Center for Southeast Asian Studies Fall 2026 Lecture Series

The NIU Center for Southeast Asian Studies is hosting its Fall 2026 Lecture Series, featuring scholars and practitioners discussing health, history, philosophy, conservation, global economic systems and more. Most lectures are offered Fridays at noon, with both in-person and online attendance options.

Upcoming events include:

• Friday, Sept. 25 at noon
  “The Indonesian American Family Health Project: Exploring Experiences of Acculturation and Well-being”
  Presented by Tomoyuki Shibata, Duhita Mahatmya, Florensia F. Surjadi and Riyani.
  Location: Peters Campus Life Building, Room 100, and online.
  The presentation will explore experiences of acculturation and well-being among Indonesian American families.
• Friday, Oct. 2 at noon
  “Historical Maps and Trade Systems in Maritime Pacific: 17th to 19th Centuries”
  Presented by Richard Pegg, Director and Curator of Asian Art at the MacLean Collection.
  Location: Altgeld Hall, Room 125, and online.
• Friday, Oct. 9 at noon
  “Anger as Compost: Thich Nhat Hanh, Myisha Cherry, and Rage as Skillful Means”
  Presented by Logan Mitchell, Assistant Professor of Philosophy at NIU.
  Location: Altgeld Hall, Room 125, and online.
• Friday, Oct. 16 at noon
  “Saving Asia’s Threatened Trees: From Assessment to Action”
  Presented by Kate Good and Amy Byrne of The Morton Arboretum’s Global Tree Conservation Program.
  Location: Peters Campus Life Building, Room 100, and online.
  This lecture is cosponsored by NIU’s Institute for the Study of the Environment, Sustainability and Energy and may be especially relevant for Environmental Studies students interested in biodiversity, conservation and applied environmental work.
• Friday, Oct. 23 at noon
  “Burmese Buddha Biography: Weathervane for Changing Times”
  Presented by Lilian Handlin, Professor Emeritus at Harvard University.
  Location: Altgeld Hall, Room 125, and online.
• Friday, Oct. 30 at noon
  “Indonesia in Global Value Chains: Understanding the New Economic Imperialism”
  Presented by Intan Suwandi, Assistant Professor of Sociology and Anthropology at Illinois State University.
  Location: Peters Campus Life Building, Room 100, and online.

Council on Thai Studies Annual Conference

The Council on Thai Studies Annual Conference (COTS) will take place Nov. 6-8. The conference is free to attend, but registration is required by Oct. 1.

• Friday, Nov. 13 at noon
  “More than a Sideshow: U.S. Propaganda Campaigns & the Global Color Line in Cold War Cambodia, 1955-1970”
  Presented by Ron Leonhardt, Assistant Professor of History at Missouri State University.
  Location: Peters Campus Life Building, Room 100, and online.
• Friday, Nov. 20 at noon
  “Reframing Reconciliation: Hóa Giải and the Paths of Healing the Past”
  Presented by Alex-Thai Dinh Vo, Research Assistant Professor at the Vietnam Center & Sam Johnson Vietnam Archive at Texas Tech University.
  Location: Online only. Registration is required.

For more information about the lecture series, contact Rachael Skog at 815-753-1595 or rskog@niu.edu. 

 

NASA EarthRISE Developers Academy Spring 2027 Paid Research Opportunities

NASA EarthRISE Developers Academy is offering 14-week, paid research opportunities this spring that are open to current students and recent graduates, as well as transitioning/early career professionals. The Developers Academy builds the next generation of science and technology leaders through an immersive, experiential model applying NASA Earth observations to real-world challenges.

For the spring 2027 term, EarthRISE Developers Academy will provide in-person opportunities at Ames Research Center (Moffett Field, CA), Goddard Space Flight Center (Greenbelt, MD), Jet Propulsion Laboratory (Pasadena, CA), Langley Research Center (Hampton, VA), and Marshall Space Flight Center (Huntsville, AL). Additionally, a limited number of projects are available for virtual participation. Through collaborative projects, professional development, and state, local, tribal, territorial, and private partnerships, the Academy equips participants with the skills to accelerate innovation and bridge Earth science with the future of space exploration.

The Developers Academy is an interdisciplinary activity, where we accept participants with experience in a variety of fields, as well as from different phases of their career. Applicants with demonstrated skills in Earth and/or environmental sciences, remote sensing, geographic information systems (GIS), and/or computer science are encouraged to apply. Participants will work together on teams, guided by NASA science advisors and in partnership with decision-makers, to expand their skills to use NASA science data and apply it to projects that span a variety of topics and thematic areas including Water Resources, Disasters, Agriculture, Ecological Conservation, Lunar Resources, and more.

