WSU Spokane Campus Bulletin
Issue 2006-9 (May 10, 2006)


IN THIS ISSUE

Underline

Understanding Sleep in a 24/7 Society

Dr. Gregory Belenky—director of the Sleep and Performance Research Center at WSU Spokane—did anything but put his audience to sleep this past Monday at the Fairmont Olympic Hotel in Seattle.

Belenky was the keynote speaker at the Annual Fundraising Dinner of the Northwest Association for Biomedical Research (NWABR), an organization that promotes rigorous, ethical research and education in the Northwest. He was also honored that night with the 2006 Dr. Alvin J. Thompson Award for excellence in biomedical research.

During his keynote address, Dr. Belenky spoke on managing sleep to sustain performance in the 24/7 society. “Despite thousands of years of speculation and more than a hundred years of research, it is still not known what goes wrong in the brain with prolonged waking and how the brain is restored by sleep,” he argued.

Dr. Belenky explained the different ways in which sleep deprivation affects us humans. He pointed out that although total sleep deprivation degrades all performance—from the simple to the complex—it appears to differentially affect complex task performance more than the performance on simple tasks. Similarly, during sleep the brain areas involved in complex task performance—such as anticipation, planning, and realizing when your plans are beginning to slip—are deactivated to a greater degree and for longer duration.

He also cited recent evidence suggesting that sleep deprivation and sleep restriction lead to temporary dysregulation of glucose metabolism and may contribute to the development of overweight, obesity, and type II diabetes. Thus, sleep appears to be as important as diet and exercise in maintaining health and well-being.

During his address, he explained to the audience the distinction between sleep deprivation and fatigue, noting that fatigue is the result of the interaction of how long a person has been awake, the time of day (circadian rhythm), and how long a person has been doing a particular task (time on task). In general, your performance will be worse if you have been awake a long time, are working through the small hours of the morning, and have been doing a particular task for a long time.

Both sleep deprivation and fatigue have been factors in major industrial and organization accidents, as well as a host of less catastrophic errors, incidents, and accidents. Taking the transportation industry as an example, Belenky described current practices in managing fatigue to prevent fatigue-related errors, incidents, and accidents in operational settings. For example, U.S. federal regulations for the trucking industry prescribe the maximum duration of a work shift and the minimum time between shifts, as well as a limit on the number of hours worked per week.

“This is a brittle single line of defense,” Dr. Belenky argued, saying that it does not take into account local situational factors, individual differences in response to sleep deprivation, and time on task or time of day effects.

These factors are taken into account in fatigue risk management, an emerging approach praised by Belenky that combines multiple layers of defense against fatigue-related error. As an example, he mentioned the Union Pacific Railroad fatigue risk management plan, which calls for evaluating work schedules to ensure they allow adequate opportunity for sleep, as well as evaluating individual employees to determine if they took advantage of the sleep opportunity and if their real-time performance is acceptable while on shift.

After concluding that managing sleep to sustain performance is a critical factor in safety and productivity in 24x7 operations, Dr. Belenky entertained a wide variety of questions from the audience.

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Commencement 2006—A Celebration of Honor and Accomplishment

On Friday, May 5, the Spokane Opera House was buzzing with excitement as hundreds of graduating students marched with pride down the aisles in front of their friends and families. The ceremony honored graduates from Washington State University Spokane, the WSU Intercollegiate College of Nursing and joint programs with Eastern Washington University.

Commencement speaker Ben Cabildo, executive director of AHANA Business and Professional Association, delivered a compelling message to the graduates. He challenged each individual to “find pleasure in work…become a man or woman of value and choose to make a difference as you pursue your career.” He charged each graduate to use their education and talent to take our nation to the next level.

The student speaker, B.S. in Nursing graduate Jessica Herbes, challenged each of her peers to wholeheartedly contribute their skills and passion to their communities and the world.

