WSU institutes new wildfire smoke policy
The emergence of regular wildfire seasons in the Pacific Northwest recently prompted the state of Washington to enact new regulations to protect outdoor workers.
Campus & Community
Diversity in STEM conference shapes DGRP student’s perspective on research, and career path
Shawnee Kasanke was selected to attend the 2023 Society of Advancement of Chicanos/Hispanics and Native Americans in Science National Diversity in STEM Conference last fall.
Employee Assistance Program hosts special sessions, April 17
Washington State Employee Assistance Program Director Jennifer Nguyen will lead two discussions tomorrow on the topics of change and personal wellbeing. Both presentations will be livestreamed.
WSU’s Waterworld exhibit drew 1.5 million visitors at Expo ‘74
Water was the star of the show in WSU’s pavilion at the first environment-themed World’s Fair 50 years ago in Spokane.
WSU Global Campus Esports secures spot in national championship tournament
The team achieved victory in the Electronic Gaming Federation conference championships April 5 and 6, earning them a spot in EGF’s national championship tournament, which begins today.
University Affairs
WSU institutes new wildfire smoke policy
The emergence of regular wildfire seasons in the Pacific Northwest recently prompted the state of Washington to enact new regulations to protect outdoor workers.
Provost selection process ongoing
WSU expects to name its next provost before the end of April. President Kirk Schulz is actively considering two finalists, with feedback provided by the university community being a key factor in the decision.
AAPI Heritage Month celebrates the state’s fastest-growing minority population
Washington’s second-largest and fastest-growing minority population is Asian American Pacific Islander — a Census term that refers to people with origins in countries stretching from India to Hawaii, from Japan to Tonga.
Board of Regents meeting in Spokane April 18–19
All of the board’s meetings will take place inside the Spokane Academic Center. Public sessions will also be streamed live on YouTube.
WSU-related Podcasts
From WSU:
Food safety, WSU stories, science answers for kids, and more — listen to podcasts from Washington State University.
About WSU:A selection of programs about Washington State, produced by alumni and friends.
WSU PodcastsBenefits & Training
Register today for Bite-Size Book Club launching Wednesday, March 27!
Learning and Organizational Development is thrilled to announce the launch of the Bite-Sized Book Club, Wednesday, March 27! Each spring and fall, join us online as we dive into the insightful pages of books, that have been thoughtfully selected to stimulate critical thinking, spark meaningful discussions, and inspire. You can expect diverse selections, thought-provoking discussions, and […]
New digital accessibility website offers guidance on approachable content
The website aims to educate the WSU community on how to make everything from emails to PowerPoint presentations more approachable.
Awards & Achievements
Mary Garcia receives 2024 Excellence in Online Teaching Award
Garcia, a human development instructor for WSU, will receive $3,000 in faculty development funds and a trophy in recognition of her win.
Three WSU students receive national Goldwater Awards
Clara Ehinger, Julia Jitkov, and Brayan Osegueda Velazquez are the latest recipients of national Barry Goldwater distinguished scholarships.
WSU among leaders in antimicrobial resistance research
The university received $1.52 million in funding for antimicrobial resistance research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in 2023, the second most of any university in the Western U.S.
WellCoug Wellness Program garners state recognition
For the second year in a row, the Human Resource Services wellness program has received the Zo8 Award from the Washington State Healthcare Authority.
Science & Technology
WSU energy initiatives partner to provide sustainable solutions
The new Institute for Northwest Energy Futures is partnering with WSU Extension to come up with ways to better supply energy to people across the state.
Grant supports helping the power grid prepare for the future
The $2.4 million federal grant supports a WSU-led team in preparing the power grid for the changing world of electricity production, including greater renewable generation.
New program helps students graduate with extra training to tackle carbon emissions
The first cohort of graduates from the Energy Conscious Construction certificate program are hoping to use their training to design and build more efficient and less carbon-polluting homes.
Grant aims to better understand effects of classroom lighting on students
The American Society of Interior Designers grant will enable WSU researchers to study how LED lighting in classrooms affects children with autism spectrum disorder.
Food & Agriculture
E-tongue can detect white wine spoilage before humans can
While bearing little physical resemblance to its namesake, the strand-like sensory probes of the “e-tongue” still outperformed human senses when detecting contaminated wine in a recent WSU-led study.
Auction of Washington Wines event raises more than $150,000 for WSU wine science research
Since it began in 2015, the philanthropic event has raised more than $1.2 million for WSU viticulture and enology research, helping to enhance the quality of Washington wines on a global scale.
Environmental and social benefits from diversified agriculture found in global study
Food security and biodiversity are both helped by diversified farming techniques, with little negative impact, according to a new paper that includes research from two WSU professors.
Help name WSU’s new apple in online contest
For more than 20 years, WSU’s newest apple has been known by a mix of numbers and initials. It’s now time for apple lovers to give WA 64 a name.
