Sean Downey, co-chair of MIU’s Art, Consciousness, & Creative Practice department and associate professor of art, has just completed a five-week solo exhibition of new paintings and sculptures at LaMontagne Gallery in Boston. This was his third solo exhibition there.
Pictured above: Slow Learner, 2025, oil on panel, 36 x 48 inches, by Sean Downey
Entitled Motion Pictures, the exhibition opened on October 24, with an opening reception on November 7, and concluded on November 29.
LaMontagne Gallery was founded in 2007 “to create an environment in Boston for the display and sale of emerging contemporary artists.” It features visual, sound, and performance artists based in Boston and beyond.
“Solo exhibitions in contemporary art venues are important milestones for artists, not unlike publishing a book or having research included in a peer-reviewed journal,” Professor Downey says. “This show constitutes the last eighteen months of my studio practice, so it is particularly gratifying to have it on display in a major city and exposed to a national audience.”
The response has been very positive. “The opening and lecture were packed,” Professor Downey says, “and the show has reignited many correspondences and conversations with colleagues at other institutions.”
Next on the horizon? “More work!” he says. “I also hope to continue exploring disciplinary crossover in my practice and integrate more of this interdisciplinary approach into the curriculum of the courses that I teach at MIU.”
Click here to see more of the paintings included in the exhibition.
Click here for Professor Downey’s website.
About Sean Downey
Sean Downey received his BFA from the Kansas City Art Institute and his MFA from Boston University. He has had recent solo exhibitions at Steven Zevitas Gallery (Boston) and LaMontagne Gallery. He has also been included in recent group exhibitions at Richard Heller Gallery (Santa Monica), Abigail Ogilvy Gallery (Boston), the Institute of Contemporary Art at MECA (Portland), the Leroy Neiman Gallery at Columbia University (New York City), LaMontagne Gallery, and Park Place Gallery (Brooklyn, New York). He received the Blanche E. Colman Award in 2013, a Massachusetts Cultural Council Artist Fellowship in 2014, and was MacDowell Colony Fellow in 2015.
The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology have just updated their 2025 High Blood Pressure Guideline — and they recognize the Transcendental Meditation (TM) technique as an evidence-based method for lowering blood pressure.
This is the first time any meditation technique has been included in an AHA/ACC hypertension guideline. TM may now be recommended alongside lifestyle changes and medical therapy.
The TM technique is the only meditation procedure cited, with evidence rated moderate to high quality. Other meditation and mindfulness practices were not included due to weaker data.
This AHA/ACC guideline represents the nation’s most authoritative high blood pressure treatment recommendations.
Why this matters:
- Hypertension is one of the world’s leading preventable health problems
- Stress is a major driver — but proven stress-reduction tools rarely appear in guidelines
- TM practice is highly effective in reducing psychological stress
- TM now has a place alongside lifestyle changes and medical care.
This update opens the door for the TM technique to be more widely used in clinics, communities, workplaces, schools, and wellness programs. TM is scalable, low-cost, easy to implement, and can be integrated into primary care, cardiology, workplace wellness programs, schools, and community health initiatives.
This milestone may mark era of precision public health — one where reducing stress meaningfully reduces cardiovascular risk.
Companion commentary in top cardiology journal co-authored by MIU’s Dr. Robert Schneider
Following the release of the guidelines, a companion commentary in the journal Nature Reviews Cardiology explains the science: TM practice helps lower stress hormones, calm the nervous system, improve autonomic balance, and support healthier heart and vascular function.
Nature Reviews Cardiology is the world’s highest-impact journal in cardiovascular medicine.
The Nature article, co-authored by MIU’s Dr. Robert Schneider, points out that high blood pressure affects nearly half of U.S. adults and is the leading preventable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, stroke, and dementia.
It also highlights psychological stress as a major, modifiable driver of hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Chronic stress nearly doubles the risk of heart attack and stroke — similar to smoking or diabetes. Yet despite decades of evidence, stress reduction remains underutilized in prevention strategies.
The Nature article aims to address this.
Drawing on more than 30 years of NIH-funded research at the Institute for Natural Medicine and Prevention, Dr. Schneider and co-authors Dr. Keith Norris and Dr. Robert Brook present Transcendental Meditation as an evidence-based, low-risk intervention that complements conventional lifestyle recommendations by reducing psychological stress.
“Transcendental Meditation can effectively lower blood pressure, improve cardiometabolic health and might even reduce clinical cardiovascular disease events,” the authors write. “Recognizing Transcendental Meditation within prevention frameworks could transform stress management from a lifestyle option into a core strategy for cardiovascular protection.”
