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WCU Stories

Aerial shot of Apodaca science building

The Many Facets of Science

The newest jewel to adorn the campus of Western Carolina University is the cutting-edge, futuristic, uniquely organic Apodaca Science Building. Housing programs ranging from biology and chemistry to physics and forensic science, the building replaces the aging Natural Science Building which was built in the 1970s.  

Al Kopak and Alexa Singer

Professors hope data encourages empathetic approach to treating jail inmates with addiction issues

Two Western Carolina University professors with interests in jail populations and addiction issues collaborated with one regional county government to better understand the recovery needs of its jail inmates with substance use disorder.  

David Dorondo

David Dorondo participates in NATO hybrid warfare research

David Dorondo, an associate professor of history, has found himself lately a part of espionage, international diplomacy and a shadow world of geopolitical intrigue.   

screenshot of the video presentation

Restoring the Roan

How Red Spruce Responds to Forest Canopy Openings at Roan Mountain, NC. Thomas Hennessey, a current Master of Science in Biology student, was awarded first place in the 2020 Three Minute Thesis Competition for his presentation.   

screenshot of the video presentation

Social and Emotional Learning Built into Morning Meetings

Amy Childers, a current student in the Specialist in School Psychology program research "Social and Emotional Learning Built into an Elementary School Morning Meeting,” modified social and emotional learning lessons to fit in the morning meeting time in order to provide more consistent instruction in these areas. The goal is that this regular time of social and emotional learning instruction will lead to higher academic achievement, fewer behavioral issues, and an increase in classroom community and cohesion.   

screenshot of the video presentation

Optimizing Interprofessional Education in Health Care

Morgan Pillsbury, a current Doctor of Physical Therapy student, showcases research on "Optimizing Interprofessional Education in Health Care Professions” which highlights the importance of an educational session’s impact on interprofessional learning between Doctor of Physical Therapy and Physical Therapy Assistant students in Western NC.  

Portrait of Nick

No Bones About It

As a forensic anthropologist, Western Carolina University assistant professor Nicholas Passalacqua has always believed he was doing important work through his teaching and his research.  

Read His Story  

Monarch butterflies

Monarch butterfly migration aided by native plants on WCU campus, Highlands Biological Station

The North Carolina mountains are a corridor along the “Butterfly Highway,” an annual migration route of monarch butterflies from the eastern United States and Canada to Mexico, with WCU a frequent stop along the way.  

George Frizzell

New book about Horace Kephart explores his ‘other’ writings

Several years of research, compilation and collaboration by two writers from WCU have resulted in a scholarly book about Horace Kephart, a pivotal figure in the region from the early 20th century.  

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