December 2023 WMU News

Physical therapy students research impact of lift training in facilities for adults with disabilities

Three graduating DPT students collaborated to research the “Effectiveness of Body Mechanics Training at a Facility for Adults with Disabilities,” partnering with the Center for Disability Services Skill Building program. 

Physics alumnus journeys from space dreams to quantum realities

Progressing from a young enthusiast mesmerized by the cosmos to a quantum application engineer at a distinguished U.K. national lab, Dr. Manqoba Hlatshwayo, a graduate from Western Michigan University's Department of Physics, has blazed a trail in quantum physics and computational nuclear physics.

A growing inspiration: Undergraduates’ garden initiative motivates the masses

In the backyard of a housing complex in Kalamazoo, atop a retaining wall, a vibrant garden flourishes with an array of fresh produce, from baby watermelons to cherry tomatoes. This garden is more than mere cultivation; it’s a byproduct of Seed—an urban gardening initiative conceived by Western Michigan University undergraduate students Alexa Hempel, Lexus Lawlor, Will Roosien and Joshua VanSlambrouck.

College recruiter recognized with semi-annual award

The award recognizes an individual’s exceptional work and outstanding contributions in support of faculty, staff, students, administrators and all those served by the College of Education and Human Development.

Nutrition and dietetic interns use lab experience to mentor undergraduates

In their medical nutrition therapy course, students learned from the experiences of interns and practiced clinical skills need for their field.

Education professor releases book on Supreme Court's influence in public schools

In his new book "The Roberts Court and Public Schools," Dr. Brett Geier offers an analysis and evaluation of education-related rulings of the Supreme Court since 2005. 

WMU Libraries awards 10 grants to help reduce textbook costs for students

The University Libraries has awarded seven Open Educational Resources adoption grants and three OER creation grants to WMU instructors in December. The grants are anticipated to save students in 10 courses over $170,000 in textbook costs in based on course enrollments.

Accreditation assessment team invites public comment

WMU DPS first sought accreditation from the commission in 2019, and in 2021 became one of the small number of police agencies statewide  to achieve accreditation after undergoing the rigorous examination process. That process begins with assessment, which started anew this year as the department is seeking reaccreditation.

Mia VandenBerg is raising the bar in human resources

Mia VandenBerg, a human resource management student at Western Michigan University, is elevating the world of human resources. Taking her turn in the professional world through internships, academic involvement and co-curricular activities, the senior is more than ready to launch a well-developed career after graduation.

International student finds dynamic new dimensions in IT career field

Shahriar Imran, an international student at Western Michigan University, is growing professionally almost as quickly as his field does. Originally from Noakhali, Bangladesh, the senior studying computer information systems is immersing himself in his education to become a well-rounded data scientist.

WMU trustees to consider labor agreements at special meeting Thursday

The board will consider approving labor agreements with the Professional Instructors Organization (PIO) and International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees (IATSE) when it meets at 12:05 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 14.

Seniors take the runway in student-designed accessible outfits

In a heartwarming display of cross-college collaboration, fashion and occupational therapy students teamed up to create stunning outfits for seniors at the Ecumenical Senior Center. These custom-made pieces, designed for both accessibility and elegance, were worn by the seniors during their holiday gala.

'I matter here': HRM student finds her place at the Haworth College of Business

Human resource management student Alyssa Lozano is excited to take on the world of HR. Building on the skills she has learned in the classroom, her current internship is helping her apply her knowledge to the real world and find her passion for aiding companies in their journey toward excellence.

Winter recess 2023-24 hours announced for campus offices, facilities

Spring semester begins at 8 a.m. Monday, Jan. 8, 2024.

Swing and a hit: Digital marketing grad's internship lands him job in the big leagues

Alex Wojdylak made such an impression with the team at FOX Sports that he's been hired full time as a digital video specialist. He says a number of experiences within the Haworth College of Business and a marketing internship helped prime him to pursue his passion in sports broadcasting.