Applicants must have excellent verbal and written communication skills and be able to work in a fast-paced, highly collaborative environment. EarthRISE Developers Academy offers hourly, paid positions with rates that are determined by education level and working location. During the term, selected participants should be able to commit to 25 – 29 hours per week, Monday – Thursday during normal business hours.

Please see details about this opportunity including eligibility, tentative project themes, and application instructions at https://science.nasa.gov/earth-science/earthrise-developers-academy/. The application window is open now through October 9, 2026 for the 14-week, Spring 2027 project term taking place from January 11 – April 16, 2027. US citizenship or Legal Permanent Resident (LPR) status is required to apply.

Fall 2026 Events: Career Conversations, Culture and Community

NIU students are invited to participate in several Fall 2026 events hosted by the Center for Latino and Latin American Studies, including opportunities to explore career paths, connect with alumni and engage with scholarship on music, culture and resistance.

Career Conversations: Careers of NNGO & LATS Alumni

Monday, September 21, 2026
Noon-1 p.m. | Zoom

Interested in careers that make a difference? Join alumni from NIU's Nonprofit and NGO Studies (NNGO) and Latino and Latin American Studies (LATS) programs for a lunchtime conversation about their career paths, experiences and advice for students.

Featured alumni include:

• Luis Amezquita, '24 | Beyond Legal Aid
• Vivian Meade, '20 | The Corps Network
• Dra. Lizbeth Román, '16 | LanguageLine Solutions

The session will also offer opportunities for networking and career tips. It is presented in partnership with the Center for Nonprofit and NGO Studies in honor of Latinx Heritage Month and is Honors and Career Services approved.

Register: https://go.niu.edu/NNGOCareerConversations

P FKN R: How Bad Bunny Became the Global Voice of Puerto Rican Resistance

Wednesday, November 4, 2026
Noon | Zoom

Join Vanessa Díaz, Ph.D., Loyola Marymount University, and Petra Rivera-Rideau, Ph.D., Wellesley College, for a virtual discussion examining Bad Bunny, Puerto Rican identity, popular culture and resistance.

Registration is required.

Treinta y tres: Rhythms of Resistance: Music, Performance, and Cultural Expression

Thursday, November 12-Friday, November 13, 2026

The Center for Latino and Latin American Studies will host its Eighth Annual Interdisciplinary Conference, bringing together perspectives on music, performance, cultural expression and resistance.

These events are a great way to explore connections among culture, community engagement, nonprofit work, social justice and career pathways while connecting with people and programs across NIU.

For additional information about Center for Latino and Latin American Studies events, contact latinostudies@niu.edu.

Attend the 2026 Illinois Innovation Network Conference

NIU students interested in clean energy, sustainable agriculture, biotechnology, community resilience, research, and innovation have an opportunity to attend the 2026 Illinois Innovation Network Conference, with funding available to help cover the trip.

The annual Illinois Innovation Network Conference will take place October 22–23, 2026, at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). The conference brings together students, faculty researchers, program leaders, and business and industry innovators from across Illinois to explore ethical, socially engaged, and sustainable economic growth.

Present Your Work

The conference will include a poster session where students can share their research, meet potential project partners and employers, and connect their academic interests to regional innovation priorities.

Conference organizers are especially interested in projects related to:

• Clean Energy: Sustainable approaches to energy production

• Ag Tech: Next-generation agricultural technologies

• Biotechnology: Advancements in life sciences

• Social and Economic Innovation: Building resilient communities

Poster abstract deadline: September 21, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Submit a poster abstract

Funding Available for NIU Students

NICCS has funding to support up to 12 NIU students attending the conference. Support includes:

• Transportation from NIU to SIUE

• Overnight hotel accommodations

• Meal reimbursement

• Waived $20 student conference registration fee

The group will depart NIU on the morning of Thursday, October 22, and return at approximately 9 p.m. Friday, October 23.

Priority for funding will be given to students who are:

1. Presenting a poster at the conference

2. Interested in areas that align with the conference focus areas

However, all interested students are encouraged to apply.

Apply for NIU Student Support

Students interested in receiving support should email mdeitch@niu.edu with the subject line “2026 IIN Conference” by:

Friday, September 25, 2026, at 5 p.m.

Your email should answer:

• How will attending the IIN Conference support your academic interests and future goals? Please limit your response to 150 words.

• Can you attend the full conference, departing the morning of October 22 and returning the evening of October 23?

