What began as a five-year plan to earn a neuroscience doctorate has become a 16-year career helping drive innovation at West Virginia University for Erienne Olesh, now CEO of the National Science Foundation Resilient Energy Technology and Infrastructure Consortium.
Jason Gibson didn’t come to West Virginia University with a master plan; however, one walk through the Engineering Sciences Building changed everything by introducing him to the world of material science.
When Hannah Muir got a job at her local pharmacy at 16, she discovered a passion for the profession that set her on a path to West Virginia University. As she enters her third year at the WVU School of Pharmacy, Muir is committed to making a difference in the lives of patients — and she’s fulfilling her purpose thanks to generous scholarship support.
After earning his accounting degree from West Virginia University, Jake Ellis expected his career might take him beyond the state’s borders. Instead, a chance introduction to First Ascent, the nation’s first talent retention program of its kind, opened his eyes to the professional opportunities, community, and quality of life waiting for him right here in West Virginia.
A missing body. A 63-year-old cold case. A tight-knit community in southern West Virginia. For West Virginia College of Law student Grant Joynes, it’s part of the job.
Sometimes things just fall into place. That’s what Gracen Purkey, an alum of the exercise physiology program, says happened when she started planning for college and then continued through her West Virginia University journey.
As the United States prepares to celebrate its 250th birthday, William Hal Gorby, a teaching associate professor and director of undergraduate advising in the West Virginia University Eberly College of Arts and Sciences Department of History, sees a common thread running through both stories: the belief that education helps communities adapt, grow and prosper.
Customers are screaming for ice cream, thanks to an app developed by Jeremy Bliner, a Pittsburgh native and a student in the West Virginia University online Master of Science in Software Engineering program.
Through a student-led podcast, future doctors at the West Virginia University School of Medicine are capturing personal stories from medical professionals while exploring the realities of practicing medicine in Mountain State communities. What started as a learning opportunity is growing into a statewide effort to connect students, physicians and the future of rural health care.
For Doina Jikich, the inspiration to support international students at West Virginia University began with a journey shaped by hardship, resilience and gratitude. Now retired and living in Daytona Beach, Florida, she is creating opportunities for a global community with a scholarship gift to benefit WVU international students.