Jan. 4, 2022 Voiland College This Week

Go Cougs!

The Spokesman Review featured a story on Team Zephyr – made up of WSU grads Sarah Schroeder, Jackson Rieb and Katie Lober, which is developing a mattress designed for people suffering from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) or similar physical disorders.

A research team led by Tim Ginn received a collaborative National Science Foundation (NSF) grant to improve understanding of how contaminants, nutrients and naturally occurring minerals interact with the environment as they move downstream in a river.

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Opportunities

Spring Semester 2022 Town Hall Jan 6

President Schulz and Provost Chilton invite you to the Spring Semester 2022 Town Hall on Thursday, January 6 at 10 a.m. Access will be available via experience.wsu.edu.

$60,000 INL Graduate Fellowship Program

The Idaho National Laboratory Graduate Fellowship program, a collaboration between INL, universities and participating students, provides access to unique and state-of-the-art facilities and capabilities.

Applicants are invited to apply online through Idaho National Laboratory Careers job posting numbers 16803 (for applicants in the fields of nuclear energy and clean energy development) and 16806 (for applicants in National & Homeland Security). The postings will close February 13, 2022. Selections will be announced in May 2022. Letters of recommendation should be submitted via email to graduatefellowships@inl.gov.

Department of Energy Computational Science Graduate Fellowship – Apply by Jan. 12

The DOE CSGF provides outstanding benefits and opportunities for doctoral students in a range of fields that use high-performance computing to solve complex problems in science and engineering. Renewable up to four years, the fellowship also seeks candidates who are researching applied mathematics, statistics or computer science advances that contribute to more effective use of emerging high-performance systems. The program is open to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents who plan full-time, uninterrupted study toward a Ph.D. at an accredited U.S. university; senior undergraduates and first-year doctoral students may apply. Benefits include a $38,000 yearly stipend, payment of full tuition and required fees, yearly program review participation, an annual professional development allowance, and a 12-week DOE laboratory research practicum experience.

Environmental Fellow Program – Apply by Jan. 10

The Environmental Fellows Program is a nationally competitive summer fellowship program for masters and doctoral students that seeks to place students traditionally underrepresented in the environmental field and those committed to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion in summer fellowships with environmental foundations and their grantees.

Showcase 2022 – Abstracts due Jan. 18

Each year Academic Showcase and the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA) Research Exposition celebrate original scholarship, research, and creative expression across WSU’s academic community. Faculty, Staff, Graduate and Professional Students – Join us! Share your work with your WSU colleagues at these in‑person poster sessions on March 24. 250-word abstracts are due Jan. 18.

GPSA Dissertation Grants

The Awards and Scholarships Committee offers dissertation grants to support the research needs of WSU Ph.D. students. These grants will be awarded on a rolling basis to help cover expenses generated as students work to complete their dissertation projects.

MLK Spirit Awards- Nominations Due Jan. 14

The MLK Program Committee is seeking nominations for the 2022 WSU MLK Spirit Awards, including the longstanding Distinguished Service Awards.

The WSU MLK Spirit Awards celebrate the life, legacy, and spirit of Martin Luther King Jr. by honoring WSU community members who are dedicated to diversity, equity, inclusion, and social justice. The awards recognize individuals around the WSU system who continue King’s work in an extraordinary way.

To be considered, all nominations must be received by 11:59 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 14. Nominations can be submitted online and should cite the nominee’s specific efforts and accomplishments.

National Institute for Innovation in Manufacturing Biopharmaceuticals RFP

The mission of NIIMBL is to accelerate biopharmaceutical manufacturing innovation, support the development of standards that enable more efficient and rapid manufacturing capabilities, and educate and train a world-leading biopharmaceutical manufacturing workforce. NIIMBL intends to make $6M of funding available for technology and workforce development projects. NIIMBL is pleased to announce Project Call 5.2. This project call seeks proposals addressing technology and workforce development priority areas identified by industry.

Pullman HS CTE Representative Needed

Pullman High School and SEL are developing a pre-engineering Career and Technical Education Program and are looking for a representative from Voiland College to help with developing it. Please contact Shelley Pressley if you are interested.

AOI Teaching from a Distance Certificate

The Distance Delivery Mastery Certificate provides an opportunity for instructors to gain competence in all aspects critical to fostering student success in the distance delivery environment. Through trainings, and the support of Academic Outreach and Innovation (AOI), instructors will gain the knowledge and tools needed to successfully adapt their teaching style to the distance environment.

Earning this certificate allows instructors to build confidence and comfort in the distance environment thereby enriching their teaching, promoting student success, and documenting professional development.

The course is comprised of three sessions, and they will be offered on Jan 3, 4, and 6; and Jan 10, 11, and 12. The sessions are (of course) taught via zoom.

Nominate a Colleague for the Crimson Spirit Award

Do you know a WSU employee who is exceptionally creative in problem-solving or who consistently goes above and beyond? Nominate that WSU employee for the Crimson Spirit Award today!

Visit Crimson Spirit Award to nominate a WSU employee or to see past award recipients.

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Be Safe Cougs

Helpful Hints When Walking on Snow or Ice

Plan ahead, give yourself sufficient time and plan your route.

• Traffic moves slowly in snowy conditions.
• Give yourself extra time–don’t assume a clear path for driving and walking will be available.

Wear shoes or boots that provide traction on snow and ice.

• Footwear made of rubber and neoprene composite provide better traction than plastic and leather soles.
• Wear flat-soled shoes. Avoid shoes with heels.
• Products are available with abrasive soles or cleats that provide special traction for walking on snow and ice, such as Yaktrax. [Remember to remove when entering buildings.]

Use special care when entering and exiting vehicles, climbing or descending stairs, entering or leaving buildings.

• Move slowly.
• Remove snow/water from shoes when entering buildings.
• Use handrails for support.
• Try to keep your center of gravity over your support leg.
• Use car for support.
• Keep your hands out of your pockets.

Walk on designated walkways as much as possible.

• Don’t take shortcuts over snow piles or areas where snow and ice removal is not feasible.
• Look ahead when you walk. A sidewalk completely covered with ice may require travel along its grassy edge for traction.
• Don’t text or read while walking.

Walk safely on snow or ice.

• Take short steps or shuffle for stability.
• Bend slightly forward and walk flat-footed with your center of gravity directly over your feet as much as possible.
• Keep your hands out of your pockets.
• Be prepared to fall. If you fall, fall with sequential contacts at your thigh, hip and shoulder. Avoid using outstretched arms to brace yourself.
• Bend your back and head forward to avoid hitting your head against the ground.

Holiday Building Information and Reduced Operations

Winter tends to come with weather fluctuations including strong winds, ice storms, and periods of heavy snow that can cause power outages and closures. Read the latest safety announcements from VCEA’s Facility, Operations, and Safety Services to help you be prepared.

Inclement Weather Preparedness

Check these resources for information regarding personnel processes during times of inclement weather and/or periods of suspended operations.

Discrimination and Harassment Prevention Training

All WSU employees are required to take a Discrimination and Harassment Prevention training within the first 6 months of hire, and then an Employee Refresher Training annually thereafter.