West Virginia: The State of 3-D Printing
Looking at the current state of 3-D printing makes science fiction almost relatable. Who wouldn’t want an ice cream sundae on demand via a food replicator like those used in “Star Trek?” While it’s not quite a reality yet, a Barcelona-based research group, aptly named Robots in Gastronomy, already uses cream cheese, cake dough, eggs, pasta, honey and fruit or vegetable puree to print culinary creations—and they recently added ice cream to the list.
On the Map: West Virginia’s Largest Employers by County
West Virginians have a reputation for being a hard-working population, but where do they work? At West Virginia Executive, we are always interested in learning more about business demographics in the state, and WorkForce West Virginia enables that curiosity by collecting data on our largest employers, including the largest employers per county.
Shake It Up: Mountain State-Inspired Cocktails
Fall and winter are upon us, which means it’s time for everything from tailgating spreads and holiday parties to intimate get-togethers and cozy evenings for cuddling. With all those engagements, you’ll need something to serve up for others—and yourself. Here is a collection of West Virginia-inspired cocktails that are sure to exceed expectations and prove to be anything but boring for your meet-ups. Next time you’re looking for something with a spark, try out these drinks that are sure to pack a bigger punch than punch and put the gin in West Virginia.
Man Around Campus: An Interview with Dr. Ed Welch
Dr. Ed Welch, the president of University of Charleston (UC), is many things to many people. To faculty and staff at UC, he is the energy and vision that keeps the university moving forward. To students, he is a friend who joins them in the cafeteria for lunch to catch up on campus life.
The Next Step: The Future of Higher Education
West Virginia’s industries are evolving, and accompanying this progress is a host of new and unique needs within the state’s business community. With the growth and shifts in dynamics, more jobs are available, raising the question of how the state will supply a large enough work force to get the work done. As the demands of the world market expand and technology continues to change, the creation of specialized jobs is producing an immediate need for specialized training.
Strong Foundations: STEM in West Virginia
Across West Virginia, young people are aiming for greatness. Many of them are considering futures in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields, which helps lay a strong foundation for West Virginia’s economic future. According to a 2011 senior opinion survey by the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (WVHEPC), most students in West Virginia who plan to pursue a degree in a STEM field were strongly prepared for postsecondary education.