Wichita State sets new record for research awards
Wichita State University has set a new record for research and development awards, with a total of $136 million in fiscal year 2019, which ended June 30, topping last year’s record-breaking total of $104 million.
The significant increase comes from a steep rise in contracts and awards from the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD), which increased by more than $40 million from FY18 to FY19.
8-foot WuShock sculpture planned for WSU campus YMCA
The Wichita State University campus will soon be home to a larger-than-life sculpture of its beloved WuShock mascot, thanks to Steve Clark – a longtime Greater Wichita YMCA board member, volunteer and donor – for whom the area’s tenth YMCA branch location will be named.
WSU researchers aim to improve quality of wearable exoskeleton devices
The National Science Foundation has awarded Wichita State University $299,997 for research that could have a positive impact on patients suffering from stroke, spine injuries and various neuromuscular diseases. The research – led by Yimesker Yihun, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering – studies human joint movements through motion-capture analysis and musculoskeletal modeling and simulations.
The National Science Foundation has awarded Wichita State University $299,997 for research that could have a positive impact on patients suffering from stroke, spine injuries and various neuromuscular diseases. The research – led by Yimesker Yihun, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering – studies human joint movements through motion-capture analysis and musculoskeletal modeling and simulations.
The motion patterns will be analyzed and used to inspire the design of wearable bio-exoskeletons that can guide the natural movement of an affected limb without mimicking the corresponding joint(s) in the exoskeleton.
That’s an important distinction because, traditionally, exoskeletons that are designed with just a single rotational or hinge joint are physically limiting and could result in discomfort or injury to the user. This affects a person’s rehabilitation progress, giving rise to the need for novel exoskeleton design and assessment strategies.
Yihun is working alongside WSU’s Nils Hakansson, associate professor of biomedical engineering, and Jaydip Desai, assistant professor in biomedical engineering.
The project will also support two graduate students, and three K-12 students will be sponsored to participate in summer camps as part of the outreach activities of the project.
The team is collaborating with the Cerebral Palsy Research Foundation for human subject recruitment and testing.
The team’s goal is to improve the ability and comfort associated with wearing exoskeleton devices. If successful, the outcome of the project can provide substantial improvement to the quality of manufactured exoskeletons.
“It can have a positive impact on the well-being, life quality and rehabilitation techniques for patients,” Yihun says.
This 10-week series is designed for high-potential professionals
The Mini MBA provides a practical foundation in current business theory and practices. Through case studies, lecture and interactive class sessions, you will obtain the knowledge you need to succeed within your organization. This learning experience offers a concise and dynamic approach, which rapidly prepares you to handle new scenarios as a leader.
- Leading and Managing Change, Strategic Marketing and Brand Management
- Human Capital Strategy, Data and Analytics, Legal Challenges and Risks in Cyber Security
- Ethics and Compliance, Understanding Financial Statements, Quality Service in the Value Chain
- Organizational Design and Thinking Strategically, Designing and Managing Business Practices
Sessions are 1-3 p.m. Monday afternoons
Beginning Sept. 9, and concluding on Nov. 18
$2,495
Sessions are led by recognized experts, thought leaders and industry pioneers.
For more information go to cmd.wichita.edu or register at 316-978-3118.
‘Technology Takes the Wheel’ Autonomous Vehicle Seminar Series
“Transportation Transformation: An Overview of Autonomous Vehicles,” will be presented from 9-11:30 a.m. Friday, Aug. 30, at the National Center for Aviation Training Student Center, lecture hall, 4004 N. Webb Road. Free admission, but registration is required at www.wichita.edu/autonomousvehicles.
We are headed down the road toward the future of transportation with connected and autonomous vehicles (AV) – one that will greatly impact society, including our cities, rural communities, commerce, and even agriculture. Learn about the AV applications happening now, and the vision and planning taking place to create safe, inclusive and interconnected autonomous transportation systems of the future.
Upcoming seminars are planned for Oct. 11, Jan. 31, and April 17.
Mike Floberg – Director of Innovative Technologies, Kansas Dept. of Transportation
Jim Barbaresso – Leader, Intelligent Transportation Systems Practice, HNTB
Jill Ingrassia – Managing Director of Government Relations and Traffic Safety Advocacy, AAA
Aaron Foster – Solutions Engineer, Navya
Moderator
Bill Roy – Editor, Wichita Business Journal
For physician assistant students, professor Gina Brown’s case studies are life and death
Physician assistant (PA) students at Wichita State get to know one patient very well over the course of their first year in the program. Her name is Penny Adams.
At the beginning of the fall semester, Penny is a newborn.
In the final case of the spring, Penny dies.
Penny lives her life on paper as the subject of a series of case studies. She was penned by Gina Brown, PA professor, and a team of her colleagues to prepare students for their second year.
Read the complete story on Gina Brown
Engage WSU 2019 to feature keynote address from Lt. Gov. Lynn Rogers
From 7:30 a.m.-noon Friday, Sept. 13, the Public Policy and Management Center and
the Division of Diversity and Community Engagement will present Engage WSU, a day
that brings together university, public, nonprofit and community leaders for current
research and knowledge exchange in public service.
Engage WSU will be held at WSU's Marcus Welcome Center and will feature a keynote
address from Lt. Gov. Lynn Rogers, Parting Words from retired Sedgwick County undersheriff
Brenda Dietzman, the Road to Public Service with Leavenworth Mayor Jermaine Wilson
and various breakout sessions.
The breakout session topics will include Media Coverage of Community Driven Issues;
Profiles of High Utilizers of Mental Health Community Services; Continuing the Connecting
Conversation: Talent & Retention; and Diversity and Community Engagement.
To learn more about Engage WSU and to register, visit www.wichita.edu/engagewsu.
Consider giving to campaign that benefits K-12 students
The Ulrich Museum has been able to bring more than 4,000 K-12 students a year to see
the museum, our sculpture collection and campus through a bus reimbursement program
generously supported by donors. Please help us continue the program through a $50
gift that will be matched by a fund at the WSU Foundation. The Ulrich is about 40%
of the way to its $6,000 goal. Please give now so we can offer the program to more
Kansas schools.
Men's Basketball season tickets on sale now
Wichita State men's basketball season tickets are on sale now.
For more information or to purchase new season tickets fans may call 316-978-FANS (3267) or stop by the Shocker Ticket Office, located at the southwest corner of Charles Koch Arena. Normal business hours are 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Men's Basketball season tickets information
Sally the Robot making fresh salads in the RSC
Soon you will have have more fresh salad options with the addition of Sally the Robot in the RSC Food Court. Sally is a machine that lets you pick from a large variety of salad toppings and have your salad bowl made fresh right in front of you. The goal is to have Sally up and running Monday, Aug. 19. Stay tuned to Campus Connection for more details.
Sale on T-shirts and more
Now through Saturday, Aug. 17, take 20% off T-shirts (priced $11 and up), and 20% off lanyards and ID holders at the Shocker Store. Both discounts are valid at the RSC location and the T-shirt discount is also valid at the Braeburn Square location.
Fall semester hours in the RSC
The Rhatigan Student Center and its departments have started full fall semester hours. For fall semester hours of operation, go to www.wichita.edu/rschours.