2023
Message from the Dean
Sharing the story of our college as fully as possible, and with as many people as I can, is one of my highest and most enjoyable priorities. That’s why I am pleased to present to you the next iteration of our college magazine, CAHNRS Confluence.
Extension collaboration aims to help youth develop healthy responses to trauma, stress
Xstwilx (pronounced hust’-we-oo) means “well-being” in nsəlxcin (en-sul-hu-cheen), one of the three official languages of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation (CCT). It’s also the name of a new Washington State University Extension program aimed at helping youth on the Colville Reservation manage stress and trauma.
Fostering a Resilient Washington
As part of our ongoing land-grant mission, CAHNRS is embracing Resilient Washington, a new cross-disciplinary vision that will help our state face the unexpected, adapt for the future, and support stronger, healthier communities.
A diamond anniversary for Cougar Gold
It’s the cheese that made WSU famous. Cougar Gold has been praised by celebrity chefs, carried to the top of Mount Everest, and gifted to foreign dignitaries. At 75 years old, it’s more popular today than it’s ever been.
More than a century of change
In 1895, the first classes in ag physics and irrigation engineering were offered at the recently opened Washington State Agricultural College. Those two courses were the nuclei of a department that rode advances in mechanization, irrigation, and electrification, evolving over the next 127 years to become today’s Department of Biological Systems Engineering.
New USDA-ARS Plant Sciences Building breaks ground
The new USDA-Agricultural Research Service Plant Sciences Building, to be constructed over the next three years on the Pullman campus, will help scientists address critical challenges facing national and global agriculture.
Searching for the summit
The book tracks Cashup’s journey from his English youth through immigration to the United States, marriage to a strong-minded woman, Mary Ann, and success in the Midwest.
Experiencing agriculture firsthand
Lindsey du Toit, a professor in the Department of Plant Pathology, teaches a course that takes graduate students on a bus tour to see various aspects of Washington agriculture in person.
New equipment cultivates increased research at WSU’s Wilke Farm
A recent donation to Washington State University’s Wilke Research and Extension Farm allowed the facility to upgrade several necessary pieces of large equipment for the first time in more than 20 years.
Donation to breeding program will help WSU develop better wheat
Syngenta has donated more than 600 samples from its spring wheat breeding program to WSU, boosting the university’s efforts to improve the crop for growers in Washington and the Pacific Northwest.
Grape smoke exposure expert receives prestigious award
An uptick in wildfires—and an increase in the smoke they create—is presenting novel challenges for Northwest wine and grape producers. Tom Collins, the Department of Viticulture and Enology’s Jackson Family Wines Endowed Professor, is dedicated to finding a solution, and his work continues to garner praise.
Master Gardener Program celebrates 50 years
Now an international organization, the Master Gardener Program began in 1973 in Washington state. To celebrate their 50th anniversary this year, WSU Extension master gardeners hosted four different celebration events at WSU facilities around the state.
Preparing Latinx youth for a lifetime of success
The WSU Extension Juntos 4-H program is helping Latinx youth and their families plan for life after high school.
Snapshots of discovery
Benefiting the people of Washington every day, the four WSU Research and Extension Centers (REC) elevate our state through groundbreaking discovery. Each REC features its own unique campus, area of expertise, and diverse team of faculty and students.
Parents honor son’s love of fashion with scholarship
Max Pitts had a passion for streetwear and fashion that led him to pursue a bachelor’s degree in apparel merchandising. To honor their son’s memory, Lynn and Paris Pitts have established a scholarship for students studying similar subjects.
Outdoor classroom creates new opportunities
A change of environment can redirect focus and alter behavior in adults and children. To take advantage of that behavioral trait, the WSU Children’s Center built an outdoor classroom to provide kids with new experiences during their school days.
Student success
From participation in diversity workgroups to assisting with research projects, CAHNRS students are dedicated to finding ways to help their communities.
Cougs helping Cougs
The cost of going to college is higher than ever, and many students are only one car repair or medical procedure away from needing to drop out for financial reasons.