WSU Spokane Campus Bulletin
Issue 2004-5 (March 3, 2004)
IN THIS ISSUE
Do the math:
LORETA-FOCUSS
 LORETA, of course, as every layperson knows, is low
resolution brain electromagnetic tomography, a particular 3D,
discrete, distributed, linear solution to the inverse EEG/MEG
problem. And FOCUSS, naturally, is the Focal Undetermined
System Solver algorithm for vector selection.
Thank heavens for Google, which makes it possible to begin to
translate the significance of mathematical research conducted by
Paul Schimpf, associate professor of electrical
engineering. His work, funded by the National Science Foundation,
may someday result in improved diagnostic capabilities for medical
equipment.
Schimpf, with co-author and postdoctoral student Hesheng
Liu, has several publications forthcoming in IEEE
Transactions on Biomedical Engineering, a high-quality journal
for articles that focus on theory and algorithmic techniques in
biomedical engineering.
Schimpf describes the significance of his findings: “Many
possible arrangements of brain activity can produce the same EEG
recording. Algorithms that try to deduce brain activity from the
EEG must somehow choose among the many possible solutions. One
approach that has been suggested for cases where the primary
activity is highly localized is to repetitively solve the problem
in a way that gradually shrinks an ellipsoid region containing the
solution, thereby focusing in on the region of primary
activity.”
One example of the application is an epileptiform EEG, that is,
an EEG used to identify the focus of seizure activity in the
brain.
Think of this as a series of increasingly focused attempts to
find the target site within the brain, using mathematical
calculations performed by the computer to search for the most
spatially concentrated region of activity that can explain the EEG
signal.
Schimpf's first paper examines the performance of such an
algorithm in a realistic 3D head model with various levels of noise
in the EEG.
“Noise” is usually defined as any unwanted signal,
including highly random experimental instrument noise, as well as
background activity in the brain (neurons contributing signals
other than the ones the researcher or practitioner is really
interested in). The particular algorithm addressed in this first
paper did not produce a particularly strong performance.
Schimpf is publishing more papers with better algorithms of his
own design. The second to run in the IEEE publication describes an
algorithm that outperforms several other popular methods for a wide
variety of different configurations of brain activity.
The LORETA algorithm produces blurred (low resolution) images of
brain activity, but the regions of activity are correctly located
in the brain. FOCUSS, on the other hand, can produce a high
resolution image of local activity, but there may be errors in
locating these areas of activity, and it is computationally
“expensive” (requiring large computer resources).
Schimpf says, “This represents a sort of Heisenberg
uncertainty principle for inverse EEG problems: You can get good
local detail, or precise location, but not both at the same
time.”
He proposes an algorithm that balances the strengths of these
two methods. It uses LORETA to provide a good (but blurry) initial
guess at the solution. It then modifies FOCUSS in a way that makes
it more robust to errors in the initial guess and at the same time
less computing-intensive.
Eventually, patients will benefit from the increased knowledge
of brain activity made possible through these intensive
computational processes. Better living through mathematics and
computer science!
(For more on the Heisenberg Uncertainty Principle, see http://www.aip.org/history/heisenberg/)
Substance abuse
scientist joins WSU Spokane
Roll named assistant director for addictive
disorders research
A researcher with a track record in funding from the National
Institute for Drug Abuse, an NIH agency, is joining the faculty at
Washington State University Spokane. John Roll has
been named assistant director of substance abuse and other
addictive disorders research at the Washington Institute for Mental
Illness Research and Training, housed at WSU Spokane.
Roll describes his research as addressing both basic and applied
questions about drug use. On the basic science side, he examines
behavioral pharmacology: how drugs, the organism and the
environment interact to influence how the drug is used and how
dependence develops.
On the applied side, he examines the effectiveness of behavioral
therapies that get drug users to replace drug use with other
behaviors that are more rewarding, also known as contingency
management. He has studied behavioral treatments for smoking in
teens, and for use of drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine,
including an evaluation of behavioral therapy in combination with
drug court procedures.
