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Academic Overview

WSSU offers high quality, challenging programs that prepare graduates to lead and serve in their professions and communities. Choose from more than 40 undergraduate majors and 10 graduate programs, both masters and doctorate. Our faculty are known for their research expertise, getting to know our students, and working closely with them.

What I believe is that most universities in this country educate the top 10%. If you're a great student, if you're an A student, then you get catered to. You get to work with the best professors. You get opportunities to get engaged in undergraduate research. You get a chance to do sometimes international travel, attend conferences. This all appears to be catered to about 10%. I thought, and I said, what would it look like at a higher ed institution, if we treated every single student like that? If every student that came here, got those wonderful experiences that prepare them for the workforce, that prepared them for whatever is next in their life? What if every single student? So my idea of student success is that when we move the needle holistically, when a larger percentage of our students come, and they get a high quality education, when a larger percentage of our students leave and go out into the workforce to create a new workforce, to design a new workforce, to participate in whatever is next, that we do that for more than a top 10%. So when I came to Winston-Salem State University, our new strategic plan, we talked about what does a student need in order to be successful? The chancellor has led our strategic plan, we're actually in the fourth year of it. And student success has always been at the center of that. What he's done is put us in different committees, to think about the student from the time they enter the university until they leave. The faculty and the administration are hand in hand. We know that shared governance is shared. How we drive our students to success? The opportunities that all 288 plus faculty, along with our administrators, provide an opportunity for our students to not only with great curriculum and 26 departments, but we have a transformative opportunity for students to use what they're getting in the classroom and apply it. So the faculty knew it was important for high impact practices. We're providing research opportunities, internship opportunities, providing the best in mentorship, the best in advising, the best in service. And if they did not trust us with them, if they students did not trust us, then we would not be doing our jobs, and they do. So I truly believe that if it wasn't for us being hand in hand, that we would not get students where they want to be. Metrics are essential. We now, our campus, and which analytics drive almost every single thing that we do. I have a team of professionals, administrators, faculty, staff, and students who are engaged in a number of systems designed to make sure that we can pinpoint exactly where students are, exactly what they're doing, how they're being engaged in their academic experience. We need to be able to identify students and how they're performing almost on a day to day basis. We now can begin to track students in terms of how they're doing in their classroom. But it requires participation from every part of the campus. We're partnering across the institution. We find it so critically important here to keep constantly monitoring data, and observing outcomes, because we want to make sure that we're in this constant state of transformation, this constant state of improvement, ensuring that we're providing the students with the tools and the skills and resources that they need. On the front end, and we see this with a lot of programs, they may start out bumpy, and they may not yield the outcomes that you may initially think that you would think they do, because when you evolve students and people that all have different attributes and characteristics, it's never going to be one plus one equals two. However, like I said, thinking about utilizing analytics and looking at the specialized profiles of the students we're able to do more intentional work to provide success opportunities for the students. And so I think at the end of the day, it is that collaborative spirit. That the whole dynamic of being family and promoting academic success that think we find that to be a key characteristic of University College. The faculty at Winston-Salem State are some the most trained, talented individuals I've ever encountered in higher education. We bring the best to the table. We bring the best in our preparation. We meet the students exactly where they are, and we bring them up to where they want to be. Here is the flavor in the classroom. It's not just the lecture, it's information shared in love. Here is not just a matter of an exam, it's exercising your right to bring that information forward and share what you know, and to elevate your mind. Here I think the faculty are more concerned about, not just the information, but the student can use it to transform their lives or to transform another life. We have to understand that historically black colleges and university play a vital role within our society. And creating the best and the brightest is what we do here at Winston Salem State. You have individuals day in and day out that are focused on student success. They're solely focused on ensuring that students get out within four years and that they're successful. We have a motto where we're focused on "Enter to learn, depart to serve", and they entrench that within your mind as soon as you hit campus and you go to the student orientation process, you are finally a part of the ram family. And that's one thing that I felt when I entered to Salem State. You may have seen our tagline it's "Be the next", it's "Be the next." You get to fill in the blank, whatever that is, but what we hope it is is a higher quality life and that you are designers of your future. That's who we are.

