Author: Hannah Domebo

The Indigenous Student Collective is offering four unique beadwork classes during the spring 2025 semester, all taught by local beadworker Michelle Conine. Public signups start Monday, Feb. 24, but space is limited to 15 participants per class.

• Feb. 27: Square Stitch in 258 Rhatigan Student Center, Smoky Hills Room
• March 13: Flat Peyote Stitch 258 RSC
• April 17: Tubular Peyote Stitch 164 John Bardo Center
• May 1: Spiral Stitch 258 RSC

Class fees are covered by the Indigenous Student Collective and Student Engagement & Belonging. Donations are also welcome.

Learn more about a unique funding initiative designed to bridge the gap between groundbreaking research and real-world application at NSF/NIH SBIR Webinar from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 6.

The NSF and NIH SBIR/STTR programs are designed to empower small businesses in transforming innovative ideas into impactful solutions for society. If you have groundbreaking concepts grounded in rigorous science and engineering, poised to revolutionize existing solutions and grow into thriving ventures, this webinar is tailored for you.

You’ll have the opportunity to ask questions and, on a first-come, first-served basis, schedule a one-on-one meeting with two program directors overseeing the program’s portfolios.

In honor of Native American Heritage Month, the Indigenous Student Collective is hosting an Applique Beadwork class from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 25 in 265 Rhatigan Student Center, Lucas Room.

The class will be taught by local beadworker, Michelle Conine, and the class is limited to 20 people, so RSVP is required via ShockerSync. Light drinks and refreshments will be provided.

The Shocker Inventive Minds Challenge is seeking applications. What’s the challenge? Gamify a factory line. Applications close Monday, Sept. 16.

Your challenge will be to create a video presenting a pitch deck along with its reference architecture; make connections with industry partners at the Smart Factory by Deloitte @ Wichita; and have chances to win prize money.

Join the Indigenous Student Collective as it mourns the loss of Cole Brings Plenty at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 26 at the Grace Memorial Chapel.

The organization’s thoughts and prayers are with his family and community. Candles will be provided for a candlelit moment of silence.

Learn about best practices and strategies to help you craft a compelling National Science Foundation (NSF) project pitch from 10 to 11 a.m. March 27 via Zoom.

The workshop will include tips to help you meet requirements of the project pitch’s four key elements: Technology innovation, technical objectives and challenges, market opportunity, and the company and team.

For questions, reach out to WSU Strategic Initiatives at 316-978-5363 or email strategicinitiatives@wichita.edu.

Every year, the Department of Defense, National Science Foundation, NASA, Department of Energy, National Institutes of Health and other government agencies fund small, technology-based businesses through the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.

Innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers and small businesses can take advantage of this opportunity to hear directly from federal agency representatives and meet one-on-one with agency decision makers on July 18 in Woolsey Hall. Check-in begins at 7:30 a.m. Registration is $5 for students and $25 for other participants.

For more information email sbir@wichita.edu or call 316-978-5363.

Join Erik Pierstorff, program director in the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) program for the National Science Foundation (NSF), will describe the SBIR and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs at NSF. He will also cover the SBIR/STTR program’s goals, funding philosophy, topics, funded examples and the project pitch process.

This webinar is a special opportunity for the region to connect with a program officer and ask direct questions about the SBIR/STTR programs. It will begin at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 28.

There will be 10 minute, one-on-one meetings from 2 to 3 p.m. for additional discussion with Pierstorff. This webinar does not cost to attend, but registration is required.

The Wichita State campus community is invited to the Word Wizardry for Winning Proposals Webinar to learn more about crafting professional, polished proposals. The workshop is scheduled for 10-11:30 a.m. Jan. 25 via Zoom.

This information-packed session will cover Microsoft Word tips, troubleshooting common issues in Word, finding inspiration by utilizing Word’s expanding array of visual elements, and diving into some lesser-known time-saving features.

The workshop will also touch on accessibility features in Word, and attendees might be surprised how some of these new accessibility features will open up a host of possibilities for all Word users.

Want to learn the goals and initiatives of the Department of Defense’s (DoD) rebranded components? Join Intro to DoD: Special Programs virtual training 1:30-2:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 21. During the event, DOD experts will review DOD’s mission and provide an overview of all DOD components including the following Air Force Accelerating Acquisition, Special Operations Forces Works and SPARTN.

During the training, participants will earn:

• Which components participate in the Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR)/ Small Business Technology Transfer Programs (STTR) programs
• How the components differ
• How to find open BAA’s and deadlines
• Tips to be competitive