In addition to celebrating student achievement, commencement 2006 was a great platform to recognize outstanding faculty. During the ceremony, the 2006 Faculty Excellence Award was given to Fevzi Akinci, associate professor in health policy and administration, who was recognized for his excellence in teaching, advising, research, and service. Akinci has served as a crucial faculty member of the WSU Center for International Health Services Research and Policy, focusing on comparative international studies of health care systems and global assessment of the burden of chronic disease. He has accumulated over $1.6 million in funded research throughout his career.

Prior to the ceremony, a brunch was held to honor graduates and their families. As part of the program students and faculty were presented with awards. Students from health policy and administration Aaron Beamish, Brandon Lee and Ashley Tuomi and speech and hearing sciences student Marta Plazola received 2006 Chancellor's Leadership Awards. The award recognizes outstanding efforts by WSU Spokane students whose leadership and service to the campus and the community will leave a lasting impact.

Fevzi Akinci received one further acknowledgement at the brunch when the Associated Students of Washington State University Spokane presented him with the 2005-2006 Students' Choice Award for Excellence in Teaching. This award is voted on by students to recognize individual faculty members who have made a significant difference in their lives. Other faculty recognized by the students included, Jae Kennedy, associate professor of health policy and administration, Winsor Schmidt, chair and professor of health policy and administration, and John Turpin, associate professor of interior design.

While the day came to a close with a reception for our graduates, their journey has only just begun. We congratulate all of our graduates on their success and accomplishments and wish them well in their next adventures!

Photos of the 2006 Commencement Brunch, Ceremony, and Reception can now be viewed on the WSU Spokane Web site. Click here to go to the photo album.

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Campus Impact of I-90 Reconstruction Project

You’ve probably heard about the upcoming I-90 reconstruction project, and read about it in the April 12 issue of the bulletin. That issue announced a public information meeting that was held on April 19 and attended by director of finance and budget James Dalton and director of facilities operations Jon Schad.

In a subsequent meeting hosted by WSU Spokane, James and Jon—joined by director of capital planning and development Bruce Thompson and parking operations employee Theresa Kruger—met with officials from the City of Spokane and the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) to discuss this project.

During a short presentation, WSDOT officials outlined the scope of the work to be done during the I-90 project, as well as the schedule and potential impacts on the campus and our commute. The project is scheduled to run from May 15 through September 15 during 2006 and 2007. During the project, a number of key downtown exits will be closed, and Spokane Falls Boulevard has been identified as a main detour and heavy truck route into the downtown area. As a result, we can expect to see a significant increase in traffic through campus during the project.

Signs identifying the detour will be set up on the east side of the Trent Avenue Bridge and near Pine Street on the west end of campus. To increase pedestrian safety, the City of Spokane has promised to install additional crosswalk signs in the medians to enhance pedestrian visibility for drivers. The university will also investigate the use of radar speed signs, which would be located at either end of Spokane Falls Boulevard.

To avoid some of the congestion during the project, campus employees and visitors are encouraged to use public transportation. The Commute Trip Reduction committee has negotiated with Spokane Transit that bus routes 72, 73, and 74, which run from the Liberty Lake/the Valley to downtown, will be making unscheduled stops on the section of Spokane Falls Boulevard that runs through campus. To accommodate this, inbound buses will be leaving five minutes earlier than usual. The Commute Trip Reduction committee will be sending out more details on this to campus employees.

Over the next four months, please anticipate the increased traffic flow in the area by allowing extra time to commute to work and moving with extra caution when crossing Spokane Falls Boulevard at the crosswalks.

Need more information?

In preparation for the start of the I-90 reconstruction, the WSDOT, the City of Spokane, and several downtown organizations have initiated an outreach and communication campaign for residents and visitors. Look for the following sources for more information on how to get around during the project:

  • A project Web site set up by the DOT, http://www.downtownfreewayfix.net, provides information about the construction activity, as well as I-90 Web cams and links to other communication partners.
     
  • DOT has prepared a map that shows preferred routes to and from I-90. The map is featured in a brochure that is currently being distributed. The map and brochure can also be downloaded from the project Web site.
     
  • Electronic message boards provided by DOT will indicate ramp closures and traffic information.
     
