WSU Hosts Summer Undergraduate Researchers from Across the U.S.

PULLMAN, Wash.—More than 80 undergraduates from 52 American universities are conducting research with Washington State University faculty in Pullman and across the state this summer.

“We’re thrilled to have so many engaged students involved in a wide variety of projects this year,” said Jeremy Lessmann, director of the WSU Office of Undergraduate Research, part of the Division of Academic Engagement and Student Achievement.

“In contrast to recent summers that were impacted by the pandemic, we have students who are working in person in labs, some are joining projects virtually, and several are at WSU Extension sites. It’s going to be a busy and productive few months coming up.”

Working with their mentors, the students are investigating such topics as atmospheric chemistry and climate change, improving crop resiliency, and phenomics big data management, as well as conducting data analysis on a range of issues involving education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) topics.

The involved faculty projects may be funded by the National Science Foundation or other large organizations, or be part of professors’ ongoing programs. Many of the summer researchers applied to the WSU programs they are now part of.

The home institutions for the students range from as near as Eastern Washington and Gonzaga universities, to as far away as Michigan State, Purdue, Emory, Syracuse, and the University of Virginia, for example. A number of the students are WSU’s own.

All students will share their projects and results at a poster symposium set for July 29 in the atrium of the Smith Center for Undergraduate Education in Pullman, hosted by the Office of Undergraduate Research. The public is invited to attend at no charge.

Media contacts: Jeremy Lessmann, Director, WSU Office of Undergraduate Research, 509-335-1252, jlessman@wsu.edu

Beverly Makhani, Director, WSU DAESA Communications and Marketing, 509-432-3430, makhani@wsu.edu