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STaR Division Science, Technology & Research at the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission

WV Science and Research (WVSR) provides strategic leadership for competitive research opportunities in West Virginia. Within the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (WVHEPC), WVSR strives to educate West Virginia students and citizens on the importance of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Through funding provided by state and federal agencies, such as the National Science Foundation (NSF), and in partnership with several of the state’s leading industries, the WVSR directs and manages funding for competitive, high impact scientific research within West Virginia public universities and colleges.

We hope everyone had a wonderful evening with STaR and Dr. Ali Al-Sinayyid last week!
09/23/2026

We hope everyone had a wonderful evening with STaR and Dr. Ali Al-Sinayyid last week!

Our STEM Speaker Series returns this fall under a new format featuring three events with four experts in conversation ab...
09/02/2026

Our STEM Speaker Series returns this fall under a new format featuring three events with four experts in conversation about new and noteworthy technologies.

This fireside chat model will allow community members to connect directly with regional researchers, professors, and industry leaders. All events are free with registration and will be from 6-8 p.m. at Taylor Books in downtown Charleston.

Learn more: https://wvresearch.org/outreach/stem-speaker-series

08/21/2026

Student research is an essential component of many laboratories. Dr. Carlos Lopez Ortiz, research technician at West Virginia State University, highlights how these undergraduate and graduate students contribute to capsaicin studies.

Lopez Ortiz’s research is funded by the West Virginia Network for Functional Neuroscience & Transcriptomics (WV-NFNT) which focuses on building jurisdictional capabilities in understanding circuit plasticity regarding functional connectivity between identified cell types as they emerge or are modified. WV-NFNT is a collaborative project funded by the National Science Foundation under award number 2242771 that brings together researchers from Marshall University, Shepherd University, West Virginia University, and West Virginia State University in partnership with the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.

Full video available.

08/21/2026

Dr. Subbu Chinreddy, postdoctoral research associate at West Virginia State University, uses CRISPR technology to study how the introduction of capsaicin influences cancer cells, particularly with glioblastoma.

This research is funded by the West Virginia Network for Functional Neuroscience & Transcriptomics (WV-NFNT) which focuses on building jurisdictional capabilities in understanding circuit plasticity regarding functional connectivity between identified cell types as they emerge or are modified. WV-NFNT is a collaborative project funded by the National Science Foundation under award number 2242771 that brings together researchers from Marshall University, Shepherd University, West Virginia University, and West Virginia State University in partnership with the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.

Full video available.

08/21/2026

C. elegans, or roundworms, are often used by scientists for modeling brains. Dr. Mohankumar Amirthalingam, postdoctoral research associate at West Virginia State University, emphasizes such studies assist with understanding neurogenerative diseases.

This research is funded by the West Virginia Network for Functional Neuroscience & Transcriptomics (WV-NFNT) which focuses on building jurisdictional capabilities in understanding circuit plasticity regarding functional connectivity between identified cell types as they emerge or are modified. WV-NFNT is a collaborative project funded by the National Science Foundation under award number 2242771 that brings together researchers from Marshall University, Shepherd University, West Virginia University, and West Virginia State University in partnership with the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.

Full video available.

08/21/2026

Capsaicin, a compound found in chili peppers, might hold the key to improving many diseases. Dr. Umesh K. Reddy, professor of genetics and genomics at West Virginia State University, has dedicated much of his career to studying these potential outcomes.

Reddy’s research is funded by the West Virginia Network for Functional Neuroscience & Transcriptomics (WV-NFNT) which focuses on building jurisdictional capabilities in understanding circuit plasticity regarding functional connectivity between identified cell types as they emerge or are modified. WV-NFNT is a collaborative project funded by the National Science Foundation under award number 2242771 that brings together researchers from Marshall University, Shepherd University, West Virginia University, and West Virginia State University in partnership with the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.

Full video available.

08/20/2026

The brain responds to traumatic injury in numerous ways. Dr. Shahrzad Latifi, assistant professor of neuroscience at West Virginia University, studies how recovery can be enhanced, especially with modern technology.

Latifi’s research is funded by the West Virginia Network for Functional Neuroscience & Transcriptomics (WV-NFNT) which focuses on building jurisdictional capabilities in understanding circuit plasticity regarding functional connectivity between identified cell types as they emerge or are modified. WV-NFNT is a collaborative project funded by the National Science Foundation under award number 2242771 that brings together researchers from Marshall University, Shepherd University, West Virginia University, and West Virginia State University in partnership with the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission.

Full video available.

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2001 Union Carbide Drive
South Charleston, WV
25303

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Monday 8am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8am - 4:30pm
Friday 8am - 4:30pm

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