The Redbird Scholar is a biannual publication focused on research and creative expression at Illinois State University. The magazine promotes the scholarly activities of Illinois State’s faculty experts, students, and staff, and highlights the private and public grants that support their work.
The Redbird Scholar publishes print editions in September and March, and the content is published online at IllinoisState.edu/RedbirdScholar. Print copies are available at several locations on campus: near the entrances to Hovey Hall, Milner Library, Schroeder Hall, Stevenson Hall, and the Student Fitness Center; at the front desk in the Alumni Center; and on the first floor of the Bone Student Center.
Your feedback is welcome. Send letters to the editor, comments, suggestions, story ideas, and Redbird media submissions to Redbird Scholar Editor-in-Chief Kevin Bersett at kdberse@IllinoisState.edu or by mail to Campus Box 3420, Normal, Il, 61790-3420. Bersett can also be reached by phone at (309) 438-4329 and through X at @ISUResearch.
Material may be reprinted with prior approval, provided no commercial endorsement is implied and credit is given to the author, to Illinois State University, and to the Redbird Scholar.
The Redbird Scholar is a collaborative effort of the Provost’s Office, University Marketing and Communications, Governmental Relations, the Graduate School, Media Relations, the Office of Student Research, and Research and Sponsored Programs.
Magazine board
Dr. Craig C. McLauchlan
Associate vice president for Research and Graduate Studies
Brian Beam, M.S. ’94, MBA ’10
Executive director of University Marketing and Communications
Chris Coplan, MBA ‘20
Director of Media Relations and Strategic Communications
Brad Franke
Director of public affairs and policy
Dr. Gina Hunter
Director of the Office of Student Research
Dr. Harriett Steinbach, M.S. ‘05
Director of innovation and strategic partnerships
Jason Wagoner
Senior director of Research and Sponsored Programs
Dr. S. Gavin Weiser
Interim director of the Graduate School
Magazine staff
Editor-in-Chief
Kevin Bersett, MBA ’17
Lead designer
Michael Mahle
Designers
Sean Thornton ’00, M.S. ’17 ’22
Evan Walles ’06
Photographers
Shea Grehan ’20
Tyler Mardis ’24
Production coordinator
Tracy Widergren ’08, M.S. ’15
Writers
John Moody
Emmalynne Shumard ’24
John Twork, M.S. ’12
Matt Wing
