CAHNRS Connections September 2025
Newsletter brought to you by CAHNRS Student Success and Academic Programs.
CAHNRS Fall Festival
Hot dogs and scholarships!
CAHNRS Annual Fall Festival was a bounding success, with fun booths, scholarship giveaways, ice cream, cookies, and hot dogs galore! Dean Khosla made his debut by kicking off the afternoon with a welcome to the students, followed by scooping Ferdinand’s ice cream alongside our other Chairs, Directors, and incredible faculty and staff volunteers.
Student clubs, majors, and external clubs made special moments for attendees as they scurried to get their Fact Quest bingo cards stamped. Everything from wildlife societies to Organic Agriculture to AMDT showed up, braving the heat and smoky air with smiling faces and boundless energy.
Scholarship recipients included:
- Josie Dickey – AG Education
- Sapphyre Chanthabody-Perry – Animal Science
- Roshani Agharya – Econ
- Meijing Liang – Crop & Soil Science
- Uday Nath – Econ (PhD)
- Evelyn Gonzalez – Animal Science and Pre-Vet
- William Carty – Organic & Sustainable Agriculture
- Caitlyn Garvey – Agriculture Education
- Kristin Brewer – Econ
CAHNRS Spirit
Highlighted Event Dates to Mark on Your Calendar
September 27, 2025
October 6, 2025
October 6, 2025
October 22, 2025
5:00 – 6:00 Reception in JH Atrium
October 25, 2025
Welcoming Dean Khosla – A New Addition to the CAHNRS Family
A Bit of Background
Joining CAHNRS officially as of Sept. 1, 2025, Raj Khosla is a globally recognized expert on precision agriculture, an experienced academic leader, and an award-winning scientist and educator.
Dean Khosla grew up in a humble environment surrounded by inequities. Part of a family with strong ties to farming who were uprooted from their land and dwellings due to the country’s partition, and forced to migrate south, he is a proud product of land grant institutions. He was the first in his family who was sent to college to study agricultural sciences. He admires and is inspired to continue the CAHNRS commitment to the land grant mission.
The new dean received his bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences from the University of Allahabad, India followed by a master’s degree in soil physics and a doctorate in soil fertility and crop management at Virginia Tech. Before coming to CAHNRS, Dean Khosla served as the Department Chair of Agronomy at Kansas State University. His contributions have drawn more than 50 awards and honors; he was named Precision Agriculture Educator of the Year in 2015 and honored as a Jefferson Science Fellow by the National Academy of Sciences in 2012.
As a moderate extrovert, Dean Khosla loves to listen to the stories that make CAHNRS special and pays attention to detail as he meets each and every new face on campus. Dean Khosla looks forward to continuing to celebrate the dedication and innovation that CAHNRS has to offer.
Activities and Introductions – A Great First Few Weeks
In his “A Message from the CAHNRS Dean” address to the college, Dean Khosla shared that he is “excited and energized” and emphasized how many incredible students, staff, faculty, and college and university leaders he has met in his first few weeks.
He visited programs and places across the Pullman campus, attending and serving as host for many of our own events, including Fall Festival where he introduced himself and served Ferdinand’s ice cream, and the Top Scholars Orientation Dinner. Dean Khosla also attended the Faculty Crimson Club, the Presidential Retreat, the Dean’s Council, and several receptions, and hosted the Washington Research Foundation director, who then toured the Plant Growth Facilities with him. He also visited Spillman Farm, French Administration, the CUB, among other settings.
Welcome to the CAHNRS Family
We are beyond excited to have such a fresh and enthusiastic addition to our leadership in CAHNRS, and look forward to the incredible avenues ahead! Thank you for joining the CAHNRS family, Dean Khosla! We anticipate getting to know more about you and sharing everything exciting we have going on as well.
Excited to get to know more of our new faces? Learn more about new faculty additions in the next section.
New Faculty Introductions
New CAHNRS Faculty were asked about their research focus, what they were most excited for in starting their work at WSU, and anything else they’d like folks to know about them like hobbies and fun facts. Please give a warm welcome to these incredible additions to our team!
Kory Floyd – HD
I’m new to WSU as professor and chair of the department of human development, where my research focuses on the expression of affection in families and close relationships and its contributions to health and wellness. Among many exciting things about being at WSU, I look forward to contributing to the university’s land grant mission and supporting our staff, faculty, and students in their discovery and outreach activities. I am especially thrilled to be in Pullman because I lived here as a child while my dad was in graduate school—and although that was five decades ago, the town and community still feel very familiar! When I’m not at work, I enjoy traveling to out-of-the-way places, taking in musical events, and playing with our two Bichons.
Han-Ah Yoo – AMDT
Han-Ah Yoo is a Teaching Assistant Professor of Apparel Design and Product Development in the Department of Apparel, Merchandising, Design and Textiles (AMDT).
