Originally published through the Research Radar e-newsletter
on January 29, 2025.
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Letter from the VPR
Colleagues,
My first day as vice president for research at WSU was January 20—Inauguration Day. The announcement of my appointment came on January 8, and the flood of congratulatory messages was humbling. Many were from colleagues I’ve known over my nearly 20 years at WSU, and others were from faculty, staff, students, and industry partners I haven’t had the chance to meet yet. As I was sharing this outpouring of goodwill with a colleague, she said, “Savor it while it lasts.” She was, of course, right. The reality of our work is that things can change quickly—even with careful planning. And I am definitely a planner.
During the two weeks between January 6 and 20, I worked closely with Michael Wolcott as he transitioned from the role of interim vice president for research. While I’ve been involved in much of the Office of Research’s work as associate vice president for research over the past two years, this time gave me a closer look at every facet of the office. I began and ended the week of January 6 sitting in on the opening and closing sessions of the renewal inspection of WSU’s Federal Select Agent Program (FSAP) by the Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). What struck me the most, and what I planned to dedicate my first newsletter opening to, was how the review teams went out of their way to praise the transparency of WSU faculty, staff, and administrators, noting that we didn’t just meet the required compliance standards—we actively sought to exceed them to ensure safe, ethical, and sound scientific practices across all of our laboratories.
Then, on January 20, the new federal administration released 26 executive orders—the most day-one orders since 1937, including orders aimed at ending diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) policies and restructuring the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. In the days that followed, as national research and higher education organizations started digesting these orders, the emails in my inbox started piling up and my focus shifted. By midweek, while attending the Board of Regents meeting in Seattle with our senior leadership, federal funding agencies began issuing memos pausing communications to review the impact of the new policies. Agencies including the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation and others cancelled section meetings, review panels, and other core components of their funding activities to review the Executive Orders, explicitly citing diversity, equity, and inclusion components as called out in the Executive Order. On January 27, the federal Office of Management and Budget sent a memo temporarily pausing federal grants, loans, and other financial assistance programs and ordered funding agencies to review their programs. By the end of the day, a federal judge temporarily blocked the freeze on federal financial assistance until February 3.
My inbox is continually flooded. I have received emails from faculty members who are understandably concerned about what these changes mean for their current and pending funding, research collaborations, and how it might affect their students, postdocs, and collaborators. Inside the Office of Research, we quickly coordinated our response to make sure we were getting resources out quickly and keeping communication lines open with all our sponsors as memos rolled in. We set up a webpage to share real-time updates. I have been working with senior leadership across the system to ensure coordinated efforts with all offices.
I know there’s anxiety. I won’t minimize that anxiety, nor will I offer empty reassurances. What I can promise is that I will lead with the same transparency and commitment that our federal reviewers recognized in WSU’s research teams. As we face these changes together, I am fully committed to making sure that WSU continues to advance its land-grant mission—to conduct transformative, publicly impactful research that serves not just Washington but the world–and that we keep our eyes open as we navigate the challenges ahead to ensure that our research community can continue to contribute wholly to the research enterprise and WSU.
Kim Christen
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.
This Black History Month, the Office of Research invites you to a dynamic panel discussion from 10-11 a.m., on Tuesday, February 25, celebrating the rich contributions of Black scholars. Join us virtually for an engaging conversation as we explore the groundbreaking research happening at WSU, highlighting the voices and work of Black faculty members. This session will host an open dialogue on the relevance of Black history research today and its role in challenging conventional narratives, advocating for social justice, and building a more inclusive future. Panelists will share insights into their innovative work, offering perspectives on how research can empower communities, resist systemic inequalities, and inspire transformative change.
Moderated by Chioma Heim, director of advising and student services, College of Arts and Sciences, the panel will feature:
- Amir Gilmore, assistant professor in the College of Education
- Diamond Beverly Porter, assistant professor in the College of Arts and Sciences
- Marlene Gaynair, assistant professor in the College of Arts and Sciences.
This discussion will center on the profound impact of Black scholarship across disciplines, addressing current research challenges and its vital role in shaping future knowledge. It’s an opportunity to learn from WSU’s Black scholars as they lead the way in reimagining history, fostering relevance, and resisting oppressive systems. Let’s come together to honor and build on the legacy of Black scholarship at WSU. RSVP online to attend this this insightful virtual event.
Upcoming Events
CEREO: Climate and Coffee
The Center for Environmental Research, Education, and Outreach (CEREO) is hosting our monthly “Climate and Coffee” session at 3 p.m., on Thursday, January 30, in Lighty 405 and on Zoom. The January session will emphasize networking and connection with current and/or future collaborators interested in further developing or initiating research ideas related to climate change. This session is ideal for anyone in the WSU system who would like to build their portfolio around interdisciplinary ideas that connect to the environment.
