Wichita State Poised For Massive Growth

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KSN - New ASL bachelor's degree coming to Wichita State

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) — A new degree program is coming to Wichita State for students who want to take their American Sign Language (ASL) skills further.

The school announced in a news release Tuesday it will be launching a Bachelor of Arts degree in ASL starting fall 2023.

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“The new degree responds to the need for qualified interpreters, and the need to bring an awareness of signed languages as natural languages, just as sophisticated, expressive and beautiful as spoken languages,” Andrew Hippisley, dean, Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, said in the release. “ASL will be a sister language to Spanish, French and German.”

The need for certified interpreters in Kansas has increased, WSU says, and the program will help grow the pipeline in the state of Kansas. Candidates to become interpreters by taking the Certified Deaf Interpreter Exam are now required to hold a bachelor’s degree.

Previously, there was only one school in the state where students could train for that certification. Now, Wichita State becomes the second.

[Kung Wu]

KSN - New ASL bachelor's degree coming to Wichita State

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WSU - Wichita State helps NASA evaluate possibilities for life on other planets

The existence of life on other planets, especially Mars, is a question pondered in literature, movies and imaginations.

Wichita State University’s Dr. Mark Schneegurt is working on that issue with the assistance of a $377,000 grant from NASA to examine the toughness of microbes isolated from spacecraft assembly facilities.

“It changes everything if we find living systems on these planets,” said Schneegurt, professor of biological sciences in WSU’s Fairmount College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. “We talk about the ‘microphone moment.’ Who’s going to get up at that microphone and say, ‘We have evidence of life in another world’? You want to be sure about it.”

The grant will allow Schneegurt and his team to study microbes likely to be carried by spaceships that are capable of living “on cold arid worlds and in the pressurized brines of ocean worlds” in outer space.

“NASA is planning missions to other worlds, and we go to other worlds now,” Schneegurt said. “It’s very important, if we’re going to make a claim of finding life on another world, we’re certain it came from another world. One of the easiest ways to mess up your experiment is to bring life from Earth.”

NASA’s Planetary Protection Center of Excellence at the Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California has worked with Wichita State for almost a decade. Its goal is to prepare missions to prevent “forward or backward contamination by cleaning and sterilizing spacecraft and evaluating the presence of microbes.”

While the spacecraft are assembled in clean rooms, Schneegurt said, it is unrealistic to expect no microorganisms to exist on a spacecraft. Knowing that, the job of the Wichita State team is to evaluate which microbes might survive the trip to Mars and the environment of Mars. “We want to know what’s in these clean rooms,” he said. “Because what’s in the clean room is what’s going to be in the spacecraft and that’s what going to go to Mars.”

Schneegurt and his team are focusing on the wet environments of Mars that contain salt brine and evaporite minerals that might provide a habitable environment. While investigating what types of life on Earth might survive on Mars, researchers also learn about possible types of life on Mars.

High salt concentrations lower the freezing point of water and increase the likelihood of survival for microbes.

“Habitat for NASA, and for everyone else, means liquid water,” Schneegurt said. “If you don’t have liquid water, it’s hard for us to imagine life. NASA follows the water and there’s water on Mars, a lot of water.”

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WSU - WSU wins Stage One of the U.S. Small Business Administration's 2023 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition

Today, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)announced Wichita State University as a Stage One winner for the 2023 Growth Accelerator Fund Competition. Wichita State will receive a $50,000 cash prize to build strategic partnerships that will support the launch, growth and scale of STEM- and R&D-focused small businesses.

Wichita State’s award-winning model will amplify the impact and success of Growth Accelerator Partnerships and will work to foster and facilitate a thriving national ecosystem that advances equitable investment in innovative high-growth small businesses.

“Our goal is to ensure that entrepreneurs with technology-focused innovations have access to the resources, participation, and support needed for a successful outcome,” said John Tomblin, senior vice president of WSU Industry and Defense Programs.

