Research expo to focus on commercialization opportunities

WSUi3 logoSEATTLE – Washington State University will showcase innovative research and discuss opportunities for business and industry leaders to enhance their regional impact and profitability through technology commercialization and product development at a research expo in the Cascade Ballroom at the Westin Seattle on Sept. 26.
Hosted by the WSU Office of Economic Development, the event, which will run 5:30-8 p.m., is dubbed “WSUi3: Where Innovation & Industry Intersect.” It is intended to showcase WSU researchers and their work and demonstrate how WSU’s ongoing research efforts and existing research capabilities enhance research and development efforts of many of the state’s businesses.
“This is the first time our university has done anything like this,” said Anson Fatland, WSU associate vice president for economic development. “We want to showcase WSU’s research strengths and show how they can provide the “R” for many our industry’s R&D efforts.”
A number of WSU’s leading researchers, representing a broad spectrum of disciplines, will be on hand at the research fair, he said.
“This is intended to be a dynamic and interactive event, so it’s best characterized as a research expo. It’s definitely not a presentation or a workshop,” said Fatland.
“Our researchers will have stations in the room where people can chat with them, ask them questions, hold some of their work and learn about their projects,” he said. “We want to show, not just tell, people about all our work in materials science, energy, human health, agriculture and so much more.”
Among the WSU faculty members and researchers attending the event will be:
  • Kate Evans, whose work revolves around fruit breeding genomics. She will have samples of WA 38, the latest apple developed by the WSU apple breeding progra.
  • Joe Harding, who has developed an Alzheimer’s drug that builds new brain connections. He will have several videos demonstrating how the drug works, including one showing dramatic improvement in treated rats.
  • Grant Norton, who is developing a new, faster-charging super lithium-ion battery with applications for cell phones and laptops.
  • Santanu Chaudhuri, who will have several products developed at the Applied Science Laboratory, including a vegetable oil based lubricant for use in sensitive environments like dams and water-barrier coatings that can protect sensitive electronic instruments like smart meters from the elements.
  • Aaron Crandall, who develops smart home environment technologies intended to assist those suffering from memory problems and dementia.
  • Hakan Gurocak, who has developed a haptic interface glove that allows users to “feel” objects in a virtual 3-D environment.
The event is free to the public. Those wishing to attend, however, are asked to preregister online at WSUi3 Event Registration site or by contacting Jana Fischer at 509-335-6787.