Category: Featured Stories

Two Wichita State researchers and a student group have been awarded the John A. See Innovation Award.

The award is given each year as a way to recognize novel ideas that have the potential to meet a market need and attract further funding once they have advanced through the early prototyping phase. Examples of supported costs are prototype development, design, product testing, and market analysis.

Things are shaking in Wichita with the Kansas Modification Center’s 777-300ERCF conversion program at Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR). The team at NIAR WERX completed ground vibration testing last month.

The ground vibration test, completed over the course of five days, helps characterize how the aircraft structure responds when subjected to stresses associated with landing and flight.

Art facilities at Wichita State have changed little since Sonia Greteman and Chris Brunner attended college here in the early 1980s, and they want to ensure future art students have a learning environment that inspires them.

The two have pledged a significant estate gift and designated it for use in renovating and updating Henrion Hall and McKnight Art Center, two facilities they spent countless hours in as students.

“I want young graphic designers to have a chance at the fabulous career that I’ve had,” Greteman said. “WSU was my entry point into the world and without it I couldn’t have achieved what I have.”

On March 9, 2022, the B-1 System Program Office (SPO), Tinker AFB, OK awarded a six-year, $100 million follow-on contract to Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) to continue the B-1’s Digital Engineering (DE) transformation. The National Center for Manufacturing Sciences (NCMS) helped form the strategic partnership and created a flexible contract structure, which allows NIAR and the B-1 SPO to adapt requirements real time to meet critical warfighter needs. 

Ever wonder what other people are looking at during Zoom or WebEx meetings? Turns out so do several researchers.

Dr. Akmal Mirsadikov, who specializes in deception detection and eye tracking at Wichita State University’s W. Frank Barton School of Business, recently ran an exploratory study about how people interact on Zoom. As virtual meetings are likely here to stay, the study may reveal the differences between in-person and online environments.

Tom Gentile, president and CEO of Spirit AeroSystems, has been named as the newest member of the Dean’s Advisory Board for Wichita State’s W. Frank Barton School of Business.

As a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board, Gentile will provide guidance on the Barton School’s strategic direction, innovative curriculum, impactful student experience and industry engagement. The current board is comprised of 50 diverse industry leaders from around the country.

In 2006, two former Wichita State students traveled to Ukraine to teach for the Peace Corps.

Locals asked if the Americans knew Britney Spears. They helped them learn a language. They welcomed them with foods such as borscht and layered salads with beets, eggs and mayonnaise.

The dark blue Kharkiv baseball shirt hangs over the whiteboard in Nelsen Petersen’s classroom as a history lesson and a statement of support.

Petersen, a 1990 Wichita State graduate who majored in biology, is a high school teacher, author, filmmaker and running enthusiast who developed strong connections with Ukraine during his travels.

Three Wichita State students’ projects are being highlighted as a part of the Kansas Undergraduate Research Day event March 1-3.

“The student research selected this year offers new understanding of communities in Kansas and beyond,” Kimberly Engber, dean of the Dorothy and Bill Cohen Honors College, said. “These students challenge the boundaries of their majors and push us to think about language, behavioral health, and social determinants. Each year we’re grateful for the opportunity to showcase the high quality of undergraduate work at Wichita State and across Kansas to state legislators and other guests visiting Undergraduate Research Day.”

The Cohen Honors College coordinates WSU’s participation in the events every year. Any student may apply to participate, and the selection of students this year was made by a faculty committee.

Focus on first-gen: This week we highlight Tmori Wright, who is majoring in computer science:

How does it feel to be the first member of your family to attend college?
Honestly, it feels like I’m living in a dream every day that I wake up. I feel so humbled and motivated to fulfill the goals that I’ve established for myself.

What piece of advice would you share with an incoming first-generation college student?
Time doesn’t stop so why should you. In the midst of this experience always walk with your head up and never be afraid to ask for help.

Any advice you would share with the Wichita State community working with first-generation students?
You are about to be a part of something special and your presence is valuable. Those words of encouragement from a faculty member fill our hearts with joy.

What do you hope to do after you graduate from Wichita State?
I plan to pursue my dreams of playing in the NBA. I also hope to establish a great career in the Tech world by creating video games and designing software that improves day-to-day life.

Signup to join the First-Gen Affinity Shockers — Sign up to join the First-Gen Affinity Shockers (FGAS)—This group is designed to foster a community of first-generation professionals, build a group that offers professional development and networking opportunities. It is also meant to foster an environment where common experiences can be shared while addressing the needs of first-gen professionals as they navigate Wichita State University.