Winners of Stage One were selected through a multi-tier review panel of experts in entrepreneurship, business, innovation, and strategic planning – both inside and outside of the federal government. Applications and pitch videos were reviewed by expert judges submitted by the finalists.

Wichita State will now compete for an additional $50,000-150,000 later this summer.

"From inequity and climate change, to supporting national defense and community-driven economic prosperity, the real opportunity is now to build up innovation ecosystems, and Wichita State is eager to make an impact,” said Debbie Franklin, WSU associate vice president of Strategic Initiatives for Industry and Defense Programs.

Helping create avenues for innovation and entrepreneurship is huge for Wichita and could go a long way into helping grow the metro in the future.

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Here's a follow up on the Wichita Biomedical Campus funding and such.

Wichita Biomedical Campus receives additional $15 million in funding

The planned Wichita Biomedical Campus — a joint initiative by Wichita State University, WSU Tech and University of Kansas — is one step closer to its funding goal thanks to a $15 million award from the Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS), made available through the Strengthening People and Revitalizing Kansas (SPARK) Executive Committee and State Finance Council.

The new funding is in addition to $190 million awarded by the Kansas Legislature — one of the most significant investments ever in the Wichita region— bringing the total so far to $205 million of the $300 million needed to begin construction of the 471,000-square-foot facility. WSU, WSU Tech and KU will continue to explore all avenues of funding including federal, state, local and private funding to complete the project.

This latest award, and other funding received, will allow us to begin the initial phase of construction in early 2024, with a targeted completion date of fall 2026.

Funding is at 68% and it sounds like they're about ready to pick a location and finalize plans to get construction started in the next 12 months. I'm really excited for this project and what it will mean to WSU, WSU-Tech and Wichita in general.

[WstateU]

Here's a follow up on the Wichita Biomedical Campus funding and such.

Wichita Biomedical Campus receives additional $15 million in funding



Funding is at 68% and it sounds like they're about ready to pick a location and finalize plans to get construction started in the next 12 months. I'm really excited for this project and what it will mean to WSU, WSU-Tech and Wichita in general.

It’s a game changer for the city of Wichita and region… really huge. President Muma is the driving force behind it.

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Quite the showcase for Wichita State

WSU - National Science Olympiad bringing 7,000 visitors to Wichita State

The Science Olympiad will feature students from across the United States — as well as a student group from Japan — and their coaches and families.

Photo/video opportunities include:

• STEM Expo: 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. Friday, May 19, throughout campus. Open to the public, Science Olympiad participants and 6th-12th grade students from Kansas, Oklahoma and Missouri. Science labs, tours, demonstrations, etc. See full schedule.
• Opening Ceremonies: 6:30 p.m. Friday, May 19, in Koch Arena. Parade of students from each state and official opening of national Science Olympiad competition.
• Competition: 8 a.m.-3:30 p.m. in Heskett Center, 208 Hubbard Hall and CAC Theater. Some competitions may be closed to media and public.

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WSU - NIAR WERX and KMC receive FAA acceptance for 777 conversion certification plan

Kansas Modification Center (KMC) and WERX, part of Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research, have received FAA acceptance of the certification plan for the 777-300ERCF passenger to freighter FAA Supplemental Type Certificate program.

This acceptance is the culmination of several months of direct coordination between the FAA, NIAR WERX and KMC, indicating agreement on design, modification, and certification approach specifications for the program.

“The KMC and NIAR WERX team has achieved another monumental milestone for Wichita State and the state of Kansas, said NIAR WERX executive director Dave Jones. “I’m beyond proud of them and their incredible efforts to consistently achieve critical program milestones.”

FAA acceptance of the certification plan reduces program risk by enabling design and analysis teams at NIAR WERX to work to stable requirements, minimizing the possibility of a major redesign due to a change in the certification approach and associated schedule delays.

Recently NIAR WERX and KMC began testing of a full-scale demonstrator cargo door for the 777-300ER conversion. Multiple other conversion structures and assemblies are in fabrication.

