Originally published through the Research Radar e-newsletter
on November 27, 2024.
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Colleagues,
Many of you may have the tradition of reflecting around the Thanksgiving dinner table on what you are grateful for over the past year. I always try to prepare ahead of time for this tradition; otherwise, I run the risk of saying something routine or, worse, foolish! As I approached this holiday week, I took some time to reflect on the past year and one term that came to mind was “change.” This word seems fitting for many situations lately, but it particularly resonates within our community at WSU. Whether it pertains to the PAC-12, budgets, or the numerous leaders who, like me, have “interim” in their titles, we cannot ignore the significant changes occurring within our institution. While this change can feel unsettling to many of us, it also presents a tremendous opportunity to evolve and move our institution forward.
Today, I want to take this opportunity to share some of my recent experiences that have made me both thankful and hopeful for our future.
As a member of the search advisory committees for both the Presidential and Vice President for Research positions, I have witnessed the care and attention put into developing the committees and processes. I am grateful for the diverse and talented colleagues involved and the thoughtful discussions we have had regarding our needs and the talents of the candidates. From these experiences, I am confident we will identify exceptional hires who will bring fresh ideas and valuable experience to our university.
Taking on this administrative role for the year has meant that my research has received less attention than I had hoped. However, this absence has allowed my research team to come together, work more independently, and showcase their talents. I take great satisfaction in seeing my researchers recognized by university, federal, and state peers as experts in their own right. As educators, I am sure you understand the joy I feel witnessing their success. I soon look forward to being more engaged with them in our research.
I am still in Vermont receiving radiation treatment, and I am immensely thankful for those in the Office of Research who have taken on some of my responsibilities. Your generous efforts are greatly appreciated. Despite the circumstances that have brought me back East, I am grateful to be reunited with Lisa and our sons and their partners, who have traveled from Montana to visit. I am also deeply appreciative of the care and concern many of you have expressed by reaching out to me. All is going well, and I look forward to returning to Pullman near the end of the year.
I hope you can spend quality time with your friends and family this week. Take the opportunity to reflect on the year that is coming to a close and be grateful for the benefits you have experienced this year.
Michael P. Wolcott
Regents Professor
Interim Vice President for Research
Upcoming Events
Lunch and Learn: SciENcv
The National Science Foundation requires senior personnel to complete Biosketches and Current and Pending Support (CPS) documents using the online SciENcv portal. The National Institutes of Health will soon follow suit. Bring your lunch and your laptop to the Lighty 280 conference room on Tuesday, December 3, from noon-1 p.m., and work alongside Cheryl Dykstra-Aiello, research development specialist from the Office of Research Advancement and Partnerships, as she demonstrates steps you need to create your NSF and NIH compliant Biosketches and Current/Pending Support documents in SciENcv. RSVP online to attend.
Office of Research Advancement and Partnerships: New Information Sessions are Live
Each semester the Office of Research Advancement and Partnerships offer 8–10, hour-long classes designed to assist you with all areas of research development. Topics include budget planning, broader impact opportunities, supplementary documents, research compliance, and more. If you were interested in any of the Information Sessions this semester but were unable to attend, recorded sessions are available on ORAP’s website.
Call for Proposals
Deadline Extended: Community Engaged Research Seed Grant, Tier 2
Previously only available to faculty located on the Pullman campus, the Office of Research Advancement and Partnerships is pleased to announce that Tier 2 seed grants are now available to community engaged researchers on all WSU campuses. To accommodate this addition, deadlines have been extended. A required Notice of Intent is due December 1. Full proposals must be submitted by December 15. Visit the website for specific submission requirements. Questions? Email or.orap.servicedesk@wsu.edu.
Graduate Student Summer Community Engaged Research Grant
Pullman-based graduate students in good standing are invited to submit a proposal for support to conduct a summer community engaged research project (May 15 – August 15, 2025). A letter of support is required from the graduate advisor and the PI (if not their advisor) with whom the student will be conducting the research. Deadline to submit proposals is December 15. Late submissions will not be accepted.
For Your Information
Introducing Office Hours with the Office of Research Advancement and Partnerships
Trying to find time to write your grant proposal? Dealing with too many distractions in your office? Need some guidance on your proposal development? The Office of Research Advancement and Partnerships (ORAP) will provide a quiet space and dedicated weekly time for you to focus on grant writing and ask our development specialists proposal-related questions. Beginning Thursday, January 9, and Monday, January 13, from noon-1 p.m., you are invited to bring your laptop and/or questions to the Office of Research conference room, Lighty 280. Come and spend an hour dedicated to writing your grant proposal without interruption and/or find answers to your proposal questions with development specialists Cheryl Dykstra-Aiello and Lydia Baxter-Howard. pecialist. Details to follow on the ORAP site.