Technology

Master gardeners of the future: Evolving with the needs of the communities they serve

As the WSU Extension Master Gardener Program celebrates its 50th anniversary, volunteers are focusing on how they can support the program’s evolution over the next 50 years and beyond, all while helping sustain healthy and resilient communities.

A xeriscape garden with rockery, plants, and wood chips.

WSU Extension awarded grant to promote digital inclusion in rural Grays Harbor County

A new grant will help WSU’s Grays Harbor County Extension advance its mission of bringing digital resources directly to Native nations and rural communities.

4-H Tech Changemakers present to individuals sitting at a table. A TV screen and computer screen are in the background.

Going beyond expectations: Through teaching and research, Chanmi Hwang helps students, maternity patients

  For Chanmi Hwang, learning begins in the classroom—but moves to the laser-cutting workshop, the digital textile printing lab, a student blog, or the maternity ward of the local hospital. “I challenge my students to go beyond their expectations, and to take their learning beyond class to the real and the digital world,” says Hwang, […]

Chanmi Hwang holds several colorful dress forms in front of a wall of printed digital color templates.

Opportunities that soar: Biological Systems Engineering earns top ranking

They’re piloting drones over Washington vineyards, turning wood waste into jet fuel, and deploying thermal cameras to breed crops that resist drought. Their ideas launch businesses, transform agriculture and help feed a growing planet. That’s why U.S. News and World Report recognized the WSU Biological Systems Engineering (BSE) program, ranking it 14th in the nation […]

Food engineering graduate Nydia Munoz works in the lab.

Trio of videos feature importance of WSU wine research

WSU V&E Program research faculty and students star in newly released video series. Watch to learn about the history and innovation at the core of Washington state wine research. Wine research initiatives take the stage in a series of videos created for the Washington State Wine Commission. The video series shares the importance and value […]

Purple winegrapes on a trellis.

Students, grapes converge at WSU Wine Science Center

With classes underway, students and researchers have begun processing grapes for experiments on fruit maturity and irrigation at Washington State University’s new $23-million Ste. Michelle Wine Estates Wine Science Center.

Registration open for Viticulture Field Day

Join Washington State University and the Washington State Grape Society for the 2015 Washington State Viticulture Field Day on Friday, August 14, at the Roza Farm in Prosser. Commercial grape growers and anyone interested in learning about different aspects of grape production are welcome to learn about recent advances in juice- and wine-grape science and vineyard technology.

Help optimize ag productivity, prevent heat-related illness and injury

AgWeatherNet and the University of Washington are partnering to develop a new heat awareness and alert system to help agricultural workplaces prepare for heat waves like we’ve seen recently. Advance notice of extremely hot days will help prioritize work activities so workers stay healthy and productive and crop loss is avoided. If you would like to participate in developing the system or have questions, please contact Jen Krenz at jkrenz@uw.edu or 206-616-4213.

Winemakers converge for wine trial showcase, learning and networking

Ninety-four winemakers gathered for the second annual Harvest Trial Showcase held on March 18 at WSU Tri-Cities in Richland. The Washington Wine Technical Group and Washington State University Viticulture and Enology Program partnered to host the seminar and wine trial tasting.

The two groups started the event to bridge academic research and practical winemaking in a meeting of the minds where free dialogue takes place. Young winemakers learn the importance of solid experimental design, while seasoned veterans contribute practical experience, glean the latest in research and hear about their peers’ recent projects.

WSU research winemaker Richard Larsen explains how the state-of-the-art fermentation system in the Wine Science Center works. The system was donated by Cypress Semiconductor and Spokane Industries.

Wine Science Center nearly complete

Members of the viticulture and enology program at Washington State University are packing to move into their new digs on the Tri-Cities campus this spring. Construction of the $23-million Wine Science Center has reached substantial completion, and Lydig Construction is working through the “punch list” to finish the 39,300-square-foot, LEED Silver-certified research and teaching facility. (VIDEO)