Research Happens Every Day
Across WSU—in classrooms, labs, studios, field sites, and communities—faculty are tackling today’s toughest challenges.
Throughout the year, there will be events showcasing the achievements WSU’s researchers, scholars, and artists. Training and workshops will also be offered to support faculty in advancing their work.
Upcoming Events
Research Excellence Awards
Each year, the Research Excellence awards are given to faculty members who exemplify the very best of research and creative practice at WSU. Learn about the awardees below!
Public Impact Award
Stacey Hust, Ph.D | Murrow College
Jessica Willoughby, PhD | Murrow College
Drs. Hust and Willoughby are joint winners of this year’s Public Impact Award for their work co-directing the Media, Adolescents, and Cannabis Lab. Their work on interventions to improve the health and wellbeing of young people has impacted thousands of students on college campuses across the country.
Jessica Willoughby, PhD | Murrow College
Drs. Hust and Willoughby are joint winners of this year’s Public Impact Award for their work co-directing the Media, Adolescents, and Cannabis Lab. Their work on interventions to improve the health and wellbeing of young people has impacted thousands of students on college campuses across the country.
Advancing Equity in Research Award
Carolyn Ross, Ph.D. | School of Food Science
Dr. Ross, among her other research, has worked to understand the eating behaviors of children with Down syndrome so that their needs can be considered when developing food products. Her research has spurred national and international interest, and she has shared her work with diverse audiences, including parents and practitioners, child-feeding organizations, and major food companies in the US and abroad.
Dr. Ross, among her other research, has worked to understand the eating behaviors of children with Down syndrome so that their needs can be considered when developing food products. Her research has spurred national and international interest, and she has shared her work with diverse audiences, including parents and practitioners, child-feeding organizations, and major food companies in the US and abroad.
Teams that Build Award
Low-Cost Desktop Learning Modules (LCDLMs) Team
The LCDLM team, led by Dr. Bernard Van Wie (not pictured), carries on a decadelong project to improve STEM education by designing miniature industrial process equipment for classroom use. By providing these innovative, low-cost teaching tools—whose efficacy is backed research—the team’s research has benefitted the next generation of scientists and engineers in the US and beyond.
The LCDLM team, led by Dr. Bernard Van Wie (not pictured), carries on a decadelong project to improve STEM education by designing miniature industrial process equipment for classroom use. By providing these innovative, low-cost teaching tools—whose efficacy is backed research—the team’s research has benefitted the next generation of scientists and engineers in the US and beyond.
Pacesetter Award
Elizabeth Canning, Ph.D. | Dept. of Psychology
In her first five years at WSU Dr. Canning has established a nationally renowned reputation for her research on the ways that instructors and others communicate belonging, value, talent, and ability, and how stigmatized individuals respond to this messaging. Based on these findings, she is able to design and test classroom interventions that mitigate inequality and support student success.
In her first five years at WSU Dr. Canning has established a nationally renowned reputation for her research on the ways that instructors and others communicate belonging, value, talent, and ability, and how stigmatized individuals respond to this messaging. Based on these findings, she is able to design and test classroom interventions that mitigate inequality and support student success.
Catalyst Award
Birgitte Ahring, Ph.D. | Voiland
School of Chemical Engineering & Bioengineering
Dr. Ahring is a leader in the fields of renewable energy and bioproducts research. Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Ahring’s research and innovations, leadership, and collaborative approach have advanced scientific knowledge, and provided tangible solutions to critical global challenges. Her work has earned widespread recognition, including major grants from the U.S. Department of Energy, and patents for her innovative technologies. Dr. Ahring’s research continues to have a profound impact on the scientific community and beyond.
School of Chemical Engineering & Bioengineering
Dr. Ahring is a leader in the fields of renewable energy and bioproducts research. Throughout her distinguished career, Dr. Ahring’s research and innovations, leadership, and collaborative approach have advanced scientific knowledge, and provided tangible solutions to critical global challenges. Her work has earned widespread recognition, including major grants from the U.S. Department of Energy, and patents for her innovative technologies. Dr. Ahring’s research continues to have a profound impact on the scientific community and beyond.
- 2024
- Public Impact Award
- Steve Sheppard, Ph.D | Entomology
- Teams that Build Award
- IMPACT Lab | Human Development
- Advancing Equity in Research Award
- Jae Kennedy, Ph.D. | Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine
- Pacesetter Award
- Dana Shaw, Ph.D. | Veterinary Microbiology & Pathology
- Catalyst Award
- Mechthild Tegeder, Ph.D. | School of Biological Sciences
- Public Impact Award