“We wrote this piece to elaborate on the 2025 AHA/ACC high blood pressure guidelines, which include Transcendental Meditation as an evidence-based option for lowering blood pressure,” Dr. Schneider wrote in a first social media post from Nature. “This inclusion reflects more than three decades of research. At the Institute for Natural Medicine and Prevention, our team has conducted NIH-funded mechanistic and clinical trials demonstrating that the Transcendental Meditation technique reduces sympathetic activation, improves metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers, slows vascular ageing, and in several randomized trials lowers the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events.”
“We hope this commentary encourages wider inclusion of mind–body approaches in cardiovascular medicine and stimulates further research on mechanisms, implementation, and precision public health,” Dr. Schneider wrote.
The new national guidelines for high blood pressure
The new guidelines from the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology strongly recommend lifestyle changes for all adults to prevent and treat high blood pressure. TM is now listed alongside diet, exercise, weight control, and other healthy lifestyle behaviors, with potential applicability to tens of millions of Americans.
The guidelines state: “In adults with or without hypertension, stress reduction through transcendental meditation may be reasonable to prevent or treat elevated BP and hypertension, as an adjunct to lifestyle or medication interventions.”
“This is a landmark acknowledgement,” said Robert D. Brook, MD, Professor of Medicine at Wayne State University and past chair of the AHA scientific statement on alternative approaches to blood pressure.
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The banner image is an AI-generated image used for illustrative purposes, not a photo of actual study participants.
Resources
Click here for the comment in Nature Reviews Cardiology, here for Nature’s “Behind the Paper” social media post by Dr. Schneider, and here for the full AHA/ACC guideline.
MIU has officially been selected as one of only 13 universities in the United States to join the prestigious Gen.G Practicum Abroad program. This program provides students with a three-week immersive educational experience in Seoul, South Korea, led by one of the world’s top esports organizations.
Pictured above: Cole Kerrigan, Taylor Miller, Christopher Revolinski, and Aaron Painter
For MIU Esports, this partnership represents a milestone in credibility, opportunity, and global engagement.
“I see it as a form of brand insulation,” said Eric Enlow, Head Esports Coach at MIU. “It shows that our esports program is serious and that we’re working with industry leaders to take our players to the next level, not just as gamers, but as future professionals.”
A partnership that elevates MIU’s esports identity
MIU’s approach to Esports is based in professionalism, development, and long-term career transformation.
According to Eric, the partnership signals to students and recruits that MIU is committed to providing real pathways into the esports industry.
“A brand like Gen.G makes us very appealing,” Eric explained. “Students want assurance that what they’re learning will help them achieve their dreams. This partnership gives them recognition from people already doing what they want to do.”
The collaboration was initiated after Coach Enlow discovered the Practicum Abroad program at the National Association of Esports Coaches and Directors (NACAD) conference. MIU moved quickly through the Gen.G process for the best chance to participate in this opportunity.
“Gen.G was surprised by how ready we were,” Eric said. “Other schools said it might take two or three years. We got it done right away, and that’s how we became part of the original 13.”
How the program works
Once a year, MIU Athletics will send students to Seoul for a 3–4 week immersive experience that blends industry education, cultural exploration, and professional development. Students will:
- Work on real esports projects
- Participate in mock interviews and resume-building sessions
- Meet industry leaders and team staff
- Learn about esports business models, marketing, recruitment, and brand growth
- Engage in cultural experiences guided by local experts
These experiences culminate in a final project or deliverable that students present at the end of the trip.
Coach Eric believes the cultural component alone has the potential to be life changing.
“Experiences like these can profoundly impact how we see the world and relate to others,” he said. “Independent of esports, this type of immersion in another country and culture can shape a person’s outlook for years to come.”
Preparing students for esports careers
The Practicum Abroad program is designed not only for students who want to compete professionally, but also for those interested in careers in coaching, team management, esports business, marketing and content creation, event production, and echnology and game publishing.
This partnership teaches students exactly how to turn their passion into a career.
“It gives them the tools, connections, and insights to make themselves visible to people who would pay them to be in esports,” Eric said. “It turns a hobby into a profession, just like it did for me.”
Boosting academic and personal growth
Coach Enlow also emphasized the academic benefits. Students are motivated by the opportunity and work harder to qualify. He expects students to return with renewed focus, professionalism, and awareness of what top-level esports requires, including leadership, teamwork, marketing skills, and personal development.
MIU athletics plans to integrate the experience into its Consciousness-Based Sports approach.
“We use the best techniques available and filter them through the lens of CBS,” Eric explained. “We will organize and incorporate everything we learn in Korea into our coaching and curriculum so that we get the most out of it.”
Positioning MIU as a national leader in esports
With hundreds of universities across the US, only 13 were selected to join Gen.G’s program.
