(Photo courtesy of Matt Ziegler/CAHNRS Communications)
WENATCHEE, Wash. — With a variety of research projects in the works and a new Plant Growth Facility under construction, Lee Kalcsits will have no trouble staying busy as the new director of Washington State University’s Wenatchee Tree Fruit Research and Extension Center (TFREC).
“I was driven to apply for the position because I’m passionate about TFREC being successful and well-integrated with the industry,” said Kalcsits, who officially began his new role on Oct. 1. “Our center has a long history of supporting industry and doing amazing research and Extension work within the state, nationally, and internationally. I plan to keep that going and support it as best I can.”
Kalcsits had guided the center’s research and Extension efforts as TFREC programmatic lead since 2024, when former director Chad Kruger stepped down.
“One of my goals as director is to continue improving and modernizing our facilities,” said Kalcsits, who is also a professor and endowed chair in the Department of Horticulture. “We’re seeing that with the construction of the new Plant Growth Facility, and hopefully we’ll meet additional infrastructure needs over the next decade.”
Slated to open in summer 2027, the $18 million, 24,000-square-foot Plant Growth Facility recently celebrated its construction midpoint. The new building will include greenhouse compartments with customizable lighting and temperature, as well as modern lab space and a conference area.
Kalcsits also hopes to further strengthen existing connections with industry partners.
“We are very fortunate to have such a high-value contributor working on our problems,” said Sam Godwin, board chair of the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission. “Lee’s work is well regarded, and projects that he and his team put forward are always well designed to maximize future benefits for the industry. TFREC is in very good hands with him as the leader.”
Ines Hanrahan, the commission’s executive director, echoed that sentiment.
“Lee is a very straightforward and sincere leader. It is easy to solve problems with him, and he is a trusted collaborator and partner,” she said. “He is aware of our struggles and works seamlessly with the tree fruit industry to help solve problems. We are delighted to know that Lee has stepped into this important role.”
Kalcsits developed an interest in horticulture while growing up on a berry farm in Saskatchewan, Canada. He earned a bachelor’s degree in horticulture and master’s degree in tree ecophysiology from the University of Saskatchewan, followed by a PhD in tree physiology from the University of British Columbia.
His interest in tree fruit was piqued while working on native tree fruit projects for the Canadian government as an undergraduate.
Kalcsits joined TFREC in 2014 as an assistant professor focused on the environmental physiology of apples, pears, and cherries. His research focuses on tree fruit physiology, abiotic stress, plant nutrition, and the impacts of pre-harvest environment on post-harvest physiology.
“Lee has earned the trust and respect of researchers, growers, and industry leaders through his commitment to addressing real-world challenges facing the tree fruit sector,” said Raj Khosla, Cashup Davis Family Endowed Dean of the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. “His appointment comes at an exciting time for TFREC, as we continue investing in research infrastructure, strengthening industry partnerships, and delivering solutions that help Washington agriculture thrive.”
Though his new appointment is primarily administrative, Kalcsits hopes to continue advising and mentoring students. He will also continue his research, though in a more supportive capacity.
Above all, Kalcsits is most looking forward to helping others.
“I enjoy seeing TFREC faculty, staff, and students thrive,” he said. “My ultimate goal as director is to provide resources that make it easier for them to do their jobs and be successful in research and Extension.”