Latest news with #PurdueUniversityNorthwest
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Gary Families Can Now Test Home Air, Soil and Water for Toxins
Gary and other Lake County residents are being asked to help gauge dangerous pollutants after an initial study found contamination at alarming levels. 'By participating, you could learn more about pollution in your home, whether you have been exposed, and how that might affect the health of your family and the community,' said Ellen Wells, director of the occupational and environmental health sciences program at Purdue University and lead researcher of the study. In the first phase of the study, researchers and volunteers collected hundreds of dust and air samples. They found road-dust levels in Gary and northern Lake County to be far above those in other Indiana cities. Lead in Gary soil measured twice the EPA's safety limit for polluted areas, and elevated levels of iron and manganese contamination were discovered as well. Now, researchers are recruiting hundreds more volunteers from across the county — including Gary, Hammond, East Chicago and Whiting — to help quantify how pollution and other environmental contaminants affect residents' health. Tim DaSilva, a community ambassador for the study from East Chicago and research assistant with Purdue University Northwest, says it's important to get the 'Black perspective' on studies like this, especially in areas like East Chicago, Hammond, Whiting and Gary, because when people aren't informed on these issues, they aren't given the proper compensation from the environmental hardship they endure. 'Historically, many minorities, not just Black people, but Black people included, have been gate kept from the environmental sector, even though it's their communities that are most affected, because a lot of times low-income areas are built on heavily polluted soil or areas that have very, very bad air pollution,' DaSilva said. He pointed to examples like the West Calumet housing complex in East Chicago, a public housing complex predominantly occupied by minorities, which was built atop an old lead refinery. A 1998 government report found that 30% of children at the complex had high levels of lead in their blood, but residents weren't officially notified by the Department of Housing and Urban Development of the contamination until 2016. In 2019, the last of the complex was torn down after strong community protest. The study aims to collect data from residents of northern Lake County, focusing on environmental contaminants and their impact on neurological health. Upon completion, the study's findings could inform regulatory levels and community actions to improve environmental conditions. Chemicals tested include air particles (soot), gas and fumes, heavy metals (including lead), and PFAS chemicals — man-made chemicals used in industrial sites, cookware, and clothing. Exposure to lead can lead to severe brain damage, including developmental delays and behavioral problems, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Air particles, like particulate matter, are tiny pieces of soot caused by pollution and fumes that can settle deep into the lungs and cause respiratory issues, asthma, and premature death. PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — known as 'forever chemicals' for their inability to be destroyed — have been linked to a number of health issues, including cancer, liver damage, infertility, endocrine disruption and developmental problems in children. Participants will be given an environmental sampling kit, which can be used to collect water, dust, soil, and air in and around their home. Participants will also be given two silicone wristbands, one to test for pollutants in the air to wear during daily activities, and the other to leave in their home to test home pollution for a week. After about one to two weeks, participants will be brought to Purdue University Northwest to submit their environmental samples, undergo a standard assessment, fill out a questionnaire, and collect biological samples (hair, nails, a drop of blood and saliva). No DNA measurements will be performed on any samples. After analysis, any samples used will be destroyed. Wells said their testing methodology considers both environmental contaminants and socioeconomic factors that influence people's health to help determine specific environmental risks to health outcomes. 'There are a lot of things that can influence health conditions,' she said. 'In public health, the concept is that for any given health condition, it's usually the result of multiple risk factors. When we're running the statistical analysis, we can control for those other factors so that we get a better idea of what is the independent relationship of an environmental risk factor on the health outcome, while we're controlling for what we know about other factors that can influence health.' Community ambassadors are set to expand recruitment efforts this summer. Anyone interested in participating can email LakeCountyEnv@ or call (765) 496-4823. The post Gary Families Can Now Test Home Air, Soil and Water for Toxins appeared first on Capital B Gary.
