WSU Spokane Campus Bulletin
Issue 2005-19 (November 16, 2005)


IN THIS ISSUE

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David Wang and John Roll “Edutain” Cougar Fans

As part of the entertainment offered during home football weekends in Pullman, Cougar Conversations offer students, alumni, and community members a chance to stimulate their minds while affording faculty members an opportunity to highlight their research.

Last weekend, the free lecture series featured two speakers from WSU Spokane: David Wang, associate professor of architecture, and John Roll, assistant director of the Washington Institute for Mental Illness Research and Training (WIMIRT)

Wang took his audience halfway around the world to central China in his lecture, “New Cave Dwellings in China.” In his presentation, he argued that, since the economic boom of the 1980s, foreign architecture styles have been invading China, threatening to erase the country’s own architectural tradition. Wang showed images of Chinese buildings and skylines that, at first glance, looked indistinguishable from their western counterparts.

In response to this trend, there has been a movement toward seeking more genuine ways to create modern Chinese architecture. Wang explained in detail the initiative of a colleague at WSU’s sister university, the Xi’an University of Architecture and Technology. In the 1990s, Liu Jiaping founded the Green Building Research Center, which has been working on designing and building new sustainable cave dwellings in a village in central China.

These new yaodongs, or “arched tunnels,” are based on older versions that were essentially caves dug into mountainsides. Modern yaodongs are either partially dug in or free-standing, but retain the signature arched front. Throughout north central China, there are millions of yaodong dwellers.

The Green Building Research Center has built several hundred new yaodongs, which have attracted national and international attention. Wang concluded his lecture by explaining the success factors of the organization’s work: participation between design professionals and local residents; respect for traditional forms, materials and practices; sensitivity to historical continuity; and an iterative design process that adapts findings from post-occupancy follow-through to subsequent projects.

Following Wang’s lecture, Roll presented on the societal costs of methamphetamine. A nationally recognized expert on this topic, he pointed out that both the tangible costs (including lost productivity, crime, and health care expenses), as well as the intangible costs of methamphetamine use (such as community degradation and destruction of families) are high.

Roll focused a substantial part of the presentation on the plight of children who live in homes that contain methamphetamine labs and, as a consequence, are at risk for a number of adverse events, including death.

With an estimated 30 million regular users worldwide, methamphetamine is the most widely used drug in the world except for cannabis. Data presented by Roll suggest that, in terms of dopaminergic activation, methamphetamine is much more potent than other drugs of abuse and that its use can produce profound and durable changes to the user’s brain that may take several years of abstinence to dissipate.

Roll focuses his current research on the development of behavioral interventions for methamphetamine use disorders, as those interventions have been most successful in treating cocaine use disorders. Funded by the National Institutes of Health, his work has brought promising results so far. His studies—which have been described in several papers recently accepted for publication—suggest that methamphetamine use is amenable to treatment via contingency management, a reward-based behavioral treatment.

Roll concluded his talk by arguing that successfully addressing the methamphetamine “epidemic” requires a three-pronged approach that includes law enforcement, treatment, and prevention efforts.

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House Higher Education Committee Visits Campus

In a fact-finding mission aimed at increased understanding of Spokane-area higher education and economic development, the House Higher Education Committee visited the Riverpoint campus November 9.

The day’s agenda included panel discussions with community, business, and labor representatives on challenges in workforce development. Rich Hadley, president of the Spokane Regional Chamber, noted the $1+ billion in capital investment in the downtown core and University District, Spokane’s collaborative environment, and the value of higher education to the local economy—themes echoed by others who spoke.

Education leaders from the K-12 system and higher education talked about the entire spectrum of education available in Spokane and the increasing collaborations among their institutions.

