WWU Stories

Features, research highlights and stories about our people

WWU's Emma Smith feels connected to her tribe even during the 'absolute pain' of a long-distance race

A female runner, #282, in a light blue singlet and navy shorts, races across a grassy field. Other runners are visible in the background. Tall trees line the course.

Western’s John Gilbertson and Tim Kowalczyk receive $373,813 grant from NSF for work on nitrogen coupling

Two people, one man and one woman, pose in a high-tech lab filled with scientific equipment.

WWU's Frank Miedema always working to stay connected to his culture

Frank moves the ball upfield during a men's soccer match at Harrington Field.

WWU alum Neal Digre and Team Limelight claim top honors in $10 million XPRIZE: Rainforest

Man in a black t-shirt adjusts a light trap in a lush green forest. He wears a cap and lanyard. The trap is supported by a yellow frame.

WWU scientists awarded $638K grant to study forage fish survival in Salish Sea

Fish eggs magnified, showing developing fish embryos with visible eyes and bodies within transparent spheres.

Methow Valley Fellowship provides pathways to sustainability, personal growth and lifelong friendships

A woman in a blue shirt and black pants walks along a gravel path, carrying a butterfly net over her shoulder. A mountain range is in the background.

OECD to host WWU’s Laurie Trautman for opening remarks at Paris forum

Four people sit around a table, listening intently. One woman leans forward, taking notes. Another man looks thoughtful, while the other two are listening.

First-Gen Faculty Taskforce to host "Authors in Conversation" Nov. 7

Overhead drone photo of a forest

WWU’s Mariana Smit Vega Garcia awarded new NSF grant to continue her research into partial differential equations, ‘the language of modern physics’

Five people stand in front of a chalkboard, smiling. The man on the left wears overalls and a blue tee shirt. The woman next to him wears a black and white patterned shirt. The man next to her wears a striped shirt. The woman on the right wears a geometric print shirt. The woman in the middle wears a blue and green patterned dress.

Stay safe on campus this fall with these tips from Chief of Police Katy Potts

Katy Potts with Safety-saurus Rex in Red Square

WWU’s Sustainability Pathways receives $205,000 grant, partners with Washington Climate Corps Network

A cohort of students stands arm in arm for a photo.

Two WWU alums spend their summer researching whales at remote Alaskan lighthouse

Two students smile for the camera; behind them is the ocean and a few small islands.