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Winston - Salem State University Virtual Tour

Are you applying to winston - salem state university explore the campus using the virtual tour below..

Virtual tours are a great way to refresh your memory or to preview an on-site tour of WSSU.

What's in it for me?

At the beginning of your college search, a virtual tour can be a beneficial tool to explore the campus before your visit. When you do visit the campus, be sure to talk to current students about their experiences. A student perspective is a helpful way to gauge your future experience when attending Winston - Salem State University. Already took an on-campus tour? It's inevitable. All of your college tours will blend, and you might forget the appearance of WSSU's library, dorms, or cafeteria. Use the virtual tour to jog your memory! With the interactive mapping tool below you can even explore the area surrounding the campus.

Use the resources below to start your virtual tour.

Using the Map

Click and drag the little orange person to a location on the map. Locations with panoramas appear as blue lines or blue dots when moving the orange person. The blue dots are panoramic views that you may swivel. The blue lines are paths that you can navigate along.

Panoramic View

You can "pan" or "swivel" the camera around by clicking on the image and dragging your mouse or finger. If you see a white arrow on the picture, you can click or tap on it to move in the direction of the arrow. This will also update the location of the little orange person on the map so you can get a better sense of where you are and what direction you are facing.

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The College Tour

Explore Pullman, Washington, and discover what makes Washington State University special through the eyes of real students in season 12 of the College Tour. The award-winning series, hosted by Amazing Race winner Alex Boylan highlights the unique experiences and opportunities at WSU from Cougs. Each video provides insight into different aspects of Coug life, giving you a comprehensive view of what it means to find your home at Wazzu.

Cougs Find Community

Josh santiago, hagåtña, guam, sophomore in computer science.

Despite WSU’s large student population, Josh was able to find a tight-knit community at WSU by becoming involved in student organizations. At WSU he has been able to learn and grow as a person. With over 300 student organizations on campus, there is no shortage of ways to get involved.

Cougs Celebrate Culture

Daniela alpire, wenatchee, washington, junior in music and finance.

Daniela pursues her passion for music and mentors other LatinX students in the undocumented student center. She joined the choral community and started a mariachi band which helps her to express her culture through music. The welcoming atmosphere and rich experiences at WSU have been transformative for Daniela.

Cougs Make Life Better

Katelyn smith, mead, washington, sophomore in biology with a minor in environmental science and an honors college mindfulness certificate.

As WSU Alumni, Katelyn’s parents raised her with a strong sense of the Cougar pride. Her passion for WSU helps other students feel at home on campus through her work as a resident hall advisor.

Cougs Find Their Path

Cameron johnson, long beach, california, senior in management information systems.

Cameron’s credits transferred. After receiving his Associates Degree, Cameron transferred to WSU to play football and was encouraged not only to find the transfer process to be simple, but also to find leadership opportunities in student clubs.

Cougs Persevere

Emma fairbourne, morristown, new jersey, first-year in psychology.

As an out of state student, Emma managed to utilize WSU financial aid resources to make college affordable while building a competitive resume. WSU strives to keep tuition affordable, while also providing resources to help students understand and manage their finances.

Cougs Conserve Nature

Daniel pettengill, westminster, california, senior in wildlife ecology and conservation sciences.

Daniel came to WSU to help serve and protect the grizzly bears at the one-of-a-kind Bear Research and Conservation Center at WSU. There, he participates in multiple research projects striving to achieve his goal towards wildlife conservation.

Cougs Leave Their Legacy

Gerra shock, zillah, washington, sophomore in digital technology and culture.

Gerra has found a strong sense of belonging and friendship in the Native American Student Center at WSU. Gerra is an enrolled member of the Yakama Nation Tribe. The mentorship she has received put her on a path to help preserve her native language for future generations.

Cougs Make an Impact

Mikayden weise, salkum, washington, senior in chemical engineering with a minor in mathematics.

Mikayden has participated in important research, including work in immunotherapy to help in the fight against cancer. Mikayden shows how WSU gives students the opportunity to actively take part in life-changing research in any major, even in your first year.

Cougs Create Connections

Zane wimberley, vancouver, washington, junior in finance.

