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Nick Solomey

Wichita State is taking over “The Academic Minute” podcast on NPR, with one episode each day this week highlighting a WSU researcher.

In today’s episode, Solomey discusses research exploring how detectors placed closer to the sun could dramatically improve the study of solar neutrinos. The concept could provide new insights into both neutrinos and the fusion processes that power the sun. 

Listen to the episode online, on the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts.

Cara Gerhardt

Wichita State graduate student Cara Gerhardt has been named as the inaugural recipient of the Janice M. Riordan Endowed Doctoral Nursing Fellowship by the Ascension Via Christi-Wichita State University School of Nursing and WSU Foundation and Alumni Engagement.  

This prestigious award was established to honor the legacy of Dr. Janice M. Riordan, a distinguished educator, researcher and advocate whose contributions transformed the field of breastfeeding and human lactation.  

A graphic of the campus map with the section of Alumni Drive off of N. Hillside Street highlighted in red.

Part of Alumni Drive, right off of N. Hillside Street, will be closed for the Rally at the Roundhouse at Charles Koch Arena. The event will be finished at 11 a.m.

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Waruna Seneviratne

Wichita State is taking over “The Academic Minute” podcast on NPR, with one episode each day this week highlighting a WSU researcher.

In today’s episode, Seneviratne discusses how Automated Tool-less Manufacturing (AToM) could transform space construction by allowing large composite structures to be built directly in orbit. The technology uses coordinated robotic systems to create lightweight, aerospace-quality components while reducing the limitations imposed by rocket launches and payload sizes.

Listen to the episode online, on the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts.

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JaeHwan Byun

Wichita State is taking over “The Academic Minute” podcast on NPR, with one episode each day this week highlighting a WSU researcher.

In today’s episode, Byun discusses “Generativism,” a framework that views generative AI as a partner in learning rather than a shortcut to answers. The approach emphasizes critical thinking through an ongoing process of prompting, evaluating and refining information. 

Listen to the episode online, on the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts.

Jonathan Cross and Stephen Cross Jr., investment adviser representatives with Voya Financial, will be available for in-person meetings at Wichita State Monday, Aug. 10 and Tuesday, Aug. 11. Faculty and staff can get one-on-one advising and review their Voya Financial accounts as part of their KBOR retirement plan, or new employees can receive assistance in enrolling in their KBOR plan.

If you are interested in meeting with Jonathan or Stephen, you can schedule a time to meet and select “Wichita State University / One-On-One Financial Counseling” while selecting your location. Time slots are limited, so reserve a time soon. For questions, you can call 316-788-0788.

Note: If your Voya servicing agent is Leo Wetta, you can reach him at 316-686-2428 or visit retirementadvisors.timetap.com to schedule an appointment.

Last night, Aug. 3, a suspicious device was reported at Wichita State University’s Law Enforcement Training Center, located at 4310 E. 19th St. University and local law enforcement agencies responded immediately and initiated established emergency response protocols.

Out of an abundance of caution, law enforcement established a safety perimeter around the facility, evacuated the building and surrounding area, and emergency notifications were issued directing the campus community to avoid the area while emergency responders assessed the situation.

Law enforcement personnel conducted a thorough investigation and assessment of the device. Following that assessment, authorities cleared the area and determined there was no ongoing threat to campus safety. The safety perimeter was lifted, and the area was deemed safe for normal operations to resume.

We appreciate the cooperation and patience of students, employees, neighbors and community members, as well as the swift response of law enforcement and emergency response partners whose efforts helped ensure the safety of everyone involved.

At this time, the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remains ongoing. Additional information will be released as it becomes available and is appropriate to share.

To receive future automated emergency communication texts and emails, sign up for ShockerAlerts.

Last night, Aug. 3, a suspicious device was reported at Wichita State University’s Law Enforcement Training Center, located at 4310 E. 19th St. University and local law enforcement agencies responded immediately and initiated established emergency response protocols.

Out of an abundance of caution, law enforcement established a safety perimeter around the facility, evacuated the building and surrounding area, and emergency notifications were issued directing the campus community to avoid the area while emergency responders assessed the situation.

Law enforcement personnel conducted a thorough investigation and assessment of the device. Following that assessment, authorities cleared the area and determined there was no ongoing threat to campus safety. The safety perimeter was lifted, and the area was deemed safe for normal operations to resume.

We appreciate the cooperation and patience of students, employees, neighbors and community members, as well as the swift response of law enforcement and emergency response partners whose efforts helped ensure the safety of everyone involved.

At this time, the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the incident remains ongoing. Additional information will be released as it becomes available and is appropriate to share.

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Heidi VanRavenhorst-Bell

Wichita State is taking over “The Academic Minute” podcast on NPR, with one episode each day this week highlighting a WSU researcher.

In today’s episode, VanRavenhorst-Bell discusses her research on measuring tongue strength and movement, which play important roles in speaking, chewing, swallowing and breathing. Her work includes innovations designed to improve the accuracy of clinical assessments and treatment. 

Listen to the episode online, on the NPR app or wherever you get your podcasts.

Professionals can learn new skills or enhance what they already know with Badges at Wichita State, such as with the Professional Writing series, which covers a breadth of topics to bring your writing to a higher level.

Badges are bite-sized, one credit hour or fewer courses that can be taken at your own pace using Open Educational Resources. Registering in the Professional Writing series can help you gain skills in areas such as creating your resume and cover letter or writing and editing for social media. Or you can learn more about presenting online and writing professional correspondence, or take a Badge in the Successful Grantwriting series to help you develop research grants.

To learn more about Badges, including how to enroll for the fall 2026 semester, visit wichita.edu/badges.

Wichita State has been a national leader in creating a standard for microcredentials, allowing employers to be confident that meaningful learning has occurred, so you can confidently list a badge from WSU on your resume.