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Advanced semiconductor testing equipment at Western Carolina University is providing students with hands-on experiences and opportunities to explore the high-demand field of semiconductor technology.

It’s difficult for anyone to testify in court. It’s especially difficult for a child who has experienced abuse. That’s what Crystal Jones, executive director of AWAKE Children’s Advocacy Center, was thinking about when she and Chris Cox of Western Carolina University began talking about potential service-learning projects.

Western Carolina University construction management students carefully piloted a drone this fall to record every angle of the REACH of Haywood County shelter and surrounding property. Their mission: create a detailed 3D interactive model to help REACH leaders and supporters visualize and plan a renovation and expansion of its shelter for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, elder abuse, and human trafficking.

Western Carolina University will launch a new Master of Science (M.S.) in engineering program in Fall 2026, expanding graduate level opportunities in the College of Engineering and Technology and addressing growing regional and workforce demand for engineers with advanced credentials.

Asratun Sarmin Anjum’s journey to walking across the stage this month was a lot more unorthodox than most. Anjum, an international student from Bangladesh, ventured from her home country after her mother passed away.

Western Carolina University alumna and Jackson County native Janna L. Deitz has joined the WCU Division of Advancement as director of development and corporate partnerships for the College of Engineering and Technology.

Folks in Frances Whitworth’s hometown of Winston-Salem begged her to give cycling a try. She was reluctant, but when her collegiate track and cross-country career came to a close, she hopped on the bicycle with the Cycling Club at Western Carolina University.

At the Southwestern Child Development Commission building, the future is meeting the past.

Martin Tanaka, a professor of engineering and technology at Western Carolina University, has a knack for creating innovative gadgets as a biomedical engineer. He has two patents for medical devices: one to help with rotator cuff surgery and another for a surgical tool for nasal surgery.

The aroma of sawdust filled the air for weeks on end inside the construction management lab in Belk. Hammers were banging, drills were squealing and six different teams were looking to make their mark on the College of Engineering and Technology — while helping local dogs in the process.