Brian Pitcher, WSU Spokane chancellor, highlighted several themes for legislators to bear in mind concerning education overall, and the role and mission of the Spokane campus under the legislation enacted in 2004 that changes its designation from “branch campus” to “co-located” with Pullman:

  • A systems approach to thinking about education;
  • Accessibility for all;
  • Connections with business and community;
  • Dedication to excellence in an era of global competitiveness;
  • Focused, diligent planning efforts;
  • The interconnected relationship of WSU Pullman and WSU Spokane, which links and leverages assets of both the entire university and the Spokane region;
  • The range of skills and outcomes needed in an innovation economy, and the need for innovation workers to continue to learn throughout their lifetimes;
  • The keys to attracting and keeping talent in a regional economy: overall quality of life; Richard Florida’s creative class magnets of “talent, technology, and tolerance;” and the presence of top researchers whose work anchors technology transfer.

Kim Zentz, interim director of SIRTI and a graduate of the master in engineering management program at WSU Spokane, provided an overview of SIRTI’s mission and direction.

She was joined by Keith Jones, director of the WSU Research Foundation and the WSU Office of Intellectual Property Administration (OIPA). Jones described WSU’s focus on research-driven economic development, as we generate new ideas and transfer them to the marketplace. The OIPA identifies and evaluates research with market potential, then transfers those properties to the Research Foundation for management and development.

“Our goal is to enlarge and accelerate both inputs and outputs,” Jones said. “We work with inventors to identify and value opportunities, then to add value to the properties.”

Legislators toured a number of departments on campus, including programs of WSU and EWU and several SIRTI clients and tenants.Return to the Top of the Page
 

Inland Imaging Supports Heart Study

Collaborative partnerships between Inland Imaging and Washington State University are leading to significant discoveries in the Spokane Heart Study led by Dr. Harold Mielke at WSU Spokane. Between September 2001 and July 2005, Inland Imaging generously assisted Dr. Mielke with more than 1,600 electronic beam commuted tomography (EBCT) scans of patients to screen for coronary calcification, now an accepted indicator of heart disease.

“Collaborative projects keep us interested and on the cutting edge,” noted Dr. Don Cubberley, who as president of Inland Imaging was instrumental in developing the partnership with Dr. Mielke and WSU. Recent advances in standard CT scanners made it a perfect time to participate in the Spokane Heart Study, Dr. Cubberley recalled, so Inland Imaging welcomed the chance to gain experience taking and reading the coronary calcification scans.

When Dr. Mielke first started the Spokane Heart Study, there was a great deal of skepticism in the medical community as to the validity and value of looking at calcification as an indicator for heart disease. Now calcification has become an accepted indicator and screening is moving into the mainstream of regular clinical practice. The American College of Cardiology has endorsed the screening as a valuable clinical tool and cardiologists are purchasing the screening equipment for their own offices.

Inland Imaging leaders appreciated the opportunity to contribute to research and knowledge that is leading to new discoveries in heart disease and its prevention. Participating in the community is another point of pride. “Our sense of where we fit into the community is important to us,” Dr. Cubberley said. “We are grateful for the strong community support we have received and want to provide something back to the community that has nurtured us. When our participation impacts important research and community health, that makes it even more fitting.”

Established by six radiologists in 1984, Inland Imaging was the first full-service outpatient imaging provider in Eastern Washington. Services include MRI, CT, x-ray, mammography, ultrasound, and nuclear medicine. Inland Imaging now employs more than 45 radiologists who provide professional radiology services to hospitals throughout the Inland Northwest, including Spokane and Pullman, and is major provider of outpatient radiology in Spokane and Seattle.

The WSU Foundation honored Inland Imaging as a benefactor at its 2005 annual meeting. Return to the Top of the Page


Double Honor Bestowed on School Psychology Professor

Steve Hirsch, clinical assistant professor of school psychology, was recently named as the recipient of the prestigious Louisa Thompson Award by the Washington State Association of School Psychologists (WSASP).

Named for the late Louisa Thompson—one of the founders of WSASP who was recognized for her dynamic personality, extraordinary drive, and determination—the award is given to WSASP members whose contributions, commitment, quality of service, and accomplishments represent hers.

WSASP president John MacDonald said that Hirsch received the award for his outstanding service in developing the association’s annual conference, the primary product to its members and the premier continuing education program for school psychologists in Washington. Hirsch served as the conference committee chair for the past three years. During that time, attendance nearly tripled.

