Award winners, from left, Schwabl, Hamlin, Zhao, Bolkan, McEwen and Vadyvaloo.
PULLMAN, Wash. – Six research faculty members were selected from about 100 Washington State University applicants to receive the first International Research Travel Awards, sponsored by the WSU Office of International Programs (IP) and Office of Research.
“We were impressed with the wealth of ideas and linkages, and the breadth of applications submitted, said Prema Arasu, IP vice provost.
Announced in October, the pilot program aims to enhance WSU’s international research footprint. It is a way for WSU faculty to advance specific research interests and strategic collaborations, said James Petersen, director of the Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering.
Recipients are: Cory Bolkan (human development, WSU Vancouver), Will Hamlin (English, WSU Pullman), Jean-Sabin McEwen (chemical engineering and bioengineering, WSU Pullman), Hubert Schwabl (School of Biological Sciences, WSU Pullman), Viveka Vadyvaloo (Paul G. Allen School of Global Animal Health, WSU Pullman) and Feng Zhao (electrical engineering, WSU Vancouver). Their collaborations include partnerships in Nicaragua, United Kingdom, Germany, Taiwan and France.
The submissions highlighted the diversity of WSU faculty’s existing international linkages, as well as areas where IP could provide assistance, Arasu said.
Through the awards, “International Programs will provide greater support to faculty in establishing strategic partnerships and identifying funding to further catalyze research collaborations,” she said. IP also plans information sessions on country-specific funding opportunities, interdisciplinary international linkages and analyses of WSU’s publication and international affiliations in partnership with the Office of Grant and Research Development.
Qualifying applications for the awards were reviewed by a diverse panel of WSU faculty and staff based upon relevance to the faculty member’s scholarly program, university and college priorities, impact, proposed outcomes and budget.
Contacts:
Jane Payumo, International Research Coordinator, WSU Office of International Programs, jane.payumo@wsu.edu
Jeff Koch, Communications Coordinator, WSU Office of International Programs, jeff.koch@wsu.edu