Students
Life-changing research
I continue to learn new things in the research lab every day and have found my true passion for science and learning. It was in the research lab where I was able to confidently commit to a career in medicine, where science and learning will become part of my everyday life.
—Grace Filpi, biomedical sciences
Championing sustainability
(Leading and developing a compostability testing center) was a challenge for me; we kind of started from scratch. But it aligns with my Ph.D. expertise, developing innovative green technologies to promote sustainability.
—Jason Wang, paper science
Education meets innovation
It gives me goosebumps to think that something I do before I even enter the field could help change a family's life
—Carolyn Hoezee, interior design
Mapping environmental change
We were assessing vegetation health through remote sensing data. I got to work with a really great team (at NASA) and ... use a lot of the skills that I've learned (at Western).
—Quinn Heiser, geography and philosophy
Changing perceptions
I chose to (be a rehabilitation counselor) in order to show not just homage to that counselor who made such a big change in my life, but so that I could be that change for the next generation of people coming in with blindness or low vision.
—Robert Parsons, rehabilitation counseling and vision rehabilitation therapy
Pairing business with philanthropy
Originally, launching a wine brand out of the college didn’t seem real ... (but) my thinking quickly changed from ‘this is just for a grade’ to ‘real lives will be impacted if this goes through.’
—Jason Olinger, sales and business marketing, Bronconess team member
Faculty
Cracking cold cases
Dr. Ashlyn Kuersten partnered with Michigan State Police to launch a first-of-its kind program that gives students the opportunity to help solve decades-old homicide cases by working side-by-side with detectives. And they've already helped multiple families find justice.
Groundbreaking research
Dr. Ricky Stull is building on an enzyme discovery that could help smokers overcome addiction and changing the way the scientific world thinks about an entire family of biological catalysts. Students are conducting the research right alongside him.
Pioneering battery technology
Dr. Qingliu Wu is on the leading edge of battery research, helping to develop low-cost, highly sustainable power sources for electric vehicles with innovative biomass-based materials.
Innovative instruction
Dr. D'Jaris Coles-White is groundbreaking leader in the field of speech-language pathology, focusing on multicultural issues in speech disorders and development of social language skills in children with autism spectrum disorders.
Uplifting entrepreneurs
Drs. Doug Lepisto and Derrick McIver are invested in the success of the community, creating Sleeping Giant Capital to generate economic, social and educational returns in West Michigan by acquiring small businesses.
Challenging perceptions
As misinformation and disinformation becomes more mainstream, Sue Ellen Christian creates tools for citizens to think critically and discern fake news from facts.
WMU and Oak Ridge National Laboratory researchers team up to improve the reliability of autonomous vehicles
Assistant professor appointed to be a voice for diversity, equity, inclusion and antiracism on national board
Improving quality of life, enhancing degenerative disease detection
Professor’s research team helping MDOT reduce construction timeline
Alumni
Bronco on Broadway
I always felt so supported from the second I was (at Western) to not just be an actor but a complete artist. It wasn't about just throwing you into the industry and saying, 'Good luck.' They also prepare you for the next phase of your artistic education.
—Crystal Lucas-Perry, B.A.'10, Tony-nominated actress
Empowered to give back
My lifelong goal is to get the books where they are needed. The lack of bilingual books is a problem that exists throughout our entire nation, and if there isn't a voice in other states, I want to be that voice.
—Zenia Gutierrez, B.A.'12, M.A.'22, teacher
Invested in community
Kalamazoo's heart for serving and giving makes it unique. Being a part of this community made me realize that we are all better when we put others first. In all my pursuits, I aim to remain outward-focused, ensuring I serve this elite community!
—Jamauri Bogan, B.B.A.'17, MBA'19, real estate developer
