News, notes and a few comments from the State Capitol

Michigan reduced per-student funding for its major public research universities by more than 30 percent between 2002 and 2010, according to the National Science Board (NSB). Per-student funding dropped from $9,900 to less than $6,900 during the period. The NSB went on to say that at the same time foreign competitors were investing heavily, "creating a challenge to the United States' once dominant global position." NSB Chairman Dr. Ray Bowen says the decline in support is a "cause for concern." The report also notes that during this time, enrollment was increasing. Michigan State University, Wayne State University and the University of Michigan are Michigan's research universities.

March 2, 2012

PrideSource reports White House to host LGBT conference at Wayne State University

The White House is making LGBT issues a priority this spring with a series of conferences planned around the country. The March 9 LGBT Conference on Housing & Homelessness will be held at Wayne State University from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The WSU conference will feature remarks by HUD Secretary Shaun Donovan. Additional presenters include HUD Assistant Secretaries John Trasvina, Raphael Bostic, and Mercedes Marquez, as well as Bryan Samuels, commissioner of the Administration on Children, Youth, & Families at the Department of Health & Human Services. The official itinerary has not yet been released, but the program is expected to have a series of workshops on housing issues.

March 1, 2012

School of Social Work's Cyber Summit receives national media attention

On Thursday, March 8, the School of Social Work will host a Cyber Summit to highlight its CyberMentoring program as well as provide resources and legislation information to the community. The event will be held in Student Center Building room 289 on WSU's campus from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Janet Joiner, assistant dean for student affairs in the School of Social Work, said by showing students how to use the Internet to empower themselves and others, they're helping decrease the incidence of harassment via social media. "Our goal is to bring awareness to the issue of cyberbullying at the high school and college levels while increasing online civility and the responsible use of social media," Joiner said. "Cyber social work is a new discipline, but one that will become more prominent as we advance technologically." Numerous media outlets nationwide ran the story.

March 1, 2012

WSU listed as answer in Huffington Post's college essentials quiz

In another installment of questions to be considered that are essential in helping prospective students select appropriate colleges and universities, Wayne State University is noted in the seventh point. "National Merit Scholars need to know about The University of Alabama and Wayne State University. Why? These two schools offer full tuition scholarships to all National Merit finalists."

March 1, 2012

Detroit News reports WTVS-TV expands locally and takes flight nationally

WTVS is increasing its presence in Detroit with its Midtown studio, located inside Wayne State University's historic Maccabees building at Warren and Woodward avenues. DPTV has partnered with WSU to share the iconic studio space to produce weekly shows, including "Leaders on Leadership." While WTVS is still headquartered in Wixom, its Midtown Detroit studio and HD production truck will give the station the access it desires to remain active and relevant in Detroit, says Rich Homberg, WTVS' president and general manager.

February 29, 2012

Wayne State archeologist noted in international media for confirming once in a lifetime find

Ecuador 'locates final resting place of last Inca emperor's tomb' An article highlighting an absolutely important find for the history of Ecuador's archeology and for the Andean region by Ecuadoran historian Tamara Estupinan, includes commentary from Wayne State archeologist Tamara Bray. Bray, a colleague of Estupinan, confirmed that the site, which could be Emperor Atahualpa's resting place, boasts "an Inca edifice that is phenomenally well preserved and quite important scientifically."

February 29, 2012

Journal of Blacks in Higher Education announces Anthony Morton appointment to director of corporate philanthropy

A personnel column notes that Anthony Morton was promoted to director of corporate philanthropy in the Division of Development and Alumni Affairs at Wayne State University. He was assistant director of corporate and foundation relations. Morton, a native of Detroit, earned a bachelor's degree in communications at WSU. A photo is included.

February 29, 2012

S. Epatha Merkerson, host of 'Find Our Missing'

'Find Our Missing,' a new, hour-long docu-drama series for TV One, puts names and faces to people of color - -young and old--who've disappeared without a trace. Each episode places its viewers within the life of a missing person--confronting dead-ends at every turn and reflecting the pain of loved ones left behind. Wayne State University alumnus and well-known actress of 'Law & Order' fame, S. Epatha Merkerson, joined Craig to discuss the upcoming program and its significance.

February 29, 2012

Fox 2 News covers DMC event announcing $30M renovations for Harper and Hutzel hospitals

Dr. Robert Frank with the Wayne State University School of Medicine and other DMC representatives announced news of a $30 million expansion at Harper and Hutzel hospitals during a kickoff event on Monday. "We're really celebrating another great day for the City of Detroit, for Southeast Michigan, for Vanguard, for DMC," he said. The project includes an operating room renovation now underway at Harper and Hutzel hospitals, including computerized information systems -- meaning necessary information is right in the OR -- minimally invasive technology, an air ventilation system to reduce infections and lots of space.

February 28, 2012

Model D Media reports WSU doctoral candidates win top Michigan Clean Energy Venture prize

A small group of Wayne State University Ph.D. candidates won the top prize at the Michigan Clean Energy Venture Challenge with their energy-harvesting start-up, Piezo PowerTech. Piezo PowerTech is developing a device that can generate electricity from vibrations, which is mechanical energy that would otherwise be wasted. The technology could be used in a number of different industries, but Piezo PowerTech is focusing on tire pressure sensors to start.