Hirsch’s involvement in the conference and other aspects of the association have been critical to the success of WSASP, and was reason enough for the selection committee to include the words “Lifetime Achievement” on the award plaque. “I wish we could make this award more than once to an individual—Steve has enlivened the association and greatly enriched the professional lives of school psychologists in Washington State,” MacDonald said.

Shortly after accepting the award—which, appropriately, was presented to him during the WSASP Fall 2005 Conference— another honor befell Hirsch. A practicing school psychologist in Spokane County’s East Valley School District, he was among the first group of employees to be recognized under the newly established East Valley Award of Appreciation program.

Hirsch and colleague Kasey Pitts, East Valley’s academic intervention specialist, received the district’s October 2005 Team Award for their work on predicting state assessment outcomes and measuring the impact of interventions in the areas of reading and math.


Cougs Finish on Top; Space Needle Will Be Crimson and Gray this Apple Cup

Washington State University finished on top of Habitat for Humanity’s “Tackling Hurricane Relief” contest, which raised a total $164,293.62 to help rebuild homes in the southeastern United States affected by recent hurricanes.

The victory means the Space Needle roof will be adorned with crimson and gray paint, the WSU flag and logo, and the message “Go Cougars!” through the week of Apple Cup, the annual football match-up between the WSU Cougars and the University of Washington Huskies.

The contest, which pitted WSU fans against fans of the UW, began November 2. Donations to the Hurricane Relief Effort made on behalf of the universities were tracked and totaled on a daily bases and the flag of the winning school was flown above the Space Needle on the days when their total was highest.

WSU contributions exceeded that of Husky fans— $97,947.05 to $66,346.57, respectively. The Cougars went 11-2 over the course of the 13-day program.


Changing Rural Health Care in Washington
AHEC’s Legacy in Health Care

It may take a village to raise a child—or to do anything else that requires community involvement—but somewhere in the village, someone has to stand up and get things moving. One of those “villagers” in the health care arena for the past 20 years has been Steven Meltzer, until recently the director of the Eastern Washington Area Health Education Center at WSU Extension.

Meltzer has played an integral role in helping shape a number of rural outreach programs during his career. Along with many other people at both the university and in rural communities, he worked to enhance access to health care and stabilize systems in rural communities through the implementation of several key programs.

Availability of adequate health care providers, especially primary care physicians and nurses, has been a chronic problem for many rural communities. In 1989, the University of Washington School of Medicine, EWAHEC and the WWAMI medical student education program at WSU Pullman initiated an innovative program that placed first-year medical students in rural clinics for a month during their summer term. The purpose was to give them exposure to a typical rural practice and community setting and encourage them to consider such practice sites after completing their education.

The program started with only a few students. This year, around 110 out of 175 medical students participated in the Rural/Underserved Opportunities Program (R/UOP). Student response has been so positive that the School of Medicine is overwhelmed by applications from across the nation because the program serves as a drawing card.

Major contributions to this and the rest of the rural health education and delivery infrastructure in the state stand as the legacy of Steven Meltzer, PA-C, who recently left the directorship of the Area Health Education Center. He now serves as director of outreach and eastern Washington educational programs for the UW MEDEX program, which trains physician assistants.

Along with Charlotte Hardt, now serving as interim director of the AHEC, Meltzer’s work essentially touched every aspect of health professions and rural/underserved community health care. He has been there from the beginning, and from its origins as a coalition in the mid-1980s to its move into WSU Extension in 2004, the AHEC has grown in size and stature as a leader on rural health issues statewide.

Some of the other initiatives of the AHEC during Meltzer’s term include the legislative funding of the western and eastern Washington AHECs through the state Department of Health; start-up of the Northwest Regional Rural Health Conference; and outreach efforts to rural communities and tribes to build a rural health network.

Regional collaborative efforts over the years—such as the WSU Community Pharmacy Program, ICN Summer Institute for Rural Nurses, Gonzaga Distance Nursing Program, and the Family Medicine Spokane Rural Training Track Program—all received strong financial and staff support from the AHEC and have left a lasting legacy.

