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WCU Stories

Sarah Parsons works on bee pollinator garden

Sarah Parsons continues campus pollinators work with UNC MRI grant

While insects have gotten a bad rap as “creepy crawlies” to be squished or stepped on, humanity is highly dependent on them. Many insects are integral to pollination, which is crucial to the survival of plant ecosystems and crops that keep people fed.   

Andrew Bobilya

Andrew J. Bobilya receives 2024 Dr. Betty van der Smissen Distinguished Researcher Award

Andrew J. Bobilya, director of Western Carolina University’s experiential and outdoor education master’s program, is the recipient of the 2024 Dr. Betty van der Smissen Distinguished Researcher Award.   

Leaves from the moon tree

Out of this world: ‘Moon Tree’ arrives on WCU campus

Amy Fagan, an associate professor in Western Carolina University’s Department of Geosciences and Natural Resources, knows she’s a bit of a space addict.  

WCU nursing students

WCU School of Nursing awarded grant to jumpstart workshop series

Western Carolina University School of Nursing director and associate professor Terrica Durbin understands the need for nurses — and so do local patrons. The WCU School of Nursing was awarded a $40,562 grant by the Mountain Area Health Education Center in Asheville.   

Daisy and Flora Myers

Hunter Library staff create website for families to find unclaimed photos

Years ago, residents and tourists brought their film for developing at Sherrill’s Photography Studio in Waynesville. Sometimes, the person who dropped off the film did not return to pick up their photographs and the only clue to their identity was their last name written on the unclaimed envelope.   

Bora Karayaka and students

WCU’s Karayaka, Yu receive $45K grant for research

Western Carolina University College of Engineering and Technology professor Bora Karayaka knew it was a shot in the dark — but that shot ended up paying off.  

Project Discovery students during a workshop

Project Discovery earns $175K grant to help expand resources

Project Discovery director JennieV. Sorrells has seen her program impact the lives of tons of students. The project, hosted by Western Carolina University, has given secondary students the opportunity to explore careers and colleges and partake in adventure-based learning.  

Alumni tower

1889 Impact Grants application deadline extended to Nov. 8

Because of the ongoing impacts of Hurricane Helene, Western Carolina University’s Division of Advancement and the WCU Foundation have extended the deadline for applications from faculty and staff interested in obtaining funding for projects through the 1889 Impact Grants Program.  

Jamie Wallen (left) works with a chemistry student

Two faculty members receive competitive grants from the National Institutes of Health

Two Western Carolina University faculty members have received coveted R15 grants from the National Institutes of Health, which will significantly enhance research initiatives in the region.  

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