To get the most out of his college experience, Zane joined the Greek community and took a leadership role in University Recreation. Through his fraternity, he and his brothers celebrate their achievements in academics and philanthropic contributions.

Cougs Win the Day!

Kalia franco, makawao, hawai‘i, junior in psychology and human development.

Kalia found her home and sense of community on the WSU Spirit Squad. Kalia exudes the unwavering Cougar spirit and celebrates tradition shared by Cougs across the globe. Wherever you are in the world, you will find the Cougar logo accompanied by a friendly face.

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Our Preview events are the perfect way to experience the unique atmosphere and energy of WSU while enjoying fall or spring on the Palouse. It’s your chance to envision your future at Washington State University!

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FALL PREVIEW AGENDA

The official event agenda will be provided the day of the event.

Visitation Award — WSU Preview

Receive a one-time visitation award of $500 upon your enrollment at WSU Pullman.

To qualify for the visit award students must be registered, attend, and participate in all components of a WSU Preview event. To receive the award students must attend in either their junior or senior year of high school if entering as a first-year student. Transfer students will need to attend within two semesters of their start date to qualify. Space is limited at all programs and registration is on a first-come basis. This award cannot be received more than once but can be combined with an Experience WSU award.

Student Financial Services will post the visit award to the student’s account by early June prior to a student’s entry term. The award will be a credit applied toward tuition for enrollment at WSU Pullman. Please contact the Visitation Office to confirm they have record of your attendance and for any questions regarding the award. Please note that the visit award cannot be deferred to future terms.

Register for Spring Preview

Our Preview events are the perfect way to experience the energy of WSU while enjoying spring on the Palouse. During your visit, you’ll have the chance to attend an academic and student services fair, meet world-class faculty and students, and check out campus all in one day.

Saturday, April, 13, 2024 | 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Check-in at Beasley Coliseum | 8:00 to 9:15 a.m

Spring Preview Agenda

Schedule is subject to change.  A detailed schedule will be provided to you at check-in. 

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It’s fall semester at WSU!

September 10, 2024

As summer winds down and fall approaches, I am excited to connect with you — our alumni, friends, and supporters of WSU and the Arts and Sciences.  With the changing season, our campuses are gearing up for a vibrant period of renewed energy—students returning for classes, faculty preparing for conferences, and new research and creative projects are in the air.

We are delighted to introduce 27 new faculty members who are bringing fresh ideas and vibrancy to our college. Their presence strengthens our diverse and dynamic academic community, and we invite you to meet them:  Meet the new faculty of 2024 . 

As we look ahead, I want to share a few recent highlights that showcase the incredible achievements within our college:

• Art and Creativity:  Four of our talented artists—Io Palmer, Reza Safavi, JJ Harty, and Reika Okuhara (MFA ’24)—were featured at Seattle’s Bumbershoot Arts & Music Festival with individual installations that reflect the innovative spirit of our community. (photos below)

Images 1-2 artist Io Palmer, Images 3-4 artist JJ Harty

• Research Excellence:  Arts and Sciences faculty were incredibly successful in obtaining external research grants this summer. Three of many recent examples are: 1) Jacob Lewis’s (School of Politics, Philosophy, and Public Affairs) Department of Defense grant on mapping societal cohesion, disinformation, and adversary influence operations, and group formation in African crisis regions; 2) Alex Fremier’s (School of Environment) National Science Foundation grant on understanding the hydrological impact of floodplain restorations; and 3) Anjali Sharma’s (chemistry) National Institutes of Health grant on targeted nanotherapies for the treatment of prostate cancer. 
• Innovative Teaching:  More than 20 faculty members from our Pullman, Vancouver, and Everett campuses are participating in the  LIFT  program, which focuses on pedagogical strategies that enhance students’ sense of belonging, growth mindset, and mindfulness.
• Celebrating Success:  The Cougar Summer Music Camp, organized by our School of Music, registered its largest event to date, with 109 campers forming numerous ensembles, including a concert band, string orchestra, choir, music theater cast, and more.
• Honoring Teaching Excellence:  We recently awarded our first-ever teaching-focused Distinguished Professorship to Nicholas Cerruti in the Department of Physics and Astronomy, made possible by the Tom and Julie Lutz Endowed Distinguished Professorship.
• Student Spotlight:  Over half of the students showcased in  The College Tour  are majors or minors within the College of Arts and Sciences. We’re proud to see our students representing the best of WSU on a national platform.  The College Tour  premiere’s on Amazon in October.