The AHEC continues to work with nursing, pharmacy, and other WSU health professions programs to recruit students and place them in rural clinical experiences, and provide continuing medical education throughout the region via the Inland Northwest Telehealth network to enable rural health professionals to update their skills while continuing to serve their communities.

Along the way, Meltzer served as president of the Washington Rural Health Association and the Washington Academy of Physician Assistants; was founding president of both the National AHEC Center Directors Association, and the National AHEC Organization; received an award from WRHA for outstanding contributions to rural health, and was named recipient of the WSU Spokane Staff Excellence award in 1998, among other honors.

Meltzer continues the work of connecting students to service opportunities and developing the pipeline of students in his new role.

He said, “WSU is an important player in health professions education. An increasingly significant partnership with the UW School of Medicine is an important link for what WSU wants to do in this region. The community must tap into all the universities’ resources—it will take a village to grow the health professions here for what we want in our future.”

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Pharmacy Students Help Prepare Community for Flu Season

On November 9, seven College of Pharmacy students were featured on Spokane local news Channel 6, KHQ, as they staffed the station's Help Center to answer questions on influenza, and related topics. They received calls about vaccinations sites and clinics, influenza symptoms and treatment, and avian flu.

Fielding questions from the public is part of the day-to-day job of many pharmacists. This event provided the students with an opportunity to respond to questions from the public with Lisa Woodard, a preceptor and adjunct clinical assistant professor, at their side. It also communicated to the public that pharmacists can be a knowledge resource for them.

The students—Russell Benefield, Mary Brim, Cris Duvall, Scott Duvall, Jackie Fitting, Cynthia Iwuohay, and Adrienne Tveit—enjoyed the experience and are hoping to continue doing this with different topics throughout the year.

In a separate event, six third-year doctoral pharmacy candidates, along with WSU employees Marsha Turnbull, Health & Wellness Services, and Colleen Terriff, clinical assistant professor of pharmacotherapy, inoculated 97 members of the Riverpoint Campus community during a flu vaccine clinic held November 14 in the Health Sciences Building. The clinic was sponsored by WSU Health and Wellness Services and the College of Pharmacy/Department of Pharmacotherapy.

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Connections: IT Update

We will run a periodic update on information technology services to keep you informed of new staff, services, and other developments. If you have an IT question we can address here, send it to Larry Hoffman, hoffman@wsu.edu.

The information technology department has been busy establishing the Riverpoint Campus Wireless Network, which will provide students, faculty, and staff with wireless network and Internet access across campus in the near future.

If you’re wondering when you’ll be able to catch some rays on a campus bench while checking your e-mail, here’s a short overview of this three-phase project:

  • The first phase, which involved hardware upgrades and installation of the distribution layer, was completed earlier this month.
  • The second phase is in progress and should be completed by the start of the spring semester. It includes the installation of wireless network management and authentication software (Cisco Clean Access and CiscoWorks Wireless LAN Solution Engine), which will help keep out unwanted users and protect against viruses. Upon installation of the software, the data switches that support this technology will be operational. At this point, limited access will be available through the access points, which will be located in the Phase I Classroom Building (auditorium, library, and computer lab), the Health Sciences Building (quad classrooms), and the South Campus Facility.
  • During the third and last phase, full-campus wireless network access will be made available to the campus community. This phase is expected to be complete by early summer next year.

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Inaugural Spokane Science & Technology Roundtable

The Technology Alliance and the Northwest Association for Biomedical Research (NWABR) invite you to enroll in the inaugural season of the Spokane Science & Technology Roundtable (STRT), which begins January 2006.

The Spokane Science & Technology Roundtable will highlight new and breakthrough developments in science and technology by convening our state’s finest scientists and researchers. This five-month speaker series is designed for business and community leaders who want to stay on top of important advancements being made in our state, nationally, and internationally.