  • Current traffic information will be available on AM 530. DOT has also developed DowntownFreewayFix.net radio ads, which are currently airing on various radio stations.
     
  • An “It’s Still Easy” map and informational hangers have been developed to inform tourists and downtown businesses of the many ways Downtown and the freeway can be accessed. This map will be available from the River Park Square concierge, Convention & Visitors Bureau Visitor Centers, hotels, car rental companies, Spokane Transit Authority Plaza, and downtown businesses.
     
  • As part of the “It’s Still Easy” campaign, TV spots are currently being aired on all local TV stations.
     
  • Still confused? There’s always the bus. Spokane Transit is actively promoting its services as an alternative means of getting around.

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WSU Selects Firm to Review Jensen-Byrd Building

As part of development planning for the Pine Street Project, a Washington State University property in the University District, WSU has selected SERA Architects of Portland, Ore., to complete a facility assessment of the Jensen-Byrd building.

In choosing the firm, WSU selected three firms from their approved consultant roster and a selection committee then interviewed each.

The SERA team includes as subconsultants E.D. Hovee & Company - Economic Development (Vancouver, Wash.); KJM Associates – Cost Estimating (Spokane, Wash.); Coffman Engineers – Structural (Spokane, Wash.).

The firm began work May 4. The final report is anticipated to be complete by June 30, 2006.

During the consultant selection process, SERA Architects demonstrated extensive experience with warehouse adaptive reuse projects, including the development of associated economic development pro formas.

Their scope of work includes analysis of the existing building as well as some conceptual studies to examine the feasibility and costs of adaptive reuse.

“As we approach an exciting opportunity to continue building out the University District vision, we must practice careful stewardship of the public trust, fiscal prudence, and appropriate financial return to the taxpayers,” noted WSU Spokane Chancellor Brian Pitcher. “For any idea to come to fruition, it has to have a business model that works for everyone involved. A more complete understanding of the Jensen-Byrd Building’s condition will help all of us build the business plan for the entire Pine Street Project.”

In fall of 2005, WSU put out an RFP to establish a public-private partnership for development of the Pine Street Project, a 4.9-acre site on the southwest corner of Pine Street and Spokane Falls Boulevard.

The university is currently in discussion with Riverpoint Plaza LLC, a partnership of Northwest Architectural Company and Goebel General Contractors.

The development focus, in these negotiations, is a phased development strategy, where Phase I would be the corner of Pine Street and Spokane Falls Boulevard. The Jensen-Byrd Building would not be impacted by Phase I, which allows time to evaluate options.

While the Riverpoint Plaza LLC proposal holds promise and there is interest on both sides in working through the issues, the outcome is not assured. Discussions with Riverpoint Plaza LLC, and the assessment of the Jensen-Byrd Building, will be completed before proceeding with further development of a Master Plan for the property and an update for the overall Riverpoint Campus Master Plan.

For more information, go to:

 

New EWU President Welcomed by Spokane Area Higher Education, Community Leaders

On May 1, Washington State University, Community Colleges of Spokane, Eastern Washington University, Gonzaga University, and Whitworth College—in partnership with the Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce— illustrated the collaborative nature of higher education in Spokane. During an afternoon reception on that day, leaders from each of these institutions joined with community leadership to welcome Eastern Washington University's new president, Rodolfo Arévalo, PhD, to the Spokane area.

Representing the hosting institutions were Chancellor Brian Pitcher and President V. Lane Rawlins, Chancellor Gary Livingston, President Robert Spitzer, and President Bill Robinson. Each representative took a few minutes to explain their role in the spectrum of higher education as they welcomed President Arévalo to the community. President and CEO Rich Hadley, of the Spokane Regional Chamber of Commerce, concluded the welcoming remarks and presented President Arévalo and his wife, Nadine, with a welcome gift, a beautiful framed picture of downtown Spokane.

During his response, President Arévalo stated that in all his moves to new communities, he has never received a more friendly welcome than the one he received from the Spokane and Cheney communities. He said that he looked forward to being a part of the higher education partnership and to his new role at Eastern Washington University.