Read more in the news release
online.
Nursing Research First Friday March 5
Grant Writing and Funding Support for
Faculty
Presented by Jessika Satori, MBA, EdD, Faculty Support
Coordinator, Office of Grant and Research Development, Washington
State University.
Date: March 5, 2004
Time: 3:10-4:30pm
Location: SIRTI, Rm. 310
for more information: Kathy Bridwell, (32)4-7258,
bridwell@wsu.edu
Wine and refreshments will be served.
Financial support for Research First Fridays is provided by
donors to the College of Nursing's Research Committee Fund and
by Delta Chi Chapter-At-Large, Sigma Theta Tau.
Student profile
Doug Orr, PhD candidate and Spokane Police
Department 2003 Officer of the Year
 Doug Orr has been named 2003 Spokane Police
Department officer of the year. Doug is a PhD student in political
science (ABD) and a detective with the police department. He has
done most of his course work in Spokane, and associate professor of
criminal justice David Brody serves as the chair
of his dissertation committee.
Orr received this award for his work on investigating the
case a woman charged with killing and then abandoning her infant.
Orr spoke with experts nationwide and came to the conclusion that
woman was telling the truth when she said the baby was stillborn
and was abandoned out of confusion and trauma. Without his work an
innocent, traumatized woman would have been prosecuted and possibly
convicted.
Brody says, “It is good to see the police rewarding a
dedicated officer going the extra mile to uncover the truth, even
if it shows no crime was committed.”
We asked Orr why he's pursuing the PhD, and where
he'll go from here.
Orr described his 1994 pursuit of a suspect with a prior
criminal record who ended up taking his own life at the end of the
pursuit, as he hid in a dumpster.
He said, “Immediately following the incident, I began to
question my effectiveness and how I was impacting society. Was I
going to spend the rest of my life using the criminal justice
system to chase people into dumpsters?”
Orr stresses the value of police work, but adds that he felt
“a personal responsibility to see that the system touches
everyone, citizens and criminals, in the most effective manner
possible.”
This quest led him to earn his master's in organizational
leadership from Gonzaga University, then to the WSU Ph.D. program
in political science. While less than thrilled about the need to
trek to Pullman for course work, he did have a flexible work
schedule that allowed him to keep up—and to put 240,000 miles
on his Toyota.
Orr has passed his prelims and is working on his dissertation.
Nicholas Lovrich, professor of political science
and director of the Division of Governmental Studies and Services,
included him in the Project Safe Neighborhood Research Team. This
led Orr to take on the issue of gun violence in the community, with
research utilizing GIS data to look at gun ownership and its
spatial effects on crime.
Orr adds, “Being here in Spokane afforded me the
opportunity to interact with the city and the police department
utilizing the most up-to-date crime analysis tools available.
Living in Pullman would have placed me at a disadvantage in that
respect.”
Orr plans to finish out his career as a police officer, doing
some reading, publishing, and perhaps adjunct teaching, then look
for a university position. He thanks David Brody,
associate professor of criminal justice, who chairs
his committee, for his investment of time and commitment to student
success, as well as associate professor Mike
Smith.
Doug Orr has been with the Spokane Police Department since
1996. Prior to that, he spent four years as a trooper with the
Idaho State Patrol, five years with the Greenville, SC, Police
Department, and three years with campus police at Bob Jones
University.
WSU students know how to
impress
At the February 19 career fair sponsored by Career
Services at WSU Spokane in partnership with Eastern
Washington University, Gonzaga University, and Whitworth College,
WSU students proved that the term “World Class” really
does apply.
The 10th annual Partnership in Employment Career Fair was held
at the Red Lion Hotel at the Park in Spokane. Nearly 600 students
and alumni attended, including some students from WSU Spokane and
others from WSU Pullman. Over 75 employers participated,
representing both the private sector and government.
