Melanie Contreras

Melanie Contreras is a sophomore majoring in journalism with a minor in video production, while also working towards a paralegal studies certificate. She is the Culture/Politics Editor for The Campus Citizen. She enjoys drinking coffee and being a social advocate for the community.

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Culture

R.L. Stine shares writing inspirations like Ray Bradbury and rules for children’s books ahead of Indianapolis visit

By Melanie Contreras | March 17

R. L. Stine has been giving young readers the chills for decades through his iconic “Goosebumps” and “Fear Street” series. Now, Stine will be sharing his best scares with the Indianapolis community on March 19 at the 2026 Marian McFadden Memorial Lecture with Mychal Threets of “Reading Rainbow” at the Madam Walker Legacy Theater.

Campus

IU Indianapolis student to release children’s book on Islamic prophets

By Melanie Contreras | March 12

Since August, IU Indianapolis student Tamer Abdul Halim Alsalloum, a sophomore majoring in respiratory therapy, has been writing a book titled “In the Footsteps of the Prophets,” aimed at educating children about the 25 prophets in Islam. The book is set to release on April 1, 2026.

Campus

Purdue in Indianapolis motorsports shifts gears after the split from IUPUI

By Melanie Contreras | Dec. 12

Purdue University in Indianapolis is currently the only university in the United States to offer an accredited motorsports engineering degree. Previously housed under Indiana University Purdue University (IUPUI), the motorsports engineering program has transitioned fully to Purdue University, bringing new opportunities for students.

sports

IU Indianapolis faces defamation claim from former basketball coach

By Citlali Sanchez and Melanie Contreras | Dec. 11

Paul Corsaro, former IU Indianapolis men’s basketball coach, has filed a tort claim against IU Indianapolis for defamation. The university sent a termination statement to the IndyStar claiming that Corsaro's behavior did not align with university values and standards when it came to the treatment of student athletes.

Campus

Recap of the 2025 State of the University address by IU President Pamela Whitten

By Melanie Contreras | Dec. 10

On Dec. 9, Indiana University President Pamela Whitten delivered her 2025 State of the University address at IU Indianapolis with an emphasis on the IU 2030 strategic plan, a plan set forth that aims to reaffirm the university's place in public education.

Campus

Sudden parking lot closures leave Herron students frustrated

By Melanie Contreras | Oct. 17

On Oct. 6, IU Indianapolis’ Parking and Transportation Services announced that lots 402 and 403, located near the Eskenazi Fine Arts Center (EFAC), will be closed until 2027 to make way for the new IU LAB building, according to an IU Indianapolis Today newsletter.

Politics

A recap on legislation proposed in Indiana affecting LGBTQ+ rights during the 2025 session

By Melanie Contreras | March 27

On March 4, Indiana Gov. Mike Braun signed Executive Orders 25-35 and 25-36, addressing the classification and rights of transgender individuals in Indiana. The orders plan to define “gender” and “sex” as synonymous and ban transgender women’s ability to participate in college-level sports.

Politics

Students voice their stories and concerns about immigration

By Umu Sow and Melanie Contreras | March 5

“Go back to your country, and if you don't like it here, go back,” said Oscar Huizar, a Mexican-American student at IU Indianapolis. Huizar’s words echo the widespread rhetoric that many immigrants in the United States are facing, especially after President Trump has continued to implement harsh immigration policies.

Politics

What a Trump Administration could mean financially for IUI students

By Melanie Contreras | Dec. 13

On Nov. 19, president-elect Donald Trump nominated Linda McMahon as the United States Secretary of Education. Through a statement shared on Truth Social, a Trump-owned social media platform, he shared plans for McMahon to spearhead efforts to send education back to the states. This would be similar to the overturn of Roe v. Wade, where states individually decided policies around abortion, calling for an end of the Department of Education’s federal power. This poses great challenges to the federally distributed financial aid grants, work-study funds and loans in which many students receive through the Federal Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) under the Department of Education

Culture

Robert Rebein leads inspiring reading as part of the Reiberg reading series

By Melanie Contreras | Nov. 25

As part of the Rufus & Louise Reading Series, a showcase of active authors visiting campus to share their works, Professor Robert Rebein hosted a comical yet intriguing reading of his recently published book, “The Last Rancher,” on Nov. 7.