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
Indian Universities Offering Pathways to Global Careers
Global engagement in education is becoming increasingly relevant for career progression. As industries become more interconnected and talent moves across borders, higher education can serve as a bridge connecting local foundations with broader aspirations. Institutions that prepare students to navigate diverse academic landscapes and thrive in multicultural environments are increasingly important. This involves integrating global readiness into the academic journey from its early stages. This journey can begin in Indian classrooms. Manav Rachna Educational Institutions offer academic pathways that can lead to credentials from internationally recognized universities. This model aims to combine local education with a global perspective, facilitating academic progression across continents. Manav Rachna incorporates international opportunities into its programmes. Students can begin their curricula in India, designed to align with international standards, before continuing their studies abroad to earn globally recognized credentials. These pathways are available across various disciplines, including Business Administration, Law, Mechanical Engineering, Media and Communication, Biotechnology, Culinary Arts, Hospitality, and Computer Science. With over 135 institutional partnerships across over 50 countries, Manav Rachna provides students with access to universities such as Purdue University Northwest (USA), KEDGE Business School (France), Temple University and American University (USA), the University of Waikato (New Zealand), and HTMi Switzerland. These collaborations are supported by academic routes and robust frameworks, intended to facilitate smooth transitions for students. Manav Rachna's international model includes various academic structures to support global opportunity. Dual degrees allow students to earn qualifications from both Manav Rachna and a partner university. Accelerated Master's programmes can enable students to complete their postgraduate coursework during their undergraduate and pathway programmes offer structured transitions where students begin their degree in India and complete it abroad,aiming for academic continuity and credit recognition. Additionally, global certifications from international bodies offer industry-relevant credentials, providing specialized skills. Students aspiring to pursue MBA or BBA, Computer Science Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Law, Microbiology, Biotechnology, Information Technology, Media & Communications, Culinary Arts, and Hospitality Management may find these pathways beneficial. Support for these transitions includes academic credit recognition, global certifications, visa assistance, potential post-study work pathways in select countries, financial guidance, and mentorship. The aim is to provide a guided experience that prepares students for a global setting. Innovation is incorporated into teaching methodologies to encourage critical and creative thinking. Industry involvement helps shape curriculum content, with companies participating in classroom delivery, mentorship, and live project development. Students are exposed to real business, engineering, and social challenges and are encouraged to develop viable solutions. This approach aims to prepare graduates to apply their learning. The curriculum structure promotes cross-disciplinary learning. For example, an engineering student might take modules in finance, and a biotechnology student could explore entrepreneurship. This blending of subjects is intended to prepare students for evolving career paths. This is further supported by virtual collaborations, visiting professors, online lectures from global institutions, and cultural exchange programs. Manav Rachna has received various recognitions. It is ranked among the top 100 universities in India in the NIRF Rankings, holding the 38th spot in Dental Category. It is noted as one of the 11 universities globally to have received the highest Gold Rating for institutional excellence by THE Online Learning Rankings. It has also been recognised in India for innovation teaching, and sixth in the world in this category by the QS International Trade Rankings (MBA). These rankings are the result of a focus on academic standards and student-centric policies. The institution's credentials are further supported by UGC recognition as a Category 1 University with 12 B status and accreditations from AICTE and NBA, which aim to ensure programs meet national and international academic standards. With over 41,000 alumni and growing, the influence of this model can be seen globally. Graduates are working with international corporations, pursuing research, managing hotels, and contributing to various industries. Many of these journeys began with a decision to pursue local education with global aspirations. Manav Rachna aims to provide a structure that makes international education accessible and academically sound. For those considering an international academic journey with an Indian foundation, information on applying is available.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Business news: PNW leadership cohort graduates