• Do you plan to present a poster? If so, include the title of your poster.

Learn more about the conference, including registration information, on the Illinois Innovation Network Conference website.

This is a great opportunity for students interested in connecting environmental and sustainability topics with research, innovation, careers, and real-world challenges across Illinois.

Data Centers & Groundwater: What it means for our water resources

 

Field/Lab Assistant Position for Fall 2026

Are you interested in ecology, prairies, and/or plant sciences and have a desire to gain some research experience? The Jones Evidence-based Restoration laboratory is currently looking for 2 undergraduate students to fill paid field/laboratory assistant positions! Students working in this position can expect to work in both field and laboratory settings. Field work will include maintaining an experimental prairie site located on the NIU campus, while laboratory work will include preparing plant samples for stable isotope analysis. No experience is necessary to apply for this position, as a major goal of this position is to help prepare students for the next steps in their career path. 

You must be a currently enrolled undergraduate student at NIU to apply. The position will run through the Fall 2026 semester and will pay $15/hour for 50 hours. This position can also count towards 1credit hour of ENVS490 or BIOS495. If interested, please send a cover letter explaining your interest, relevant experience you have, and your general career goals to Christiana (Ana) Guthrie at z1939469@students.niu.edu by Wednesday, September 16th. Please reach out to Ana with any questions you may have as well.

Hiring: Forestry Extension Program Assistant (UMD Extension)

University of Maryland Extension is currently accepting applications for a full time program assistant for our Forestry and Natural Resources program. Please share this opportunity widely with your networks; we are looking for applicants with an interest in outreach and forest stewardship in Maryland. The URL to the position posting is below, and a summary of the position is attached as a PDF.

Position Posting: https://umd.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/UMCP/job/Extension-Program-Assistant--Forestry_JR104549

This would be an excellent position for a recent college graduate who is interested in getting involved with data collection and management, scientific writing/communication, event planning, and stakeholder outreach. Applications should be submitted by September 11, 2026. Please reach out to me (dpratson@umd.edu) or Bill Hubbard (whubbard@umd.edu) with any questions.

Environment & Technology Assistant Internship

 

Build Your Community Organizing Skills at POWER, Sept. 25-26

 Build Your Community Organizing Skills at POWER, Sept. 25-26

Interested in environmental justice, community advocacy or bringing people together to make change? Join fellow Huskies for the People’s Organizing Weekend Empowerment Retreat (POWER) on Friday, Sept. 25, and Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026.

Now in its 12th year, POWER brings student advocates together to learn about community organizing, social justice and collective action. Participants will build practical skills, explore coalition building and develop plans for working together as allies and collaborators.

For Environmental Studies students, this is an opportunity to strengthen skills that support environmental advocacy, community partnerships and efforts to address unequal environmental impacts.

At POWER, you can:

• Learn organizing strategies from experienced advocates.

• Connect with students who care about social change.

• Explore how to build coalitions across communities and experiences.

• Develop tools to turn shared concerns into collective action.

Priority registration deadline: Monday, Sept. 21. Interested students are encouraged to register early to help organizers plan for the retreat.

Register for POWER

Questions? Contact POWER@niu.edu.

Explore Vietnam’s environmental systems through winter study abroad

 Travel from the industrial zones of Ho Chi Minh City to the farms of the Mekong Delta and the coral reefs of Côn Đảo National Park during Factory to Farm to Reef: An Environmental Journey Through Vietnam, Dec. 13–23, 2026.

This immersive NIU Study Abroad program will explore how industrialization, agriculture, water resources and coastal ecosystems are connected. Students will collect water-quality data, learn from Vietnamese researchers and community members, and examine the lasting environmental effects of war and rapid economic development.

Program experiences include:

• Visiting an active industrial park to learn about environmental management, wastewater systems and regulatory compliance

• Following the production of Vietnamese rubber from seedling to latex and waste management

• Visiting catfish farms, shrimp aquaculture operations and rice paddies in the Mekong Delta

• Speaking with farmers about how upstream water pollution affects their livelihoods

• Snorkeling the coral reefs of Côn Đảo National Park and studying coastal ecosystem management

• Exploring the War Remnants Museum, Agent Orange contamination sites and the historic Côn Đảo Prison complex

• Experiencing the culture, markets, museums and street life of Ho Chi Minh City

The program is led by Dr. Melissa Lenczewski of NIU’s Department of Earth, Atmosphere and Environment and co-instructor Professor Bao-Son Trinh of Vietnam National University, Ho Chi Minh City.