These achievements are a testament to the dynamic community you help support. I will share more successes with you in the year ahead and encourage you to look through our library of  news and highlights , as well as checking back periodically for other  messages that I share with our community. Your continued engagement makes it possible for our students, faculty, and staff to reach new heights.

Thank you for being an essential part of our community.

P.S. We hope you can join us for our  Arts and Sciences fall reception  being held in conjunction with the  WSU in Seattle  events. Join us at the Hilton Garden Inn in Bellevue on  Thursday, September 12 . There’s still time to register at  cas.wsu.edu/rsvp .

Courtney Meehan Interim Dean

Take a walk through the most ancient Kremlin in Russia

The Novgorod Kremlin, which is also called ‘Detinets’, is located on the left bank of the Volkhov River. The first fortified settlement was set here during the reign of prince Vladimir Yaroslavich, the son of Yaroslav the Wise. During these times, all the state, public and religious life of Novgorod was concentrated here. It was the place where people kept chronicles and copied the texts of books. The Novgorod Kremlin, the most ancient one in Russia, was founded here in the 15th century.

St. Sophia Cathedral (11th century), The Millennium Of Russia Monument, Episcopal Chamber (15th century) and the main exhibition of The State Novgorod Museum-reservation located in a public office building of the 18th century are all situated in the Novgorod Kremlin. The exhibition will tell you about the whole Novgorod history from ancient times to the present day. There are also restoration workshops, a children’s center, a library and a philharmonic inside the Kremlin walls.

Send a letter with the State Novgorod Museum-reservation stamp

While visiting the main building of the Novgorod Kremlin museum, you’ll see a small bureau near the souvenir area. Two more bureaus like that can be found in the Fine Arts Museum and the Museum information centre. This is the Museum Post, the joint project of the State Novgorod Museum-reservation and Russian Post.

The tradition to exchange letters (at that time written on birch bark sheets) dates back to the 11th century so it’s hardly surprising that such a project appeared here. The bureaus are desks and mailboxes at the same time, so you can send your friends a postcard with a view of Novgorod right from the museum.

Find the famous Russian poet Alexander Pushkin among the figures of The Millennium Of Russia Monument

In 1862, 1000 years after the Varangians were called to Russia, a monument dedicated to this event was launched in Novgorod. To tell the story of Russia’s one thousand years, the sculptor used 129 bronze figures: from state and military leaders to artists and poets.

One of figures portrays Afanasy Ordin-Nashchokin, a politician and reformer who was responsible for Russia’s diplomatic relations in the middle of the 17th century. He is believed to be the father of international and regular mail in Russia. He was also the person who came up with the idea of the first Russian Post official emblem — a post horn and a double-headed eagle.

Cross the Msta River over the first arch bridge in Russia

The steel bridge in Borovichi town that connects two banks of the Msta river was built at the beginning of the 20th century. The project of the bridge was created by Nikolay Belelyubsky, engineer and professor of St. Petersburg State Transport University. This is the first arch bridge in Russia.

In 1995, it was included in the national cultural heritage register. More than 100 bridges across Russia were developed by Belelyubsky, but only this one is named after him.

Cast a virtual bell

When in the Novgorod region, you’ll definitely hear bells ring and learn about the Novgorod Veche Bell. During the siege of the city, tsar Ivan III ordered to remove this bell from the bell tower and send it to Moscow. Legend says that the bell didn’t accept his fate, fell to the ground near the border of the Novgorod region and broke to pieces against the stones.

In the biggest Museum Bell Centre in Russia located in the Valday town, you can see bells from across the world and learn why Novgorod bells are unique. The museum’s collection represents bells from different countries and ages, some of them dating back to the 3rd century BC. You’ll learn about the history of casting and modern bell-making technologies and also play games on a touch table. For example, harness virtual ‘troika’ (three) horses with bells or cast a virtual bell.