The Leadership Institute at Purdue University Northwest recently graduated its 2024-25 Leadership Northwest Indiana program cohort. The program, which is facilitated by a team that includes professors from PNW's College of Business as well as leadership practitioners, met once a month for eight months. The 38 graduates include: Debra Ackerman, La Porte Circuit Court Juvenile Probation Department; Marissa Adcock, Franciscan Health Crown Point; Lillian 'Ruth' Antisdel, Antisdel; Irene Boone-Phillips, Franciscan Health Lake County Tobacco Prevention Coalition; Joseph Bunch, NOVA – La Porte County Juvenile Services Center; Jennifer Bush, NorthShore Health Centers; Melissa Campbell, City of Hammond; Victoria Charleston-Hanley, Regional Health Systems; Angie Chilcott, Town of Merrillville; Emily Cutka, Enbridge; Dontae Dennis, LaPorte County Juvenile Services Center; Kayanna Dilosa, Girl Coalition of Indiana; Pernevlon Ellis, City Colleges of Chicago – Olive-Harvey College; Michael Gagliano, Healthlinc; Paige Gonzalez, Alverno Laboratories; Joanna Guardiola, Town of Merrillville; Kyle Harris, Tonn and Blank Construction; Christine Iannucci, Partnered Up; Delia Lopez, White Oak Farm Venue; Lauren Marciniak, NorthShore Health Centers; Debbie Matthys, School City of Hobart/Geminus; Dominique Melendez, The Restoration House; Melissa Melendez, Lake County Public Library; Irma Moran, Geminus; LaShawn O'Neal, LaPorte County Circuit Court; LaTonya Orange, City Colleges of Chicago – Olive-Harvey College; David Pratt, Purdue University Northwest; Alexis Riley, NorthShore Health Centers; Erica Rios-Corbin, Griffith Police Department; Matthew Rogers, Tonn and Blank Construction; Marla Spann, East Chicago Public Library; Pitparnee Stompor, Purdue University Northwest; Patty Stovall, Sounds of Sarah Inc.; Courtney Wedryk, United Way Northwest Indiana; Helen West, City Colleges of Chicago – Olive-Harvey College; Monte White Sr., Hobart Police Department; Nila Williams, Franciscan Health; and Shantae Wofford, Girl Coalition of Indiana. More information can be found online at or by reaching out to the Leadership Institute at leadershipinstitute@ United Way Northwest Indiana recently accepted a $10,000 donation from the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 during a special check presentation ceremony, according to a release. David Fagan, Financial Secretary of Local 150, presented the check to the United Way at the Merrillville office. The $10,000 donation will help support programs that strengthen communities and provide resources for individuals and families, the release said. To learn more, visit Northwestern Indiana Fetal Infant Mortality Review and Franciscan Health are teaming up with local healthcare and community organizations to host a free Grandparents Tea for expectant mothers and grandparents, a release said. The event is scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 7 at the Gary Public Library and Cultural Center, 220 W. 5th Ave. in Gary. The Grandparents Tea will feature information on safe sleep practices, car seat safety and postpartum maternal warning signs to help support growing families. Northwestern Indiana Fetal Infant Mortality Review is hosting the event with lead agency Franciscan Health and co-sponsors the Gary Public Library and Powers Health. The event is free, but space is limited and registration is required. Visit The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest has opened nominations for the 2025 Innovators Awards, a release said. Now celebrating its 20th year, the Society of Innovators annual awards focus on the spirit of creativity and ingenuity by discovering, honoring and celebrating innovators from across the seven-county region of Northwest Indiana, the release said. Individuals and teams are nominated via an online application. Anyone who lives or works in Northwest Indiana is eligible for consideration. All applications must be submitted through the online form on the Society of Innovators' website at There is no fee to nominate and self-nominations are encouraged. The deadline to submit nominations is Aug. 15. More information can be found online at or by reaching out to societyofinnovators@ Presented by Delta Theta Tau and title sponsor Property Management Inc. NWI, the 32nd annual Opportunity Enterprises Gala event attracted nearly 700 attendees and raised more than $520,000 for the Valparaiso-based disability services organization, a release said. Emceed by Urschel Laboratories President Rick Urschel, OE's gala featured speakers Sarah Kretzmann of Delta Theta Tau, OE board chair Beth Casbon, and OE President and CEO Neil Samahon. Additional Gala event sponsors include Blue Chip Casino, Steels Cities Steels and Urschel Laboratories as Believe Sponsors; Do Goodies, In Touch Pharmaceuticals, Initium Creative, the Konopasek Family, McMillan Family Foundation, NIPSCO/NiSource Charitable Foundation, Precision Control Systems and Strack & Van Til as Hope Sponsors. For a complete list of sponsors and to learn more about the event, visit Franciscan Health Michigan City's free FIT-Together program, a family-centered approach to health and wellness, is open for registration, according to a release. The six-week fitness program is intended for households with children between the ages of 8 and 15. FIT-Together addresses the well-being of every participating family member, including children, siblings, parents and parental figures, the release said. FIT-Together takes place from 4:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 17 to July 24 at The Temple Total Fitness Center, 1914 E. U.S. 20 in Michigan City. The program is free, but registration is required. To register or for more information, contact Community Health Improvement Coordinator Nila Williams at or 219-283-9649.
