering classes are taught in the late afternoon or evening – a schedule that worked for Peoples who was a part-time student, full-time worker and a single parent.

“Despite having to attend school part time and at night, I still felt like I was getting an equal education,” he says. “I didn’t feel like I was being cheated out of any opportunities.”

Peoples completed a bachelor’s degree in 2008. But while he was still a student, he applied for an entry-level surveying position at Pitzman’s Company. Roy Leimberg, the owner at the time, hired the 20-year-old.

“I was only his second African American employee ever,” Peoples says. “He took a chance on me and gave me an opportunity, and for that I was extremely grateful and tried to work as hard as I could for him.”

Since joining Pitzman’s Company, Peoples has held every position there. In 2010, he purchased a majority stake in the firm and became president and CEO.

This story was originally published in the spring 2013 issue of UMSL Magazine.

UMSL alumna Jericah Selby is pursuing a law degree at the University of Denver. (Photo courtesy of Wayne Armstrong/University of Denver)

Jericah Selby is one for the books, not only for the countless number of hours she spends in the library but also for the lasting impression she has made on the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

Selby was a student who shined, graduating top of her class last year with a bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice.

But for Selby, being a student embodied more than reading books and writing essays. It encompassed an active role in campus life. Among other activities, she was president of the Student Government Association, president of the Phi Alpha Delta pre-law fraternity and chair of the UMSL Homecoming Committee.

As SGA president, she launched the “Check the Rec” campaign in support of a student referendum to build a recreation and wellness center on North Campus.

“We were encouraging students to vote,” Selby says. “Not to vote yes or vote no. Just to vote!”

The referendum passed with overwhelming support, and the recreation center is expected to open in fall 2015.

A first-generation college graduate, Selby attributes her drive to values she learned from her mother.

“We live in a place where opportunities are at arm’s reach,” she says. “Of course it may be difficult to grasp what you want, but if you make sacrifices and fill your life with dedication and passion, you can do anything.”

That dedication and passion helped her achieve another goal – getting accepted to law school. She’s now pursuing a degree in the Sturm College of Law at the University of Denver. She says she wants to be a prosecutor and hopes to gain experience this summer through an externship at the District Attorney’s Office in Denver.

“I’ve always wanted to help others, especially when they cannot help themselves,” Selby says.

At UMSL, she studied criminal conduct and deviant social behavior, and she credits the university for preparing her for law school.

“I received the best education for the best value and was able to stay in St. Louis to maintain my part-time employment,” Selby says. “This put me in the best financial position to attend law school.”

Since she started law school in the fall, Selby won Best Defense Team with her partner in a mock trial competition and has been appointed student representative for the Colorado Women’s Bar Association. In other words, she’s doing what she does best – setting the bar and setting it high.

This story was originally published in the spring 2013 issue of UMSL Magazine.

Media Coverage highlights some of the top coverage, but does not serve as a comprehensive listing. This post will be updated with new highlights throughout the month and beyond.

Melanie Adams, a student pursuing a PhD in Education, was featured March 5 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “They call her the ‘Crock-Pot queen.’”

Teresa Balestreri, director of career services, was quoted March 8 in the KTVI (Channel 2) story “Hundreds turn out for UMSL spring job fair.”

Deborah Balser, director of the Public Policy Administration program, was quoted March 15 in the Times Record (Fort Smith, Ark.) article “Town talk: Miller attends national meeting.”

Berit Brogaard, professor of philosophy, co-wrote the March 8 Psychology Today article “Is autism a perceptual disorder.” Brogaard was quoted March 28 in the Courrier International (Paris) article “Et le genie jaillit du cerveau [And the genius springs from the brain].”

Niyi Coker, the E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professor of African/African American Studies, discussed the Africa World Documentary Film Festival on the March 1 episode of “Cityscape,” a program on St. Louis Public Radio | 90.7 KWMU.

Tony D’Souza, adjunct instructor in the Pierre Laclede Honors College, wrote the March 23 St. Louis Post-Dispatch commentary “Do students need to read ‘On the Road’?”

Tim Eby, general manager of St. Louis Public Radio | 90.7 KWMU, was quoted in the article “UMSL’s grand presence at Grand Center,” which appeared in the March/April issue of St. Louis Construction News and Review.

Gail Hagler Fleming, lecturer in music, wrote the March 23 Belleville (Ill.) News-Democrat commentary “Point; Passing school tax increase helps keep O’Fallon attractive to home owners.”

Chancellor Tom George was quoted March 8 in the KTVI (Channel 2) story “Metro upgrades nears UMSL campus complete.” George discussed UMSL’s 50th anniversary with Charlie Brennan on March 13 on KMOX (1120 AM). He was quoted March 15 in The St. Louis American article “UMSL honors Normandy mayor.”  George was quoted March 26 in the St. Louis Business Journal article “AT&T Foundation gives $200,000 to UMSL program.” He was quoted in the article “UMSL’s grand presence at Grand Center,” which appeared in the March/April issue of St. Louis Construction News and Review.

