Shawn Vestal

Spokane

Editor and operations coordinator of InvestigateWest, and author of Godforsaken Idaho, a collection of short stories, and the novel Daredevils.

Articles

WSU study shows that ‘cult wines’ are less affected by weather variability than non-cult wines

1 week ago | news.wsu.edu | Angela Sams |Will Ferguson |Steve Nakata |Shawn Vestal

The unpredictable weather caused by climate change can be stressful for many vineyard managers and winemakers. A recent study from Washington State University’s School of Economic Sciences (SES) shows that the “cult wine” subset of the industry may be able to literally weather the storm. A rare and ultra-premium product, cult wines are only available to those who join a winery’s allocation list or purchase the bottles on the secondary market.
Honors students explore the shadowy realm of early crime fiction

1 week ago | news.wsu.edu | Will Ferguson |Steve Nakata |Shawn Vestal |Tina Hilding

One of the challenges of adapting a book about a serial killer to the big screen in 1950 was that the moral codes of the time made it difficult to portray the story with the same violent and sexual realism a modern audience would expect. And yet, as Washington State University students discovered in an Honors 280 class this spring, that didn’t mean early crime films were entirely PG.
Rescheduled live course: ‘Form I‑9 Processing Instructor-Led Training’ - Percipio

1 week ago | news.wsu.edu | Will Ferguson |Steve Nakata |Shawn Vestal |Tina Hilding

HRS Records will be presenting an instructor-led training on I-9 processing and requirements on June 13, 9–10:30 a.m.About this live course — Presented by HRS staff, this course is intended for all WSU employees that have responsibility for Form I-9 processes and provides a comprehensive overview of Form I-9 requirements, the responsibilities of I-9 processors, and federal compliance and enforcement guidelines.
Microsoft awards support six WSU initiatives harnessing AI technology

1 week ago | news.wsu.edu | Shawn Vestal |Steve Nakata |Tina Hilding |Voiland College

May 7, 2025 By Shawn Vestal, WSU News & Media Relations Washington State University researchers are using AI technology to do everything from improving science education to scoring wildfire risk — and six such initiatives got a boost from a Microsoft program celebrating the company’s 50th birthday. The company distributed $5 million to 20 projects by universities, nonprofits and other organizations across the state through its AI for Good Lab.
New name, longtime legacy for College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences

2 weeks ago | news.wsu.edu | C. Brandon Chapman |Kylie Condosta |RJ Wolcott |Shawn Vestal

Effective today, the College of Education has a new name: the College of Education, Sport, and Human Sciences (CESHS). While the name has changed to reflect the college’s various programs, each of these programs has had a transformative legacy, some dating back more than a century. “Our college has a deep legacy of excellence, and we are proud of the impact our programs have had for generations,” dean Karen Thomas-Brown said.
Retired aerospace engineer, science fair advocate receives honorary doctorate from WSU

2 weeks ago | news.wsu.edu | RJ Wolcott |Kylie Condosta |Shawn Vestal |Tina Hilding

Growing up as a self-described “science nerd” in a small Eastern Washington town, Gary Foss’s career in aerospace engineering took off as a result of regional science fairs. While working at Boeing, Foss turned his attention to helping the next generation of students interested in careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. He helped organize and judge several STEM-focused events in Washington, including the science fairs so instrumental to his development.
President Cantwell launches transition site, shares objectives for 100-day plan

2 weeks ago | news.wsu.edu | Kylie Condosta |RJ Wolcott |Shawn Vestal |Tina Hilding

May 1, 2025 By Kylie Condosta, Office of the President Four weeks into the job, President Elizabeth Cantwell has developed a transition initiative designed to gain insights, deepen understanding, and cultivate relationships across the Washington State University system.
Once bitten, animals develop resistance that shrinks tick population

2 weeks ago | news.wsu.edu | Shawn Vestal |Tina Hilding |Voiland College |RJ Wolcott

Just in time for tick season, new research is shining a light on how animals develop resistance to tick bites, which points toward the possibility of developing more effective vaccines against the tiny, disease-carrying bloodsuckers. In a study of “acquired tick resistance” among deer mice, rabbits and cattle, researchers at Washington State University found that once host animals were exposed to ticks, they developed resistance to bites that dramatically shrank the tick population going forward.
Team Mentoring Program trip opens students’ eyes to new career possibilities

2 weeks ago | news.wsu.edu | Steve Nakata |Addy Hatch |Tom Holm |Shawn Vestal

While many of their peers spent spring break relaxing on a beach or visiting with family, a group of Washington State University Pullman STEM students learned how airplanes are made and wine is produced, where new coffee products are created, and cutting-edge brain research is taking place. The 19 STEM students took part in a trip organized by WSU’s Team Mentoring Program (TMP) which took them to Chateau Ste.
WSU report highlights hidden epidemic of drug-exposed infants

2 weeks ago | news.wsu.edu | Addy Hatch |Steve Nakata |Tom Holm |Shawn Vestal

Most babies born with prenatal exposure to drugs show signs of withdrawal, a spectrum of symptoms that’s called neonatal abstinence syndrome. This hidden epidemic affects babies in Spokane County at a greater rate than in the state or in the nation, according to a report prepared by Washington State University Health Sciences. “The numbers were quite high,” said Ekaterina Burduli, associate professor at the WSU Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine and the study’s lead author.