Archived Cougar Kudos:
May 2026
- Brian Collins, associate professor, Department of Physics and Astronomy
Brian is a physicist whose research is helping advance technologies ranging from flexible electronics to smart medicine. By developing new synchrotron X-ray techniques and studying materials at the nanoscale, his work is opening new possibilities for understanding and designing next-generation materials and devices. He also is one of the stars of our Career Ready video series! Physics and Astronomy at WSU: Career Ready, World Ready – YouTube - Jamie Comstock, fiscal specialist II, Writing Program
The Writing Program depends on careful stewardship of multiple funding sources, and Jamie has been essential to making that work successful. From managing complex assessment of revenue streams to overseeing hourly employees, legacy funds, cost centers, and gift funds, Jamie brings clarity and consistency to every part of our budget.
Over the past year, Jamie played a critical role in guiding a major staffing transition that allowed the program to streamline operations, expand faculty collaboration, and strengthen direct support for students. With seventeen years of service at WSU, Jamie’s professionalism, institutional knowledge, and steady leadership continue to shape the Writing Program in meaningful ways. - Karina Goelz, student services coordinator, Office of Academic Engagement
Karina has demonstrated exemplary leadership within Cougs Rise through her sustained commitment to student success and institutional impact. Her work building and maintaining partnerships with schools and families has strengthened recruitment and retention efforts and expanded access to program resources.
In addition, Karina provides effective and intentional supervision of peer mentors, ensuring they receive appropriate training, guidance, and professional development. Her leadership consistently elevates program outcomes and enhances the student experience, contributing meaningfully to the work of student services and the Office of Academic Engagement. - Johannes Hämmerli, assistant professor, School of the Environment
Johannes uses the chemistry locked within minerals to better understand the geologic processes that shape Earth’s crust and influence the formation of important mineral resources. By combining advanced analytical techniques with teaching focused on Earth materials, magmatic systems, and critical minerals, his work helps connect geoscience research to real-world challenges involving energy, natural resources, and the environment. - Brian Jensen, director and professor, Institute for Shock Physics
Brian is a widely respected leader in dynamic compression science whose work has helped expand our understanding of how materials behave under extreme conditions. Through his leadership at Los Alamos National Laboratory and now as Director of the Institute for Shock Physics, he has advanced groundbreaking research, developed innovative scientific tools and capabilities, and mentored the next generation of scientists working in this critical field. - Annie Lampman, scholarly professor, Honors College
Annie’s second novel “The Origin of Ava” was just published last month. - Jiemei Lin, assistant professor, Department of Art
Jeimei recently collaborated with IA Interior Architects and Arm Seattle on a public art project featuring murals and paintings inspired by Washington’s cherry industry. The work highlights the stories of scholars, fruit pickers, migrant workers, and the broader history of Washington cherries, including references to Ah Bing, the Chinese immigrant horticulturist connected to the development of the Bing cherry. - John Lupinacci, associate professor, Department of Teaching and Learning
John exemplifies exceptional faculty leadership through his sustained volunteer service as head coach of WSU Club Hockey, dedicating extensive time to practices, competition, travel, and the recruitment and mentorship of student-athletes. Under his leadership, the program has achieved consistent competitive success and expanded its institutional impact, including participation in a landmark January 2026 Tri-Cities game vs UW that drew 4,742 attendees—the largest crowd in conference history—significantly elevating WSU’s visibility and community engagement. His commitment reflects a profound contribution to student success, leadership development, and the broader mission of WSU. - Sara Mahuron, assessment specialist, Office of Assessment for Curricular Effectiveness
Sara has made significant contributions to the Office of Assessment for Curricular Effectiveness and to undergraduate assessment across WSU. Since joining ACE in 2023, she has strengthened the division’s capacity during a period of transition, drawing on extensive experience from prior institutions. Sara supports approximately 35 undergraduate programs, working closely with faculty across disciplines to improve assessment practices and promote meaningful use of results to enhance student learning. Through her leadership in professional development, engagement with emerging assessment approaches, and commitment to collaboration, she has become a valued and impactful contributor to ACE’s work and to student success at WSU. - Marie Mayes, interim director of the Center for Entrepreneurship and incoming chair of the Department of Management, Information Systems, and Entrepreneurship
Marie leads one of Carson College’s signature experiences, the annual Business Plan Competition. This year, more than 250 students from WSU, state high schools and universities across the USA, engaged in hands-on entrepreneurial learning, developing, testing, and pitching new ventures with the support of faculty and industry mentors. With the financial support of sponsors, and the hard work of a dedicated team, the competition helps students build critical skills in innovation, leadership, and communication. Marie’s leadership continues to elevate experiential learning and student opportunity. - Christina Myers, data analytics program coordinator, Department of Mathematics and Statistics
Christina plays a vital role in supporting our program’s growth and daily operations. She manages a wide range of responsibilities with exceptional professionalism and efficiency, including assisting current and prospective students, coordinating communications and meetings with faculty and industry partners, supporting curriculum updates and course scheduling, and helping organize program events and presentations. Christina also maintains the program’s website, mailing lists, and social media presence while managing program documentation and coordinating with advisors, departments, and other campuses. Her dedication, responsiveness, and attention to detail make her an invaluable member of the Data Analytics program and a colleague who is deeply appreciated across the WSU community. - Sarah Page, director of marketing and communication, Student Affairs
Sarah has stepped up seamlessly as the Director in Student Affairs Marketing & Communication, leading efforts that support the daily needs of more than 30 departments. She facilitates the graphic design, program marketing, and engagement opportunities hosted by the departments and juggles the timelines, needs, and capacity realities of her team. Sarah has built relationships with our department directors based on trust and accountability. - Randy Stuart, assistive technology coordinator, Student Accommodations and Disability Services
In his role, Randy manages peer notetaking, assistive technology such as text-to-speech software, and the remediation of inaccessible books and articles, along with other classroom access needs. As part of his work, he developed an approach to remediate images by using facial features to convey spatial information more effectively for blind students. Additionally, Randy is a highly dedicated and supportive supervisor to student workers, guiding them as they assist with a wide range of projects that ensure students with disabilities have equal access. - Isaac Velasquez, president, ASWSU Pullman
Isaac, while serving as ASWSU Pullman President this last year, has a long record of leadership while he’s been on campus. He’s been a student employee, an elected student leader, and has worked hard to build community and consensus among his peers. Isaac is never afraid to ask the important questions and not only listens to the answers, he finds ways to promote priorities within whatever boundaries exist. Isaac is a first-generation student who is not afraid to be vulnerable when needed, lead his peers, and share his thoughts and opinions. These are all markers of someone who will be a successful representation of the Coug traditions. - Ted Warren, photographer, College of Veterinary Medicine
For Ted, no assignment is ever just another task—it’s an opportunity to champion the people and moments that define WSU. He might be found climbing ladders to photograph baby owls, one of his favorite subjects, or gently helping DVM students straighten their graduation gowns to capture a moment they’ll treasure. Ted routinely works well beyond normal hours, tireless in his commitment to getting the shot that best tells the story of the college and the university he so proudly promotes.