William A. Oleckno, Distinguished Teaching Professor Emeritus at NIU, has written a new textbook of epidemiology.
This comprehensive text is aimed primarily at public health graduate students and practicing health professionals interested in understanding the fundamentals of epidemiology and particularly study design and analysis. Epidemiology is the study of the distribution, causes and control of human diseases, including infectious diseases such as meningitis and noninfectious diseases such as coronary heart disease and stroke. Epidemiologists use a variety of research methods to uncover risk factors for disease that can often be prevented or controlled using various public health measures.
Oleckno’s 649-page text, “Epidemiology: Concepts and Methods,” was published in February by Waveland Press, Inc., located in Long Grove, Ill. It is Oleckno’s fourth book.
A professor in the College of Health and Human Sciences for more than 25 years, he currently teaches part-time in the School of Nursing and Health Studies. His professional interests span epidemiology and environmental health. Among the many features of the new book is a comprehensive glossary of more than 700 terms used throughout the 14 chapters comprising the text.
His new book is in addition to his 2002 epidemiology text, also published by Waveland.
This book, “Essential Epidemiology: Principles and Methods,” is a basic introduction to the field. It has received outstanding reviews in the academic world and has been referred to as “an excellent, easy-to-read textbook and general reference.” One reviewer called it “one of those books that should be a cornerstone in a new epidemiologist’s own personal library.” Another referred to it as “the best epidemiology text for understanding the statistical and scientific basis of epidemiology.”
Oleckno resides in DeKalb with his wife Karen.
Northern Illinois University Press has announced that one of its recently published books has been honored with an award.
“Founding Corporate Power in Early National Philadelphia,” by Andrew M. Schocket, is the 2008 winner of the Ohio Academy of History Outstanding Publication Award. The Ohio Academy of History is a professional society bringing together teachers, scholars, public historians and students interested in all fields of history.
NIU Press published “Founding Corporate Power in Early National Philadelphia” in January 2007. In the book, Schocket analyzes the establishment, growth and operations of both commercial and municipal corporations in the Philadelphia.
Between 1780 and 1830, corporations sprang up to provide water, transportation and financial institutions for the citizens of Philadelphia. An elite group of entrepreneurs controlled these corporations, but Schocket argues they generated widespread prosperity by offering services that allowed middle-class businessmen to flourish. This mixed legacy resulted in ambivalence toward U.S. corporations to this day.
“U.S. history is one of the primary subject areas in which we specialize, but it is also a very competitive area,” stated J. Alex Schwartz, NIU Press director. “We are quite pleased to add this award to our long list of achievements.”
Besides publishing on a variety of topics in the humanities, arts and sciences, NIU Press also focuses on the history of Chicago and the Midwest.
Schocket’s award-winning book can be purchased through NIU Press by calling (815) 753-1075, by ordering online at www.niupress.niu.edu or by visiting a local bookstore.
Junior Kerri Simons, a member of NIU Forensics, won the Interstate Oratory Association (IOA) national tournament held April 25 and 26 in Madison, Wis.
A maximum of two students from each state were selected to compete in the IOA tournament, the nation’s oldest public speaking contest.
Simons’ oration on inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) won the persuasive speaking category of the Illinois Intercollegiate Forensics Association state tournament in March and qualified for the IOA tournament.
Simons, a Spanish language and literature major, worked throughout the school year researching, writing and refining her speech. Simons’ central purpose was to raise awareness about IBC, a rare but aggressive form of breast cancer not usually detected by mammogram or ultrasound.
She was thrilled by her championship win. “This doesn’t even seem real right now,” she said after receiving her first-place award.
Simons’ teammates and coaches also are pleased by her competitive success.
“Kerri worked very hard and always stayed focused on the importance of her message,” coach Judy Santacaterina said. “We are all extremely proud of her.”
The IOA national tournament has been held annually since 1875. Its contestants have included William Jennings Bryant, Barbara Jordan and George McGovern, as well as 11 alumni of NIU.