Former Fortune 100 exec to kick off lecture series on innovation and outreach Oct. 9

The first presentation of the university’s new Presidential Innovation and Outreach Speakers Series will feature Judith Giordan, co-founder of the Chemical Angels Network and an entrepreneur and former Fortune 100 executive.

Giordan will address “Convergence of University Research, Technology Commercialization and Career Development: A New 21st Century Contact Sport,” at 3:30 p.m. Monday, October 9, in Fulmer Hall, Room 201, on the Pullman campus.

 

Series part of initiative to connect research to entrepreneurship and commercialization

The new speaker series is a part of the university’s comprehensive efforts to build bridges between traditional scholarly academic research and entrepreneurship and commercialization activities. The series will feature speakers who have a variety of entrepreneurial and research expertise. The presentations will provide opportunities for students, faculty, and staff to learn more about successful university-led innovation and entrepreneurship activities.

“I am so pleased that President Kirk Schulz is supporting this opportunity for WSU’s system-wide campus community to learn from experts in the area of innovation and academic excellence,” said Chris Keane, vice president of research. “This speaker series is another example of the increased institutional emphasis that WSU is placing on efforts to translate university research into products and services that benefit the public.”

 

Schedule of fall speakers

The fall series will also feature these speakers and topics:

  • October 20, noon, Avery Hall, Bundy Reading Room, Pullman campus. Hosted by the Department of English. “Applied Humanities: Innovation and the University in the Digital Age.” Elliott Visconsi, chief academic digital officer, Notre Dame.
  • October 25, 3 p.m., PACCAR Hall, room 202, Pullman campus. Hosted by the WSU Center for Environmental Research, Education, and Outreach. “New Data and Tools for Air Quality Management.” Tracey Holloway, professor, the Nelson Institute for Environmental Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison.
  • November 15, 4:45 p.m., Dengerink Administration Building, room 110, Vancouver campus. Hosted by WSU Vancouver. “Mental and Emotional Wellness for All: Practical Approaches to Building An Effective Public Behavioral Health Strategy for Youth.” Eric Bruns, professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences, University of Washington School of Medicine.

The spring series is currently in the planning phase for WSU Everett, WSU Spokane, and WSU Tri-Cities.

The speaker series is a recommendation from WSU’s external review of innovation and entrepreneurship activities at its campuses statewide. It is another in a series of activities that support WSU’s “Drive to 25” initiative to become one of the nation’s top 25 public research universities by 2025, and WSU’s commitment to developing innovations for the prosperity of the state of Washington and beyond.

The speaker series and other recommendations also support WSU’s role as a designated Innovation and Economic Prosperity University by the Association of Public and Land Grant Universities. The designation recognizes WSU’s efforts to support regional economic development and community engagement.

Follow the links to learn more about the findings and recommendations and WSU’s designation as an Innovation and Prosperity University.