WSU News - All Stories

April 30, 2026 - The WSU-led CubeSat project started in 2016. Launch into low earth orbit by NASA will allow researchers to look at the sun in a new way and perform experiments not possible on earth with solar neutrinos.

April 29,  2026  — Mitchell Steele maximized his Shocker journey. With multiple on- and off-campus internships, research opportunities and a featured role on Wichita State’s episode of “The College Tour,” Mitchell built a truly holistic and meaningful experience during his time here.  

April 29, 2026 — Sheida Sharafi has curated her younger self’s ambition to be a doctor into a medical-adjacent field: biomedical engineering. During her time at Wichita State, she has honed her professional skills through several applied learning and research experiences.

April 29,  2026  — The reputation of WSU’s physician associate program brought Autymn Schreiner to Wichita after earning her undergraduate degree in Topeka. Her advice to future Shockers: “Lean into grit and determination throughout your time at WSU.” 

April 29,  2026  —  Manuel Salamanca shaped his Wichita State experience through hands-on aerospace engineering work, including NASA Jumpstart, student aircraft manufacturing and competitive design-build projects. A first-generation and military-affiliated student, he will serve on active duty with the U.S. Air Force after graduation before pursuing a master’s degree in aerospace engineering.  

April 29, 2026 — Missourian Gary Nealon leaned all the way into applied learning, tackling hands‑on healthcare projects and landing a new full-time role as an academic program socialist at a medical school.

April 29,  2026  — Riley McMillan’s advice to new Shockers: “If you have the ability to do so, say 'yes' to every opportunity that comes your way; you will not regret it.” She’s spent her time at Wichita State doing just that with a full menu of experiences, including cancer research, as a student ambassador and as a Shocker Navigator.  

April 29, 2026 — From across the globe in Morrocco, Salma Echakar heard about Wichita State’s aerospace program and came to Kansas to pursue her degree. Her advice to future Shockers: “Time goes by quickly, so take advantage of every opportunity.”

April 8, 2026 — A Wichita State PA student turned compassion into action by donating stem cells to a leukemia patient—showing what it truly means to give care beyond the classroom.

April 7, 2026 — Wichita State University has selected two recipients for the Richard D. Smith Scholarship, the university's largest scholarship award. Sallie Longwell of Valley Center, Kansas, and Caroline Love of Norfolk, Nebraska, will receive more than $80,000 over four years.

March 10, 2026 - Wichita State University’s First-Year Seminar and Shocker Design Experience are producing impressive persistence increases.This design thinking course focuses on fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and developing curiosity. A key component is learning that failure can be the first step toward success.

March 3, 2026 — Wichita State University student Lauren Hughes has been nominated for the 2026 Barry Goldwater Scholarship, one of the nation’s most prestigious honors for undergraduates pursuing research careers in science, engineering, mathematics and computer science.

Feb. 19, 2026 — Wichita State University’s College of Engineering has named the latest group of high school seniors to join the Wallace Scholar program.

Feb. 5, 2026 — At this week’s 10th annual Military Additive Manufacturing Summit & Technology Showcase (MILAM) in Tampa, Florida, John Tomblin was honored with the MILAM Lifetime Achievement Award. Tomblin is Wichita State University’s executive vice president for Research and Industry and Defense Programs and executive director of the WSU’s National Institute for Aviation Research.

February 2, 2026 - The prominence of the Wichita Biomedical Campus on the downtown skyline will grow in the coming weeks as workers install the exterior’s finished look. The 350,000-square foot building is on track to be finished in December with staff moving in during the spring of 2027. The building opens for classes in the summer of 2027.