WSU lands $1.4M DOE grant to train next wave of nuclear workers
The grant will help expand WSU’s nuclear training capabilities, supporting a new “Reactor Ready” initiative aimed at preparing students and other workers for careers in the nation’s nuclear energy sector.
Good To Know
Campus & Community
WSU trio learns about Peruvian culture, water resource management during study abroad trip
Three WSU students completed capstone projects, heard about environmental challenges, and learned about Indigenous knowledge during their time in the South American country.
Graduating senior caps comprehensive Cougar experience
From flying through the air as a cheerleader to researching human health, graduating senior Maddy Reyes embraced nearly every aspect of being a Coug.
Thousands of Cougs participating in statewide commencement events
Commencement events — where families, friends, and community members can celebrate WSU graduates — are taking place across the state of Washington May 8–16.
New energy in the Summer 2026 issue of Washington State Magazine
Heading into the weekend, readers can explore the new issue, packed with stories on energy innovation and more from WSU and its alumni.
University Affairs
Regents approve two new degree programs, honor Sam Hunt during May 7 meeting
The two new degree programs are a Master of Science in Food Manufacturing Technologies for WSU Global Campus and a Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence for Pullman.
WSU Board of Regents hosting virtual meeting May 7
Regents will convene a series of committee meetings prior to the full meeting of the WSU Board of Regents.
WSU Regent, longtime civic leader Sam Hunt dies following battle with leukemia
Hunt, a 1967 WSU graduate, devoted more than five decades to public service, education, and civic leadership across Washington.
WSU’s #CougsGive surpasses $1 million for second consecutive year
Donors made a combined 1,451 gifts for $1,056,226 during the campaign, with every WSU campus and college receiving support.
WSU-related Podcasts
From WSU:
Food safety, WSU stories, science answers for kids, and more — listen to podcasts from Washington State University.
About WSU:A selection of programs about Washington State, produced by alumni and friends.
WSU PodcastsBenefits & Training
Department of Retirement System participants pre-retirement seminar
Are you considering retiring? Join a pre-retirement seminar to assist you in your planning. Topics include: Retiree Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance Enrollment Processes Medicare and Social Security Voluntary Employee’s Benefit Association Medical Expense Plan (VEBA MEP) Annual Leave Payment Voluntary Investment Programs Retirement Income Thursday, May 21 9–10 a.m. The Zoom link is available online. We hope […]
Pre-retirement seminars — Spring 2026
Are you considering retiring? Join a pre-retirement seminar to assist you in your planning. Topics include: Retiree Medical, Dental, and Life Insurance Enrollment Processes Medicare and Social Security Voluntary Employee’s Benefit Association Medical Expense Plan (VEBA MEP) Annual Leave Payment Voluntary Investment Programs Retirement Income, and Retirement Supplementation for WSURP participants These seminars are split into […]
Awards & Achievements
Deone Bucannon returns to WSU to finish his degree
More than a decade after playing his final football game as a Coug, former NFL linebacker Deone Bucannon is on the cusp of earning his diploma.
WSU’s Sutton named Carnegie Fellow for project on Satan in American politics
History professor Matthew Sutton is one of 24 fellows selected for prestigious honor intended to explore social division and foster unity.
History’s Ryan Booth named 2026 Library Excellence Award recipient
Booth has been named the 2026 Library Excellence Award recipient for his hands‑on teaching approach that connects students with library archives and sparks deeper engagement with research.
Smart solutions for home, wealth and health sweep Business Plan Competition
The annual WSU competition awarded top honors to student ventures tackling challenges in homebuilding, health care, finance and sustainability, with Opulence AI earning the $10,000 grand prize.
Science & Technology
WSU lands $1.4M DOE grant to train next wave of nuclear workers
The grant will help expand WSU’s nuclear training capabilities, supporting a new “Reactor Ready” initiative aimed at preparing students and other workers for careers in the nation’s nuclear energy sector.
AI cuts wildlife tracking time from months to days
A new WSU-led study found that AI can cut wildlife camera-trap analysis from months to days while producing results similar to human experts, potentially transforming conservation monitoring.
WSU researchers patent flexible microscope design
A WSU-born startup has secured a U.S. patent for a modular microscope that lets researchers swap components on demand, making advanced imaging more flexible and cost-effective.
AI app guides officers through domestic violence incidents in real time
WSU researchers developed the open-source app to help law enforcement ensure critical details are captured in high-stress, time-sensitive situations.
Food & Agriculture
New WSU raspberry breeder to continue career goal of helping farmers
Germán Sandoya-Miranda aims to develop improved varieties and work closely with growers to help Washington farmers boost yields and adapt to evolving challenges.
Trio of USDA grants will help WSU scientist make food safer, reduce waste
The three projects led by WSU’s Kang Huang aim to improve food safety and cut waste by targeting harmful microbes across every stage of food production.