Undergraduate and graduate students in Environmental Studies, Earth, Atmosphere and Environment, Southeast Asian Studies and related fields are encouraged to apply. Participants will earn two credit hours through EAE or CSEAS.

Program dates: Dec. 13–23, 2026
Program cost: $4,230, plus international airfare and other personal expenses
Application deadline: Oct. 1, 2026

Financial aid may be used for study abroad. Students should contact the NIU Financial Aid Office to discuss their options.

Apply through the NIU Study Abroad portal and search for “Vietnam.” Questions may be directed to the NIU Study Abroad Office at niuabroad@niu.edu or 815-753-0700.

Study Abroad in Coastal Mexico This Winter

 

Study Abroad in Coastal Mexico This Winter

Explore the connections among water, culture, community resilience, sustainability and environmental justice during NIU’s faculty-led study abroad program in Puerto Morelos, Mexico.

Water, Community, and Environmental Justice in Coastal Mexico will take place Dec. 28, 2026, through Jan. 6, 2027. Students from all majors are welcome.

Through field visits, applied activities and collaboration with local partners, participants will:

• Explore cenotes, karst groundwater and coastal environments

• Examine water access, sanitation and tourism pressures

• Learn with Centinelas del Agua and local communities

• Investigate mangroves, sargassum and sustainable practices

• Consider how environmental challenges affect communities across the Riviera Maya

Attend an Information Session

Meet the program leaders, learn about planned activities, review costs and course-credit options, and ask questions.

In person
Wednesday, Sept. 2 at 5 p.m.
Montgomery Hall 353

Online via Zoom
Tuesday, Sept. 15 at 5 p.m.
https://niu-edu.zoom.us/j/85362605398?pwd=dCSf0XejSbBfOaSbZEO4w10iuMghAO.1

Course Credit

Students may select from ENVS 496, NNGO 328, POLS 496, PSPA 496, SOCI 395 or INTL 301 for three credits, or EAE 494 for one credit. Qualified students may request Honors credit with approval. Undergraduate and graduate credit options are available.

Cost and Application

The program cost is $2,635. Airfare, most meals and the NIU Academic Program Enhancement Fee are additional.

Application deadline: Sept. 29

View program details and apply through the NIU Study Abroad Portal.

Questions? Contact Melissa Burlingame Greenhagen at mburlingame@niu.edu.

Build Career Skills While Tackling a Food Sustainability Challenge

 

Build Career Skills While Tackling a Food Sustainability Challenge

Environmental Studies students looking for a career-focused elective this fall may be interested in UNIV 301, a three-credit course offered through NIU’s partnership with Braven.

In this fully online, synchronous course, sophomores, juniors and seniors develop practical career skills, including résumé writing, interviewing, networking and professional communication. Students also collaborate with peers from across NIU on a real-world capstone project.

This fall, students will work with Builders Vision, a capital and philanthropic firm focused on food and agriculture, energy, and oceans. The project centers on Forty Acres Fresh Market, which provides affordable, healthy and culturally relevant food in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood.

Student teams will develop creative, low-cost strategies to help Forty Acres engage the community, increase revenue and build customer loyalty while keeping food affordable. They will present their recommendations live to the employer partner and other stakeholders.

Course details:

• Three-credit elective

• Open to sophomores, juniors and seniors

• Fully online with synchronous Tuesday or Wednesday class options

• Includes career preparation and a real-world team project

Learn more about the course and Braven at niu.edu/braven.

Field Research Technician Position Jones lab

 

Are you interested in a paid research opportunity? The Jones Evidence-Based Restoration Lab has an undergraduate research assistant position available! This position will be a blend of field and greenhouse work with flexible hours and scheduling. You will have the opportunity to participate in field-based soil core collection at Nachusa grasslands, as well as learn in-demand plant identification and greenhouse techniques by helping record the seedlings emerging from the planted soil cores and maintaining the ideal conditions for the seedlings. No experience necessary - we are here for you to learn, and you will have guidance at every step of the way! The position will have a stipend of $2,000. 

Requirements for the position: Undergraduate student at NIU, available September through the end of November.

This position must be filled, so please reach out to Kamal Ehrlich (z2037175@students.niu.edu) with a cover letter stating your interest, experience for the position, and general career goals by August 31st. 

Join us for the Interdisciplinary Centers Open House!

 

Join us for the Interdisciplinary Centers Open House!

Stop by the Environmental Studies table to meet our faculty, staff and students and learn how you can turn your interest in the environment, sustainability and energy into a major or minor at NIU. You can also explore other interdisciplinary programs, connect with campus resources and enjoy free food, music and performances.