Last year, Backbone Freighter Leasing confirmed three firm orders for the freighters with deliveries in 2024 and 2025, and options for seven additional conversions in 2025, 2026 and 2027. The order and options total in value over $300 million.

WERX has staffed up to more than 700 employees, including 55 student technicians, currently enrolled at WSU Tech and pursuing Airframe and Powerplant mechanic certification.

[pogo]

Looks like the demolition of the east side of Cessna stadium is moving along. Fencing has been installed closing off the parking just to the east.

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WSU - NIAR expands military fleet sustainment capabilities

Through a new collaboration with McFarland Research and Development, Wichita State University’s National Institute for Aviation Research (NIAR) will expand its burgeoning military fleet sustainment research and development capabilities.

McFarland R&D, founded by Randy McFarland, will continue in operation. To further leverage McFarland R&D’s existing programs, NIAR will assume its facilities, equipment and operations — which focus on unique airframe repair and replacement strategies, tooling development to support repairs and modifications and depot support — beginning June 1.

McFarland R&D currently supports legacy military platforms, and NIAR will gain valuable access these airframes and components. NIAR’s expansion into these new capabilities and resources will provide additional applied learning opportunities for students related to novel tooling design, modification of military airframes, depot line support, and process development for airframe repair and modification. NIAR will also gain experienced staff, including founder Randy McFarland.

“This collaboration is a critical move to expand NIAR’s military sustainment support,” said John Tomblin, WSU senior vice president for Industry & Defense Programs and NIAR executive director. “Gaining access to legacy military sustainment experts and training NIAR personnel and students alongside them will ensure their wealth of knowledge is transferred to the future leaders in the field.”

The new staff and facilities will become part of the NIAR’s Sustainment Lab, led by Melinda Laubach-Hock, who has more than 20 years of experience in the field. She oversees teardown, inspection, failure analysis, and process development activity for NIAR’s military digital twin programs.

“Mr. McFarland and his team have developed a unique set of capabilities over the past two decades critical to the sustainment of aging bomber and tanker fleets,” Laubach-Hock said. “NIAR welcomes Mr. McFarland and his team to the Sustainment Lab to learn from their wealth of knowledge and ability to solve complex maintenance problems to ensure continued support to the DoD for generations to follow.”

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WBJ - Foley Equipment, WSU Tech team up to find more heavy machinery technicians

A one-year certificate program at WSU Tech has been introduced to put students interested in a heavy machinery career in internships with a Wichita-based company.

Foley Equipment has teamed with the technical college on the Foley internship program, which combines classroom instruction and learning opportunities at Foley locations.

"We are thrilled to partner with WSU Tech to find and develop the next generation of technicians," Foley Equipment CEO Ann Konecny said in an announcement from WSU Tech. "Workforce development for Foley and our state is crucial in this time of incredible technological change, and the Foley Internship Program is another great avenue for that."

Participants attend classes Monday and Tuesday, then work at a Foley location Wednesday through Friday. WSU Tech said a technical certificate can be earned in about 12 months.

WSU Tech said Foley Equipment will reimburse students who live outside the Wichita and Park City areas for travel expenses to and from classes, including mileage, meals and one night lodging per week. Foley will also provide a toolbox worth approximately $14,000 for interns to use and eventually own, provided they work for the company for two years following program completion.

Another solid program and partnership to fill some needed jobs in the area.

Interns are apparently also eligible for health insurance, 401(k) matches and workboot reimbursement. More benefits if you become a full-time tech.

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Does anyone know if WSU is close to R1 status? Is it all just based on research dollars or something else? Just curious as they seemed to have really grown in that area.

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I debated on where to put this, but since it's a part of WSU Tech, which is a part of WSU, here it goes. I've been excited about this addition since it was announced. I think it has the potential to do wonders for Wichita down the road if all goes well.

