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VISION machine

June 12, 2025 — Wichita State’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) has received a patent for VISION, an AI-powered composite inspection robot designed to detect and repair damage on aircraft parts autonomously. Developed at NIAR’s Automation Research Center and recently installed at a U.S. Army facility, the system uses machine learning to analyze inspection images and speed up aircraft maintenance.

Vamsidhar Patlolla

June 9, 2025 — Shocker Composites, founded by Wichita State alum Vamsidhar Patlolla, transforms carbon fiber waste into high-performance, sustainable materials using a recycling method he developed during his graduate research. With support from Wichita State’s NIAR and Innovation Campus, the company is scaling up its impact and demonstrating how university-backed startups can drive real-world innovation and sustainability.

Dr. Moriah Beck, professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Wichita State

Feb. 14, 2025 — Dr. Moriah Beck's journey as a scientist is rooted in the belief that research is a powerful driver of innovation and personal transformation. For Beck, a professor of chemistry and biochemistry at Wichita State University, research is far more than an academic pursuit — it’s a way to connect with a global scientific community and spark change.

A Wichita State University graduate waves at the camera, surrounded by other graduates.

Dec. 11, 2024 – A total of 1,209 students are eligible to participate in Wichita State University’s 127th fall commencement ceremonies Sunday, Dec. 15 in Charles Koch Arena.

child with prosthetic bionic arm

Nov. 20, 2024 – Wichita State University has launched the Institute for Rehabilitation Medicine and Assistive Technology (IRMAT), an innovative collaboration focused on addressing disease and disability through applied research and technology. IRMAT will serve as a hub for cutting-edge, patient-driven research and development of transformative technologies to improve the quality of life for individuals with physical and cognitive disabilities.

Wichita State's National Institute for Aviation Research has been awarded $10 million from NASA to study advanced materials for hypersonic applications.

May 14, 2024 — Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research will receive more than $10 million from NASA for research related to the development and implementation of advanced materials for hypersonic applications.

Wichita State University engineering students

Jan. 8, 2024 - Wichita State University moved to No. 2 on the national list of industry-funded engineering and research and development, according to the latest data compiled by the National Science Foundation’s Higher Education Research and Development Survey.

Zhi Wei Won

Dec. 1, 2022 - Zhi Wei Won used her time at Wichita State to work on skills in and out of the classroom. She met new people and expanded her social circle through school activities. Won is one of more than 1,300 students eligible for fall 2022 graduation. Learn more about her time at Wichita State and what is next for this grad.

Juan Aguilar is standing outside behind a metal sculpture.

Feb. 7, 2022 — Four years ago, Juan Aguilar made a decision that is about to make his last two years in college a whole lot more affordable.

Campus

December 1, 2020 - Wichita State’s Division of Diversity and Inclusion is organizing “Tenacious Men,” a program designed to provide mentoring and STEM education for underrepresent students in Wichita Public Schools.

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.

Jessica Gulaskey

Nov. 3, 2020 — Jessica Gulaskey is one of thousands of first-generation students at Wichita State. The Wichita native will be taking over the university’s Instagram account on Thursday, Nov. 5, to share her experiences as a first-gen student.

Lily Guillen

Nov. 3, 2020 — Lily Guillen, a graduate student in studio art, is one of thousands of first-generation students at Wichita State University. She will be taking over the university’s Instagram account on Wednesday, Nov. 4, to share her experiences as a first-gen student.

Dr. Linda Rhone

Oct. 30, 2020 — When Dr. Linda Rhone walked across the Wichita State University campus as a freshman in the 1970s, she had no idea that she would one day add a Ph.D. to the end of her name and serve the university as director of TRIO Student Support Services (SSS).

WuShock Doc

Oct. 28, 2020 - Tyler Pennick, director of videography for Wichita State’s Office of Strategic Communications, created a documentary about WuShock in bronze. After two years of development, the documentary was accepted into the Tallgrass Film Festival and awarded for its success.