Dr. Micah Prange specializes in the development and use of theoretical electronic structure methods in the fields of physics, chemistry, and materials science by addressing especially difficult problems involving the response of materials to radiation and other external stimuli. He received a PhD in 2009 from the University of Washington where he studied theoretical X-ray absorption methods with John Rehr. Subsequently, he served as a postdoctoral researcher at Vanderbilt University before moving to Pacific Northwest National Laboratory in 2011. His varied research interests include such disparate topics as the relaxation of solid materials from excitation by radiation, the energetics and electronic structure of abundant oxide minerals, and the vibrational dynamics of amorphous and hydrogen bonded materials. Spectroscopic predictions from ab initio molecular dynamics and lattice dynamics simulations feature prominently in his work.
Academic Subjects
February 2026
SPEAKER: Dr. Kaiyan Qiu, Berry Assistant Professor, School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, WSU
BIOGRAPHY:
Kaiyan Qiu is currently a Berry Family Assistant Professor in School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering at Washington State University. Dr. Qiu received his Ph.D. in Fiber Science from Cornell University and completed his postdoc…
Title: Machine Learning to Evaluate Governance, Risk, and Compliance Associated with Large Language Models
Speaker: Dr. Upakar Bhatta
Abstract: In today’s AI-driven digital world, Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC) has become vital for organizations as they leverage AI technologies to drive business success and resilience. GRC represents a strategic approach that helps…
Program: Link will open in a new tab.
Thursday, February 5th from 5:00 to 6:30PM Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU
Join us for an evening of original music at the museum featuring artists from the Digital Audio Collective. DAC is a registered student organization at Washington State University that supports students creating and performing across…
Introducing Helion Energy and the HERCULES Program
Presented by Dr. Michael Hua, Director of Nuclear Science, Helion Energy
Abstract:
Helion Energy is a private fusion energy company…
Presented by Drs. Craig McConnel, Matthew Peck, Kyle Taylor, & Jenny Watts.
Welcome to our $5 public planetarium show series. A docent will point out night sky highlights and upcoming astronomical events. This interactive lecture is followed by a fulldome video presentation.
Welcome to our $5 public planetarium show series. A docent will point out night sky highlights and upcoming astronomical events. This interactive lecture is followed by a fulldome video presentation.
Dr. Yingge Du is a senior materials scientist at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, where he has spent 18 years advancing research on complex oxide thin films. He earned his Ph.D. in Engineering Physics from the University of Virginia and has authored over 150 publications and delivered 50 invited talks. His expertise includes epitaxial growth, atomic-resolution characterization, and metastable phase stabilization, with research spanning microelectronics, quantum materials, and energy storage.
SPEAKER: Dr. Bernard Van Wie, Professor, WSU Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering
BIOGRAPHY:
Dr. Bernard Van Wie is a full Professor in the Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering at Washington State University. Dr. Van Wie received his BS, MS and Ph.D. degrees in Chemical Engineering from…
Join us for a closer look at how Mortenson is driving innovation and sustainability in construction. We’ll explore bold approaches to renewable energy and cutting-edge building practices that reduce environmental impact. You’ll hear candid insights on wins, challenges, and the contractor’s role in bridging the gap between design…
Program: Link will open in a new tab.
The WSU Horn Ensemble has been selected to perform at the Washington Music Education Association annual conference in Yakima on February 12. We are presenting this recital here at WSU Pullman of the music we will be performing for the music…
A fantastic opportunity for students to connect with businesses after the Spring Career Expo!
Program: Link will open in a new tab.
Dr. Hannah Ransom is a percussionist and music educator whose work has been informed by her passion for contemporary repertoire, immersion in world traditions, and advocacy for diversity in the fields of music performance and composition. Based in her hometown of…
Maximum Attendees: 34 (-6 Remaining)
This is more than a tour – it’s a hands-on opportunity to explore, learn, and connect with the Costco IT Department.
Highlights of the day include:
Dynamic guest speakers from across industry and innovation
Guided campus tours showcasing our facilities, culture, and opportunities
On-the-spot conversations with our hiring managers about internship and new graduate roles
Light snacks provided.
Whether you are seeking internship experience, career advice, or a deeper look at our programs and culture, this event is designed to empower and inform.