Spot the pigeon on the cross of St. Sophia Cathedral

St. Sophia Cathedral was built in Novrogod between 1045 and 1050 by Kievan and Byzantine masters. It was conceived as the main cathedral of the city, and during its first years it was the only stone building in Novgorod. So where does the pigeon on the cross of the cathedral’s biggest dome come from?

Legend says that while tsar Ivan the Terrible and his Oprichniki were cruelly killing peaceful city folk in 1570, a pigeon suddenly sat down to the cross of the city’s main cathedral. It looked down, saw the massacre, and was literally petrified with horror. Since then the pigeon has been considered the defender of the city. People believe that as soon as the pigeon flies away from the cross, Novgorod will come to an end.

Visit a monastery, that was founded by Patriarch Nikon

The Valday Iver Monastery is situated on the island in the middle of the Valday lake. It is considered to be one of the most important and picturesque orthodox shrines.

The monastery was founded in 1653 by the initiative of Nikon who had just been elected Patriarch. Nikon wanted the monastery to look like the Iviron Monastery on Mount Athos, including the architectural style and monk’s clothes. Legend says that Nikon saw the spot for the monastery in a dream.

Check out Fyodor Dostoevsky’s country house

Fyodor Dostoevsky, a famous Russian writer, first visited Staraya Russa town in 1872 during a summer trip with his family. They liked it so much that the next year they rented a house near the Pererytitsa River’s embankment and spent every summer here ever since.

Dostoevsky loved this house, called it ‘his nest’ and considered it the perfect place to work and to be alone. In Staraya Russa he wrote his novels ‘The Adolescent’, ‘The Brothers Karamazov’ and ‘Demons’. Today, this place is a museum where you can explore what Dostoevsky’s house looked like and see his family’s personal belongings, photos and letters.

Visit an authentic Russian ‘izba’ (wooden house)

If you want to really enjoy the atmosphere of the old Novgorod, you should come to the Vitoslavlitsy Museum of folk wooden architecture that is located on the Myachino lake not far away from Veliky Novgorod. In this open-air museum you’ll see the best examples of Russian wooden architecture, including authentic old ‘izbas’ (wooden houses), rural chapels and churches.

During the year, the museum hosts fairs of crafts and folklore, christmastides, and even an international bell ringing festival.

Learn what Brick Gothic looks like

The Episcopal Chamber of the Novgorod Kremlin is the only non-religious German Gothic building of the 15th century preserved in Russia. You can have a good look at the facets of the gothic cross-domed vaults inside the chamber. This is why this building is also called ‘Faceted Chamber’ or ‘Chamber of Facets’.

The chamber was part of Vladychny Dvor, the place where all important city events took place: court hearings, gatherings of the Council of Lords of the Novgorod Republic, ambassador’s receptions and feasts. The seals of the city’s lords were kept here. The decree of tsar Ivan III on merging the Novgorod Republic with the Moscow State was first announced in 1478 in Episcopal Chamber. This is when the name of the new state, Russia, was first pronounced.

See the murals by Theophanes the Greek

The Byzantine Empire had a huge impact on the development of the Russian culture. Many works of art and architecture in ancient Russia were created by Byzantine artists and masters. Theophanes the Greek was one of them. He was born in Byzantine and created icons and murals in Constantinople and Caffa (modern Feodosia). After that he moved to Novgorod where he was commissioned to paint the walls of the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior on Ilyina Street. You can enjoy his unique and expressive style if you look at the murals inside the dome of the church and the Trinity side chapel.

The most recognizable and the only monumental work of Theophanes the Greek that is preserved today is the chest-high portrait of the Savior the Almighty in the dome of the Church of the Transfiguration of the Savior.

Take a photo with an ancient Novgorod citizen who is learning how to read and write

In 1951, a letter written on birch bark dating back to the 14–15th centuries was found in Veliky Novgorod. Many decades later, in 2019, a sculpture designed by Novgorod artist and sculptor Sergey Gaev appeared on this exact site.