Her research and design scholarship center on (a) cutting-edge digital technology in the apparel industry (e.g., AI design, 3D virtual design, 3D and digital textile printing, laser cutting), (b) apparel pedagogy, and (c) sustainable apparel production. Han-Ah’s artworks, utilizing traditional techniques and the latest technologies, have been invited and received honors at national and international juried exhibitions. She envisions her collaborative work with fellow artists, researchers, and organizations as a catalyst for positive societal change. Looking ahead, she is eager to share her expertise and accomplishments with the next generation at WSU!
Prior to joining Washington State University, she explored various paths, including roles as a fashion designer, educator, and exhibition manager.
Yingqi Cai – Institute of Biological Chemistry
WSU is renowned for its excellence in plant science research and its commitment to innovation. I am truly excited about the opportunity to access WSU’s exceptional facilities and resources, and to collaborate with leading researchers engaged in a diverse range of topics that advance the future of agriculture, bioenergy and biotechnology.
My research interests lie in plant lipid metabolism, storage lipid compartmentalization, and metabolic engineering in plants. Currently, I am focused on uncovering the cellular mechanisms that govern the biogenesis and regulation of lipid droplets, subcellular organelles that store neutral lipids within the aqueous cytoplasm and play vital roles in plant development, stress responses, and energy storage. The insights gained from this research can be applied to engineer valuable bioproducts in plants and enhance plant growth, adaptation, and productivity.
Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, traveling, and watching movies. I’m also looking forward to exploring the beautiful Palouse landscape and experiencing the outdoor activities the Pullman area has to offer.
Morgan Menaker – Extension
Hey team! I am Morgan Menaker and am joining the College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences. My appointment is 100% Extension, and my applied research program will investigate the specific needs of southeastern Washington’s dryland cropping systems. I look forward to building relationships with growers and WSU staff to see how we can make a difference in the lives of the people we serve. In a previous chapter, I was an Army Officer primarily working with reconnaissance assets and tank crews. My favorite activities are spending time in the garden with my family and hiking. If you cannot reach me by phone, I am in the field somewhere. GO COUGS!
Nan Lu – IBC
My name is Nan Lu, and I recently joined Institute of Biological Chemistry as a Research Assistant Professor. I am interested in studying the biosynthetic mechanisms of plant specialized metabolites, particularly anthocyanins, condensed tannins and other flavonoids, with the goal of improving crop nutritional values through engineering these healthy compounds. I really look forward to getting to know my new collogues, the Pullman area and the entire WSU Cougars community. Outside of work, I am a long-time fan of Virginia Tech Hokies football, so I hope they never have to play against the Cougars!
Jeffrey Wall – Horticulture
I am thrilled to join the Department of Horticulture as an assistant professor of Indigenous horticulture. What I am most excited about in this new position is getting involved with Washington State’s Native people and their allies and learning how to serve Tribal ambitions to restore, protect, use and maintain all kinds of plants and habitats. I specialize in innovating and adapting methods and theories which bring the environmental and plant values of distinct cultures and traditions into meaningful conversation with each other. I have conducted impactful research on threatened culturally significant landscapes in numerous countries in the Near East, Central Asia and North America. From chestnut trees in the Caucasus to eel grass in Unama’ki/Cape Breton to mosses, lichens and berries here in Sapmi/Finland, I follow the plants and the people who care for them wherever it takes me. You’ll usually find me outside—that’s where I spend most of my time. I am very busy co-parenting our two sons, but we get up to lots of great stuff together including camping, canoeing, sauna and cold plunging. I also trail run.
Jihui Zhao – AMDT
I am joining the Department of Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles (AMDT). My research focuses on smart textiles, particularly the development of 3D-printed functional fabrics for wearable applications. I explore how fabric structure, printing parameters, and sustainable ink formulations can be engineered to advance multifunctional smart apparels.
I am excited to collaborate with colleagues across disciplines at WSU, bring new technologies into the classroom, and mentor students as they connect creativity with emerging innovations in next generation of fashion design.
I am passionate about bridging design and science to create sustainable and inclusive solutions in fashion. I also strive to foster an environment where students feel empowered to experiment, innovate, and express themselves through their work.
Outside of research and teaching, I enjoy painting, cooking, and watching documentaries.
Emily Arnesan – SES
I’m part of the School of Economic Sciences, and my research explores how the legalization of sports betting influences behavioral changes on game day.
What excites me most about being at WSU Vancouver is the opportunity to teach and connect with students. I pursued a PhD because I’m passionate about teaching, and I’m thrilled to help students not only understand how economics works but also see how it matters in their everyday lives. My goal is for them to walk away with the tools to analyze the economic stories they hear in the news and apply economic thinking to the world around them.
I grew up near Seattle, so I’m also excited to be closer to home and family.
Outside of work, I enjoy working out, watching Gonzaga basketball, and experimenting in the kitchen with new recipes. My favorite thing to cook is noodles with garlic butter shrimp.