Many employers attending career fairs hire a wide range of
majors. Company or agency names by themselves do not always
indicate opportunities available for jobs and internships, so
program faculty should encourage students to attend the fairs and
explore the options.
Two of the largest employers at the fair this year were Walt
Disney World and the US Department of State. The US Department of
State was looking for graduates/interns in over 36 majors,
including engineering, geography, and interior design, among
others. Walt Disney World presented their special College Program,
which offers graduates in all majors the chance to learn about
next-step opportunities within the Walt Disney Company.
WSU Spokane counselor Jack Severinghaus, one of
the fair's organizers, had the opportunity to receive feedback
from employer representatives in attendance. He received glowing
comments regarding WSU students.
Three recruiters spontaneously stated they have been
consistently impressed with WSU graduates attending the Partnership
Fair and the fall and spring fairs. According to Severinghaus,
employers said WSU students are “well prepared for the fairs
with resumes,” are “knowledgeable and capable,”
and “present themselves well and do well on the job, once
hired.”
For further information on WSU career fairs and attending
employers, log on to www.careers.wsu.edu and click on
Career Fairs and Events.
Welcome to campus!
 Welcome
Joel Lohr! Joel joins WSU Spokane as a Maintenance
Specialist in the Facilities Operations department. He is
responsible for maintaining HVAC equipment by setting up a
preventative maintenance program for the Spokane campus, diagnosing
heating and cooling problems, and understanding and working with
building computer controls and equipment.
Joel worked for Goodale and Barbieri in downtown Spokane as a
Building Maintenance Engineer for the past 15 years. He was in
charge of numerous buildings and has dealt with a diverse array of
systems in the downtown core. He holds an AAS degree in HVAC&R
from Spokane Community College, a Stationary Engineer license, a
Gas Heating Mechanic 1 license, a Universal Refrigeration license,
and an Electrical Maintenance 07 license.
Joel enjoys working on this campus and with his department. He
says it is a nice change of pace from his previous employment
location and he looks forward to meeting many new people at WSU
Spokane.
If you have questions for Joel, contact him at 358-7994 or via
email at joellohr@wsu.edu.
Welcome Linda Ehnes! Linda joins WSU Spokane as
the MESA Middle
School Coordinator. She is responsible for arranging field trips
and guest speakers for teachers in District 81 MESA classrooms.
Linda previously worked as a science and math teacher for the
Seattle School District, and as a part time teacher for Spokane
Public Schools. She holds a BS in Zoology and teaching certificate
from the University of Washington and a MBA from City
University.
Linda is active in the community through her involvement with
the Manito United Methodist Church. She enjoys working with
adolescents and has worked in after-school programs and volunteered
with various other programs. She also has a passion for animals and
loves cats.
If you have questions for Linda, contact her at 358-7968 or via
email at ehnes@wsu.edu
Did you
know...there are showers on campus
With the advent of sunshine (it will be back!),
you may be motivated to use alternative modes of transportation for
the daily commute. As roads slowly lose their blankets of snow and
gravel, now is the time to dig the bike or walking shoes out of
storage and put the pedal to the metal. The campus facilitates your
options with a variety of supports.
If it's fear of sweat that's stopping you, there are
some options to alleviate that anxiety and keep your co-workers
happy with your commitment to Commute Trip Reduction.
Each building on campus has showers:
- Phase I Classroom Building: Multiple showers
in the men's and women's restrooms in the basement;
- Health Sciences Building: An individual
shower/restroom in the basement, in the hall leading to the loading
dock.
- SIRTI Building: An individual shower in the
basement; Ad Annex: Showers in the first floor
restrooms.
Bicycle racks are located at SIRTI on the south
side in parking lot Red A, at each of the two openings to Phase I,
and on the east side of HSB (sorry, no racks inside).
For the traditional mass transit user there are bus
stops along Riverpoint Blvd. The two outgoing (pick-up)
stops are covered. Incoming bus routes stop in front of the HSB and
just short of the Phase I building, along the sidewalk.