Suggested majors:
Management Information Systems
Data Analytics
Computer Science
Software Engineering
Computer Engineering
Limited to 35 participants from WSU, including students, faculty and staff.
Join the waitlist if registration is full.
Registration will close on Friday, January 9th.
Join ETM Director Jim Jones for a student listening session providing context on a proposed tuition adjustment aligned with the state-approved 3.3% increase effective Fall 2026. The session will include an overview and open Q&A, with time for student feedback.
PhD student Md. Wahad Uz Zaman, a member of Dr. Kevin Kittilstved’s research group, will present his latest work in a talk titled “Spin Hamiltonian perspectives on Cr‑Doped Srₙ₊₁TiₙO₃ₙ₊₁: understanding electronic structure, zero‑field splitting, and their impact on photocatalytic performance.”
Guest speaker: Tristan Rees, Co-founder & COO, Code Lexica
About the speaker:
Tristian is an experienced product and technology leader with a…
Join the Foley Institute as we welcome Andrew Ryder, Director of the Institute for Political and International Studies, at Eotvos Lorand University, Budapest. Ryder will discuss how Viktor Orban’s Hungary is inspiring policies for the current U.S. administration under Donald…
An overview of small ruminant breeding soundness exams.
Presented by Drs. Jeffrey Abbott, Steve Lampa, Susan Matthew, and Lynne Nelson.
Neural Operators Beyond Data: Physics, Generalization, and Trustworthy Predictions
Presented by Dr. Somdatta Goswami, Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Systems Engineering, John Hopkins University
Abstract:
High-fidelity simulations of complex physical systems – from atmospheric flows and plasma instabilities to fracture and reactive transport – are essential…
Join us for coffee from around the world, and a variety of discussions about physics, mathematics, science, economics, computers, politics, astronomy, pedagogy, and more. We encourage participation from all departments and fields.
Welcome to our $5 public planetarium show series. Our Valentine’s Day show is a guided tour crafted for you and your hottie. At only $10 per couple, it’s a cheap date.
Welcome to our $5 public planetarium show series. Our Valentine’s Day show is a guided tour crafted for you and your hottie. At only $10 per couple, it’s a cheap date.
Welcome to our $5 public planetarium show series. Our Valentine’s Day show is a guided tour crafted for you and your hottie. At only $10 per couple, it’s a cheap date.
Title: Securing Machine Learning: Evolving Threats, Attacks, and Defenses
Speaker: Dr. Yong (Steve) Wang
Abstract: Machine learning (ML) has gained increasing attention in recent years, with applications spanning nearly every industry. However, its widespread adoption has also led to a rise in security threats. This presentation explores evolving threats, attacks, and defense…
Arthur Wiesender, from Dr. Kevin Kittilstved’s research group, will present on “Cation Exchange in II-VI Semiconductor Nanocrystals.”
About the speaker:
Jason has been fortunate to…
Egyptian Blue: Ancient Materials Engineering, Modern Functional Properties, and the Science of Color
Presented by Dr. John McCloy, Director and Professor, School of Mechanical and Materials Engineering, Washington State University
Abstract:
Egyptian blue (EB) is humanity’s first synthetic pigment, developed over 5,000 years ago…
A panel discussion exploring approaches to mentoring Residents.
As a PhD student in the Peterson Group, Brooke Bonar investigates the energetic properties of heavy‑element molecules with a focus on actinide halides. Her project, “Dissociation Energies of the Actinide Halides AnX, An = Ac–Lr and X = F–I, Utilizing Relativistic Composite Coupled Cluster Approaches,” centers on applying advanced relativistic computational methods to better understand bonding trends and dissociation behavior across the actinide series.
Join the School of the Environment’s Lane Family Lecture for “Adventures in Caving”, and descend into the darkness with photographer Robbie Shone to see the world’s strangest, most remote places.
Welcome to our $5 public planetarium show series. A docent will point out night sky highlights and upcoming astronomical events. This interactive lecture is followed by a fulldome video presentation.
CrimsonCode is Washington State University’s premier annual hackathon, organized by the Association for Computing Machinery (ACM).
This 24-hour event brings together students from all backgrounds to collaborate, innovate, and build a project from scratch. Whether you are a seasoned developer or have never written a line of code, CrimsonCode is…
Welcome to our $5 public planetarium show series. A docent will point out night sky highlights and upcoming astronomical events. This interactive lecture is followed by a fulldome video presentation.