The sculpture portrays an 8–year old boy sitting on a stool and holding a piece of birch bark. At this age children in Novgorod started to learn how to read and write. During archaeological excavations in Novgorod, scientists often found ancient handwriting practice books and children’s drawings on birch bark sheets.

Feel like an ancient viking or prince Rurik’s guest

Novgorod is one of the waypoints of the famous trade route from the Varangians to the Greeks. The route passed through the Volkhov river. In the 9–10th centuries there was a fortified settlement of the Viking Age here.

Some scientists believe that Novgorod is named after this area which was called ‘Stary Gorod’ (‘Old City’) at that time. Some historians and archeologists consider this place to be the residence of Prince Rurik who was asked to rule the city in 862. That’s why this ancient settlement is called ‘Rurikovo Gorodische’ (‘Ruruk’s Old City’).

Learn more about the Soviet modernist architecture

On the bank of the Volkhov river near the Novgorod Kremlin, there is an incredible building that looks like a spaceship and contrasts strongly with the ancient buildings of the city.

This is the Fyodor Dostoevsky Theater of Dramatic Art that was built in 1987. It is one of the most striking examples of the Soviet modernist architecture. The theater was built for 10 years according to the project of architect Vladimir Somov.

See what an everyday life of Old Believers looks like

The Krestsy town in the Novgorod region has always been considered to be the center of the Novgorod Old Belief community, and it still is. Before the Soviet revolution there were three Old Believers churches here.

The Lyakova village, which is located not far from the town, used to be inhabited completely by Old Believers. You can learn more about their lifestyle in the local interactive museum. You’ll be introduced to Old Believers’ traditional crafts and ceremonies, drink tea with healing herbs and learn how to chop wood and use an old spinning wheel.

Buy a traditional embroidered tablecloth

A unique embroidery style that is now famous all over the world was born in the Staroye Rakhino village in the Novgorod province. By the middle of the 19th century, it had become a folk craft. Since then, linen tablecloths, towels and clothing items decorated with unusual ornaments have been popular not only among the locals, but also travellers.

In 1929, the first cooperative partnership of embroidery masters was created in Kresttsy. Later it turned into a factory that still operates today. The factory has a museum where embroidery traditions are preserved and new ornaments and technologies are created.

Find yourself in the Middle Ages

In the Middle Ages, Staraya Russa town could be called ‘the salt cellar of Russia’. That’s because salt making was the main trade here up to the 19th century. A few years ago, the old craft was brought back to life, and construction of salt works began. Later, an interactive museum was launched based on the results of archaeological findings.

This museum recreates a typical medieval manor of Staraya Russa of the 12th century with living rooms, a bathhouse, workshops, a livestock pen and traditional peasant household items. In this museum, you can also buy salt which is made in the same way as 1000 years ago.

See the place where Suvorov started his Italian campaign

Alexander Suvorov’s manor in the Konchanskoe village, which has now become the museum of the great commander, was originally the place of his exile. Suvovor openly disagreed with the reform of Russian’s army based on the Prussian model, and Emperor Paul the First didn’t appreciate such behaviour. He first fired Suvorov and then sent him away to his family estate.

However, the exile lasted for only two years. The great commander started the military campaign straight from his house in the Konchanskoe. During this legendary expedition, he crossed the Alps and defeated the French army.

Become a real hiker

If you dream of having a hike in the Novgorod region, but at the same time you are afraid that a tourist’s life may be too hard, you should try the Big Valday trail. This is a five-day 59-kilometer walking route. Its central part goes right through the Valday National Park’s territory.

You won’t have to cope with difficulties and inconveniences of camping life here. The route is marked with signs, and there are camping sites where you can find everything you need for an overnight stay from shelters and places for a fire to toilets. The trail finishes at the Dunayevshchina village where you can take a bus back to Valday. To take the trail, you have to fill out a special form and register on the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Russian Federation website.

Russian Post has launched a limited series of products dedicated to the cultural heritage of the Novgorod region.

In autumn 2020, Russian Post announced an open contest to create the design for its limited series dedicated to Novgorod region. The project was supported by the Government of the Novgorod region, ‘Russ Novgorodskaya’ (Novgorod Russia) project, the State Novgorod Museum-reservation and Yandex.