“By being a pioneer like this, we’re redefining what higher education can be,” Eric said. “The goal is talent development, and this program delivers that in a unique, enjoyable, and deeply meaningful way.”
For MIU students and recruits, the message is clear: the future of esports is global, and MIU is determined to be part of shaping it.
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Maria Eduarda Rodrigues da Silva is the Sports Editor for MIU News and the Sports Information and Creative Director for the MIU Athletics Department.
The MIU Athletics Department hosted the first Pioneers Tennis Tournament on Saturday, November 8, marking a new milestone for the university’s growing tennis program.
The event, led by Head Coach Emilia Katopodi, brought together 18 players competing in doubles matches for a chance to claim first and second place. Matches took place at the MIU Recreation Center’s indoor tennis courts, creating an exciting and friendly atmosphere throughout the day.
Players came from across the Fairfield community, including MIU students and staff, Maharishi School, and Fairfield residents. The tournament served as a celebration of sportsmanship and collaboration, strengthening the connection between MIU and the broader community.
“Today showed what tennis can do when MIU and the Fairfield community meet,” said head coach Emilia Katopodi. “We saw new partners, new friends, and matches played with real heart. This won’t be a one-off — it’s the start of a tradition we’ll grow together.”
After a series of competitive and entertaining matches, Owen Blake and Tucker Anderson emerged as the tournament champions, displaying impressive teamwork and skill on the court. Juan Jose and Chandre Morales secured second place, rounding out a successful day of spirited competition.
About Coach Emilia
Emilia Katopodi began her tennis journey in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, at the age of four and quickly rose through the ranks to represent her country on the Ethiopian National Team, earning the nation’s second-highest ranking. Her pursuit of excellence led her to train extensively in Germany and Spain, where she competed in numerous ITF tournaments across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
Her diverse international background not only shaped her playing career but also inspired her passion for coaching. Katopodi has served as an assistant coach at youth summer camps in Ethiopia and at a tennis academy in Japan, where she helped young players refine their technique, confidence, and competitive mindset.
How to get involved
Students and community members interested in joining future tennis events or learning more about MIU’s tennis program can follow the MIU Tennis Team on Instagram at @miu.ten.nis or @miu.athletics for updates and event announcements.
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Maria Eduarda Rodrigues da Silva is the Sports Editor for MIU News and the Sports Information and Creative Director for the MIU Athletics Department.
The MIU Pioneers League of Legends team has officially clinched a playoff berth for the Fall 2025 season following an unexpected forfeit from their scheduled opponent, the University of Arkansas.
This result preserved MIU’s 2nd place ranking in their division and guaranteed the team a postseason appearance.
With only one match remaining in the regular season, the Pioneers will look to maintain their strong standing and secure a favorable matchup in the upcoming playoff bracket. The team celebrated the news, viewing it as validating their hard work, resilience, and determination throughout the season.
Season recap: from setbacks to success
The Pioneers’ journey this season has been nothing short of inspiring.
After narrowly dropping their first two matches, against Indiana Esports (1–2) and North Dakota State University (1–2), the team rallied to win four consecutive series. They defeated East Central University (2–1), University of Louisville (2–0), Concordia University St. Paul (2–0), and secured a forfeit win against University of Arkansas.
“Through both challenges and limitations, this team has remained determined to see this season through,” said Eric Enlow head coach of the MIU Esports team. “We are optimistic about our chances of winning the conferences and being invited to the spring national tournament.”
Meet the Pioneers
This season’s success was driven by a talented and diverse roster representing multiple regions across the United States:
- Aaron Ellis – Elmira, New York
- Cole Kerrigan – Las Vegas, Nevada
- Taylor Miller – Palmer, Alaska
- Aaron Painter – Everett, Washington
- Christopher Revonlinski – Phoenix, Arizona
“I care about winning but the most important thing for me is having fun,” said Christopher Revonlinski. “We’ve built a strong bond as teammates, and making it to the playoffs shows how much we’ve grown together both in and out of the game.”
Inside the Esports Lounge
How to watch
Fans can follow the Pioneers’ playoff journey live on Twitch at @MIUEsports. The NECC League of Legends Playoffs begin with the quarterfinals on November 13, followed by the semifinals on November 20 and the championship match on December 4.
For those new to competitive gaming, League of Legends is a team-based strategy game where five players per team compete to destroy the opposing side’s base. Each player takes on unique roles and abilities, requiring sharp communication, coordination, and strategic planning to succeed.
As the Pioneers enter the postseason, they carry the momentum of a comeback story built on perseverance, teamwork, and passion as they embody the true Pioneer spirit.
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Maria Eduarda Rodrigues da Silva is the Sports Editor for MIU News and the Sports Information and Creative Director for the MIU Athletics Department.