What sets Wright State apart from other local institutions of higher learning, including community colleges and small liberal arts colleges? It is the quality and quantity of basic and applied research that our faculty and students are engaged in. In the almost 50 years since our beginnings as a regional campus of Miami University and Ohio State, we have done what was said at the time could not be done: establish masters and Ph.D. research programs starting completely from scratch. In fact we have gone far beyond the initial charge of this campus—we now have 54 masters and 10 Ph.D. programs and our research is nationally and internationally known. The College of Science and Mathematics itself has 14 masters and 4 Ph.D. programs.
The question as our 50th anniversary approaches is: what is our vision for the next 50 years? How can we go beyond what we have already accomplished?
- What if every undergraduate student at Wright State engaged in research, either with faculty or out in industry? I believe this would transform those students’ lives, and at the same time it would have a huge impact on the research productivity of our faculty. Why isn’t this already happening? Because students do not understand that research is a work experience opportunity that would give them job skills regardless of their career goals; because not all students possess the social capital and confidence to seek out a research opportunity on their own; because undergraduate students are thought to lack essential content knowledge and lab skills and faculty feel they do not have time to train students in these fundamentals.
To this end the College of Science and Mathematics announces a new undergraduate experiential learning program, Applying Students’ Knowledge or ASK, that aims to address the barriers mentioned above and to provide a pathway for all students interested in research. This program is made possible by a generous donation from MeadWestvaco and a matching contribution from the College. Please read more about this program below.
- What if faculty had access to state of the art equipment and services beyond anything they could establish in their own laboratory? The College and the University have been collaborating to purchase large equipment, maintain its upkeep, and hire staff in core facilities that support research of multiple faculty. In addition we provide assistance with data analysis and experimental design through the Statistical Consulting Center, and equipment design and repair services through the electronics shop. Finally, we provide technology and communications and marketing support so that faculty, research groups, and departments can share research findings and accomplishments without having to take significant time away from the lab.
If we could double or triple our cores and services, I believe there would be a direct doubling or tripling of the research productivity of our faculty, further enhancing the national and international reputation of Wright State. This would be something that all of us could be proud of—Wright State faculty, employees, students, and graduates, and, everyone in our region.
The College and the University cannot achieve these goals alone. We need to identify community partners and friends who believe in this vision and want to be part of making it happen. I hope you will join us to blaze a new trail in to our second 50 years.
Best Regards,
Kathrin Engisch, Ph.D.
Interim Dean, College of Science and Mathematics
