Announcements
Message from Dean Coben: Welcome to the start of a new year, bound together by a common goal
Dean Coben welcomes students, faculty and staff as a new academic year begins.
WVU researcher studies inflammatory effects of toxic chemicals
Many of us face safety risks at work, but those serving in the military or working in law enforcement and industrial settings are at greater risk for dangerous chemical exposures. This risk is significant, as nearly 10% of occupational illnesses or injuries that lead to death are caused by exposure to chemicals. Jonathan Boyd—a West Virginia University School of Medicine researcher—is investigating the inflammatory responses produced by exposure to chemical agents. The Defense Threat Reduction Agency recently awarded him over $2 million for the project.
Sniffing out an alternative: WVU scientists developing nasal mist vaccine targeting COVID-19
The only approved way to get vaccinated against COVID-19 is through a good ‘ol shot in the arm. Eventually, West Virginia University medical researchers could change that narrative. Scientists say they’ve developed a nasal mist that you would inhale through your nose and would offer protection against SARS-CoV-2 and its emerging variants. “The more I watched the vaccine race as a bystander, I kept thinking, ‘We should really test the idea of a nasal mist,’” said Heath Damron, director of the WVU Vaccine Development Center.
WVU president welcomes students back to campus, urges cautious enthusiasm
West Virginia University President Gordon Gee welcomed students back to campus on the first day of class (Aug. 18) in a letter. Gee expressed his joy at the return to campus, but also urged balancing enthusiasm with “a measure of reality.”
WVU to temporarily reinstate mask requirement in classrooms, labs
West Virginia University is temporarily revising its masking guidelines. Beginning Wednesday, Aug. 18, and for the next 30 days, masks will be required for all those in classrooms, teaching and research labs on all campuses - regardless of vaccination status.
BeWell Blog — "Try This Tuesday: Take a REST"
Have you noticed yourself often saying things in the heat of the moment that you did not mean? Or perhaps you frequently make decisions that you later regret. Maybe sometimes your emotions overwhelm you like a tidal wave, and you feel helpless against them.
School of Medicine to host LCME Kickoff Plenary Session
The WVU School of Medicine will host a virtual plenary kickoff session for the upcoming Liaison Committee on Medical Education (LCME) M.D. Program site visit.
WVU, CDC gain greater insight into university students’ knowledge, attitudes and behaviors regarding mask usage
As West Virginia University kicks off a new academic year amid a recent spike in COVID-19 cases across the country, public health researchers at both WVU and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention now have a better understanding of university students’ knowledge and perceptions of mask-wearing.
Reminder: Upcoming COVID-19 vaccination clinics on campus
West Virginia University is hosting a series of pop-up COVID-19 vaccination clinics this weekend in partnership with the Monongalia County Health Department for students, faculty and staff on the Morgantown campus as well as members of the community.
U.S. FDA and CDC authorize additional COVID-19 vaccine for the immunocompromised
Earlier today (Friday, Aug. 13), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) authorized additional COVID-19 vaccine shots for certain individuals who are immunocompromised.