Arévalo began his tenure as the 25th president of Eastern Washington University on April 1, 2006. He came to EWU after seven years as provost and vice president for academic affairs at The University of Texas-Pan American. He spent 18 years in the California State University system, as a faculty member, department chair, associate dean, graduate dean, and associate vice president. Arévalo also served as provost and chief academic officer at Fort Hays State University.

A native of Edinburg, Texas, Arévalo is the son of migrant workers who worked in Walla Walla and the Yakima Valley. He is a first-generation college graduate. He and his wife, Nadine, have five children and three grandchildren.

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Give Us Your Input, Complete the 2006 Bulletin Survey

If you haven't already done so, please take a few minutes to respond to a quick and easy survey on the WSU Spokane Campus Bulletin. Click here to enter the survey.

With a few clicks of your mouse, you'll provide us with valuable input that will help us determine how we’re doing and set a direction for future issues. Your participation is much appreciated!

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Campus Bulletin Going to Monthly Schedule

Starting with the next issue, the WSU Spokane Campus Bulletin will be going to a monthly schedule. Look for the bulletin on the second Wednesday of each month. The next issue is scheduled to publish on June 14.
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Community Connections

  • 2006 World Fair Trade Day
    Join the celebration for the 2006 World Fair Trade Day this Saturday, May 13, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Community Building, 35 W. Main Street, Spokane. Highlights of the day: fairly traded, quality items from around the world; a variety of multi-cultural entertainment, including live Cuban music by “Cana Brava”; live drumming and jazz; multimedia presentations; and tasty ethnic cuisine.  Free! Bring the whole family! See www.geocities.com/nwftn for further information.
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  • 2006 Spokane River Fest
    Celebrate the Spokane River on Saturday, June 10, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at High Bridge Park, Riverside Avenue & A Street. Activities include children’s outdoor activities, a whitewater park kayaking demonstration, a climbing wall, fly fishing casting lessons, a bicycle safety clinic, food, drumming and dancing. Free! More information is available at www.spokaneriverfest.org. 
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Personnel & Staffing Changes

Comings:

  • Ryan Gamble, Secretary Senior, Sleep & Performance Research Center, effective 5/15/06

Goings:

  • Keith Diaz Moore, Assistant Professor, Architecture and Landscape Architecture, effective 5/15/06
  • Tracey Rice, Academic Coordinator Upward Bound Program, Student Services, effective 6/23/06
  • Hesheng Liu, Research Associate, Electrical Engineering/Computer Science, effective 6/30/06

Promotions:

  • As a result of a reorganization of WSU’s Department of Capital Planning and Development, Bruce Thompson has been promoted from assistant director of capital planning and development for WSU Spokane to director of capital planning and development for WSU Spokane.

Recruitments:

  • Custodian 1, Facilities Operations, apply by 5/22/06 at www.hrs.wsu.edu
  • Custodian 2, Facilities Operations, apply by 5/17/06 at www.hrs.wsu.edu
  • Registered Polysomnographic Technologist (RPSGT), Sleep and Performance Research Center, apply at www.hrs.wsu.edu, position is open until filled
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A Warm Welcome to...

WSU Spokane welcomes Tanya Conklin as assistant director of development for the WSU Office of Equity & Diversity. Tanya is a WSU alum who previously worked for Mobius in Spokane and for the American Red Cross at their national headquarters in Washington, D.C. Tanya is married to Mike, who is a math teacher at University High School.
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Way to Go!

“My name is Joel Lohr, and I would like to thank all of those people that extended their overwhelming kindness by contributing to my shared leave fund following my accident. You have no idea how much it has meant to my family and I to have such a wonderfully caring and supporting network of people on this campus, and I cannot thank you enough! I am reminded constantly how fortunate I am to have such a great ‘family’ here on campus, and hope you all understand how appreciative I am of what you’ve done for me!”

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


Find It on the Web

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The Bulletin is usually published on Wednesday biweekly during the academic year, every three weeks during breaks and summer session. The exact publication date may shift due to holidays. If you have an item that you'd like us to include, send it to us by Friday in the week before publication.
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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