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The Mindful Way
A roundup of 71 North updates
71 NORTH
February 18, 2025
The Mindful Way
This week at 71 North, we focus on mindfulness and undergraduate research, exploring how innovation can support mental well-being while advancing student-led research.
Mindfulness and Relaxation in Virtual Reality
Feeling overwhelmed? Need a mental reset? Our Mindfulness Virtual Reality Experiment is here to help.
We are introducing Mindful Moments, an experience designed to guide you through mindfulness and relaxation exercises, helping you prioritize your mind and body. Whether you’re feeling stressed, anxious, or need a break, this immersive session provides a serene escape—right on campus.
The Experiment:
This isn’t just a relaxation session—it’s also part of an undergraduate research study! Macy Harris and Matthew D’Sousa, Public Health students interning at the NIU Office of Innovation, are measuring the impact of Virtual Reality on students' mental well-being.
How It Works:
1. Before the session, you’ll take a short pre-test assessing your current mental state.
2. Enjoy a guided mindfulness session in VR.
3. Afterward, you’ll take a post-test to measure any changes in your mental state.
Your participation helps advance student-led research, with findings to be presented at the Conference of Undergraduate Research and Engagement. Plus, with every session you attend, you’ll gain practical mindfulness techniques to help manage stress.
Sign Up Today! Take a step toward better mental health while contributing to research.
No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else.
HuskieVerse Featured Experience Available through February, “MLK: Now Is The Time” by TIME Studios is an immersive VR experience examining the ongoing relevance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. There are multiple opportunities to explore virtual reality each week. Visit the HuskieVerse booking page to reserve your spot. |  “MLK: Now Is The Time” by TIME Studios is an immersive VR experience examining the ongoing relevance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “I Have a Dream” speech. |
This Week at 71 North
Tuesday:
8:30 - 11:00 AM Morning Writing Group: Facilitated by Dr. Anna Klis, this interdisciplinary group invites you to start your day with coffee and creativity.
12:00 - 1:00 PM: Office Hour with Richard Mocarski • Stop by during lunch to connect with NIU’s Vice President of Research (BYOL).
8:30 AM - 4:30 PM: NICCS Day - A time to discuss and workshop topics connected with the Northern Illinois Center for Community Sustainability (NICCS).
5:00 PM - 6:30 PM: TechTaco - Using Python with the Turtle module - Miguel Williams
A lith introduction to Python using the Turtle module
Wednesday:
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM: Huskie Hackers - An engaged and passionate community of the next generation of technology leaders and entrepreneurs participating in MLH Official Hackathons.
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM: HuskieVerse - VR Exploration
4:00 - 6:00 PM: NIU Makers Club - Where creativity meets craft. The club is a hands-on experience that promises fun and learning in equal measure.
5:30 - 6:30 PM: CAUSE Social Entrepreneurship - Engage in meaningful discussions and activities focused on driving social change through entrepreneurial action.
5:00 PM to 6:30 PM: Appy Hour Podcast - All things apps.
Thursday:
3:00 - 5:00 PM Huskie Hackers
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM: HuskieVerse - VR Exploration
5:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Innovation Club - A student-led organization welcoming creative thinkers from all corners of campus who are interested in making the world a better place.
Friday:
12:00 PM - 2:00 PM: Vespa Mode - A collaborative project to develop a simulator for riding a vintage Vespa in virtual reality. Vespa Mode is part of the Huskieverse program.
Derrek, Dan, and Adam search for parts during Friday Vespa Mode meeting.
2:00 - 4:00 PM Huskie Hackers
3:00 PM to 5:00 PM: HuskieVerse - VR Exploration
Looking Ahead:
• Random Hack of Kindness (RHoK): This semester, RHoK will focus on impactful, feasible solutions for the Huskie Food Pantry.
• HealthIER Series: This series, which continues our collaboration with the College of Health and Human Sciences, will emphasize interdisciplinary research in health sciences and focus on NIH R15/R16 proposals.
Looking Back:
• TechTacos with Biagio Palese: had the largest audience so far for a TechTaco, surpassing Andrea Guzman's (another phenomenal faculty) Fall 2024 attendance by a handful of participants.
• Valentinnovation made connecting fun: lots of smiles and good conversations with Friends of Innovation & Entrepreneurship. A collaboration with the College of Business and the De La Vega Innovation Lab.
