Interdisciplinary

Exposure to soft robots decreases human fears about working with them

Seeing robots made with soft, flexible parts in action appears to lower people’s anxiety about working with them or even being replaced by them. A Washington State University study found that watching videos of a soft robot working with a person at picking and placing tasks lowered the viewers’ safety concerns and feelings of job […]

Two doctoral students demonstrate the use of a soft robot in their lab.

WSU programs partner to get more students outside

WSU School of the Environment professor Alex Fremier believes there is no substitute for students immersing themselves in the environments they study. But figuring out how to get them to those environments, feed and shelter them, and keep them safe is outside his area of expertise. That’s why, when he takes his class on a […]

Students gathered on the shore of the Salmon River.

Foley Institute focuses on election integrity

Washington State University’s Thomas S. Foley Institute for Public Policy and Public Service is joining more than three dozen nonpartisan political institutes nationwide in helping promote election integrity and civic understanding as the United States prepares for next year’s presidential races. “The deeply concerning rise in threats of violence and harassment directed at election administrators and […]

A group of people standing on steps in Washington D.C.

Students embrace historical significance in Palouse course

A multidisciplinary humanities course is taking Washington State University undergraduates out of the classroom and into the Palouse. Part of WSU’s First-Year Focus Program, the course Landscapes of the Palouse introduces undergraduate students to the importance of the region through activities that contemplate its many histories. They engage with people who live, work, and care about […]

Students observe and document their surroundings on the WSU Pullman campus.

Riverside Mural Project showcases talent and collaborative spirit

The latest in a series of mural projects showcasing the outstanding talent of local and regional artists, as well as the collaborative spirit of Washington State University, is being dedicated this week in downtown Pullman. A joint effort by the Pullman Arts Foundation — founded by WSU Associate Professor of Painting/Intermedia Joe Hedges — and […]

WSU students spread out on metal scaffolding painting a mural.

Elk hoof disease likely causes systemic changes

Elk treponeme-associated hoof disease, previously thought to be limited to deformations in elks’ hooves, appears to create molecular changes throughout the animal’s system, according to epigenetic research from Washington State University. The findings, published in the journal Scientific Reports, also suggest those changes may be heritable. It remains to be seen though whether this means subsequent […]

A Roosevelt elk bull with large antlers standing in a green field.

Certificate programs open doors for undergraduates

Quantifying soft skills and problem-solving initiative can be tricky for new graduates heading to the job market. Three new interdisciplinary certificate programs offered by the Department of Art will provide students with recognized credentials that demonstrates their interdisciplinary skills and perspective. The three certificates — business of art, eco-arts and public engagement, and graphic design — offer any WSU student the […]

Washington State University logo.

Ashley Boyd appointed as new UCORE director

Helping faculty design classes for the new equity and justice course designation and addressing the changing educational landscape catalyzed by ChatGPT are two areas that Ashley Boyd, incoming director of University Common Requirements (UCORE), looks forward to addressing.  Boyd, a Washington State University associate professor of English, began her new position as UCORE director on […]

Tracking online political ads improves with new research methodology

It’s not politics as usual since the advent of digital marketing. And because these platforms are largely unregulated, it’s difficult to track who is behind the unprecedented amounts of money being spent on social media and other online platforms to influence voter behavior across the United States. Washington State University political scientist Travis Ridout is part of […]

A road sign decorated with stars and stripes that reads 'Election 2024'.