Health & Medicine
Deadly bacteria show thirst for human blood
A WSU-led study has found the some of the world’s deadliest bacteria seek out and feed on human blood, a phenomenon researchers are calling “bacterial vampirism.”
Contingency Management is gaining favor for treating addiction
Washington State University scientists know that reinforcement-based addiction treatment works. Despite the evidence in its favor, uptake of the treatment has been slow. That’s now changing.
Blood sugar lows, highs hamper brain function in individuals with Type 1 diabetes
Large swings in blood glucose tied to Type 1 diabetes may impact the brain’s ability to quickly process information, according to a study co‑authored by WSU scientists.
Rural and minority dementia patients face disparities in access to neurologists
Getting dementia diagnosed can be a difficult process, but some may face additional challenges based on race, ethnicity or where they live, according to a WSU‑led study.
Veterinary Medicine
Cats with MDR1 mutation at risk of severe reactions to popular medication
A WSU study identified a risk of severe adverse effects in cats with the genetic mutation to eprinomectin, an active ingredient in top-selling parasite preventatives like NexGardCombo and Centragard.
The woman behind WSU’s veterinary blood bank
Jane Wardrop didn’t pay much attention to the fact that veterinary medicine was a male-dominated profession when she applied to veterinary school at WSU in 1972.
New reproductive service preserves cat genetics for years to come
Woodford, a 2-year-old Maine coon, became the first cat at the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital to have semen frozen using a process that allows it to be maintained indefinitely for future breeding.
Dancing horse undergoes life-saving procedures at WSU
Oro Negro, a 4-year-old Friesian stallion, will soon resume his training for charro competitions, or horse dancing events, following a pair of surgeries by WSU veterinarians.
Arts & Culture
WSU Press, Whitworth University team up for new publishing deal
Pines Press, a first-of-its-kind collaboration, was conceived by WSU Press Editor-in-Chief Linda Bathgate and Amanda Clark, Whitworth University’s dean of the library and special programs.
WSU fashion show celebrates the journey of student artisans
The 41st annual WSU fashion show takes place this Friday in Pullman and celebrates the work of nearly 30 students who have spent years working on their designs.
Exploring racial segregation, historical memory of Seattle
Megan Asaka, history faculty from the University of California, Riverside, will present: “The Dividing Line: Race and Segregation in Early Seattle” at 4:30 p.m. Thursday, April 4, in Todd 276.
New exhibitions and events unveiled at the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU
Visitors can engage with three new exhibitions and several programs that celebrate art in its various forms from March 26 to June 29.
Business & Economics
WSU online MBA programs recognized by CEO Magazine
CEO Magazine has ranked the Carson College of Business online MBA and executive MBA programs as No. 38 out of 78 and No. 22 out of 57 in its 2024 rankings of global recognition.
Carson College of Business hosts annual marketing symposium
“Next‑Gen Solutions: Harnessing ChatGPT for Classroom Innovation and Business Success” will be held from 10:30 a.m.–2 p.m. April 17 in Pullman and livestreamed on Zoom.
Business students excel in regional sales competition
A team of WSU Vancouver students secured third place in the Pacific Northwest Sales Competition hosted at Oregon State University.
Center for Entrepreneurship hires new executive director
Paul Warner, an experienced business owner, digital marketer, and consultant, has been appointed executive director of the WSU Center for Entrepreneurship in the Carson College of Business.
Politics & Society
Growth mindset messages can close grade gap for first-generation students
Just two emails, at the right time with the right message, can make a big difference for students who are the first in their families to go to college, a WSU study found.
Colombian women’s rights pioneer got her start in Pullman
Paulina Gómez Vega’s experience at Washington State College in the early 1920s helped make her an education leader and influential voice for women’s rights.
Patricia Whitefoot influenced generations of Indigenous students
Honorary doctoral recipient Whitefoot’s leadership in Native American education is the second in a series featuring women whose contributions have helped shape the university and the world.
Carla Peperzak’s story and honors have one goal: never again
Honorary doctoral recipient Peperzak’s efforts to help Jews during World War II is the first in a series of profiles featuring women whose contributions have helped shape the university and the world.
Reports & Updates
Student in custody after incident at Global Scholars Hall
A shot was fired by police, who responded to a report of someone armed with a knife, but no one was hit.
Building bridges: philanthropy at WSU
In fiscal year 2023 alone, 27,832 total donors contributed a record $167.9 million in philanthropic support to more than 1,000 designated areas within WSU.
WSU reaches tentative agreement with academic student employees
The tentative agreement still must be approved by the union’s members, with the UAW setting a ratification vote for Jan. 19–25.
Preparing for potential ASE strike
WSU President Kirk Schulz reaffirms the university’s commitment to ensuring classes proceed without impediment in the event of a work stoppage by academic student employees.