September 2025
Using WSU Libraries to Strengthen Your Research Strategy
Presented by Chelsea Leachman, Science and Engineering Librarian
Abstract:
Conducting high-quality research today requires more than just access to information—it demands strategic use of tools, services, and technologies that support discovery, evaluation, and dissemination. This seminar will highlight how WSU Libraries’ resources…
Activation of Lysosomal Iron Triggers Ferroptosis in Cancer,” presented by Ifeoluwa Peace Oladapo, PhD student.
“Expanding the gene regulatory code: position-dependent transcription factor function reveals a spatial grammar in our genome.”
Semester Seminar, presented by Dr. Jeff Olivarez
Three experienced and proven industry professionals will answer your questions.
Speaker: Dr. Jeremiah Busch, School of Biological Sciences, WSU
“An Inside View of NSF”
SPEAKER: Dr. Berkley Walker, Associate Professor, Michigan State University
BIOGRAPHY:
Berkley Walker studies the multi-scale impact and mechanisms of photosynthesis…with a special emphasis on how photorespiration interacts with central metabolism and plant nutrition. While always interested in science, he original set off to be an entrepreneur, founding an energy bar…
“Useful Maths: Insights into Immunology and Virology with the eyes of Mathematics,” presented by Dr. Esteban Hernandez Vargas from the University of Idaho.
“Decoding the Hidden Grammar of Our Genome,” presented by Bayley McDonald, PhD student.
Naval Sandwich composites & Underwater Explosions
Presented by
Dr. Nilanjan Mitra, Associate Professor, School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Washington State University
Abstract
Understanding material and structural response requires recreating exact loading scenarios, which is often challenging. Using naval sandwich hulls under underwater explosions as an example, this talk will…
“Virus-Induced Gene Misregulation in Human Diseases,” presented by Dr. Matthew Weirauch, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital (Host: Dr. Sascha Duttke).
“Dissecting how pathogens thrive in (molecularly) stressed-out ticks,” presented by Kaylee Vosbigian, PhD candidate; “An experimental infection model for rapid reproduction of treponeme-associated hoof disease in captive elk (Cervus canadensis),” presented by Dr. Holly Drankan, DVM and PhD candidate.
Dr. Wassana Yantasee is a Professor of Biomedical Engineering at Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU) and the Founder & CEO of PDX Pharmaceuticals. She received her PhD in Chemical Engineering and her MBA in 2001 from Oregon State University. From 2001 to 2009, she worked at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), where she earned accelerated promotions to Level 4 (out of 6). She then joined the BME Department at OHSU as an Oregon Nanomedicine Signature Researcher. Dr. Yantasee has received numerous honors, including the Ronald L. Brodzinski Early Career Scientific Achievement Award from PNNL and the Council of Outstanding Early Career Engineer Award from OSU, and two corporate philanthropy awards. She was inducted into the National Academy of Inventors OHSU Chapter and as a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering. She has published more than 70 peer-reviewed papers and has served on over 40 scientific review panels for federal grant programs.
SPEAKER: Dr. ChangKyu Yoon, Associate Professor, Department of Mechanical Engineering, Sookmyung Women’s University
BIOGRAPHY: Dr. ChangKyu Yoon is an Associate Professor in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Sookmyung Women’s University in Seoul, South Korea. He earned his Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from Johns Hopkins University…
“Exploring Regulatory Mechanisms of Human Transcription Initiation,” presented by Mackenzie Meyer (Advisor: Dr. Sascha Duttke).
Katie Tseng, PhD candidate, Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, presenting; (Advisor: Dr. Pilar Fernandez)
Dr. Jennifer Watts, School of Molecular Biosciences, WSU Tri-Cities Title: ‘Fats, ferroptosis, and fertility’
SPEAKER: Dr. Valentina Sierra, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Department of Biological Systems Engineering, WSU
BIOGRAPHY:
Dr. Valentina Sierra-Jimenez is a Chemical Engineer with a Ph.D. in Biological Systems Engineering, specializing in modeling physicochemical processes from the atomic scale to industrial systems. Her research covers chemical and thermochemical transformations such as carbonization,…
This lecture will cover the work veterinarians are doing with Pacific salmon enhancement programs in the Pacific Northwest. Participants will learn about management of Pacific salmon in Washington state with a focus on hatcheries and the diseases of concern common in the region. There…
This in-person workshop will address the fundamentals of effective teaching, with a focus on classrooms and laboratories.
Join us to learn how Chromium Single Cell, Visium Spatial, and Xenium In Situ platforms from 10x Genomics can help you push the boundaries of your research. Hosted by WSU’s Center for Reproductive Biology
Beyond p-Type: The Potential of n-Type CdTe and CdSeTe for Next-Generation Solar Cells
Presented by
Jing Shang, PhD candidate in Materials Science and Engineering, Center of Crystal Growth and Semiconductors and Institute of Materials Research, School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Washington State University
Abstract
Cadmium telluride (CdTe) solar…
“Not such a bird-brained idea: Using disease ecology to bridge the gap between medicine and management,” presented by Professor and Rocky Crate and Wild Sheep Foundation Endowed Chair.
Dr. Michael Knoblauch, WSU SBS Pullman
Title: (Tentative) ‘On misunderstandings in Plant Biology’
Dr. Boniface Fokwa is a Professor of Chemistry, a position held since 2021, following a progressive academic career marked by excellence in research, teaching, and leadership. Prior to this role, Dr. Boniface Fokwa served as an Associate Professor of Chemistry from 2018 to 2021 and as an Assistant Professor from 2015 to 2018.
SPEAKER: Dr. Anjali Sharma, Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry, WSU
BIOGRAPHY:
Dr. Anjali Sharma is an Assistant professor and the Director of Translational Nanomedicines Research Laboratory within the Department of Chemistry at Washington State University. She earned her Ph.D. in Materials Chemistry from McGill University and completed her postdoctoral training…
Ready to take your research or creative project to the next level?
Join our Virtual SURCA Info-Session to discover how you can partner with a faculty mentor, craft a compelling abstract, and showcase your work alongside…
“Emerging epidemiology of Rift Valley fever: Now and in future,” presented by Dr. Kariuki Njenga.
“Male Factor ARRDC5 Deficiency Impacts Key Processes of Embryogenesis,” presented by Julie Park.
Title: Cyber-physical system recovery from sensor attacks
Speaker: Dr. Mengyu Liu
Abstract: Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS) increasingly rely on sensor data to enable real-time decision making and safe control. However, their dependence on sensor inputs makes them vulnerable to malicious attacks that can compromise data integrity, leading to unsafe or unstable behavior. The…