The field of human neuroimaging has recently begun to focus on “precision mapping”--reliably mapping and characterizing the brains of single individuals. Dr. Gordon will discuss his initial work which spurred this conceptual shift, and he will describe how these approaches enabled a reconceptualization of fundamental features of brain organization, including the topography of the primary motor cortex.

Neuroplasticity is important for learning the meaning of different sounds. Here I will discuss neuroplasticity and behavioral adaptations in rodents, first in new mother mice learning to care for pups, and then in deafened rats learning to use cochlear implants to hear again. 

Prof. Dominik Mischkowski, UIUC, will lecture on "The Social Pharmacology of Painkillers: Applying the Biopsychosocial Model to Acetaminophen".

Abstract: The Biopsychosocial Model has provided an effective framework for understanding the psychosocial underpinnings of physical pain. However, the model has not been applied to pharmacological pain relief. In contrast, the field of Social Pharmacology, i.e., the study of how psychosocial processes influence the effects of pharmacological agents and vice versa, has a rich history of testing causal hypotheses on the role of psychosocial factors in the effects of pharmacological agents, including painkillers. In this talk, I showcase a research program based on the popular painkiller acetaminophen to provide initial support for three social pharmacological hypotheses: First, acetaminophen can have unforeseen social side‐effects (the social effects hypothesis). Second, acetaminophen can have interactions with psychosocial factors (the psychosocial moderation hypothesis). Finally, social processes can mediate the psychological effects of acetaminophen (the social mediation hypothesis). These findings underscore the need for understanding effects of drugs, including the painkiller acetaminophen, within the psychosocial context in which these effects occur.

"Assessing the Impact of Paraben on Uterine Collagen Architecture: An Integrated Approach Using SHG, AFM, and Nanoindentation" - Mahmuda Arshee, Graduate Teaching Assistant - Mechanical Science & Engineering

Please join the Beckman DEI committee at INNER VOICES Social Issues Theatre on October 24^th at 5p in room 1005. 

Inner Voices Social Issues Theatre: 'The Importance of Names'

The Counseling Center and Illinois Theatre's Inner Voices Social Issues Theatre will present, "The Importance of Names" at the Beckman Institute. The performers will address critical social issues that impact the college experience and society at large. Registration required. Food will be provided.

IGB-HRI Distinguished Public Lecture Series                        

Curious about the role of generative AI in the future of research and your career? Wondering what you need to know and understand about AI in your professional life? Have questions about AI in the classroom? The Graduate College is hosting an AI Conversations Series with Illinois experts. Join us on Wednesday, October 30 at 2:00 on Zoom (Click to Join) for a conversation with Michael Curtin (Innovation Coordinator, Campus Research IT) and Eric Michael Kurt (Media Commons Coordinator, University Library). Michael and Eric will be taking questions from graduate students and sharing their perspectives on emerging generative AI technologies.

The ability to craft an effective funding proposal is a skill that can reap a lifetime of rewards. As a graduate student, now is the time to hone your grantwriting proficiency. In this workshop, designed for students in STEM fields, you will learn how to identify funding opportunities, strategize the components of an effective proposal, and think like a grantwriter. Come with questions about this mysterious genre, leave with a template that you can adapt to become a competitive applicant for prestigious university, national, and international funding competitions. 

Register in advance for the link to this online workshop. 

See more Graduate College Workshops.

Many funding agencies require a personal statement in addition to an applicant’s research proposal. Why?! What on earth are you supposed to talk about? If these questions have induced writer’s block, this workshop is for you. We will assess the range of personal statement prompts you may encounter and distill their shared essence. Participants will learn the qualities of a compelling statement and practice writing techniques to arrive at a complete first draft. 

Register in advance for the link to join this online workshop.

See more Graduate College Workshops.

Get energized, focused, and calm! Join our mindfulness instructor extraordinaire, Kristina Reese, in a six-week virtual Mindfulness and Movement series. These live video classes combine mindfulness-based meditation instruction with easy-to-do “desk yoga” type exercises. Contact us at wellbeing@illinois.edu to register for the class.

Our Dare to Dream program offers a unique approach to life planning; this six-week program meets virtually at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesdays starting September 24. Participants actively visualize and creatively strategize how to move toward realizing their dreams. Group support, honest introspection, and creative expression are encouraged.  To learn more or to register, reach out to us at wellbeing@illinois.edu.

Join us at noon on Wednesdays for yoga with a view! All sessions are free and will be held in Beckman's fifth-floor tower room. All are welcome to bring their own mat!