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WSU graduate recognized as Time100 Next innovator

A breakthrough in superconductivity has landed a WSU grad in the latest Time Magazine list of top innovators.

Ranga Dias.
Dias

Ranga Dias, a 2013 PhD graduate in physics, was named one of 19 innovation leaders in the 2021 Time100 Next list, which highlights emerging leaders shaping the future. His work to develop a room temperature superconductor represents a significant advancement in the field, with wide-ranging applications from transportation to medical imaging, and even hover boards.

His interest in the field of high pressure physicals flourished as a PhD student at WSU under the guidance of professor Choong-Shik Yoo, a member of the chemistry department and the Institute for Shock Physics. He opted to join Yoo’s lab after the professor captivated him with the idea of creating a new periodic table within high-pressure environments.

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WSU Insider

National protests inspired Black Faculty and Staff Association to be an agent of change

Along with millions of Americans across the country, Multicultural Student Services Advisor Sylvia Bullock was glued to her television last summer when protests erupted across the nation following the death of George Floyd.

Aaron Oforlea.
Oforlea

The commitment statement calls for the continuation of one of the association’s signature programs: the Leadership Speakers Series. BFSA Past President and Associate Professor of English Aaron Oforlea created the series several years ago as a way for faculty, staff, and students to meet and learn from Black leaders working at other universities.

“Many predominantly white campuses have African Americans in leadership positions, and by getting to meet them, it helps us see the potential we have as a university to have more Black leaders,” Oforlea said. “We also want to inspire students to consider a career in academia and encourage people to work toward leadership roles.”

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WSU Insider

Clinical trial shows alcohol use disorder recovery can start without sobriety

Harm reduction treatment helped people experiencing homelessness and alcohol use disorder reduce their drinking and improve their health–even if they didn’t quit drinking alcohol.

Susan Collins.
Collins

In a randomized clinical trial, a research team led by Washington State University psychology professor Susan Collins studied more than 300 people from three Seattle homeless shelters and programs. Participants were randomly assigned to four groups receiving different services: the first group received behavioral harm reduction treatment, which is a form of collaborative counseling that does not require sobriety or drinking reduction, plus an anti-craving medication called naltrexone; the second had the counseling and a placebo; the third, the counseling alone; and the fourth served as a control group receiving regular services.

Many of the study participants had multiple goals, only some of which involved reducing drinking. As might be expected, the most common goal was finding more stable housing, but other goals included re-connecting with family, finding work and engaging in hobbies they once enjoyed.

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Yahoo! News
MedPage Today

Todd Butler named dean of College of Arts and Sciences

Todd Butler.
Butler

Todd Butler has been named dean of Washington State University’s College of Arts and Sciences following consultative meetings and discussions with university leaders, department chairs and school directors within the college.

Butler is currently serving as interim dean and will begin as dean on March 15. Since assuming the interim dean position, he has provided strong, stable and forward-looking leadership for the college.

“I appreciate the opportunity to serve as the next dean for the College of Arts and Sciences,” Butler said. “The College of Arts and Sciences is at the heart of the institution and poised for great success. I am thankful to work at a university that values our land-grant ideals, and alongside talented faculty, staff, and students.”

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The Daily Evergreen
Chronicle

Clark County law enforcement no longer taking action for simple drug possession

Clark County criminal justice and law enforcement officials are managing the impacts of a recent Washington Supreme Court ruling that found the state’s felony drug possession law to be unconstitutional.

Clayton Mosher.
Mosher

Sociologist Clay Mosher, who analyzes crime trends and teaches criminology at Washington State University Vancouver, noted that the justices’ opinion makes explicit reference to social and racial justice issues, and the collateral consequences of drug convictions.

“The bottom line for me, if this decision sticks … it is going to have a significant impact. The (American Civil Liberties Union) notes that between 2015 and 2019, there were more than 60,000 arrests for ‘low-level drug possession and drug equipment violations’ in the state. That is obviously a significant number of arrests,” Mosher said.

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