Leading EDGE Development Fund

Enhanced Degrees for Graduate Excellence

The opportunity to conduct biomedical research can be a lifechanging experience for a student. At WSU we are committed to preparing our undergraduate and graduate students to be leaders in human and animal science, health, and medicine.

Leading EDGE will be an interdisciplinary, research-based program that provides undergraduate students opportunities for hands-on lab experience (experiential learning) and to develop professional and leadership skills. For graduate students, the program will focus on developing oral and written research communication skills, giving them an edge whether starting a career or pursuing post-graduate education.

The program will also provide the financial support needed to overcome barriers that may prevent students from taking advantage of experiential learning opportunities. Undergraduate students will have unique mentor experiences for academic success and become more competitive for their next step, whether they are starting their career, or pursuing a graduate or professional medical degree.

Our need

Today we look to training tomorrow’s leaders in human and animal science, health, and medicine.

Invest in faculty. Financial support to develop new and existing courses to advance undergraduate research education and graduate research communications.

Student support and retention. Create undergraduate scholarships, including research and travel funds, to reduce financial barriers preventing under-represented students from engaging in research. Fund graduate fellowships for graduate students to allow them to focus on research. Endow an operations fund for experiential learning, symposia, capstone experiences, and summer research internships.

Program support. Recruit academic advisor/program coordinator and communications instructor.