Students on scene for detonation day with O'Neill

Students on scene for detonation day

Posted on April 23, 2018 by Leslie Wells

Two students stand beside the burned out remains of a car that had a bomb explode inside of it. — Students investigate blasts like this one during O’Neill’s course Investigating Post-Blast Crime Scenes (2018).

For more than a decade, retired IMPD Sgt. Stephen Davis, a member of O’Neill’s adjunct faculty, has given students an experience many people will never have: being on the scene of a bombing and investigating the aftermath. This year, he’ll bring the learnings to life on June 2 and 16 at the Morgan County Sheriff’s Office during the summer 2023 session.

In previous years, the IMPD Bomb Squad, Indianapolis Fire Department, and members from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives was already on the scene when students arrived.

“Safety is always first,” Davis says.

Each group of students arrived on-scene with a 25-gallon tub filled with the tools they’ll need for their next project: a tarp, a camera, some sketch pads, and a police report. They’re learning how to investigate a bombing.

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“Something to strive for”

Posted on April 16, 2018 by Leslie Wells

Nichole Lincoln was awarded a SPEA Alumni Association Scholarship. Nichole Lincoln standin in front of a window smiling, wearing a pink shirt. — Nichole Lincoln was awarded a SPEA Alumni Association Scholarship.

Nichole Lincoln’s path to SPEA hasn’t been an easy one. She worked on her degree off-and-on for years, but didn’t commit to finishing her education until she became a mother in 2012.

“I needed to give my daughters something to strive for in this life and to teach them a life lesson: always finish what you start,” she says. (more…)

Christopher Meyer: Top 100 award winner

Posted on April 13, 2018 by Leslie Wells

SPEA's Chris Meyer was selected as one of IUPUI's Top 100 students. — SPEA’s Chris Meyer was selected as one of IUPUI’s Top 100 students.

Christopher Meyer embodies the spirit of SPEA. He thrives on making our communities better. Despite being visually impaired, he still sees the need in this world – and he responds. This commitment to community and service is just one of the reasons Chris is being honored as one of IUPUI’s Top 100 students.

Each year, the IUPUI Office of Alumni Relations honors 100 outstanding undergraduate students. These students have a record of demonstrating academic excellence, campus leadership, and community engagement. Meyer and two other SPEA students will be honored at this year’s Top 100 Award Dinner on April 13.

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Rachel Santos: SPEA Peterson Fellow earns Elite 50 award

Posted on April 11, 2018 by Leslie Wells

Graduate students who want to earn their master’s degree must first master a delicate balancing act involving their personal, professional and academic lives.

Rachel Santos’ ability to manage her position as the communications and operations manager for Indianapolis’ Office of Education Innovation, while still pursuing her Master of Public Affairs degree from SPEA has earned her a spot among IUPUI’s Elite 50.

The Elite 50 award recognizes student achievements in scholarship and service beyond the classroom. Honorees are chosen from among the more than 8,000 graduate and professional students at IUPUI. (more…)

SPEA staffer earns Elite 50 honor as doctoral student

Posted on April 11, 2018 by Leslie Wells

Eugene Pride III was named among IUPUI's Elite 50 graduate and professional students. — Eugene Pride III was named among IUPUI’s Elite 50 graduate and professional students.

Inside SPEA’s offices, the staff work hard to advise students on the best ways to accomplish their academic goals. At least one member of the team is taking his own advice when it comes to furthering his education. Now, he’s earning a top honor for that commitment: IUPUI’s Elite 50 award.

Eugene Pride III is SPEA’s associate director of enrollment and diversity initiatives, providing guidance in student recruitment, strategic planning, and even teaching an undergraduate first-year seminar course. Individually, these positions alone are enough to keep anyone busy. Yet Pride has added on a personal challenge: obtaining his Ph.D. in urban education studies.

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