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Veterans Upward Bound Program of Wichita State University

February 23, 2021 — The purpose of the Wichita State Upward Bound Program is to improve participants’ academic performance, to assist with enrolling into a post-secondary institution and to ensure enrolled participants will graduate from their chosen program.

Student Wellness Center

Feb. 17, 2021 - In the fall, Wichita State University public health sciences students took on the questions and uncertainty of helping with COVID-19 testing at the Student Wellness Center. Most are considering a career in health care. The volunteer time offered an applied learning opportunity working with the public during a pandemic and added to their understanding of public health.

Dawna Raehpour

December 11, 2020 - Dawna Raehpour is the recipient of the Stanley Z. Koplik Memorial Scholarship for 2020-21. She will graduate in May with major in public health science and a minor in sociology. The $1,200 scholarship is in honor of Koplik, who served as executive director of the Kansas Board of Regents from 1982-93.

Martha Backman

Nov. 18, 2020 — There were two Shocker milestones in 1964: Wichita University became Wichita State University, and a 17-year-old Martha Backman walked onto the Wichita State campus and began her college education. It took 56 years, but the 73-year-old is finally graduating with her degree in aging studies. 

Emma Wiens, 2020 Grad

Nov. 16, 2020 – After completing some pre-requisites at WSU Tech, Emma Wiens attended the Wichita State nursing program. Emma is one of more than 1,200 students eligible for fall 2020 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what is next for this future nurse.

Zane Storlie

Nov. 16, 2020 — Zane Storlie has not only dedicated his time at Wichita State to learning everything he can about computer science, but he’s also been an advocate for computer science education for elementary and middle school students in the area. Zane created a three-unit curriculum to teach Scratch coding to more than 750 students in Wichita Public Schools, and the Derby school district asked him to present a teacher training course to its librarians.

Morgan Bretches

November 16, 2020 - Morgan Bretches, from Wellington, recently was offered a position as laboratory assistant at Mayo Clinic, where she will investigate the meningeal lymphatic system and the brain. Morgan is one of more than 1,200 students eligible for fall 2020 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what is next for the grad.

Wichita State students

Ya-Aida Sillah, a health management major from Wichita, took a lead role in “Mask Up!,” a Department of Public Health Sciences group project designed to help students understand COVID-19 and health protection. Answers revealed four areas commonly misunderstood. • Some students did not know that fleece and gaiter-style masks are not recommended for preventing the spread of COVID-19. • Some students assumed a person’s vulnerability to COVID-19 would be visible. In many cases, a person’s vulnerability to the virus may be hidden. • Some students were unaware that nausea and vomiting are potential symptoms. • Some students did not know that monitoring for fever and other symptoms daily is recommended.

Kaitlyn Larsen

November 6, 2020 - Kaitlyn Larsen, from Haysville, chose a career that makes her essential to the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Rathman is one of more than 1,200 students eligible for fall 2020 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what is next for the grad.

Dr. Nikki Keen Woods (right) at a conference in 2019.

Nov. 5, 2020 — A team of researchers at Wichita State University is working to promote health equity among vulnerable populations. The all-woman, cross-disciplinary team is focusing its initial efforts on issues related to obesity among underrepresented groups.

CHP Medical Tech student 1974

Nov. 4, 2020 – The College of Health Professions (CHP) is celebrating its 50th anniversary at Wichita State University. Since its founding in 1970, the CHP has been highly renowned for its innovative approaches to education and supplying the health care industry with skilled, passionate professionals.

Brandyn Rathman

Nov. 3, 2020 -- Brandyn Rathman, from Sioux City, Iowa, is excited to start his career in the medical field after graduation. He said he believes his experience at Wichita State University will help him help his patients lead healthy lives. Rathman is one of more than 1,200 students eligible for fall 2020 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what is next for the grad.

disposable stethoscope

More than 200 graduates received disposable stethoscopes as a gift from the College of Health Professions.

Dr. Ali Eslami demonstrates a prototype of his invention.

Aug. 3, 2020 — If necessity is the mother of invention, it may also be the source of new patents: The story of how Dr. Ali Eslami became the holder of US Patent 10,689,898 – his first – begins with a local company asking for an invention to save it money.

Fuel measuring equipment

July 27, 2020 - Wichita State University student Kristen Bruce works as a software tester for Flint Hills Group, founded by Shocker alum Dave Cunningham. Over the past year, Bruce played an important role in Flint Hills Group’s work with McAlister, a fuel distributor and wholesaler in Wellington. McAlister needed to replace its software used to monitor fuel flow for billing. Bruce helped Flint Hills Group beat coming issues and move to a new system, while some of McAlister’s competition encountered problems.