WSU bee scientist hosting international pollinator conference in Pullman
The June conference will bring global experts together for the first North American meeting of a group focused on tackling honey bee colony collapse around the world.
Extreme microbe may change how apples are protected
A compound derived from an extreme microbe is being tested by WSU researchers as a potential new way to protect apples from fire blight and Listeria.
Health & Medicine
Students build medical school training devices
Three teams of senior-level bioengineering students worked with students in the Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine on the year-long projects to improve medical education and patient care.
Lighting up Washington: WSU College of Nursing helps lead the National Nurses Week movement
The college is helping elevate the visibility and impact of nurses this May through a partnership with the American Nurses Association and the “Nurses Light Up the Sky” campaign.
Pharmacy class of 2026 achieves 90% residency match rate
The result positions WSU’s College of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences at the top among pharmacy schools in the Pacific Northwest and across the West Coast.
Why endometriosis causes such chronic debilitating pain
A new WSU study shows that repeated inflammation from endometriosis can rewire the brain and nervous system, helping explain why debilitating pain often persists even after lesions are gone.
Veterinary Medicine
WSU seeks to curb deadly pneumonia threatening bighorn sheep recovery
This spring, a team of WSU veterinarians, researchers, and students will begin connecting with small flock owners near bighorn sheep habitat to offer free ongoing disease surveillance.
WSU veterinary student Ammasie Allred earns international theriogenology honor
Allred has been named a 2026 Nandi Scholar, earning one of two $5,000 international awards recognizing final-year veterinary students who demonstrate exceptional promise in theriogenology.
Undergrad researchers drive discovery in the College of Veterinary Medicine
Hands‑on research opportunities in the college are enabling students to contribute directly to major discoveries, including a recent Nature study.
A crafty way to support WSU’s mission to end rabies
A Massachusetts craft artist is turning handmade creations into funding for dog vaccinations in Africa, supporting the university’s efforts to eliminate rabies deaths.
Arts & Culture
Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU acquires 80 photographs by Kristin Capp
The acquisition expands the museum’s photography holdings while strengthening connections to local agricultural and cultural landscapes.
Seeing through paper: Light sheet reveals printing in MASC’s early books
A new light sheet at WSU’s special collections is helping researchers peer inside centuries-old books, revealing clues to their origins and history.
Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art WSU announces four spring exhibitions
Running March 31–June 27, the exhibitions invite visitors to observe shifting light and engaging works that unfold through sensory awareness.
Port Townsend Writers Conference invites WSU Campus Civic Poet to attend
Hope Dela Cruz, WSU’s Campus Civic Poet, will attend the Port Townsend Writers Conference this summer thanks to a new fellowship supported by the nonprofit arts organization Centrum.
Business & Economics
Global Campus helps Eugenio Padilla pursue leadership goals
Balancing work and family responsibilities, Padilla used the flexibility of online learning to earn his business degree, opening the door to new leadership opportunities.
WSU online MBA programs highly ranked by CEO Magazine
The WSU Carson College of Business’ online and executive MBA programs ranked in the top ten in the United States.
Propel gift empowers aging business management innovation
The $50,000 gift is helping WSU’s Granger Cobb Institute expand brain health screenings, end-of-life care training, and workforce education to improve healthy aging outcomes in the region.
Kahlil Simeon-Rose brings global perspective to responsible gambling research
The Carson College associate professor is working with global partners to help shape responsible gambling policies by bridging industry strategy, consumer behavior, and public well-being.
Politics & Society
Christianity in America: A conversation with historian Matthew Avery Sutton
The WSU historian explores how Christianity has shaped American culture in a new book tracing the religion’s evolving role in the nation’s past and present.
Indian Consulate General Prakash Gupta visits WSU
Gupta said agricultural technology is a field where an exchange of resources, research, faculty, and students could greatly benefit both countries and WSU.
Solar schools shine on Washington students
A WSU-led solar program is helping rural Washington schools cut energy costs while reinvesting the savings into programs that support low-income students and strengthen their communities.
New Murrow Artifacts exhibit brings historic artifacts to Terrell Library
The exhibit in the Terrell Library atrium lets visitors explore Edward R. Murrow’s legacy and the history of the Murrow College through rare items like his mentor’s pocket watch.
Reports & Updates
Foundations respond to changes in federal funding
Over the past week, several foundations have stepped forward to offer rapid response and bridge funding to help mitigate the impact of grant cancellations.
Message from the President:
Leading with purpose
This is a time to carry forward both resolve and innovative thinking with a healthy dose of Cougar pride.
‘Let’s get to work — together’
President Elizabeth Cantwell thanks the university community in a personal message, sharing her belief that WSU is uniquely positioned not only to adapt — but to lead.
Message from Kirk and Noel Schulz:
Thank you, WSU
On their last day as President and First Lady of Washington State University, Kirk and Noel Schulz extend one final thank you for a memorable nine years.