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CubeSat

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.

Dulce Torres Gonzalez

April 30, 2026 — Wichita State University has selected Wichita Northwest High School senior Dulce Torres Gonzalez as the 2026 recipient of the $34,000 Mark and Stacy Parkinson Scholarship.

Ana Jara Valenzuela

April 29, 2026 — Paraguayan Ana Jara Valenzuela first visited Wichita State as an undergraduate exchange student in 2022. She loved it so much that she decided to return to earn a graduate degree and professional certificate.

Mitchell Steele

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.  

Sheida Sharafi

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.

Riley McMillan

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.  

Payton Hamilton

April 29,  2026   Payton Hamilton has taken full advantage of the travel programs Wichita State offers, including Lead for Tomorrow and Bill’s Trip through the Cohen Honors College.  

Noah DeVault stands next to WuShock and holds and oversized check for $50,000.

March 18, 2026 — Wichita State University has awarded the 2026 Mike and Mary James Scholarship to Derby High School senior Noah DeVault, who plans to study communication at Wichita State beginning in fall 2026.

Ellery Prothro, photographer

Owen and Ellery Prothro are enjoying an up-close look at their favorite sport. They are charged with chronicling Wichita State University’s most successful men’s basketball season since 2021 for The Sunflower, WSU’s independent, student-run news source.

Lauren Hughes

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.

Samara Langley

Feb. 16, 2026 — Samara Langley, a Colegio del Sol (Asunción Paraguay) graduate, is the winner of the 2026 Lenora N. McGregor Endowed Scholarship at Wichita State University.

Two women work on computers

Feb. 9, 2026 — Wichita State University has been awarded a $2.5 million grant from the Mellon Foundation to create the Wichita HIREs program: Humanities Internships Reward Employers, an initiative designed to expand applied learning opportunities for students pursuing humanities degrees.

2026 Clay Barton Scholarship finalists

Feb. 9, 2026 — The Barton School of Business at Wichita State University has announced eight exceptional high school seniors as finalists for the 2026 Clay Barton Scholarship, one of the largest and most prestigious business scholarships in the state of Kansas.

A graphic announcing the 2026 Gore Scholars from Wichita State University. Three portrait-style photos are displayed in a row against a yellow and black Wichita State background. Below each photo is a name: Mackenzie Bucl, Kayden Lankford, and Samantha McClintock. At the bottom of the graphic is an outdoor image of the large “Wichita State” campus sign under a blue sky.

Jan. 30, 2026 — Wichita State University has selected the 2026 recipients of the $64,000 Harry Gore Memorial Scholarships: Mackenzie Bucl, Kayden Lankford and Samantha McClintock.

A student dusts fingerprints look sat bullet casings under a microscope.

Jan. 13, 2026 — Wichita State University will launch two graduate programs in forensic firearms and forensic biology in fall 2026, expanding the pipeline of trained specialists prepared for careers in federal, state and local crime laboratories.