Jaime Diaz’s work in bringing costs under control for a key laboratory undergraduate course was also featured in the UW Today article.
The department purchased some simple student-friendly equipment with college teaching innovation funds, and Diaz developed experiments that were less costly but still met pedagogical standards. Lab fees were raised somewhat. A course that cost much more than was sustainable now bears its own weight financially, and the sections have filled up quickly, suggesting students like the change, too. Jaime adds that none of the efforts highlighted in the article would have been accomplished without the Department support staff. http://www.washington.edu/news/articles/planning-is-paramount-as-lean-times-change-role-of-department-chair