Wichita State University

Today, hundreds of students moved into their new homes on the WSU campus. We’re so glad they’re here and can’t wait to get the semester started. Go Shockers!

The residence halls are full, the carts are rolling and the energy is back. Welcome home, Shockers!

In the final episode of our Shocker takeover of the NPR podcast, "The Academic Minute," WSU physicist Dr. Nickolas Solomey with the Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, Wichita State University explores new ways to understand the sun. In the podcast, he talks about his research on solar neutrinos and how detectors placed closer to the sun could provide new scientific insights.

Check out "The Academic Minute" wherever you get your podcasts, on NPR's website or on the NPR app. Link in the comments.

Wichita State has expanded scholarship opportunities, giving students more chances to earn support for their degree and worry a little less about the cost of college.

From new awards to expanded scholarship offerings, there are now more ways to invest in your future as a Shocker. Read more at the link in the comments.

🎓 Bigger scholarships. More awards than ever before. More reasons to become a Shocker.

Wichita State is offering more scholarship opportunities than ever before, including a new $80,000 Richard D. Smith Scholarship, expanded awards through the Distinguished Scholarship Invitational, and new business scholarships worth up to $50,000. High school seniors can now compete for Wichita State's largest scholarship packages yet.

Learn more: https://www.wichita.edu/admissions/undergraduate/blog/2026/08_04_Bigger_Scholarships_Update.php

Apply for DSI: https://www.wichita.edu/admissions/undergraduate/scholarship-competitions/dsi.php

WSU continues its week-long takeover of NPR's "The Academic Minute" podcast. Today's episode features Dr. Waruna Seneviratne, director and senior research scientist at the National Institute for Aviation Research, Wichita State University's Advanced Technologies Lab for Aerospace Systems. Dr. Seneviratne discusses how Automated Tool-less Manufacturing (AToM) could enable large composite structures to be built directly in orbit using robotic systems.

Check out "The Academic Minute" wherever you get your podcasts, on NPR's website or on the NPR app. Link in the comments.

From identifying a clinical challenge to creating a solution that promotes independence, Olivia Kerr is putting her Wichita State experience into action.

A graduate student in Communication Sciences and Disorders, Olivia developed a hands-free mounting system for respiratory muscle training devices, helping individuals with limited arm or hand function use therapy equipment independently.

After working with a client recovering from a stroke, Olivia was inspired to find a way to make therapy more accessible. "I wanted to create a solution that would allow the client to use the device on their own, increasing independence and supporting their progress in therapy."

She credits Wichita State's clinical experiences, faculty mentorship and hands-on coursework with helping her recognize a real need and develop a practical solution that can improve client care.

Wichita State University Communication Sciences and Disorders

What if AI was a learning partner instead of a shortcut?

In today's WSU takeover of NPR's "The Academic Minute" podcast, associate professor Dr. JaeHwan Byun — Wichita State University College of Education — discusses "generativism," a framework that uses generative AI to support critical thinking through prompting, evaluating and refining information.

Check out "The Academic Minute" wherever you get your podcasts, on NPR's website or on the NPR app. Link in the comments.

This week, Wichita State is taking over NPR's "The Academic Minute" podcast, with highlights each day from WSU researchers. Today's episode is all about research by Dr. Heidi VanRavenhorst-Bell, associate professor of public health sciences in the Wichita State University - College of Health Professions.

Her work focuses on measuring tongue strength and movement, which play important roles in speaking, chewing, swallowing and breathing. The research helps improve clinical assessments and treatment.

Check out "The Academic Minute" wherever you get your podcasts, on NPR's website or on the NPR app. Link in the comments.

WSU update: The all-clear has been issued following a report of a suspicious device found on campus. Resume normal activities.

WSU EMERGENCY ALERT: A suspicious device was located at the Law Enforcement Training Facility. Avoid the area, follow law enforcement instructions and monitor official WSU communications for updates.

Starting today, Wichita State is taking over NPR's "The Academic Minute" podcast, with highlights each day from WSU researchers. Today's feature is Dr. Nikki Keene Woods, professor and chair of public health sciences in the Wichita State University - College of Health Professions.

In this episode, Dr. Keene Woods discusses wearable devices that allow healthcare providers to remotely monitor fetal heart rates during pregnancy.

Check out "The Academic Minute" wherever you get your podcasts, on NPR's website or on the NPR app. Link in the comments.