Stamps and envelopes are traditionally used to spread information about historic dates and figures and famous landmarks. Now we can also use parcel boxes, packaging tape and postcards. The limited series products will travel around the world, introducing the most popular Russian attractions to six million Russian Post clients daily.

The participants were to create the design for the limited series featuring three iconic attractions of the Novgorod region, the Novgorod Kremlin, the Millennium Of Russia Monument and the Belelyubsky Bridge in Borovichi. Moscow designers and graduates of the Higher School of Economics’ Art and Design School Alena Akmatova and Svetlana Ilyushina won the contest. Their project was chosen via an open vote and by the expert jury.

Winston-Salem State University

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Researchers improve search for cancer drivers

PULLMAN, Wash. — A computer algorithm can efficiently find genetic mutations that work together to drive cancer as well as other important genetic clues that researchers might someday use to develop new treatments for a variety of cancers.

Reporting in the journal Frontiers in Bioinformatics , a Washington State University-led team used a novel network computer model to find co-occurring mutations as well as other similarities among DNA sequence elements across several types of cancer. The model allows for easier searches for patterns in huge seas of cancer genetic data.

“This is a study not of one particular cancer, where you dive in and try to understand it, but rather of many cancers together, looking for patterns and things that could someday be used for drug discovery,” said corresponding author Assefaw Gebremedhin, associate professor in the WSU School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science.

Cancer tends to be talked about as one disease, but it’s really a spectrum of diseases where different driver mutations dictate the disease’s progression and prognosis, said co-author and University of Vermont molecular genetics researcher Steven Roberts. A better understanding of how common the different mutations and driver genes are across different types of cancer could help to prioritize possible targets for treatment. But cancer researchers have been stymied in their search for clues by the huge amount of computation required to study long genetic sequences and a large number of mutations.

“We couldn’t really look at all of the sequences because the computational space would be too large,” said Roberts. “If you try to take all the genomic data together and analyze all of it, the mathematical problem scales exponentially, and you just overwhelm the system.”

The network model developed by the WSU team, which is called DiWANN, is sparser and more efficient than existing network models without losing key structural components.

The network model developed by the WSU team, DiWANN, is sparser and more efficient than existing network models without losing key structural components.

“This model gets to the minimal way to represent things without losing information,” said Gebremedhin. “Our model tries to understand relationships between sequences in a more effective way, and by effective, I mean they can be computed quickly. With this minimal representation of the network, you can get more information and make computation scalable.”

Since developing their DiWANN model five years ago, the researchers have used it to look at the geographic distribution of tick-borne diseases as well as the spread of COVID-19 during the pandemic.

In this work, the researchers added a data reduction step to further reduce the amount of required computation and a second computer model to gain further insights into co-occurring genes. WSU computer science PhD student Shruti Patil led this effort and is the first author of the study.

The researchers found evidence in their work, for instance, that two mutations in pancreatic cancer nearly always show up together — something that had only been suspected. One of the mutations, tumor protein 53, suppresses tumor growth while the other, known as KRAS, is a driver of proliferation.

The researchers identified cancer types that are closely connected to each other and that could perhaps be susceptible to common drug treatments. Some cancers were homogenous, meaning they all had similar mutations that lead to cancer, whereas other types of cancers had a huge variety of different mutations.

“Some of the certain cancer types are very, very homogenous, and their driver mutations were almost always the same, but then you get some other cancer types where it’s all over the map,” said Roberts. “Those are the ones, based on our predictions, that are probably going to be the hardest to treat.”

Because it provides sparse information, the WSU network model allows the researchers to expand the number of tumors that they can study.

“This increases our power to actually detect novel interactions and novel aspects of how these tumors behave,” said Roberts. “If we can actually screen through large data sets, it’s a much faster way to go about it.” The researchers are now working to develop a web-based tool for public health experts, so that researchers in health can more easily use the model to study complex questions in cancer and other diseases. The work was supported by the National Science Foundation and the National Cancer Institute.

Media Contacts

• Assefaw Gebremedhin , WSU School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science , 509-335-3952 , [email protected]
• Steven Roberts , University of Vermont Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics , [email protected]

Fall Research Conversation series begins

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