Chicago Tribune
6 days ago
- General
- Chicago Tribune
Business news: PNW leadership cohort graduates
The Leadership Institute at Purdue University Northwest recently graduated its 2024-25 Leadership Northwest Indiana program cohort. The program, which is facilitated by a team that includes professors from PNW's College of Business as well as leadership practitioners, met once a month for eight months. The 38 graduates include: Debra Ackerman, La Porte Circuit Court Juvenile Probation Department; Marissa Adcock, Franciscan Health Crown Point; Lillian 'Ruth' Antisdel, Antisdel; Irene Boone-Phillips, Franciscan Health Lake County Tobacco Prevention Coalition; Joseph Bunch, NOVA – La Porte County Juvenile Services Center; Jennifer Bush, NorthShore Health Centers; Melissa Campbell, City of Hammond; Victoria Charleston-Hanley, Regional Health Systems; Angie Chilcott, Town of Merrillville; Emily Cutka, Enbridge; Dontae Dennis, LaPorte County Juvenile Services Center; Kayanna Dilosa, Girl Coalition of Indiana; Pernevlon Ellis, City Colleges of Chicago – Olive-Harvey College; Michael Gagliano, Healthlinc; Paige Gonzalez, Alverno Laboratories; Joanna Guardiola, Town of Merrillville; Kyle Harris, Tonn and Blank Construction; Christine Iannucci, Partnered Up; Delia Lopez, White Oak Farm Venue; Lauren Marciniak, NorthShore Health Centers; Debbie Matthys, School City of Hobart/Geminus; Dominique Melendez, The Restoration House; Melissa Melendez, Lake County Public Library; Irma Moran, Geminus; LaShawn O'Neal, LaPorte County Circuit Court; LaTonya Orange, City Colleges of Chicago – Olive-Harvey College; David Pratt, Purdue University Northwest; Alexis Riley, NorthShore Health Centers; Erica Rios-Corbin, Griffith Police Department; Matthew Rogers, Tonn and Blank Construction; Marla Spann, East Chicago Public Library; Pitparnee Stompor, Purdue University Northwest; Patty Stovall, Sounds of Sarah Inc.; Courtney Wedryk, United Way Northwest Indiana; Helen West, City Colleges of Chicago – Olive-Harvey College; Monte White Sr., Hobart Police Department; Nila Williams, Franciscan Health; and Shantae Wofford, Girl Coalition of Indiana. More information can be found online at or by reaching out to the Leadership Institute at leadershipinstitute@ United Way Northwest Indiana recently accepted a $10,000 donation from the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 during a special check presentation ceremony, according to a release. David Fagan, Financial Secretary of Local 150, presented the check to the United Way at the Merrillville office. The $10,000 donation will help support programs that strengthen communities and provide resources for individuals and families, the release said. To learn more, visit Northwestern Indiana Fetal Infant Mortality Review and Franciscan Health are teaming up with local healthcare and community organizations to host a free Grandparents Tea for expectant mothers and grandparents, a release said. The event is scheduled to take place from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 7 at the Gary Public Library and Cultural Center, 220 W. 5th Ave. in Gary. The Grandparents Tea will feature information on safe sleep practices, car seat safety and postpartum maternal warning signs to help support growing families. Northwestern Indiana Fetal Infant Mortality Review is hosting the event with lead agency Franciscan Health and co-sponsors the Gary Public Library and Powers Health. The event is free, but space is limited and registration is required. Visit The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest has opened nominations for the 2025 Innovators Awards, a release said. Now celebrating its 20th year, the Society of Innovators annual awards focus on the spirit of creativity and ingenuity by discovering, honoring and celebrating innovators from across the seven-county region of Northwest Indiana, the release said. Individuals and teams are nominated via an online application. Anyone who lives or works in Northwest Indiana is eligible for consideration. All applications must be submitted through the online form on the Society of Innovators' website at There is no fee to nominate and self-nominations are encouraged. The deadline to submit nominations is Aug. 15. More information can be found online at or by reaching out to societyofinnovators@ Presented by Delta Theta Tau and title sponsor Property Management Inc. NWI, the 32nd annual Opportunity Enterprises Gala event attracted nearly 700 attendees and raised more than $520,000 for the Valparaiso-based disability services organization, a release said. Emceed by Urschel Laboratories President Rick Urschel, OE's gala featured speakers Sarah Kretzmann of Delta Theta Tau, OE board chair Beth Casbon, and OE President and CEO Neil Samahon. Additional Gala event sponsors include Blue Chip Casino, Steels Cities Steels and Urschel Laboratories as Believe Sponsors; Do Goodies, In Touch Pharmaceuticals, Initium Creative, the Konopasek Family, McMillan Family Foundation, NIPSCO/NiSource Charitable Foundation, Precision Control Systems and Strack & Van Til as Hope Sponsors. For a complete list of sponsors and to learn more about the event, visit Franciscan Health Michigan City's free FIT-Together program, a family-centered approach to health and wellness, is open for registration, according to a release. The six-week fitness program is intended for households with children between the ages of 8 and 15. FIT-Together addresses the well-being of every participating family member, including children, siblings, parents and parental figures, the release said. FIT-Together takes place from 4:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays from June 17 to July 24 at The Temple Total Fitness Center, 1914 E. U.S. 20 in Michigan City. The program is free, but registration is required. To register or for more information, contact Community Health Improvement Coordinator Nila Williams at or 219-283-9649.
