Dr. Bidisha Mandal, Health Extension Economist, came to WSU in 2007 and has been serving since 2013 as an Associate Professor and Extension Specialist. Her extension program integrates economic research with applied analysis to address key public health issues and improve health related decision-making throughout the life-cycle. Dr. Mandal helped to implement an intervention program related to the school food environment for over 2,000 Spokane middle school students. Uniquely, this program reduced vending machine beverages to water only, limited ala carte offerings, extended the changes in the school food environment to three years, and assessed adolescent food consumption both in- and outside school. By modifying the school food environment, there were significant reductions in the consumption of pastries and juice in school and an increase in the consumption of milk outside of school. Dr. Mandal has also worked to educate adults about obesity, depression and transitional care. By taking her own and others’ research from health economics and health behaviors and building a strong Extension program, Dr. Mandal has addressed critical needs and issues about the health of the population of Washington State.
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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.
Recent News
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.
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.
Energizing future farms
WSU alumni-founded startup CryoCowboys is developing hydrogen technologies that could one day allow farmers to produce, store, and use clean hydrogen fuel to power agricultural equipment.
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.
Regents approve university’s FY27 operating budget
Members of the WSU Board of Regents approved key budgets for the upcoming fiscal year and major capital projects on the Pullman and Spokane campuses during Monday’s special meeting.
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.