Key staff members from eleven of Michigan’s Congressional offices were on Wayne State’s campus August 17th and 18th for the first leg of a joint WSU-MSU-UM (University Research Corridor) tour. This tour of Michigan’s three prominent research universities is held every other year, and provides an excellent opportunity to educate staff from Capitol Hill about the importance of Wayne State University and higher education to the future of Michigan.

Congressional Staff arrived in Detroit Monday evening and attended a dinner hosted by President Noren. The WSU tour schedule on Tuesday included:

• Continental Breakfast with presentations by Randal Charlton, Judy Johncox and brief visit by Chris Gardner (entrepreneur and author of “The Pursuit of Happyness”), in addition to a presentation from The Big Trip, part of the E2 Challenge.
• College of Engineering – remarks from Dean Ralph Kummler and presentations by several faculty, including some partnerships with the School of Medicine.
• Eugene Applebaum College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences – remarks from Dean Lloyd Young and a presentation on the driving simulator lab. While having lunch, staffers had an opportunity to get hands-on experience with the simulator, which proved to be a favorite of the day.
• School of Medicine – remarks from Interim Dean Valerie Parisi and several faculty.
• College of Nursing – remarks from Dean Barbara Redman and a faculty member.
• NextEnergy – remarks from Keith Cooley (CEO), and a presentation and tour of the Michigan Biofuels Laboratory.

URC Research Tour Pictures