Cybersecurity education varies widely in US
A WSU-led research team contends that cybersecurity education could be improved by working with professional societies and increasing use of educational tools and theories.
Campus & Community
WSU Vision Clinic opens new eyeglass frame donation program
The program is designed to defray some of the costs for students on the Pullman campus who need new glasses but can’t afford them.
Cougar Pride sculptures find homes across WSU system
Thanks to a generous alumnus, new replicas of the iconic Cougar Pride sculpture have been installed on campuses across the WSU System.
WSU Alumni Association recognizes Top Ten Seniors
This year’s honorees shared favorite memories and experiences at WSU as well as their plans for the future.
Thousands of WSU students set to graduate this spring
Among the more than 4,400 anticipated graduates, bachelor’s degree recipients are leading the way, with 3,447 applying to graduate across six campuses.
University Affairs
WSU awards nine junior faculty with seed funding
The recipients’ proposals represent the broad range of scholarly activity taking place at WSU. The total amount of grant funding awarded is $200,000.
Presidential search: WSU community invited to participate in focus group sessions
Students, staff, and faculty are invited to participate in one of three virtual focus group sessions intended to inform the search for WSU’s 12th president.
Thomas-Brown named dean of the College of Education
Karen Thomas-Brown, currently an associate dean at University of Washington, will begin her new role Aug. 1.
WSU selects T. Chris Riley-Tillman as next provost
An experienced higher education leader and expert in evidence-based educational practices, Riley-Tillman has been selected to serve as WSU’s next provost.
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
WSU staff mentorship
Washington State University will once again be conducting the Staff Mentoring and Professional Development Program in the spring of 2024. Applications for this once a year cohort are available through Friday, May 31. The purpose of the WSU Staff Mentoring Program is to develop relationships and facilitate interaction among staff, resulting in a stronger, more collaborative […]
Learning opportunity spotlight
Develop your skills with these upcoming courses & opportunities! Workplace Communication: Giving & Receiving Feedback, May 14 Learn more and register for Workplace Communication Review the development stages of teams and the importance of clear communication in the workplace. Using an interactive survey, participants will identify different communication styles, including their own, and the skills required […]
Awards & Achievements
WSU veterinary students recognized with international reproductive medicine scholarships
Randa Boler and Tanya Weber are recipients of the Nandi Theriogenology Scholarship. The international award recognizes veterinary students who demonstrate scholarly excellence and leadership.
Christopher Clarke selected for Oaks Academic Technology Award
Clarke earned the award for his innovative use of high-quality instructional videos, which he shares with students via platforms like YouTube and TikTok.
Veterinary students receive diversity leadership scholarships
Christopher Ibarra Gervacio and Regina Meeks were recently recognized with national diversity leadership scholarships from the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges.
Sleep scientist Kimberly Honn elected president of Working Time Society
Honn will serve a three‑year term as president of the society that focuses on the study of psychosocial aspects and health problems connected with shift work and working hours.
Science & Technology
Cybersecurity education varies widely in US
A WSU-led research team contends that cybersecurity education could be improved by working with professional societies and increasing use of educational tools and theories.
Improved AI process could better predict water supplies
A new computer model developed by WSU researchers uses a better artificial intelligence process to measure snow and water availability more accurately across vast distances in the West.
VR can motivate people to donate to refugee crises regardless of politics
A new WSU-led study shows virtual reality technology may have the ability to bridge the gap between different ideologies and motivate people to show more generosity.
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.
Food & Agriculture
Love of food science leads WSU grad student to research solutions for smoke-affected wines
Charity Maosah’s current career path as a wine science PhD student stems in part from a childhood spent on her family’s farm in Kenya.
Discovery of mechanism plants use to change seed oil could impact industrial, food oils
Researchers have found a way to genetically engineer a type of test plant to more efficiently produce different kinds of seed oil.
Tri-state team releases calendar guide for more productive, sustainable pastures
Experts drew on knowledge of the complex landscapes and seasonal rhythms of the Inland Pacific Northwest for a new year-round guide to boost the productivity of the region’s pastureland.
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.
Health & Medicine
ChatGPT fails at heart risk assessment
Despite ChatGPT’s reported ability to pass medical exams, new research indicates it would be unwise to rely on it for some health assessments, such as whether a patient with chest pain needs to be hospitalized.
New clinic improves access to timely care for children with autism spectrum disorder
In its first year of operation, WSU’s Autism and Neurodevelopmental Clinic has reduced wait times for eastern Washington children with ASD and their families.
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.
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.”
Veterinary Medicine
WSU expecting record number of injured and orphaned wildlife
Wildlife rehabilitators are accustomed to caring for hungry and chirping mouths in spring but starting this April, there’s been a great increase in injured and orphaned wildlife.
WSU to study effect of controversial drug on racehorses
Overall, the WSU team plans to analyze information gathered from about 30,000 racehorses to determine the future use of the drug furosemide in horse racing.
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.
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
Student-run AI ventures dominate Business Plan Competition
AI innovations and apps dominated the business ideas presented at WSU’s 21st annual Business Plan Competition Thursday, April 25.
Phyllis J. Campbell endows deanship at WSU’s Carson College of Business
The endowed deanship stems from a generous gift from Phyllis and Bill Campbell of Issaquah, who met as WSU undergraduates and married not long after Phyllis’ graduation.
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.
Politics & Society
WSU partners with community colleges to enhance urban forests
A nearly $1.8 million grant will enable WSU researchers to investigate how to improve tree canopy cover in several urban areas throughout the state.
Polyamorous youth report facing stigma, heightened levels of depression
While increasingly visible among adults, polyamory also exists among adolescents, and as a new study indicates, so does the stigma that can come with it.
Exhibit explores queer experience on the Palouse
An opening reception for “Higher Ground: An Exhibition of Art, Ephemera, and Form” will take place 6–8 p.m. Friday on the ground floor of the Terrell Library on the Pullman campus.
Extension tackles climate awareness
WSU is weaving adaptation and mitigation into Extension programming as part of its long-held commitment to building resilient communities.
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.