‘Peering into the Operating System: Sleep and Disease’ — May 7, 12:10 p.m.

Dr. Keith Hengen — assistant professor at Washington University in St. Louis biology department — will be visiting WSU Spokane for the SPRC Seminar Series. His seminar, entitled “Peering into the Operating System: Sleep and Disease,” will be in person in the Spokane Center for Clinical Research and Simulation room 250 and through Zoom on Tuesday, May 7, 12:10–1 p.m.

Keith Hengen earned his PhD at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Keith continued his postdoctoral research under Gina Turrigiano at Brandeis University, where he began exploring topics such as sleep, emergent dynamics, and optimal computation. In 2017, Keith assumed a faculty position in the Department of Biology at Washington University in St. Louis. The Hengen Lab primarily posits that the most important feature of neurobiological computation is reliability, which serves as a foundational element for learning, complex behavior, and cognition. This is examined using a multidisciplinary approach of neurophysiology, computational modeling, theory, and cell biology. Keith’s work has been recognized through several prestigious awards, including the Allen Institute’s Next Generation Leader Award and the BrightFocus Foundation’s Outstanding Achievement Award in Alzheimer’s Disease Research.

We look forward to you joining us in person (SCCRS 250) or through Zoom!

Questions/Zoom link? Contact Michelle Sanchez at michelle.r.sanchez@wsu.edu.

The Notices and Announcements section is provided as a service to the WSU community for sharing events such as lectures, trainings, and other highly transactional types of information related to the university experience. Information provided and opinions expressed may not reflect the understanding or opinion of WSU. Accuracy of the information presented is the responsibility of those who submitted it. The self-uploaded posts are reviewed for compliance with state statutes and ethics guidelines but are not edited for spelling, grammar, or clarity.

Next Story

Extreme microbe may change how apples are protected

A compound derived from an extreme microbe is being tested by WSU researchers as a potential new way to protect apples from fire blight and Listeria, offering a more durable alternative to current treatments.

Recent News

Selling the city: students elevate Vancouver’s tourism strategy

WSU students partnered with Visit Vancouver to develop real-world tourism strategies, identifying new event opportunities and marketing ideas that highlight the city’s growing potential as a regional destination.

WSU names Sandra Haynes EVP for statewide campuses 

The new role aligns leadership and operations at Everett, Tri‑Cities, and Vancouver campuses to better serve students, communities, and workforce needs across Washington.

Jon Haarlow to lead Washington State Athletics

Haarlow, who has served as interim athletic director since Nov. 12, 2025, will be introduced at a press conference in the Alger Family Club Room at Gesa Field Monday, April 20, at 11 a.m.