WSU uses history to breed better cherries
Researchers delve into the written records kept by longtime WSU cherry breeder Thomas Toyama to pursue even better varieties of the fruit.
Campus & Community
Lind Field Day to help growers navigate challenging season
The annual event, Thursday, June 11, at Lind Dryland Station, gives producers in Washington’s low-rainfall grain country a look at new varieties and current research.
Study abroad expands Sofia Ramirez’s path
A WSU Tri‑Cities student says study abroad experiences in Panama and Italy transformed how she views business, leadership, and her own career possibilities.
Ring in the Moment: WSU Health Sciences launches bell ringing tradition for students
With generous support from STCU, the Spokane campus features a new landmark honoring the transition from student to health professional.
WSU to host annual Plant Cell Dynamics Meeting June 2–5
A key colloquium within the field of plant cellular biology, the gathering in Pullman is the first time this event has been held in the western United States.
University Affairs
Two appointments to WSU’s Board of Regents announced
WSU alumni Fé LopezGaetke and Mary Nam will fill two of the governing board’s recent vacancies.
New master’s degree expands horizons for WSU wine science students
Beginning this fall, students can pursue an advanced degree in viticulture and enology at WSU.
WSU Board of Regents host retreat in Seattle June 11–12
Board members will gather in downtown Seattle June 11–12 for the governing body’s annual retreat.
Journalism professor to serve as Faculty Senate chair‑elect
Ryan Thomas will serve as Faculty Senate chair‑elect beginning this fall after being selected by his peers.
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
WSURP 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 Wednesday, June 10 2–4 p.m. The Zoom link and more information is available […]
TIAA consultant on Pullman campus — June dates
Do you know how much you can contribute to your retirement account for 2026? Are you wondering if you are on track for your retirement? Feeling a bit lost on how to invest your funds? Do you need help adjusting your VIP contribution amount for 2026? TIAA Consultant Eli Jenkins will be on the Pullman […]
Awards & Achievements
Electrochemical Society honors WSU scientist for sensor research
Praveen Sekhar has received a top honor from the Electrochemical Society for his work developing next-generation sensor technologies.
Season Hoard wins Yang ‘Wendy’ Liu Award
Political science professor Season Hoard received the award for her efforts to support international students and make complex political topics accessible in the classroom.
WSU student-athletes post best-ever GPA average
In addition to an average GPA of 3.44, 59 members of Cougar teams earned 4.0s in spring 2026.
Three WSU students honored with Fulbright awards
Fulbright awards will send WSU students to Malawi, Kenya, and the Czech Republic to pursue research, teaching, and global health work.
Science & Technology
Dr. Universe explains why smoke makes honey bees calm
In the latest Ask Dr. Universe, a curious 10‑year‑old learns how smoke disrupts honey bee alarm signals and helps beekeepers safely work around hives.
WSU study offers realistic look at the future of sustainable aviation fuel
The United States could feasibly produce enough sustainable aviation fuel to meet roughly two‑thirds of its 2030 federal target, but getting there will require overcoming major hurdles, according to a new WSU‑led study.
New Meyer’s Point grants support environmental research and hands‑on learning
The grants will fund research and education at the WSU-owned field station, located just north of Olympia in one of Washington’s fastest-growing regions.
New WSU app provides free, local weather data to ag industry, general public
WSU’s AgWeatherNet has launched a free new app that provides detailed local weather forecasts and agriculture-focused data from hundreds of weather stations across Washington.
Food & Agriculture
WSU uses history to breed better cherries
Researchers delve into the written records kept by longtime WSU cherry breeder Thomas Toyama to pursue even better varieties of the fruit.
WSU student finds lost apple variety on study break
A chance walk by Tayettin Brodzinski helped lead to the rediscovery of the Walbridge apple, a once-popular heirloom variety long thought extinct.
Ask Dr. Universe podcast explores apple breeding and the science behind new varieties
The latest episode takes listeners inside the world of apple breeding with WSU horticulturist Kate Evans.
Can plastic farm mulch be effectively recycled? Cleanliness is key
A WSU study found that plastic mulch used on farms can be successfully recycled into durable new products, but only if soil and moisture contaminants are thoroughly removed first.
Health & Medicine
WSU model could help track deadly viruses to their source
A new predictive model could help scientists more efficiently identify the reservoirs of emerging zoonotic viruses and dangerous pathogens like Ebola.
Unintended consequences: Graphic anti‑smoking ads may nudge people toward vaping
In the absence of similar warnings about e‑cigarettes, smokers may see them as a healthy alternative to smoking, according to new research.
First Master of Healthcare Administration and Leadership graduates ready for today’s challenges
A new WSU healthcare leadership program is already helping professionals improve patient care, streamline operations, and tackle challenges facing healthcare systems.
WSU study finds high prevalence of hantavirus in some parts of Pacific Northwest
Nearly a third of rodents in the Palouse showed evidence of past infection with the Sin Nombre virus, which can be fatal in humans.
Veterinary Medicine
Externship gives WSU veterinary students a look at the day-to-day of bovine medicine
A unique program is helping address a shortage of food-animal veterinarians by immersing students in the realities of large-animal practice.
Third annual Jordan Awards recognize tenacity of underserved students
Students, faculty, and staff were recognized at the College of Veterinary Medicine’s third annual Dr. Winfred A. Jordan Awards on Wednesday, May 6, on the Pullman campus.
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.
Arts & Culture
Art speaks to recent WSU graduate Hai Xing Lewis
A high school art history class helped set Lewis on a path to studying Renaissance works in Florence and pursuing a future career in museum work.
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.
Business & Economics
Carson students learn to ‘survive’ credit card use
An interactive financial literacy simulation taught Carson College students about the long-term costs of credit card debt by turning spending decisions into real-world lessons.
Carson College of Business student consultants boost Washington hotels’ performance
WSU business students put their consulting skills to work this spring, developing recommendations that could shape operations at two Washington hotels.
Carson College of Business celebrates faculty, staff, and PhD student success
Outstanding faculty, staff, and graduate students were honored at the college’s annual awards celebration.
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.
Politics & Society
Microsoft supports WSU Murrow Fellows/Report for Washington partnership to expand local news across Washington State
Funding will support additional reporting capacity in North Central Washington and future statewide journalism convenings
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.
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.
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.