Community Seminar Series
Delivering research-based health information to the community
A partnership between IHSI and University of Illinois Extension, the Community Seminar Series provides educational seminars of interest to the community each fall, spring, and summer, delivered virtually by graduate students and postdoctoral research trainees.
Program Overview
The Community Seminar Series covers health topics driven by public interest. Each seminar covers current research on a specific topic, helping attendees make healthier choices and overcome public health misinformation. Seminars have covered a variety of topics, such as supplements versus healthy eating, aging and dementia, use of technology to improve health, vaccines and the immune system, and more. View the recent series.
Science communication for graduate students and postdocs
Health-related virtual programming is on the rise since the COVID-19 pandemic. Mentors and trainees interested in science communication and outreach on topics related to their research are invited to participate in the Community Seminar Series (CSS) program. Series speakers will:
- Develop and present health-related webinars
- Reach dozens of attendees in the live session
- Engage with communities from across the country
The CSS team is currently recruiting speakers for future sessions. Participating graduate students and postdoctoral researchers students are responsible for hosting a webinar over the course of the programming, working closely with fellow presenters and Extension mentors to develop, practice, and deliver their presentation. Contact Maxwell Wallace with questions about participating in this opportunity. Learn more.
Current Seminars
May 1, 2025 - Aug 16, 2025 Summer 2025
Assistive Robots: Supporting Independence and Well-Being for Older Adults
Explore how assistive robots empower older adults by supporting daily routines, enhancing safety, and fostering social connection. This presentation will provide insights into integrating robotics into home care to promote autonomy, dignity, and well-being.
Yao-Lin Tsai, Health & Kinesiology Ph.D. Candidate
Las compras de alimentos en línea pueden mejorar el acceso a los alimentos en las comunidades rurales. Descubra cómo este enfoque puede contribuir a mejorar la salud y la nutrición de las poblaciones desatendidas y aprenda cómo las soluciones innovadoras pueden fomentar el acceso equitativo a los alimentos y mejorar el bienestar de la comunidad.
Karen Gutiérrez, Ciencia de los Alimentos y Nutrición Humana
Water Wins: Choosing Healthier Drinks for Toddlers to Teens
What’s really in your child’s drink? Learn to decode labels, spot hidden sugars, and encourage water and natural drinks. Equip your family with tools to make healthier beverage choices every day.
Nikita Chigullapally, Carle Illinois College of Medicine M.D. Candidate
Nurtured in Nature: Restoring Wellness for Collective Climate Resilience
As climate stress intensifies, communities need more than mitigation; they need meaning, connection, and care. This session introduces Nurtured in Nature, a BIPOC-led wellness initiative that fosters climate resilience through culturally grounded experiences in nature.
Tomas Delgado, Natural Resources & Environmental Sciences M.S. Candidate
Easy Steps to Benefitting from Every Day Mindful Forest Bathing
Mindfulness and Forest Bathing are increasingly popular activities that can decrease stress and anxiety and improve affect and relaxation. In this session, we share findings from research and benefits of forest bathing and mindfulness. We also share ideas for finding suitable places near your homes for mindful forest bathing and offer easy steps to experience the benefits.
Darcy Lu, Zafar Waziha Sarker
Workshop Recordings
Missed a session? Looking to expand your knowledge? Dive into past webinars and explore a wealth of health insights.
“It is important that our science is available not only to the scientific community but also to the public.”
Corinne Cannavale
Graduate student, program collaborator