Art grad ready to help others find healing through her craft

Sharmane Flanders tapped into Kalamazoo's vibrant art scene to up her professional game while also developing a solid foundation for her future career as an art therapist.

Engineering grad manufacturing a successful career

After racking up work experience in multiple internships, John Goheen is graduating with his pick of job offers on the table.

A future to smile about: Aviation grad on fast track to flight deck

Emily Hartzell is a step job closer to her dream job of flying for Delta as she approaches commencement. In addition to the Propel Pilot Program, she's racked up a number of aviation experiences at Western that have helped prepare her for the pilot's seat.

Undergraduate research, career-related experiences helped psychology grad find purpose

From getting active experience Dr. Lisa Baker's behavioral neuroscience lab to presenting at conferences and working at Western's Center for Disability Services, Haila Jiddou feels more than prepared to take the next step toward becoming a neuropsychologist.

Undergraduate, faculty research published in Biochemistry

Six undergraduate and graduate students in the Department of Chemistry recently published their research findings in Biochemistry, a prestigious journal of the American Chemical Society. 

How Mongolia's herding culture shaped a doctoral candidate's journey

Nestled amidst a tapestry of contrasting terrains, from mountains and plains to deserts and  forests, Mongolia and its herding population have captured the academic imagination of Western Michigan University Department of Sociology doctoral candidate Byron Miller. 

WMU partners with local tribes to create tribal governance graduate certificate

Long before it housed lecture halls and textbooks, the land where Western Michigan University now stands was home to the Ojibwe, Odawa and Bodewadmi people, whose legacy still influences the University's identity today. A deep reverence for this ancestral heritage has led the University on a journey of cultural celebration and respect.

WMU student takes passion for activism to Washington D.C.

When the opportunity to participate in the VCI program in Washington D.C. arose, Raymond Falkiewicz seized it without hesitation, eager to make a meaningful impact on the issues they deeply cared about.

Mohamed Sultan’s curiosity fuels discoveries across the globe, inspires student geologists

Where passion meets excellence, you find Dr. Mohamed Sultan. An award-winning, internationally-recognized professor in the Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, Sultan balances his roles as a devoted family man, inspiring educator and relentless researcher. But at his core lies an enduring love for geosciences and remote sensing.

Department of Mathematics receives $7 million endowment for student scholarships

A transformative gift of $7 million from the late Dr. David P. Burns, M.A.’72, Ph.D.’79, is set to fuel Western Michigan University's Department of Mathematics with new possibilities and pave the way for students to pursue their passions in the field. 

From childhood poems to literary Alaska: An alumna's journey to authorship

Emotional short stories and melodramatic poems provided the childhood building blocks for Western Michigan University alumna and author Dr. Melinda Moustakis’s exceptional career. A writing journey that was launched crafting elementary school writing projects eventually led Moustakis to WMU, where she earned her Ph.D. in creative writing. 

LZ Granderson returns to WMU to inspire next generation of journalists

Life has come full circle for LZ Granderson: graduating from Western Michigan University, achieving an award-winning career as a journalist and then returning this fall as a visiting scholar in the School of Communication.

Dunbar Hall's renovation blends legacy and innovation

A wave of excitement is building at Western Michigan University as the highly anticipated renovation of Dunbar Hall, an academic landmark that has served tens of thousands of students over the decades, nears completion. The thoroughly modernized learning environment, made possible by a $43 million investment, is slated to open in spring 2024. 

School of Environment, Geography, and Sustainability reimagines environmental education and scholarship at WMU

Dr. Benjamin Ofori-Amoah, founding director of the new School of Environment, Geography, and Sustainability, would like to make Western Michigan University the first-choice school for students interested in the environment, geography and sustainability.

Michigan Geological Survey receives $14 million in funding

A new chapter begins for the Michigan Geological Survey (MGS), affiliated with Western Michigan University’s Department of Geological and Environmental Sciences, as it secured a substantial funding surge of $14 million from the state of Michigan. This funding promises to bolster the survey's efforts and lead to advancements in geological research and resource management.