A recent gift from Geri and Chris Carlson is increasing access to education and enhancing the Cougar learning experience.
Sergey Lapin has long advocated research as part of the undergraduate experience. A professor of mathematics and statistics and current vice chancellor for research at WSU Everett, Lapin’s philosophy is straightforward: research makes learning tangible for students. “Math can be very dry and boring unless students understand how it impacts the real world,” Lapin explains. “Research gives them the chance to see that.”
This belief in the power of research to elevate learning is at the heart of a new WSU Everett initiative made possible by a gift from Geri ’77 and Chris ’75 Carlson. Their generous donation will establish the Student Research Fellowship at WSU Everett, ensuring that undergraduate students across disciplines can engage in hands-on research experiences that connect classroom knowledge to real-world applications.
Geri and Chris Carlson’s commitment to supporting WSU is deeply personal. Both Geri and Chris are WSU graduates—Geri with a bachelor of science in computer science and a bachelor of arts in business administration, and Chris with a bachelor of science in computer science and a master of science in computer science. Throughout the years, they have provided critical funding for a variety of projects, including the naming of a large laboratory classroom at the new WSU Vancouver Life Sciences Building. Their passion for expanding student opportunities has been a consistent thread in their philanthropy, with their latest gift aimed at enhancing research for undergraduates at WSU Everett.
A Vision for Undergraduate Research
Over the course of his career, Lapin has witnessed undergraduates publish their findings and even present at international conferences. But the lack of financial support for these research opportunities has long been a challenge. He noticed this was especially true at WSU Everett, where non-traditional students comprise a significant percentage of the campus.
In spring 2024, WSU Everett Chancellor Paul Pitre and Lapin launched a pilot undergraduate research grant program, funded through the chancellor’s budget. The grant offered $1,000 per student for a semester’s worth of research, encouraging students from across disciplines to apply. Three students were selected for the pilot program, with research topics spanning data analytics, hospitality and business management, and sustainable agriculture.
One of the pilot grant recipients, WSU senior Scott Sensiba, used his grant to dive into a project analyzing NHL hockey data. Sensiba and his mentor sought to develop an objective comparison between hockey players from different eras, focusing on metrics such as the percentage of team goals and performance under pressure. “My mentor and I are big hockey fans, and we wanted to come up with a way to definitively answer who was the best player, looking at comparisons like Wayne Gretzky versus Alexander Ovechkin,” said Sensiba.
For Sensiba, the grant was a game-changer. “Working full time, going to school full time, and being a full-time dad doesn’t leave much spare time. The grant allowed me to take a break from work to focus on this project,” he said. “It speaks volumes about WSU and its donors. They have a vested interest in my professional success. I am grateful for the opportunity.”
Sensiba was recently accepted into the Boeing Scholars program. He plans to continue his research into his senior year and present his findings at the 2025 WSU Showcase.
A Transformative Gift for WSU Everett
The success of the pilot program was undeniable, but sustaining it required private support. Geri and Chris Carlson were eager to step in, ensuring that more students like Scott would have the opportunity to conduct meaningful research. With their contribution, the Student Research Fellowship at WSU Everett is now poised to offer year-long funding, opening the door to a wider range of projects and allowing students to dig deeper into their fields of interest.
For the Carlsons, this gift is about more than just financial support—it’s about providing a distinctive educational experience. “I had the privilege of working with faculty on a research project as an undergraduate, and I want to give others the same chance,” Geri said. She and Chris view undergraduate research as a direct way to enhance student learning and differentiate WSU from other universities.
Their hope is that the fellowship will not only increase access to research for students across the campus but also support those who might not otherwise have the resources to pursue these opportunities. “I knew a student who was invited to an international conference to present her research with a professor. Her family helped cover her travel costs, but not all students are in that position,” Geri explained. “Success for us means making sure all students who are interested can participate in research, regardless of their financial situation.”
As applications open for the fall cohort of the Student Research Fellowship at WSU Everett, anticipation is high. Both Pitre and Lapin are excited to see what the next group of students will achieve with the support of this innovative program. Thanks to the generosity of Geri and Chris Carlson, WSU Everett is now even better positioned to give its students the tools they need to succeed in research and beyond.
“We’re starting small, but we’re ambitious,” Lapin said, referring to his hopes for fall applicants. “If you have big ideas, we can help you implement them.”