📅 Thursday, Aug. 27
🕛 Noon to 2 p.m.
📍 Outside the Latino Resource Center and Center for Southeast Asian Studies

We hope to see you there!

#NIU #NIUENVS #EnvironmentalStudies #HuskiePride

Saving Asia’s Threatened Trees: From Assessment to Action

Learn how international partnerships are helping protect some of Asia’s most threatened tree species during a special presentation by conservation professionals from The Morton Arboretum.

Kate Good, research manager, and Amy Byrne, strategic partnerships manager, will share insights from the Arboretum’s Global Tree Conservation Program. Their presentation will explore how researchers assess threats to tree species and translate their findings into collaborative conservation action.

Students interested in biodiversity, conservation, environmental research, nonprofit organizations or international environmental work are encouraged to attend.

Date: Friday, Oct. 16, 2026
Time: Noon
Location: Peters Campus Life Building, Room 100
Attendance option: In person or online

This event is cosponsored by the NIU Center for Southeast Asian Studies and the Institute for the Study of the Environment, Sustainability and Energy.

Water Quality and Resources in the Yucatan Peninsula - REU Poster Session

 

Flood Mitigation Management Program Internship position

Flood Mitigation Program Management Intern

The Stormwater Management Commission (SMC) is seeking one full-time intern to provide administrative support for SMC Flood Mitigation Program. This is a long-term position, not to exceed 1,000 hours. Applicants are encouraged to review information on the Voluntary Floodplain Buyout Program at lakecountyil.gov/3973/Flood-Information-and-Programs prior to applying.

The intern will primarily work in the office, with limited field visits under the guidance of SMC staff and will support multiple phases of flood mitigation program implementation. Responsibilities include assisting with coordination and communication among SMC staff, homeowners, municipal partners, and other governmental entities; supporting project documentation, administrative records, and cost tracking; and assisting with property transfer activities related to voluntary floodplain buyout projects. Additional responsibilities include administrative support for bid and demolition activities, such as maintaining bid and demolition files; supporting bid development, openings, tabulations, and award documentation; assisting with asbestos abatement planning; supporting demolition scheduling, permitting, site documentation, and compliance; coordinating with Habitat for Humanity, recycling and reuse partners, and other Lake County departments to facilitate utility disconnects; and assisting with purchase requests, payment processing, and maintenance of accounting and budget balances. Other duties may be assigned in support of SMC program management and flood mitigation activities.

Successful candidates must have strong attention to detail, effective written and verbal communication skills, and intermediate proficiency with Microsoft Office products, as well as the ability to work both indoors and outdoors in variable conditions and perform limited to moderately strenuous physical activity. Candidates should be graduates of a two- or four-year higher education program with coursework in environmental science, geography, urban planning, hazard or disaster (particularly flood) mitigation planning, or a related field, and have an interest in local and federal government processes. Experience with ESRI ArcGIS software is desirable but not required. A valid driver’s license and satisfactory driving record are required, and while County vehicles will be provided for most field work, candidates must have their own transportation for travel to and from field sites if needed.

This is an office-based position with regular Monday through Friday work hours (for example, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.), with alternative schedules and limited remote work options available depending on assignment. The intern will work approximately 40 hours per week for up to 25 weeks, not to exceed 1,000 hours. The desired start date is flexible, and academic credit may be available pending confirmation with the candidate’s academic advisor. Questions regarding this position may be directed to Jeff Laramy at jlaramy@lakecountyil.gov or 847-377-7709. Any offer of employment is contingent upon successful completion of a background screening, drug and alcohol testing, and may include a pre-employment medical exam at a County-approved medical facility, at no cost to the applicant. Lake County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

To apply for this internship, visit tinyurl.com/yv9v2ev7.

Job Location: Libertyville, Illinois
Position Type: Intern
Salary: $18.00/hour
Application Deadline: August 30, 2026

Saving Asia’s Threatened Trees at The Morton Arboretum

Interested in biodiversity, tree conservation or international environmental partnerships? The Global Tree Conservation Program team will present “Saving Asia’s Threatened Trees: Global Partnerships in Action” during the Destination Asia Festival at The Morton Arboretum on Aug. 1 and 2.

The presentation is open to the public and designed for a general audience. Students can also enjoy the festival and explore the Arboretum during their visit.

Students who register for the presentation and email their name to Kate Good at kgood@mortonarb.org can receive free admission to The Morton Arboretum for the day.

[Register for the presentation and learn more.]

ANTH 449 - Primates and Food

 

EAE 430 - Population, Society, and Environment