Self‑pollinating plant shows rapid loss of genetic variation
Without bumble bees, a flowering plant that can self‑pollinate lost substantial genetic variation within only nine generations.
Campus & Community
Week of Welcome events herald start of Fall 2022 semester systemwide
Each WSU campus is hosting an array of events and activities this month for new and returning students, their families, and the Cougar community at‑large.
WSU Pullman to inaugurate its first‑ever chancellor, Elizabeth S. Chilton
Students, faculty, staff, and members of the community are invited to join the inauguration celebration, set for Aug. 18 in Bryan Hall Auditorium.
Kazakhstani students experience life at WSU Pullman
Five students and their chaperone from Kazakhstan visited the Palouse this July for an English program at the Intensive American Language Center.
WSU research symposium to feature more than 50 students’ results
Wearable computing, crop resiliency, and atmospheric chemistry will be some of the topics addressed in project posters at the Summer Undergraduate Research Symposium on Friday, July 29.
University Affairs
New police command staff for WSU Pullman campus appointed
The three top‑ranking leaders at the department are retiring in lieu of possible termination after being served notice of pending disciplinary action. Disciplinary proceedings involving an officer are continuing.
Leadership changes in the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture
Xianming Shi is the new chair of civil and environmental engineering, while Haluk Beyenal will serve as associate dean of research and graduate studies. Dave Field is the new director for the Institute of Materials Research.
Special announcement regarding statewide outdoor air quality — wildfire smoke
Air quality statewide may begin to deteriorate due to wildfire smoke. WSU campuses as well as research and extension centers could be affected.
National Science Foundation and European Awards support students in Sweden and the U.S.
Students from WSU and Sweden’s Linköping University will participate in an exchange and research program in engineering and scientific computing.
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
Skillsoft Percipio launching next month
Human Resource Services will move to the new employee learning platform on Tuesday, Aug. 9, offering employees an easy way to refresh current skills and embrace new ones.
Introducing Skillsoft Percipio — Launching Aug. 9
We are moving to a new employee learning platform! Skillsoft’s newest intelligent learning platform, Percipio, was designed for one purpose — to help you more easily refresh your current skills and embrace new ones. Check out Aspire Journeys for guided, role‑based, and skill‑based learning paths. Attend boot camps and leader camps that experts and practitioners […]
Awards & Achievements
NIH grant to expand research into tick‑borne diseases
A $2.1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health will allow WSU researchers to take the next steps toward blocking transmission of Lyme disease and anaplasmosis.
WSU professor to co‑lead NSF‑funded institute for emerging virus research
Stephanie Seifert has been named as a co‑lead investigator for a new National Science Foundation-funded institute designed to advance research and education around viral emergence.
Sasi Pillay named CIO of the year
Pillay, vice president of Information Technology Services and chief information officer, was named CIO of the Year by the InspireCIO Leadership Network.
Two engineering professors named Huie-Rogers Endowed Chairs
Anamika Dubey and Jana Doppa have been named Huie-Rogers Endowed Chairs in the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.
Science & Technology
Dry lightning sparks some of the most destructive, costly wildfires
A new WSU study has found dry lightning outbreaks are the leading cause of some of the largest wildfire outbreaks in modern California history.
Scientists urge preparation for catastrophic climate change
Although unlikely, climate change catastrophes, including human extinction, should be more heavily considered by scientists, according to a new commentary article coauthored by WSU archaeologist Tim Kohler.
Climate Initiative teams move forward with planning grants
Interdisciplinary teams received awards to fund the planning stages of ideas formed during the WSU Climate Hackathon in May.
Researchers improve cement with shrimp shell nanoparticles
Putting nanoparticles from shrimp shells into cement paste made the material significantly stronger — an innovation that could lead to reduced seafood waste and lower carbon emissions from concrete production.
Food & Agriculture
Self‑pollinating plant shows rapid loss of genetic variation
Without bumble bees, a flowering plant that can self‑pollinate lost substantial genetic variation within only nine generations.
Rising temperatures will shift timing of water availability across areas of eastern Washington
A new report from Washington State University and the state Department of Ecology indicates vulnerabilities in the Columbia River Basin could be amplified over the next 20 years.
Another Big Scoop: Coug‑made ice cream nets fifth national competition win
For the fifth time, student-created ice cream from the WSU Creamery, made with milk from the university’s student-run dairy, has won the American Society of Animal Sciences’ coveted Big Scoop.
Key compounds in smoke exposure effects on wine, grapes identified
A research team including WSU scientists has discovered a class of compounds that contribute to smoke impact in wine and grapes.
Health & Medicine
Legalized cannabis linked to fewer synthetic cannabinoid poisonings
Synthetic cannabinoids, dangerous designer drugs known by such street names as K2, Spice, or AK‑47, appear to have less appeal in states that have legalized the natural form of cannabis.