Research Impact Challenge
Join the Office of Research Advancement and Partnerships at 9 a.m., on Mondays (in-person, Lighty 280) or Thursdays (virtual) through February 20. Complete various activities designed to help you better understand and manage your online scholarly/research presence and to measure the success and impact of your scholarly work/research. RSVP online.
Office Hours with the Office of Research Advancement and Partnerships
On alternating Mondays and Thursdays at noon, visit Research and Proposal Development Specialists in the Office of Research conference room, Lighty 280, for answers to your proposal development questions or simply to take advantage of some dedicated proposal writing time in a quiet space. Learn more online.
New Faculty Information Series – Workday Dashboard and Reports
The Office of Research Advancement and Partnerships will host a series intended to familiarize new faculty with WSU-specific processes and services. All are welcome to attend. This hour-long session at 2 p.m., on Tuesday, February 4, will provide information about the PI dashboard and Workday reports, followed by time for questions. RSVP online.
Community Engaged Research Panel Discussion
Join the Office of Research Advancement and Partnerships from 2-3:30 p.m., on Monday, February 6, to learn more and participate in a discussion about community-engaged research from WSU INSPIRE! Community Engaged Seed Grant awardees. RSVP online.
Budgeting and Budget Justifications
Your budget and budget justification may not make or break a grant proposal, but a well-crafted budget can make for a smoother funding process. Find out how to prepare a budget for your grant proposal and write a compelling budget justification. Join us via Zoom from 2:30-3:30 p.m., on Monday, February 10. RSVP to attend.
Information Session: Using SciENcv
Join the Office of Research Advancement and Partnerships at 11 a.m., on Tuesday, February 10, to learn how to use the SciENcv portal to create National Science Foundation and National Institutes of Health compliant Biosketches and Current and Pending Support documents. RSVP online.
Calls for Proposals
Supplemental Research Funds
There are often needs for research and creative work that are difficult to fund because they fall outside of projects that are supported by external funders or they are ancillary to core research and creative work. The Office of Research Advancement and Partnerships may provide partial support for costs related to research and creative activity that fall outside of regular funding streams. Visit the program webpage for more details and apply. Proposals for this round of funding are due Friday, January 31.
AI for Good Open Call Program Now Accepting Applications
The AI for Good Open Call Program supports individuals and organizations creating positive change in Washington state. This two-year program will provide opportunities for scientific collaboration with the Microsoft AI for Good Lab, along with a total of $5 million in Azure service credits. The program aims to drive innovative AI projects in sustainability, public health, and human rights, celebrating the region’s innovative spirit and building a brighter future for all. This initiative underscores Microsoft’s commitment to Washington state, recognizing the community’s important role throughout the company’s 50-year history. Applicants must submit an online application before 4:59 p.m., PST, on Monday, February 17. Selected grantees will be notified by email by Tuesday, March 18.
INSPIRE! CERSG “Pullman in Focus” NOI Due March 1
Funding through the INSPIRE! Community Engaged Research Seed Grant “Pullman in Focus” program is intended to support WSU Pullman faculty who have established communication with a local Pullman-area community for intended community-engaged research. Pullman in Focus grants provides support of up to $10,000 for one year. For more information and to submit the required Notice of Intent, visit the website.
Now Accepting Proposals: 2025-26 NW CASC Research Fellowship Program
The Northwest Climate Adaptation Science Center (NW CASC) is now accepting proposals for our 2025-2026 Research Fellowship Program, which supports research related to climate adaptation for Northwest natural and cultural resource management and provides training in developing decision-relevant science. The NW CASC invites proposals from graduate students at Boise State University, Oregon State University, Portland State University, University of Montana, University of Washington, Washington State University and Western Washington University, and postdoctoral scholars at BSU, OSU, PSU, UM, WSU and WWU (this fellowship cannot provide funding for postdocs at UW). The deadline to submit proposals is Monday, March 10. Learn more and apply online.
New Samsung University Collaboration Program Accepting Proposals
The Strategic Alliance for Research and Technology (START), Samsung’s new university collaboration program, will accept proposals for research that aims to discover new, emerging, frontier technologies and conduct advanced research for Samsung’s future. We focus on technologies targeting the Device Experience (DX) division, the completed goods side of Samsung’s business (mobile phones, TVs, home appliances, etc.). Projects selected will be awarded up to $150,000 for a 1-year project, with the possibility for renewal at the end of the year. The program will open for abstract submissions in the first week of February, and the window will be open until mid-March. For more information, contact Alex Pietsch, executive director of WSU’s Office of Corporate Engagement, by email at alex.pietsch@wsu.edu.
For Your Information
Jeremy Tamsen Appointed to Board Advising the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the appointment of 14 members to serve on the Plant Variety Protection Board. Jeremy Tamsen, director of the Office of Commercialization, has been appointed as a board member of the Plant Variety Protection Board, representing farmers, seed industry, trade and professional associations, and public and private research institutions. The newly appointed members will serve two-year terms.