Alumna Jamie Jordan, MEd 2002, was featured March 21 in The St. Louis American article “U. City educator named Principal of the Year.”

David Kimball, professor of political science, was quoted March 7 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “Slay’s path to victory ran through southwest and central areas of St. Louis.”

David Klinger, associate professor of criminology and criminal justice, was quoted March 4 in the San Francisco Chronicle article “4 days, 5 deaths after officer-involved shootings.”

Kristian Marlow, a student pursuing a master’s degree in philosophy, co-wrote the March 8 Psychology Today article “Is autism a perceptual disorder.” Marlow wrote the March 1 Psychology Today article “What is consciousness?”

Alumnus Tyrone McNichols, MEd 1991 and EdD 1999, was featured March 8 in The St. Louis American article “Normandy Schools selects new superintendent.” McNichols was featured March 7 in the KSDK (Channel 5) story “Ty McNichols named superintendent of Normandy School District.”

Ray Mundy, director of the Center for Transportation Studies, was quoted March 13 in the Boston Globe article “Taxi fleet in Boston sues over app that hails rides.”

Alex Permann, second-year optometry student, was featured March 10 in the Yahoo! Sports story “Fan at Missouri Valley tournament hits half-court shot but misses out on $50,000 prize.” Permann was featured in the March 11 United Press International article “Skipped shot costs student $50,000.” He was featured March 11 in the Associated Press article “Fan hits half-court shot, misses $50,000 jackpot.” Permann was featured March 10 in the USA Today article “MVC fan’s $50,000 shot that doesn’t pay – in cash, that is.” He was featured March 13 in The Daily Caller (Washington, D.C.) article “Student makes half-court shot for $50k, basket doesn’t count.” Permann was featured March 11 in the Fox Sports Midwest segment “MVC fan hits half-court shot – but misses $50K.”

David Robertson, Curators’ Teaching Professor of Political Science, was quoted March 5 in the KMOX (1120 AM) story “Slay defeats Reed, Matthews in bid for fourth term.” Robertson was quoted March 6 in the Reuters article “St. Louis mayor headed for Democratic primary victory.” He was quoted Jan. 6 in the St. Louis Beacon article “Asked and answered: Five lessons from Tuesday’s Democratic primary.” Robertson wrote the March 11 History News Network commentary “Compromise as the Constitution’s Foundation.” Robertson discussed his new book, “The Original Compromise: What the Constitution’s Framers Were Really Thinking,” on the March 19 episode of “St. Louis on the Air,” a program on St. Louis Public Radio | 90.7 KWMU. He was quoted March 31 in the St. Louis Public Radio story “Political heavyweights Cunningham, McNary clash in race for … Monarch Fire Board?” Robertson was interviewed for the March 14 episode of “The Riggins Report” on the Radio 2000 Network.

J. Martin Rochester, Curators’ Teaching Professor of Political Science, discussed ACT scores at schools in the St. Louis area on the March 5 episode of “The Charlie Brennan Show” on KMOX (1120 AM).  Rochester wrote the March 13 St. Louis Jewish Light commentary “Our kvetching culture.” He was featured March 18 in the Education News article “An interview with Martin Rochester.”

Richard Rosenfeld, Curators’ Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice, was quoted March 6 in the KMOX (1120 AM) story “City’s criminologist calls crime ranking ‘baseless.’” Rosenfeld discussed new crime numbers in St. Louis on the March 5 episode of “Total Information PM” on KMOX (1120 AM). He was quoted March 9 in the Rockland County (N.Y.) Times and Huffington Post article “Crime rates are down – but why?”  Rosenfeld discussed with Charlie Brennan the success of New York’s stop-and-frisk program in high crime areas and whether it would work in St. Louis on March 20 on KMOX (1120 AM). He was featured March 1 in the Associated Press article “Researcher: Hot-spot policing works in St. Louis,” which ran in publications across the United States. Rosenfeld discussed hot-spot policing on March 1 with Mark Reardon on KMOX (1120 AM).

Stephanie Ross, professor of philosophy, was interviewed for “The Philosophy of Gardens,” the March 10 episode of the online program “Why? Radio” (Grand Forks, N.D.).

Todd Swanstrom, the E. Desmond Lee Endowed Professor of Community Collaboration and Public Policy Administration, was quoted March 13 in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch article “St. Louis and the Home Matters movement.”

Don Sweeney, associate director for the Center for Transportation Studies, was quoted March 22 in the story “Mississippi River mayors call for more dam, lock funding,” which aired on “Marketplace,” an American Public Media program.

Eamonn Wall, Smurfit-Stone Corporation Professor of Irish Studies, was quoted March 15 in the South (St. Louis) County Times article “For Irish: Choosing parades.”

Sophomore student Abigail Wood was featured March 26 in the Eureka-Wildwood (Mo.) Patch article “One of 50 national Gold Scholars lives in Eureka.”

Alumnus Keith Zoromski, MA history 2009, was featured March 15 in the Carthage (Mo.) Press article “VFW honors Zoromski as Teacher of the Year.”