February 28, 2012

Hilberry's production of "Summer and Smoke" receives praises in Encore Michigan review

Reviewer Michael Margolin praises the cast, costuming and set design of the Hilberry's 2012 production of "Summer and Smoke." He particularly notes that Tennessee Williams' trademark dialogue was delivered well. "Coming out of the Hilberry Theatre...I found myself slipping into the cadence of Williams' dialogue. ...This is a great part of the success of this production." "Summer and Smoke" runs at the Hilberry through April 21.

February 28, 2012

Diverse Issues in Higher Education highlights TechTown's support programs for aspiring entrepreneurs

Wayne State University business incubator TechTown is highlighted in a feature profiling Detroit architects Saundra Little and Damon Thomas and their rise to success. The pair learned about running a business through TechTown's Thrive acceleration program for aspiring entrepreneurs. "We needed help," Little recalls of their decision to take TechTown up on its offer to help people learn how to set up and run a business. "They gave us a business culture," says Little, noting the assistance has ranged from helping their three-partner firm get its professional liability insurance arranged to establishing an advisory board.

February 27, 2012

Jim Sears talks about Engineering building's LEED Certification with WWJ News Radio

The U.S. Green Building Council designated the Marvin I. Danto Engineering Development Center a LEED Silver Certified facility, making it the first Wayne State University building to receive the honor. Jim Sears, associate vice president for facilities, planning and management, commented on the certification and future building proposals.

February 27, 2012

Discovery Canada's "Daily Planet" showcases research at WSU's Ballistics lab

Discovery Channel Canada's "Daily Planet" takes a look inside Wayne State University's Ballistics lab at the Bioengineering Center to see how bullet proof vests protect law enforcement officers. Cynthia Bir, professor of biomedical engineering, is the lead engineer featured in the segment. (cue to 1:50)

February 27, 2012

Dr. Silas Norman talks about love for music with Detroit Free Press

Detroit Free Press columnist Rochelle Riley profiles Dr. Silas Norman, Jr., associate dean for admissions, diversity and inclusion, at Wayne State University's School of Medicine. Norman attended Paine College in his native Augusta, Ga., and graduate school at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Norman wound up becoming a pharmaceutical representative until 1972, when he entered Wayne State University's medical school. He did his residency at the old Detroit General Hospital and eventually became a member of the WSU medical faculty. He also finds time to pursue his love for music as a member of the Brazeal Dennard Chorale.

February 26, 2012

WSU's TechTown noted on Patch.com for helping launch mymentalspace.com through its Smart Start program

Ever pull up a web page and feel worse after spending time on it? Farmington Hills native Mark Ostach has, and that realization spawned the idea for mymentalspace.com, a website he hopes will soon be in use every day on college campuses, in workplaces and homes. Ostach bootstrapped his business through Tech Town, Wayne State University's Research and Technology Park, and its Smart Start program, which helped connect him with business-building resources.

February 26, 2012

Ford Fund helps 4 colleges aid nonprofits while giving students career experience

The Ford Motor Co. Fund is supporting a program with four colleges and universities to aid local nonprofits while providing career experience to students. The foundation launched a pilot of the Ford Community Corps program last spring at Wayne State University and has since expanded to other institutions. At WSU, five students have filled internships tied to the program for the past three terms. They work during the semester with a nonprofit and get a $2,000 scholarship to the university. "The difference between this and other internships is this is more project-driven," said Farah Harb, internship coordinator in the Career Planning and Placement Office at Wayne State's School of Business Administration.

February 26, 2012

American Black Journal guests credit WSU for exposing them to STEM fields

Guests on a segment of American Black Journal highlighting STEM education and careers mentioned Wayne State University as a place where they were exposed to new possibilities in the fields. "I originally didn't know what engineering was," one of the guests commented. "I know the value of exposing a student can set them on a new course in life. They just need the exposure."

February 26, 2012

'Keep farming laws local'

Kami Pothukuchi, a Wayne State University associate professor and director of the SEED program, is quoted in an article examining state farming laws. Urban farmers and gardeners say a change in the legislation is necessary to insure local control over agriculture ordinances. A City Planning Commission workgroup is currently drafting farming ordinances, while advocating for an exemption from the Michigan Right to Farm Act. Pothukuchi said that a farming ordinance will allow small farmers and gardeners to make better decisions about long-term investments and that property values traditionally rise in areas where community gardening is successful.

February 26, 2012

Past and present collide in Michigan author Jack Driscoll's new story collection

A book review highlights Jack Driscoll's "The World of a Few Minutes Ago," which is the latest work in the Made in Michigan Writers Series from Wayne State University Press. "I've been living in northern Michigan since 1975," he said "I'm an east coast boy by birth. I came to Michigan for what I thought would be a temporary stay to help start the creative writing program at Interlochen, and it turned out to be the single greatest thing in my life."

February 26, 2012