Staying late and stranded? There is also a guaranteed ride home
program in place that is set up to provide a ride home in
case of an emergency. Contact Cy Parker at 358-2285 and
Susan Lopez 358-2234 of EWU, Sandi Baldwin at 8-7994 and the
Parking Office at 8-6999 (all in Phase I Building). Any one of them
can help you, no matter which campus institution you work for.
What would you like to learn about in "Did You
Know"? Send your ideas to Renee DeWees, dewees@wsu.edu, who will track down the
answer for a future Bulletin article.
Personnel and
staffing changes
Comings
Lorna Walsh, Associate Director of Development, 3/1/04
(watch for a profile in the next Campus Bulletin)
Goings
Zongren Wang, Research Associate, Health Research
& Education Center, 3/31/04
Searches
Research Professor, Sleep
Research Initiative, Health Sciences, position is open until
filled
Clinical Assistant Professor (3 positions), Pharmacotherapy,
positions are open until filled
Chancellor
& Vice Provost for Health Sciences, WSU Spokane, position
is open until filled
Business Development Specialist, Small Business Development Center,
apply by 3/19/04
Academic Coordinator Upward Bound Program, Student Services, apply
by 3/19/04
Meet the neighbors:
Loulou's Ski Chalet
428 East Pacific Ave
509-624-2422
Owner: Mike King
Many claim Spokane is the center of sport in the Inland
Northwest, with an abundance of parks, ski opportunities, lakes and
trails all within one hour of the city boundaries, Spokane is a
nature enthusiast's paradise.
For over 30 years, the people at Loulou's Ski Chalet,
located blocks away from the Riverpoint campus, have been taking
advantage of all the region has at hand by offering high quality
goods and exceptional service. Loulou's is the only shop this
side of the Cascades recognized as one of the top 50 ski shops in
the nation, an award they have received 7 times.
Dedicated to the sport of alpine skiing, and with a very
talented group of award-winning individuals on staff. including
World Cup ski racing, a freestyle skiing World Champion, numerous
US Masters Champions and six certified master boot fitters, the
staff at Loulou's are passionate about what they do.
Loulou's is one of only 30 stores and the only ski shop in the
northwest to carry the exclusive Rossignol Race Center brand, truly
cutting-edge technology of World Cup and Junior Race products.
Hours: Weekdays 9am-7 pm, Saturday 9am-6pm,
Sunday 11am-5pm (normal ski season hours; flexible after season is
over)
Services: Middle of the line to high-end ski
equipment. In the summer: Wake boards, water skis and kayaks.
Specialties: Quality and experience
On the Web: www.skiloulous.com
Student advantage: Lou Lou's does not offer
a student discount, but now is the time to shop the end of the
season sales. March 3, the majority of items go on sale for 40% and
then up to 50% off in the coming weeks.
Community
connections
American Heart
Walk April 17
Hundreds of feet are gathering at Riverfront Park to help fight
heart disease on April 17, 2004 for the American Heart Walk.
According to the American Heart Association, in the year 2001,
one in every five deaths in the United States was the result of
coronary heart disease. The time has come to fight back, donate
your feet for a day and help raise critical dollars for heart
disease research, stroke research and education.
WSU Spokane is sponsoring a team, so dig those walking shoes out
of the closet and sign up today, help organizers at WSU Spokane
reach their goal of 15 participants.
Register on-line by clicking on the website at www.heartwalk.kintera.org/spokanewa.
Choose "register" and join the Washington State
University team. Team members may choose to walk a 1 or 3 mile
course. The walk begins at 10 a.m. in Riverfront Park and will
include entertainment, food, face painting, balloons, a magic show
and prizes. Family and friends are welcome.
Each participant is asked to raise $150 for the American Heart
Association. Information packets are available from team leader
Diane Davis at HSB 320E, or call 358-7628.