The Science & Technology Roundtable will launch its inaugural season with a dynamic roster of nationally and internationally renowned speakers. Inaugural season speakers:

  • January 6: Dr. Len Peters, Director, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory
     
  • February 3: Dr. Yogendra Gupta, Director, Institute for Shock Physics, Washington State University
     
  • March 3: Dr. Bassem A. Bejjani, Co-Founder and Medical Director, Signature Genomic Laboratories, LLC, and Research Professor at WSU Spokane
     
  • April 7: To be announced
     

  • May 5: Dr. Edward Lazowska, Bill & Melinda Gates Chair, Computer Science & Engineering, University of Washington

Spokane STRT presentations open with a continental breakfast and time for informal conversations and networking, before the speaker begins promptly at 8:00 a.m. They are held the first Friday of the month January through May, from 7:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. at the Davenport Hotel. The intimate setting and the Q&A session that follows the speaker's presentation encourage discussion.

For more information on the roundtable and membership, see the NWABR Web site. The roundtable is sponsored by Washington State University, Preston Gates Ellis LLP and Connect Northwest. Return to the Top of the Page


Research First Friday Discussion on Diabetes and Depression

Kenn Daratha, Clinical Assistant Professor, WSU Spokane, and Cindy Corbett, Associate Professor, WSU Intercollegiate College of Nursing, will present “Use of Knowledge Discovery Techniques to Understand Diabetes & Psychiatric Distress.” Friday, December 2 from 3:10 – 4:30 p.m. at the ICN building, room 166. This session is open to faculty, graduate students and the community. For more information, contact Kathy Bridwell at 324-7258. Return to the Top of the Page


Nutrition News

The following upcoming general nutrition seminars are FREE and open to the public:

  • Wednesday November 30
    Health Sciences Building, Room 320R
    12:30 p.m. Ways to Incorporate Physical Activity in a Busy Schedule
    1:00 p.m. Food and Mood
    1:30 p.m. Choosing Healthy Fast Foods
     
  • Wednesday, December 7
    Health Sciences Building, Room 320R
    1:00 p.m. Packing Healthy Sack Lunches
    1:30 p.m. Breakfast on the Go

Also, WSU exercise physiology and metabolism students will be offering individualized, computerized diet analysis with basic general nutrition counseling tips under the supervision of a registered dietitian to lucky volunteers. Seven volunteers for the client clinic are needed for each of the following dates: November 30, and December 7. Please call to schedule an appointment for either 1 p.m. or 1:30 p.m. at 358-7562. If you have questions, please contact Janet Beary at 358-7562.

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The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile Brings Care to Communities

The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile (RMCM) is a non-profit organization that provides medical and dental services to any child birth to age 21. There is no charge or bill for services, no insurance is required, and there is no income eligibility to meet.

The Ronald McDonald Care Mobile is funded by grants and donations from the community. Major partners are WSU/Intercollegiate College of Nursing, Inland Norwest Health Services, and Ronald McDonald House Charities. The RMCM also provides a setting for education in that nursing and dental students from various programs are able to gain clinical hours on board. "It is a win - win situation."

Between July 1, 2004, and June 30, 2005, the RMCM logged more than 1,700 visits/appointments and provided more than $173,000 of in-kind medical and dental services to children and youth in the community. Additionally the RMCM logged 1,358 volunteer hours and visited 47 sites in Spokane and surrounding communities.

The RMCM recently received a grant from Washington Dental Service Foundation that allowed the installation of a new state-of-the-art dental chair, the hiring of a half-time dental assistant, and the performance of minor restorative work, such as small fillings and extractions. Dental patients leave the mobile with a new toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, and education regarding the importance of oral health.

RMCM is making a difference in the community and could make an even larger impact if the awareness was broadened. They have the capability to see more children and youth on board the RMCM and are constantly looking for ways to better market their services, as well as access funding for continuous growth. For more information and a schedule of clinics, see their Web site. Return to the Top of the Page

Community Connections

  • This year’s Tom’s Turkey Drive will take place at all Spokane-area Rosauers stores, including Deer Park, on Friday, November 18, continuing through Saturday, November 19. Volunteers will be on hand from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. to collect frozen turkeys, nonperishable food, and cash donations. Rosauers will also bag entire Thanksgiving dinners, including a turkey, for a $15 donation. All the food and money will go to 2nd Harvest.

