Guide to the Washington State University, University Communications Ask Dr. Universe Files 1998-2015
Archives 389

Summary Information

Repository
Washington State University Libraries, Manuscripts, Archives and Special Collections
Creator
Washington State University. University Communications.
Title
Washington State University, University Communications Ask Dr. Universe Files
ID
Archives 389
Date [inclusive]
1998-2015
Extent
2 Linear feet of shelf space, 2 boxes
Language
Collection materials are in English.
Abstract
Original art and documentation from Ask Dr. Universe, a children’s science column produced at Washington State University.

Preferred Citation

[Item Description]

Washington State University, University Communications Ask Dr. Universe Files, 1998-2015

Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections, Washington State University Libraries, Pullman, WA.

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Biography/History

Dr. W.S. (Wendy Sue) Universe is an anthropomorphic cat who answers science-based questions in a Washington State University produced column, aimed at school-age youth and adults alike. She provides not just answers but also often provides insights into the importance of the question, how the answers were determined, and what greater implications those answers might have.

Dr. Universe was created in 1996 by Tim Steury, then research news coordinator and editor of WSU’s research magazine, Universe. Bob Smith, Dean of the Graduate School, came up with the name. Sonia Oei Gerard was recruited to provide artwork. The syndicated column appeared bi-weekly in northwest newspapers, as well as online. It has gone through several iterations, occasionally appearing solely as text, occasionally with an accompanying cartoon or photograph (often of Dr. Universe and one of the scientists involved in answering the questions), and was briefly planned, but never published, as a Sunday-strip style comic. The strip ended in August 2001, when Universe magazine ceased publication, but was resurrected in 2014 as Rachel Webber of WSU Communications took over the reins of Dr. Universe in print and online. In 2018, a series of animated Dr. Universe minute-long episodes for web and television were created in partnership with Northwest Public Broadcasting.

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Scope and Content

The collection consists primarily of art, both original and reproductions, created for the Ask Dr. Universe columns. It includes original comic strips, photographs, administrative materials, clippings, and promotional materials for the column.

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Arrangement

The materials are separated into two boxes, solely based on the size of the materials. Within each box, materials are broken into subject-based folders.

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Administrative Information

Publication Information

Washington State University Libraries Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collections  © 2019

http://www.libraries.wsu.edu/masc/

Terrell Library

P.O. Box 645610

Pullman, WA, 99164-5610 USA

509-335-6691

mascref@wsu.edu

Restrictions on Access

This collection is open and available for research use.

Restrictions on Use

Copyright restrictions may apply.

Acquisition Information

The materials were transferred to Washington State University Libraries’ Manuscripts, Archives, and Special Collection on June 7, 2019 by Larry Clark, editor of Washington State Magazine. They were retained as UA2019-02.

Processing Information

This collection was processed in June, 2019 by University Archivist Mark O’English. All digital files were copied into archival storage during processing.

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Names and Subjects

Corporate Name(s)

Subject(s) :
  • Washington State University. University Communications. -- Records and correspondence.

Personal Name(s)

Creator(s) :
  • Steury, Tim.
  • Oei, Sonia.
  • Webber, Rachel.

Subject(s)

  • Science -- Study and teaching (Elementary)
  • Science
  • Elementary and Secondary Education
  • Washington (State)
  • Colleges and Universities

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Detailed Description of Collection

box folder

Administrative materials. Proposals, correspondence, news articles.    22 pages.

1 1

Cartoon reproductions.    13 slides, plus two CDs with 13 tifs of standard cartoons plus one (tif and pdf) "I've been thinking…"

1 2

Column photocopies.    15 items.

1 3

Mailing lists of papers which carried the column.    3 items.

1 4

Original art and print. Signed "M.C."  

 1 5

Photographs. WSU Faculty with Dr. Universe. Identified.    18 images.

1 6

Photographs. WSU Faculty with Dr. Universe. Unidentified, female.    15 images.

1 7

Photographs. WSU Faculty with Dr. Universe. Unidentified, male.    31 images.

1 8

Photographs. Dr. Universe solo images.    27 images.

1 9

Production, research, and promotional materials.    12 pages.

1 10

Dr. Universe prospective proposal sketch book, David Wheeler. 2005.    2 pages correspondence, 27 pages sketches.

1 11

Sketch copies.    6 items.

1 12

Stationery. Blank envelope and letter with Dr. Universe letterheads.    2 items.

1 13

Table cards and trading cards.    6 items.

1 14

Color comic strips, original art with pasted on captions. Approx. 17" x 14".    10 items.

2 1

Sample sheets. Color front matter, black and white "I've been thinking…" page, color samples, character color reference, sketches.    7 original pages, 2 copies.

2 2

Poster: "Learning is an Adventure!"    2 copies.

2 3

Prints. 14 cartoons (never published), plus 1 sheet with 2 mock-ups of title panels. Cartoons approx. 18" x 15".    15 items.

2 4

Newspaper clippings, columns.    61 articles.

2 5

Newspaper clippings, coverage.    3 articles.

2 6