Multiple research projects from the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine were awarded funding through Washington State University’s President’s Big Ideas Initiative, a new multimillion dollar commitment to support high-impact science.
Five of 10 projects selected for funding from more than 140 applicants across the WSU system have a College of Medicine principle investigator (PI) or collaborator. Each project received $150,000–$300,000 in funding.
The initiative includes three major funding tracks, framed around building large scale research platforms, publicly engaged research projects, and partnerships with the private sector.
Track 1: Innovation Platforms for the Future
Projects in Track 1 focus on mission-aligned platforms, integrating existing capabilities systemwide to increase efficiency, visibility, and transnational power over the long term.
INTERACT Center: Intervention Research to End Addiction through Community Transformation
The INTERACT Center will lead community‑engaged research, education, and practice to reduce—and ultimately eliminate—substance‑related harms. INTERACT will build leadership, develop a strategic plan, support major grant efforts, host its inaugural summit, and strengthen statewide partnerships. Through multilevel interventions in prevention, treatment, and health promotion, the center will improve community well‑being and position WSU as a national leader in addiction intervention research.
The project is lead by PI Michael McDonell, PhD, a professor in the College of Medicine’s Department of Community and Behavioral Health and director of the Promoting Research Initiatives in Substance Use and Mental Health (PRISM) Collaborative.
Rural AI: A Translational AI Research Initiative for Rural Communities
This systemwide initiative will build a shared platform that unites AI, data, ethics, education, and partnerships to ensure AI solutions are developed responsibly and in collaboration with rural communities. Four innovation areas—agriculture, environmental health, rural health care, and rural education—will drive real‑world impact, expand partnerships, attract new funding, and advance WSU’s leadership in translational AI for societal good.
The research team includes Co-PI Sterling M. McPherson, PhD, professor and vice dean for research at the College of Medicine, in addition to researchers from the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture;the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences; the College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences; and College of Veterinary Medicine.
OneNuclear Initiative To Unify Nuclear Research, Development, and Education Across the WSU System
The OneNuclear initiative will develop a comprehensive roadmap to strengthen nuclear research, education, and workforce development in response to the nation’s growing need for safe, reliable, and clean nuclear energy. Building on existing expertise across engineering, health physics, medical applications, safety, cybersecurity, environmental science, and national security, the initiative will coordinate efforts across systemwide and collaborate with industry, technical programs, and national laboratories.
The project team includes McPherson and John Roll, PhD, professor and vice dean for research emeritus (special advisor) at the College of Medicine.
Track 2: Public Impact Research for Washington
Projects in Track 2 will partner with state agencies, industries, and nonprofits to meet the needs of communities in Washington state, including workforce development, infrastructure resilience, and other solutions to real-world problems.
Energy-Efficient Precision Rehabilitation Technology for Neurocognitive Health Applications
WSU is advancing next‑generation wearable health technologies to improve care in both clinical and at‑home settings. This project will develop flexible, energy‑efficient wearable devices that combine multiple energy‑harvesting methods with on‑board AI to analyze physiological, behavioral, and environmental data in real time. Working with patients, caregivers, providers, and community partners, the team will design and pilot systems tailored to real‑world needs.
Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences Assistant Professor Amy M. Kemp, PhD, CCC-SLP, with serve as co-PI with a lead PI from the School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture.
Spokane Periodic Assessment of Trajectories of Housing, Homelessness, and Health Study (PATHS)
Guided by a Community Advisory Board, Spokane PATHS will collect detailed survey and interview data from a representative group of unsheltered residents as they move through different housing situations. The findings will provide the Regional Spokane Continuum of Care with high-quality data to design policies and programs that are responsive, effective, and grounded in the needs of the most vulnerable people experiencing homelessness.
Department of Community and Behavioral Health Assistant Professor Liat Kriegel, PhD, MSW, will lead the project as PI in collaboration with Co-PIs Assistant Professor Anna Hing, PhD, MPH, Research Assistant Professor Emily Leickly, PhD, and Associate Professor Oladunni Oluwoye, PhD.