    Tom’s Turkey Drive is the single-largest source of Thanksgiving meals for the 2nd Harvest Inland Northwest. This year, our goal is to collect nearly 110,000 pounds of food—including at least 5,500 turkeys—as well as $25,000 in cash donations. It’s a great holiday tradition to help out with Tom’s Turkey Drive.

    2nd Harvest is currently signing up individuals, groups, and churches to help with the food drive. You can volunteer to do pre-bagging before the event or at the event on November 18 & 19. If volunteering sounds like fun, contact Nicole Graichen at 534-6678 ext. 219.Return to the Top of the Page


Campus Bulletin Holiday Schedule

The Campus Bulletin will be published on a holiday schedule through mid-January. Look for the next issues on December 7, December 21, and January 11. As usual, the deadline for contributing (much-appreciated!) stories and photos is Friday, the week before publication.

Personnel & Staffing Changes

Comings:

  • Kimberly McCormack, Admissions Counselor, Office of Admissions located at WSU Spokane, effective 10/03/05
  • Russ Posten, Program Assistant (Admissions), Student Affairs, effective 11/14/05

Transitions:

  • Alisa May, Assistant Dean for Development & Alumni Relations, College of Pharmacy located at WSU Spokane, effective 8/16/05
  • Brad Baugh, EHS Coordinator, Environmental Health & Safety located at WSU Spokane, effective 11/1/05
  • Tina Putnam, Interior Design Specialist, Office of Capital Planning & Development located at WSU Spokane, effective 11/8/05
  • Robert Pringle, Director of Library Services and Facility Operations, Betty M. Anderson Library, WSU Intercollegiate College of Nursing, will take on—in addition to his current duties—the leadership role of the Cooperative Academic Library Services effective 11/14/05

Searches:

  • Research Associate/Research Scientist, Washington Institute for Mental Illness Research & Training, review of applications has begun
  • Assistant/Associate Professor, Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, review of applications begins 10/15/05
  • Clinic Services Manager, WSU Intercollegiate College of Nursing People's Clinic, review of applications begins 10/21/05
  • Assistant Professor, Pharmacotherapy, College of Pharmacy, review of applications begins 01/17/06
  • Clinical Assistant Professor (3 positions, two in Spokane, one in Yakima), Pharmacotherapy, College of Pharmacy, review of applications begins 01/17/06 Assistant/Associate Professor, Architecture, review of applications begins 1/1/06
  • Assistant/Associate Professor, WSU Intercollegiate College of Nursing, review of applications begins 10/01/05
  • Associate Professor/Associate Dean, WSU Intercollegiate College of Nursing, review of applications begins 10/01/05
  • Communications & Events Manager, Campus Advancement, review of applications begins 11/21/05
    Return to the Top of the Page

Way to Go!

“I would like to extend a warm thank you, and way to go to Campus Security Officers Frank Ambrosi and Jane Graydon. Frank changed my flat tire on the rainiest, darkest evening of the year we’ve had so far. Jane offered much appreciated assistance and moral support. It’s so reassuring to have such a wonderful, helpful group of people to work with. Thank you so much.” (from Dori Roberts)

Here's where you make someone's day a little brighter by extending your thanks for a job well done. Send your “Way to Go!” comments to Laura Scholtens, scholtens@wsu.edu, and watch for your thanks to be published in an upcoming issue of the Campus Bulletin!Return to the Top of the Page
 

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The Bulletin covers news of interest to the faculty, staff, and friends of Washington State University Spokane, and associates on other WSU campuses and on the Riverpoint Campus.

Regular columns cover professional accomplishments, opportunities for involvement in the campus community and the Spokane community, notices of new developments on campus, upcoming events, personnel changes, and other news.

The Bulletin also serves as a source of information for external communications directed to alumni, future and current students, and friends of Washington State University Spokane. You'll read it here first!

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Editorial staff