Originally published through the Research Radar e-newsletter
on December 11, 2024.
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Colleagues,
A common question among graduate students is, “What do I need to do to earn my degree?” While there are clear departmental requirements such as course hours, and qualifying exams, etc., I believe the answer is straightforward: you need to demonstrate the ability to formulate a research hypothesis, design experimental or analytical procedures to test that hypothesis, show proficiency in the relevant tools of your discipline, and exhibit a capacity for independent learning. For me, independent learning is the key quality that distinguishes a Ph.D. from other degrees. It is how we advance the knowledge of our field.
Our fields evolve so rapidly that we must commit to lifelong learning to stay relevant. The need for continuous learning applies equally to our university leaders as it does to us as researchers. Who goes to college intending to become a university president, vice president, or dean? And even if someone does, could they anticipate today’s challenges or understand the nuances of specific universities?
Washington State University is currently involved in multiple searches for new leaders, and more are coming. I am participating in two of these search committees. Both have provided valuable insights into implicit biases that can influence our decision-making. However, I am equally concerned about the explicit biases we often bring as academics: thinking that if a candidate is not from our discipline, that their funding differs from ours, or that they haven’t spent enough time at our kind of university, that they are not fit for the position, are just a few examples. I have certainly caught myself thinking these thoughts while reviewing candidate materials.
I encourage you to take a few minutes to review the search profiles for these leadership positions. They are so broad that few, if any, candidates will excel in all the required attributes. Candidates will inevitably come from backgrounds that look different from ours. Instead of quickly forming judgements based on these differences, we should be looking for lifelong learners who understand our needs and opportunities, possess demonstrated leadership qualities, have a track record of success, and are excited to join our academic community to work beside us.
Thank you for taking the time to read these thoughts. I invite you to participate and share your input on our ongoing searches.
Michael P. Wolcott
Regents Professor
Interim Vice President for Research
Research Happens Every Day
Research Happens Every Day recognizes the fact that faculty make contributions to the WSU research enterprise every day of the year. In support of this crucial research and creative activity, ORAP will be hosting events celebrating diverse research and creative contributions as well as providing workshops, information sessions, and other training opportunities year-round.
We recently launched a new monthly Q&A series featuring our faculty and their research. This month, we are excited to highlight the research and creative work of Travis Brown, associate professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine Department of Integrative Physiology and Neuroscience. Brown’s current research focuses on the role neuroscience plays in advancing addiction treatment by revealing the complex neural mechanisms behind substance use disorders and obesity.
Upcoming Events
Research Impact and Benefits Survey
There is still time to share your research success stories through the Research Impacts and Benefits Survey. We appreciate the over 100 responses since we first shared the survey a couple of weeks ago and we would love to see even more examples of the impacts and benefits of research, scholarship, and creative activity at WSU. Complete the survey by Monday, December 20 to add your story!
Spring Fundamentals of Grant Writing Across Disciplines Series
Bring your targeted funding opportunity and develop your proposal! Open to participants from any discipline and from any career stage, the series will be five 1.5-hour weekly sessions (Tuesdays at 9:30 am starting February 18, 2025 – March 25, 2025, no session the week of spring break), each targeting a specific section of the proposal. Activities will include participant discussions, short lectures, take-home assignments, and in-class sharing and feedback on take-home assignments. This series is a great opportunity to hone proposal writing skills and receive feedback from peers from other disciplines. RSVP to attend. Need assistance finding a funding opportunity? Come to the prerequisite session “Finding Funding” on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, or contact the Office of Research Advancement and Partnerships at or.orap.servicedesk@wsu.edu to set up an individual meeting.
Call for Proposals
Grad Student Summer Community Engaged Research Grant
The Graduate Student Summer Community Engaged Research Grant will award up to $10,000 to support one Pullman-based graduate student in good standing to conduct a summer community engaged research project, May 15 – August 15, 2025. Deadline for proposals is December 15.
For Your Information
New SBDC center to open at Lower Columbia College
The Small Business Development Center (SBDC) center at Lower Columbia College is part of a network of more than 30 SBDC centers across the state where small business owners can access no-cost technical assistance for whatever need their business is facing. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on November 13.