Vancouver, Wash. – As part of continuing growth plans, Washington State University Vancouver has added three new faculty members this fall.
Cory Bolkan, assistant professor of gerontology in the Department of Human Development, worked previously with University of Washington as research associate for the Department of Health Services and the School of Public Health and Community Medicine. Bolkan’s research interests are in exploring psychosocial aspects of late life depression, such as the role that perceptions, personality or goals and social support relate to health care and depressive symptoms in older adults, generally focusing on mental health and aging.
Cynthia Cooper, assistant professor of molecular genetics in Science Programs. She was most recently at the University of Washington, Department of Biological Structure. Cooper’s research interest is cell biology and genetics of zebrafish pigment cell development and function, providing insight for understanding disorders specific to these cells, including Melanoma and Vitiligo.
Lorrie Dawson, assistant professor in nursing, was previously the assistant dean and regional academic director of Nursing Programs for the Tri-Cities and Walla Walla WSU campuses. Dawson’s research interests are the use of symptom interpretation in practice, incorporating aspects of cultural competence into nurse practitioner prescribing practices, and in the changes in symptom severity over time in community acquired pneumonia patients.