SPEAKER: Dr. Shulin Chen, Professor, Department of Biological Systems Engineering, Washington State University
BIOGRAPHY:
Dr. Shulin Chen is a Professor of Biological Systems Engineering at Washington State University, a registered Professional Engineer, and a Senior Member of the National Academy of Inventors. He earned his B.S. and M.S. degrees in…
Dr. Sebastian Stoian is currently a faculty member in the Department of Chemistry at the University of Idaho. Dr. Stoian explores iron and cobalt complexes using Mössbauer and electron paramagnetic resonance techniques to reveal their unique magnetic and electronic properties.
Join us for a 3-part Black History Month virtual series.
Series theme: Beyond the Headlines: Human Stories and Lived History Series goal: Explore…
Tyler Dabritz, from Dr. Bernd Lange’s research group, will present on “Pools of Hidden Conjugates Underlie Prenylated Sulfur Volatile Emission from Cannabis.”
Join us for a 3-part Black History Month virtual series.
Series theme: Beyond the Headlines: Human Stories and Lived History…
Program: Link will open in a new tab.
This multimedia recital is where the worlds of live performance and popular media collide! Tuba guest artist Scott Sutherland performs live while his YouTube videos are projected on the big screen, including selections from films, video games, and so much more.…
As part of the SP26 Power Seminar Series, the Advanced Grid Institute (AGI) hosts Dr. Quan Nguyen, PNNL, who will present: Multi-Time-Scale Modeling of Multi-Terminal HVDC Grids for Interconnection-Level Power System Analysis
Overview Multi-terminal high-voltage direct current (MTdc) grids are increasingly deployed to support interconnections and renewable-energy integration. This…
Join the Foley Institute as we welcome Mark Fagiano, assistant professor of philosophy at WSU. Fagiano will discuss how we can find a practical democratic response to the important questions of democratic control as AI systems become more powerful.
Kami Christensen, from Dr. Kevin Kittilstved’s research group, will present a literature review on Dopant Stabilization of Hafnia Polymorphs for Thin Film Applications.
Join us for a 3-part Black History Month virtual series.
Series theme: Beyond the Headlines: Human Stories and Lived History Series goal: Explore…
“Designing Effective Health Communication Interventions: Considering the Role of Science Literacy,” presented by Dr. Jessica Willoughby.
Program: Link will open in a new tab.
The WSU choirs will present “Musical Menagerie,” a free choral concert, at 7:30pm on Thursday, February 26 in WSU’s Bryan Hall Theatre. WSU’s four choral ensembles will perform selections about animals, including music from Haiti, Estonia, Australia, and the US.
WSU Libraries’ 2026 Crimson Reads planning committee is asking for WSU authors of 2025 books to send publication information to the committee by…
United States Transuranium and Uranium Registries: The Story of Human-Based Radiation Research
Presented by Dr. Sergey Y. Tolmachev, Research professor in the College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Washington State University; Director of the United States Transuranium and Uranium Registries, Richland, WA
Caleb Swain, from Dr. Xiaofeng Guo’s research group, will present on modern methods of recycling neodymium and other rare earth elements from spent magnet scrap and electrical components. In this talk, Caleb will discuss three research articles, each of which addresses neodymium and/or dysprosium recycling from different approaches. Methods and merits of each approach will be discussed. This relates to one of Caleb’s current research projects which analyzes the thermodynamics of Nd leaching into molten salt from magnet scrap.
Travel with a ray of light from its origin in the far reaches of space to its ultimate destination, the retina, and even further: transformed to information in the human brain.
Program: link will open in a new tab.
The number “3” is special in the human experience, whether referring to a trinity, trilogy, or a hat trick! Drummer/percussionist Darryl “Doc D” Singleton presents his third Faculty Artist Series Concert, “Power of 3, a prime number” featuring various trios comprised…
Join us on Saturday, February 28 from 12:00-1:00pm for a museum tour with librarian Rochelle Smith for a quilter’s perspective on select works in “Color Outside the Lines, From the Collections of Jordan D. Schnitzer and His Family Foundation”. The exhibition includes two textile works using quilting and appliqué techniques…