Faculty

Physics research heads to International Space Station

WSU physicists have a new laboratory in outer space. On May 20, the Cold Atom Laboratory (CAL), a remotely operated research platform, blasted off for the International Space Station (ISS) where it will be used by researchers to probe quantum phenomena that would be impossible to observe on Earth. Professor Peter Engels and graduate student […]

Remembering sociology pioneer James Short

James F. Short Jr., professor emeritus of sociology and one of Washington State University’s longest-serving and most distinguished faculty members, passed away on May 13, 2018, at the age of 93. Internationally respected for his expertise and understanding of group dynamics and sociological risk factors, his groundbreaking research into the conditions under which violence, delinquency, […]

Benedict honored by WSU Libraries for student engagement

Leah Benedict, clinical assistant professor of English, received 2018 WSU Libraries’ Excellence Award for her dedication to introducing students to the many facets of library research. Through assignments based on everything from reels of mircrofilm to special archive materials to modern sales brochures, Benedict regularly challenges her students to look more deeply at the constructed […]

North America’s first electron microscope

Early in the 20th century, a five-foot-tall golden microscope on the Washington State University campus was the most powerful imaging device on the continent. Despite its scientific significance, it has been largely lost from the pages of history. “Europe’s first electron microscope earned its inventors a Nobel prize and is on display at the Deutsches […]

Hydrologist earns NSF CAREER award

Kevan Moffett, assistant professor of environmental hydrology at WSU Vancouver, has earned a prestigious Faculty Early Career Development Program award from the National Science Foundation. Highly competitive, ‘CAREER’ awards emphasize the importance of developing academic careers in which the excitement of research is enhanced by inspired teaching and dissemination of new knowledge. Moffett’s research explores […]

Academic merger to bring new opportunities for students, faculty

A strategic plan to realign two departments and several degree programs in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) promises new opportunities in education, research, and outreach for students and faculty university-wide. Approved by the WSU Board of Regents at their regular meeting on May 4, the realignment will combine personnel and resources in the […]

Psychology adds human touch to technology

Professor Maureen Schmitter-Edgecombe is one of three interdisciplinary researchers examining the potential of applying human judgment to smart-home data to detect behavioral patterns. The project brings together WSU colleagues in psychology, computer science, and nursing, and seeks to determine whether applied technology can help people stay in their homes longer.

WSU flutist performs at Women Composers Festival of Hartford

Sophia Tegart, WSU clinical assistant professor of flute, performed two world premieres on April 7 at the Women Composers Festival of Hartford, with bassoonist Helena Spencer, University of North Carolina-Wilmington. The festival, held at Trinity College in Hartford, attracts composers and performers internationally every year. The premiered works for flute and bassoon were composed