WSU virologist: genetic mutations not behind monkeypox spread
The current monkeypox outbreak is moving faster than any in recent history, but WSU virologist Heather Koehler does not see a reason for the rapid spread in the virus itself.
Pharmacy students’ law a game changer for patient care
WSU pharmacy students tested people for COVID‑19 during the early stages of the pandemic thanks in part to a bill they helped pass in 2019. A new study describes the impact of the legislation.
Washington boosts access to grocery delivery for SNAP recipients
A WSU project to make online grocery buying more widely available to Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program recipients is nearing its goal, buoyed in part by pandemic shutdowns.
Veterinary Medicine
Tragic events bring orphan colt, mare together
An orphan colt whose mother died shortly after giving birth has a new mom – a mare that had tragically lost her foal – thanks to the generosity of strangers and Washington State University veterinarians playing matchmaker.
Steps to ease a panicked pet on Independence Day
This July 4, there are a few things owners can do to alleviate their animal’s stress. It starts with being ready well in advance of the holiday — and the loud booms — arrive.
New Veterinary Medicine Teaching Academy director helps reinvigorate program
Dr. Susan Mathew has played an instrumental role in bolstering the Teaching Academy’s offerings since taking over as the new director in November.
Chicken vaccination shows benefits for nutrition, growth in Kenyan children
Vaccinating household chicken flocks can increase consumption of eggs and meat, leading to better growth of young children in rural Kenya, according to a WSU‑led study.
Arts & Culture
Music professor to perform with Pulitzer Prize-winning composer
When Jacqueline Wilson takes the stage Saturday night, she will be one of 13 Indigenous women musicians performing original scores written specifically for each of them by Pulitzer Prize-winning composer Raven Chacon.
Fridays at the Clock concert series returns
The outdoor summer concert series will take place over four Fridays this summer on the Pullman campus beginning June 24. Each concert is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. and will be free of charge.
From class project to social dialogue
Three WSU students developed a podcast surrounding the topic of culturally- and linguistically-responsive pedagogy as an alternative to a conventional class assessment or test.
WSU Schnitzer Museum presents ‘Lore,’ a film by Sky Hopinka
Visitors to the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at WSU on the Pullman campus are invited to experience a unique form of Indigenous cinema opening Tuesday, June 7.
Business & Economics
Growth, succession planning, and cybersecurity are top priorities for businesses
WSU’s Social and Economic Sciences Research Center investigated how small businesses in the state adjusted to COVID‑19 restrictions and how those businesses were faring two years after the start of the pandemic.
Deep economic divide found even among employed during COVID‑19
An exploratory study with implications for the growing gig-economy indicates there were only two kinds of workers during COVID-19: the haves and the have-nots.
Hoops Tax Institute to host Washington State Tax Conference Aug. 11-12
The Hoops Institute of Taxation Research and Policy, in partnership with the state Department of Revenue, will host the annual Washington State Tax Conference on the Pullman campus Aug. 11-12. The conference promotes understanding among stakeholders who often have opposing viewpoints. Tax attorneys, CPAs, and business people are encouraged to attend. Early bird registration is […]
Gift cards from politicized brands dampen recipients’ gratitude
When liberals and conservatives receive gift cards for politicized brands that clash with their own views, they are less appreciative of the gesture, new research indicates.
Politics & Society
Pharmacy student helps hundreds of Afghan refugees in Washington
Ghazal Meratnia does not particularly enjoy the spotlight, but in many ways she’s a hero for hundreds of Afghan refugees living in Washington state.
New grant to help youth in foster care succeed in college
WSU faculty aim to make the transition to higher education less intimidating and more realistic for youth in foster care, thanks to the five‑year, $3.8 million grant from the Institute of Education Sciences.
‘Nomadic broadband’ helps rural first responders stay connected
A WSU Extension team will join county, technology, and tribal partners to demonstrate their prototype mobile broadband unit next Tuesday, July 26, in the Colville National Forest.
WSU Extension helps implement new 988 suicide prevention hotline
Anyone in the United States can now call or text the number 9‑8‑8, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, if they or someone they know shows signs of crisis, especially suicide.
Reports & Updates
Executive Budget Council update
As a new budget model that can better align WSU’s resource allocation with its strategic priorities is finalized, a governance process to support the implementation of the new model also is being developed.
Reflecting on the Supreme Court decision on reproductive rights
At WSU, our priority remains protecting the health and well-being of our Cougar family.
A time to reflect and commit to doing better
Juneteenth stands as a day of strength, honoring the spirit of those men, women, and children who lived under the system of slavery in the United States.
Celebrating Pride Month
WSU leaders ask that all employees continue to be an ally, and to complete the LGBTQ+ Ally Training available through Human Resource Services if they haven’t yet done so.