Volunteers who raise $100 by March 17 will receive a special
American Heart Association Heart Walk T-shirt. Those who raise more
than $150 are eligible to receive a number of prizes, listed on the
American Heart Walk Web site. Thanks for your support!
Rookery
Block design concepts on display downtown
View potential uses of the Rookery Block in a window display at
the old Hamer's store located at Riverside and Post, as
proposed by WSU Spokane students at the Interdisciplinary Design
Institute.
The students began by mapping the 24-square-block area
surrounding the Rookery Block, recording first and second floor
plans of all buildings; sections, elevations, historical
development, property use, materials, and human use patterns. The
students used this information to inform their designs for
potential mixed uses to occupy the Rookery Block, including retail,
offices, and multigenerational housing. The designs range far
beyond the Rookery Block itself, becoming ambitious urban design
proposals that envision a revitalized, pedestrian-oriented
downtown.
The display will run through March 31. For more information
contact Matt Cohen, assistant professor of
architecture, at 358-7915, cohenm@wsu.edu.
Science
Bowl at WSU Spokane March 13
Top science and math students from local high schools and home
schools will compete in the third annual U.S. Department of Energy
Regional Science Bowl on March 13 at Washington State University
Spokane.
Volunteers still needed! Read more
online.
Pharmacy students learn
the CODE
Pharmacy students participated in CODE team training alongside
the pharmacy staff at Sacred Heart the week of February 23.
Brenda Bray describes it as “a great
collaborative effort--our students are very lucky to be able to
take advantage of this training opportunity!”
The CODE team is the group of people that responds to a patient
experiencing a heart attack in the hospital—their job is to
revive and/or keep the patient alive. Hospital pharmacists are
usually on CODE Teams; they prepare medications, calculate dosages
and provide guidance for medication selection.
This training was part of the Pharmaceutical Care Lab (PCL), a
professional skills lab that is a required part of the Pharm.D.
curriculum for 5 semesters of the program. Students learn applied
skills related to their didactic coursework.
Breaking
boundaries through theatre March 19
The GAP theatre of Seattle will present a performance of
“A Mile in my Shoes,” on March 19 in the Performing
Arts building at Spokane Falls Community College.
This interactive presentation will take the audience on a
journey as they become the participant in a diversity training
session. Audience members can voice doubts, ask questions and
confront prejudices as they delve into the world of power, abuse
and sexual harassment.
Beginning at 11:30 am, the performance is free and open to the
public.
Way to go!
Send your "Way to Go!" comments to Renee
DeWees at dewees@wsu.edu and watch for your
thanks to be published in an upcoming issue of the Campus
Bulletin!
Find it on the Web
- Education
pages: Check out the new navigation system and splash
page, designed by Denise Palmen and put into place
by Sicco Rood
- World Class
Faculty: Check out the online profiles featured as links from
our home page. The images rotate randomly on the home page, but the
profiles are always available from this central profile page. You
can also navigate to this page by choosing "About WSU Spokane"
from the home page, "People"
in the lefthand navigation, and "Profiles"
in the lefthand navigation there.
-
Bulletin archives: Links to past issues of the Campus Bulletin
from Oct. 2003 forward.
- In the
News: Media coverage of campus programs and people
- News
Releases: Recent news releases and links to news releases
organized by subject.
- Events
Calendar: What's going on around here, anyway?
- Department
Overviews: Links to background information on campus units
(Word documents)
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The Bulletin is usually published on Wednesday biweekly during the
academic year, every three weeks during breaks and summer session.
Publication date may shift due to holidays. Deadline is Monday of
the week of publication.
------------------------------------------------------
The Bulletin covers news of interest to the faculty and staff of
Washington State University Spokane. Regular columns cover
personnel changes, upcoming events, professional accomplishments,
opportunities for involvement in the campus community and the
Spokane community, notices of new developments on campus, and other
news.
The Bulletin also serves as a source of information for external
communications directed to alumni, future and current students, and
friends of Washington State University Spokane. You'll read it
here first!
Editorial staff:
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