STUDENT MEET-N-GREET – Dr. Punchada Sirivunnabood
Monday, April 20, 5pm – 7pm
Huskies Grill, Holmes Student Center
Join the Center for Southeast Asian Studies and the Department of Political Science for a casual meet-n-greet with NIU Political Science alumna Dr. Punchada Sirivunnabood to learn more about Mahidol University, Thai politics, life after graduation, government consultancy, academic research, and more. Light refreshments will be provided.
Dr. Punchada Sirivunnabood is the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities at Mahidol University (Thailand). She is a proud NIU alumna and was a Fulbright Visiting Research Fellow at the NIU Department of Political Science in 2019 – 2020 and a Visiting Research Fellow at the ISEAS – Yusof Ishak Institute in 2021 – 2022. Dr. Punchada has served as a policy and security consultant for the Parliament of Thailand, the Thai Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Thai Ministry of Justice, and the Thai Royal Armed Forces. She is the youngest person to have ever been bestowed the title Full Professor in the history of Thailand. Full Professorship in Thailand is earned through a rigorous academic process and is royally bestowed to individuals by His Majesty the King.
Plan to attend CURE
NIU’s Conference on Undergraduate Research and Engagement (CURE) takes place Tuesday, April 28, in the Holmes Student Center. With more than 300 students presenting across numerous disciplines, CURE highlights the depth and impact of undergraduate research, creativity and engaged learning. Please plan to attend to support student scholarship and engage in meaningful conversations about their projects and experiences.
The Engagement Showcase highlights leadership, service learning and community engagement, entrepreneurship, internships and civic engagement. Sessions are scheduled for 11-noon, 1-2 p.m. and 2-3 p.m. in the Gallery Lounge. Research and Artistry presentations will be held at the Duke Ellington Ballroom from 10 a.m.-noon and 1-4 p.m.
Summer Writing Retreat Opportunity
You asked, and we heard you! The Office of Research Development (ORD) is pleased to announce a Summer Writing Retreat to be held August 10 to 14, 2026.
The writing retreat is designed to provide faculty time and space away from typical day-to-day work and personal responsibilities to focus on core writing projects that will advance their research, scholarship, and creative activities. The program involves a full week of focused writing and gatherings with co-participants and provides lodging, meals, summer salary, and dependent care funds if needed.
Applications are due May 4, 2026.
Visit the ORD InfoReady portal to learn more and apply. (Click the Summer Writing Retreat hyperlink to access the application portal and complete program guidelines.)
Please contact ord@niu.edu with questions about the program or application process.
Faculty: Become a Research Rookies Mentor for the 2026-27 Academic Year
Faculty mentors play an extremely important role in the development of the next generation of researchers. Research Rookies faculty mentors guide undergraduate students who are brand new to research through the research or artistry process by providing hands-on opportunities to engage in a research project.
If you are interested in mentoring an undergraduate student through the Research Rookies program this academic year, please complete the interest survey..
Save the Date for NIU Community Engagement Week: April 13-17, 2026
Join us to learn with and from communities!
Events include:
Community Engagement Exemplar Symposium: Discover NIU’s community-engaged scholarly projects, hear from community partners and learn from experts in engaged teaching, learning and research.
Brunch and Build: Learn from community experts and network with potential community partners over a casual brunch (for faculty and staff).
Engagement in Action: Growing Community at the Edible Campus: Dig into NIU’s Edible Campus gardens to experience food system innovation in action.
Learn more and register for individual sessions online.
