Dean's Message
As I write this annual column, I am struck by how much life has changed in less than one year’s time. I miss handshakes and hugs, smiling with my whole face rather than just my eyes, and walking across campus with my mind on the upcoming meeting or event rather than whether the people walking toward me are masked and how to cross paths with safety and congeniality.
Information theory tells us that impact is signaled in the changes in data streams – that novelty and uncertainty can map to significance – the intellectual energy we call information. As we navigate the challenges and uncertainty of a global pandemic, social and economic strife, and environmental calamities, we must remember that we are in this together and need to help each other meet the challenges – as well as the opportunities – we encounter.
Read Dean Gary Marchionini's entire message.
Letter from SILSAA President
This year paints a different picture of Carolina than most of us remember. 2020 is certainly not what we expected, but as Tar Heels and SILS alumni, I admire the ways that we have been able to adapt and carry on. Although challenging at times, there is still much to be celebrated!
Summer marked the beginning of a new SILS Alumni Board. I am excited to be serving as this year’s President and look forward to collaborating with the rest of the Board to better connect the alumni of the SILS community.
Read the rest of SILSAA President Hilary Fox's letter.
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In this Issue
Please note, some of these links will take you to locations on the website that are not specifically part of the fall 2020 newsletter. Use your back button to return here, or go to the main menu, choose Communications, then click Newsletters, and follow the link to the 2020 mobile optimized edition.
SILS faculty confront the challenges of 2020 with research and advocacy
SILS removes GRE requirement for graduate programs
Claudia Gollop and Paul Jones retire
CITAP navigates its first year
Zeynep Tufekci gets the big things right
Tressie McMillan Cottom wins McArthur ‘Genius Grant’
Francesca Tripodi joins SILS & CITAP
Lightning talks offer quick intros to faculty research
Faculty research and recognition
- Maggie Melo awarded $715K NSF grant for research on creating more equitable makerspaces
- Sayamindu Dasgupta awarded NSF grant for project to foster data literacies among young people
- David Gotz and Ray Wang awarded grant to create integrated data visualization prototype
- SILS team led by Brian Sturm will use $150K IMLS grant to help transform LIS youth services education
- SILS researchers collaborate on multi-university project to improve neuroscience data sharing
- Helen Tibbo receives SAA Council Exemplary Service Award
Remembering Evelyn Daniel
and Barbara Moran
Alumni and friends’ obituaries
Alumni perspectives on COVID-19
Irene Owens (PhD '95) establishes fund for diversity and global programs