Chicago Tribune
10-05-2025
- Health
- Chicago Tribune
Motherhood a blessing for Crown Point woman, a cancer survivor who had two children by surrogate
Brittany Fair is feeling richly blessed this Mother's Day. 'God has been so good,' Fair said. Fair said she and her husband are also thankful for modern medicine that allowed them to have their biological children and the two women who carried and gave birth to the babies since her doctors advised her not to go forward with any pregnancies in her body. 'We found two amazing surrogates,' she said. Fair, a 32-year-old mother of two under 2, has battled and beaten cancer through most of her life starting with her first diagnosis at age 7. The Crown Point woman is now happily settled into a busy life with husband, Caleb, and children Archer, who was born July 28, 2023, and Magnolia Grace, born March 27. 'Becoming a mother is a huge blessing and now that our family is completed, it solidifies that blessing,' she said. Her Mother's Day plans include dining with her immediate and extended families at Gamba Ristorante in Merrillville. 'I'm so grateful to God to give me a big family and one that is supportive and loving,' she said. Fair said her life is complete now but she has survived her share of health-related issues in the past including the grim news given to her parents, Todd and Crystal Klomp, some 25 years ago, when she was 7. Her parents were told by doctors that their daughter had a rare type of brain tumor and had only nine months to live. 'We did sit down with her and tell her Jesus was going to take her home. She just shook her head and was quiet,' Crystal Klomp said. All Fair remembers of that dark time in her life was having ongoing headaches, throwing up and struggling with her balance. 'I know I didn't feel good,' she said. Fair was initially misdiagnosed in 2000 with high-grade astrocytoma ependymoma, then shortly after diagnosed with pilomyxoid astrocytoma. Despite her ongoing health challenges, Fair has not let those issues stop her from her dreams. She went on to graduate from Purdue University Northwest receiving both her bachelor's and master's degrees in education with a concentration in school counseling. Following graduation, Fair worked as the school counselor at Lincoln Elementary School in Cedar Lake and married Caleb Fair on April 6, 2021, after meeting him online. Three years ago Fair and her husband, an IT consultant who works in Chicago, bought a house in Crown Point with plans to start their family. Doctors advised Fair, because of her cancer, not to carry and deliver her own children so with that in mind she and her husband had a cousin who had agreed to act as a surrogate. 'My doctors told me that my tumor could grow again if I carried my own child. We wanted to play it safe,' she said. Knowing that she and Caleb wanted to have children, Fair had her eggs retrieved before her six-month cancer treatment. The couple had a total of 14 embryos awaiting implantation, she said. The implementation worked on the first try. Archer was born in Chicago July 28, 2023, and Fair and her husband were staying at a hotel nearby and were there when the surrogate, Tricia Holloway, gave birth. Archer weighed 8 pounds, 1 oz. When it came time to have a second child, the couple utilized social media and found Nikki Childs, a Fort Wayne woman who agreed to be a surrogate. 'The whole process was so different from the first one,' she said. Magnolia Grace weighed 7 pounds, 3 ounces, and basically was born right after the surrogate's water broke. 'The nurses had to catch her (Magnolia),' she said. Cancer-related brain surgeries have continued for Fair including last September and in December, all after she was a mother to Archer. 'I had three surgeries in three months,' she said. Fair also has to continue to keep an eye on her health including an upcoming brain scan which is taken at Northwestern Memorial in Chicago and then read at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, Maryland. 'Once a year I have to go back,' she said. She's thinking positive thoughts. 'The positive side is I'm done with all these surgeries and feel I'm almost back to normal,' she said. She and her husband also hope to provide happy Mother's Day celebrations for others wanting to become parents through their unused embryos. 'We have leftover embryos and will 'adopt' them out,' she said. These days Fair is primarily a stay-at-home mom but also works part-time as a social media director at Northwest Indiana Cancer Kids (NICK) Foundation. 'Being a mom and working part-time for NICK is a blessing,' she said.