WBJ - Ten Minutes With ... John Michael, NICHE culinary school

John Michael has had a 30-year career in restaurants and hospitality at over 20 establishments across the globe — cooking for the likes of Elizabeth Taylor, Nelson Mandela and Jon Bon Jovi — yet he's poised to build a legacy in Wichita, Kan.

As director of WSU Tech's new National Institute of Culinary and Hospitality Education, or NICHE, Michael is on a mission to turn Wichita into an up-and-coming culinary destination. It helps to have a sleek new culinary school building inside the just-renovated Henry's department store at Broadway and William.

So, this guy's been around and done a lot. I'm pretty sure this qualifies as we're lucky to have him leading the charge at NICHE. His wife is from Wichita and they met at school in NY. After they had their first child, they moved back here to be around family and they haven't left.

How do you think the first semester of classes went in the new facility? I’ve been in culinary arts education for over 10 years and I have never seen as much excitement and positivity from our students. Being in a historical building does come with its own set of unique challenges but the facility we have created in downtown Wichita brings a special kind of energy that is contagious. Student retention is at an all-time high and we are gearing up for our highest enrollment ever this fall.

Encouraging.

What is it like being in a downtown environment? This is one of the things that makes NICHE truly unique as a culinary school. Many culinary schools have restaurants. Some of them have event centers. I don’t know of any that have a food hall. But almost all culinary schools that I am aware of are located on campuses that are somewhat remote. For NICHE to be located in the heart of downtown Wichita, on one of the busiest thoroughfares, with access to thousands of potential customers, makes for a unique proposition in terms of both bistro and curriculum operations. What this adds is a real-world experience for our students unlike any other program.

Location, location, location. I never would have guessed that most schools are more remote. It just kind of makes sense to be a part of the community and have that experience. At least to me, but I'm no master chef.

How do you think NICHE will impact the future culinary and hospitality workforce in the Wichita area? In 2004, Johnson and Wales (one of the most highly regarded culinary programs in the country) shut down two of its southern campuses and relocated to a new $110-million facility in downtown Charlotte, N.C. Prior to this, Charlotte, despite being a banking and finance capital, was a gastronomic desert. Today, Charlotte is one of the most up-and-coming food destinations in the nation and it owes this to the culinary school. It is our goal that our program and NICHE effect the same change in Wichita. Our mission is “to celebrate and enhance our culinary landscape." We seek for NICHE to become not just one of the top tourist destinations in the city, but the No. 1 food destination in the state.

I like the thinking big aspect of this and I do think if done correctly it can have that kind of effect. I do think Wichita as a whole needs to grow and bring in more higher paying type of jobs to help newer, higher(ish) end restaurants survive and thrive so it can become a bit of a culinary destination.

I also like that they had an event for some food bloggers and that they gave their students the freedom to create something new. It was a class of Northern European Cuisines but it was on Cinco de Mayo so they used French methods with Mexican ingredients and came up with some stuffed goose enchiladas and other things. That kind of experimentation can lead to some great new dishes over time and it's all overseen by chefs with decades of experience.

I really do think NICHE, along with the school at Butler in Andover, can lead to some exciting future restaurants and menus that will excite many people.

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Does anyone know if WSU is close to R1 status? Is it all just based on research dollars or something else? Just curious as they seemed to have really grown in that area.

Wichita State would need at least 20 research or scholarship-based doctoral degrees. Right now, we only offer 12 doctoral programs.

Funding isn't an issue for us.

For reference, the R1 institutions in the AAC are Rice, Temple, Tulane, UAB, Memphis, North Texas, USF, and UTSA. All three departing schools are R1.

R2 are ECU, FAU, Charlotte, SMU, Tulsa, and Wichita.

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WSU is so focused on Aerospace Engineering and Criminal Justice that they may not ever meet the requirements to become R-1.. I suppose though that with this new medical agreement with KU, adding more doctoral programs might be the overall goal. This is what WSU always does to us though, they take steps to add bigger and better things, but are they ready for a big jump?