Washington State University seeks graduate students who are creative, analytical, and adventurous: scholars who will benefit from close mentorship with award-winning faculty, access to ultra-modern facilities, state-of-the-art technology, and numerous recreational activities.
Henry Averhart
Henry Averhart, doctoral student in the IIDP, researches memetics--how cultural information evolves, replicates, and is transmitted through the retelling of mythological narratives. He chose WSU as he was impressed by the Edward R. Murrow School, the supportive relationships between faculty and graduate students, the commitment of the McNair Graduate Scholars Program, and "Pullman's charm."
Adrienne Ohler
Adrienne Ohler is a doctoral student in economics who investigates how governmental policy affects the management and use of renewable energy, for example, how legislation that requires utility companies to buy and sell a certain percentage of renewable resources has caused the demand for wind power to increase significantly over the past decade. She says that her professors at WSU have been supportive and encouraging of her research. “I have found that I have a good, supportive network with people who remind me of my capabilities.”
Mary Capiral
Mary Capiral is a graduate student in environmental engineering and a McNair Scholar Award recipient. In her research she measures nitrous oxide and ammonia emissions from agricultural crops such as potatoes and corn in the Pacific Northwest. This information is integral because both gases cause negative effects on the environment and human health.
Jeanette Weaskus
Jeanette Weaskus, doctoral student in Composition and
Rhetoric , researcher of Plateau Indians,
draws much influence from Professor
of Rhetoric Victor Villanueva. It was in his class that
she was introduced to the dialogues of Plato. She
says that Villanueva’s profound pedagogical
approach left her with a better understanding of the
particular historical and economic contexts. And because
Jeanette
still recalls the course content a couple of years
later, she sees this as the mark of a truly outstanding
teacher. Her long term goals include teaching on the
Nez Perce Reservation through Northwest Indian College.
Seth Root
Seth Root, doctoral candidate in physics and astronomy, came to WSU specifically to study shock waves at the Institute for Shock Physics with its director, Professor Yogendra Gupta, whom he'd met at a conference. Seth plans to continue shock physics research at a national lab. His research explores the response of liquid benzene shocked to pressures greater than 200,000 times the earth's atmospheric pressure.
Leola Dublin
Doctoral student in American Studies, Leola Dublin, researches the effects of mass media on adolescent girls. She is formulating a program, WINGS, Women in Graduate Studies that brings adolescent girls to Washington State University to attend mock classes, participate in workshops, and perform physical activities with graduate student mentors. She credits the Graduate School's McNair Scholar Award program for bringing her to WSU.
Gail Gleason
Doctoral student in Education Gail Gleason integrates technology into curriculum to enrich instruction, and to meet the needs of students at all points of the learning spectrum. She researches professional development, teacher stress, and mentoring/peer collaboration in order to enhance curriculum and retain teachers. Gail is particularly interested in boosting teacher retention through collaborative support during their first five years.