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A Full List of New Faculty Includes:
- Emily Arnesan – SES
- Yingqi Cai – IBC
- Addison Carroll – AS/Dairy Environmental Studies
- Kory Floyd – HD
- Nan Lu – IBC
- Morgan Menaker – ANR
- Adam Quinn – SFS
- Jeffrey Wall – Horticulture
- Han Ah Yoo – AMDT
- Zihui Zhao – AMDT
Join us for a Showing of ‘Picture a Scientist’
Friday October 17th at 3:00 – 5:00pm
VBRB Rm 305 or via Zoom (Register Here for a Zoom link)
An official selection of the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival, the documentary film, Picture a Scientist, follows the experiences of renowned MIT molecular biologist Nancy Hopkins (National Academy of Sciences member), analytical chemist Raychelle Burks (Provost Associate Professor, American University), and geologist Jane Willenbring (Associate Professor, Stanford University).
Open to all WSU Students, faculty, staff, and community members.
This event is hosted by the Department of Plant Pathology Community Resource Committee, with support from CAHNRS and the Department of Horticulture.
Top Scholars Orientation Dinner
This Top Scholars Orientation dinner was an incredible evening full of meaningful connection and the invaluable opportunity for the 42 Top Scholars to share a meal with faculty and staff associated with their major and research interests. Kicked off by our very own Dean Raj Khosla, the night included a formal introduction to the new Top Scholars program, which also entails the Ignite Undergraduate Research portion of the program.
Past IGNITE students, faculty mentors, and advising staff took the stage to share their stories, advice, what they researched, what they loved about it, and what they wished they had known starting out. Building relationships through this program, students are able to learn how to take what is learned in the classroom and apply it to real-world challenges. Building that bridge towards opportunities for asking questions and diving deeper into what we can learn from mentors is something that makes this event special.
Science and Research Fair
The 2025 CAHNRS Science & Research Fair saw a great turnout, with Top Scholar students, and later all students, visiting dozens of booths and learning about everything from Economic Sciences to the Nez Perce Tribal Youth Garden & Fruit Tree Orchard. The variety and quality of booths was great this year, with one even bringing full-size canoes for attendees to see. Below is a list of incredible booths from this year’s fair.
2025 Science & Research Fair Booths:
- WSU Horticulture Center
- WSU Entomology
- Silviculture for Values and Ecosystem Resilience (SILVER)
- Institute of Biological Chemistry (IBC)
- Cultural Connection and Health Lab
- Apparel, Merchandising, Design, and Textiles (AMDT)
- Gill Lab – Focused on Molecular Crop Improvement
- WSU Early Learning Lab
- Human Development (HD): IMPACT Lab, Lab of the Developing Mind, Early Learning Lab
- Biological Systems Engineering (BSE)
- Biological Systems Engineering (BSE) – Second Table
- Nez Perce Tribal Youth Garden & Fruit Tree Orchard – Lapwai, Idaho
- USDA Plant Introduction
- Food Science Labs
- Ag Education
- Animal Science (AS)
- Camille Steber’s Molecular Plant Science Lab
- Puyallup Research & Extension Center (PREC) and Northwest Research and Extension Center (NWREC)
- Economic Sciences
CAHNRS Recruitment Travel – “Where is Junior?”
Junior Gomez, CAHNRS Recruitment & Retention Coordinator, is busy traveling across the state and beyond each week. Stay tuned for the upcoming locations and dates!
09/24
09/29
09/30
10/01
10/02
10/03
10/07
10/08
10/09
10/14
10/15
10/16
10/17
10/20
10/22
10/23
10/24
10/27
For any questions, please reach out to ggomez@wsu.edu.
Student Resources to Refer Students to:
Student Care Network
Support on Each Campus
Guidance Around Free Speech
Early Academic Referrals (EARS)
Civil Rights and Discrimination
Center for Community Standards
Office of the Ombuds
*For emergencies, call 911
Office of the Dean of Students
Student Care Network
CAHNRS Homecoming Decorating Contest Winners!
We are ecstatic to announce the recipients of the CAHNRS Homecoming Decorating Contest 2025!!
With the most incredible works of art yet, this year’s decorations were both immersive and spectacular. The judges were blown away by the spirit of CAHNRS. What a welcoming place for students, faculty, and staff alike! The adherence to the theme and everything down to the lighting, scents, and acting of the creators of the exhibits made them truly magical. We are so thankful for your dedication to this contest and to CAHNRS spirit.
There was an official tie between the Office of Research/Grants Team and the Business Center Team. These two teams were so amazing that our judges were truly in consensus if only about how amazing they both were.
First Place Ties – Office of Research/Grants Team and the Business Center Team
AMDT, our fantastic Second Place Winners:
The CAHNRS Dean’s Office also contributed unofficially with a S’more’s themed Barbie Coug cheerleader display as well, showcasing how much we care about this contest in our own way. We are so ecstatic to have visited all the displays for this year!
Please reach out via email to k.tsatsomeros@wsu.edu or cahnrs.deans@wsu.edu if you have any fun ideas for next year’s theme.
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