CAHNRS Connections October 2025
Newsletter brought to you by CAHNRS Student Success and Academic Programs.
CAHNRS Career Fair & Networking Night
The 2025 CAHNRS Career Fair and Networking Night for the first time ever featured two floors full of 27 incredible employer booths for students to explore. With a more exploratory path for students to walk through and better sound distribution, the attendees and the employers were able to mingle more freely and could converse clearer than ever before. With a great turnout of 141 students, we are so proud of how this event went. Two $500 scholarships were raffled and awarded to CAHNRS student attendees. The winners this year were Eloy Garcia-Romero majoring in Animal Science, and Emma Hurguy majoring in Earth & Environmental Sciences.
With various employers ranging from Bartlett Tree Experts to AgriBeef, there was something for everyone in agriculture and animal science to explore. There were a total of 39 representatives of the companies. Two new Organic Ag organizations joined the ranks of employers, specifically the Ramstead Farms and Organic Farmers Association, and two new WSU Departments also joined this year, specifically Entomology and Extension Forestry. A non-profit organization called the WA State Conservation Commission also attended, and a CAHNRS Resource Table allowed students to learn more about CAHNRS opportunities.
Employers who attended included:
- Agri Beef Co
- AgWest Farm Credit
- Bartlett Tree Experts
- Beef Northwest Feeders
- Bejo Seeds
- Columbia Farm Services, LLC
- Columbia Grain
- GroPro
- G.S. Long Co
- JR Simplot
- Ramstead Ranch, LLC
- CAHNRS Resource Table | Clubs & Opportunities
- Schnieder Farms
- Skagit Farmers Supply – Agronomy
- Syngenta
- The McGregor Company
- Threemile Canyon Farms, LLC
- United Grain Corporation
- WA State Conservation Commission
- Weyerhaeuser
- WSU CAHNRS Extension Forestry
- WSU CAHNRS Molecular Plant Sciences
- Yakima Chief Ranches
CAHNRS Spirit
Highlighted Event Dates to Mark on Your Calendar
October 22, 2025
5:00 – 6:00 Reception in JH Atrium
October 25, 2025
October 28, 2025
Ensminger
October 28 – November 1, 2025
Indianapolis, IN
November 5, 2025
Walla Walla Community College
December 5, 2025
Johnson Hall Annex C107
CAHNRS Tailgate at the Apple Cup
For the home Apple Cup game this year, SSAP threw a CAHNRS tailgate open to the public. The event featured both WSU alumni and husky fans alike vibing to the live band music under a perfectly temperate sun peaking through the shade of tents and trees. With Dean Khosla, Associate Deans Deringer and Hulbert, and plenty of CAHNRS folks in attendance, there was a great opportunity for the public and alumni to talk with leadership in a comfortable setting, grab a drink, snacks, and even pick up some nearby Washington-grown french fries given out for free by Washington Potatoes.
Boeing planes were seeing flying over the stadium before the game in celebration of their sponsorship, but they weren’t the only cool thing in the sky. The Cosmic Crisp® balloon was sighted, a fun nod to the Apple Cup.
New Staff Introductions
New CAHNRS Staff were asked about their new position, what they were most excited for in starting their work at WSU, an amazing experience they’d had so far in their role, 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!
Nancy Hernandez – Animal Science
My name is Nancy Hernandez, and I am an Academic Coordinator in Animal Science. I really enjoy finding new innovate ways to support student success. What I am most excited about in this role is getting the opportunity to do just that through advising – one advising meeting with a student could lead to a career path, an internship, a job opportunity all through connection and communication. I am happy to be part of that process for our students.
An amazing experience I’ve had so far in my role was hearing a student tell me “So happy you are here, Nancy. We really needed you in this department.”
I love listening to podcasts, and anyone who has a favorite to share with me, I would love to know about it because I like listening to new ones. I also like going on long walks, especially with my little family. Fun fact, I collect keychains and because my friends travel so much, I have some from mostly all over the world.
Lisa Hunter – Animal Science
I’ve been working in academic advising for 14 years & this is my 27th year with WSU almost always working in student services. I’m passionate about supporting students in achieving their academic and personal goals. I’m especially interested in helping students navigate complex systems here at WSU and find a sense of belonging in their academic journey. Why Animal Science? My kids showed for 10 years within 4-H & FFA with sheep. My husband & I have also been known to raise cows for family consumption.
Outside of work, I enjoy the outdoors, gardening, & canning. I also volunteer within my community. I’m really looking forward to getting to know all of you and contributing to the great work happening here!
Angella Osinde – SFS, Entomology, AMDT, HD
Hello, I am Angella Osinde, the Administrative Assistant II for the MiniPod in the CAHNRS college. The departments I work with are Food Science, AMDT, Entomology and Human Development. In starting my work at WSU, I am most excited about supporting WSU with the administrative tasks, and helping people along the way, as well as networking. An amazing experience I’ve had so far was assisting a visiting scholar from Thailand.
My alma matter is Mississippi State University (BFA, MBA) and I play two instruments (viola, piano). I also like to play volleyball and hike!
Brittny Jones – Extension
My name is Brittny Jones, and I am the senior extension coordinator for the Pesticide Resources and Education Program (PREP) at WSU Extension. I will focus on pesticide safety in residential and commercial settings. I started in July 2025 and have been overwhelmed by the warm welcomes from my teammates and WSU faculty. I am excited to relocate here in the state of Washington and look forward to collaborating with other faculty members as well as interested graduate students.
Dawn Cano Medina – SFS, Entomology, AMDT, HD
I recently joined the WSU Children’s Center as an Administrative Manager where I help oversee operations and support the delivery of high-quality programs for children and families.
Bringing over 20 years of federal service in program compliance, financial management, and leadership, I’m excited to contribute to a collaborative environment that values education and community impact.
My experience at WSU has been incredible thus far. Everyone has been very welcoming and genuinely invested in helping new staff feel at home.
I hold degrees in English Literature, Accounting, and Business Administration, with certification in Human Resources Management. I also earned a master’s degree in psychology specializing in Human Behavior.
I enjoy spending time with my two children, both of whom share my enthusiasm for lifelong learning and the Coug spirit. I also enjoy hiking, practicing yoga and exploring the healing arts.
I recently relocated to Pullman, Washington from Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. My hometown is Coronado, CA. I’m enjoying the calm pace and the beautiful scenery of the Palouse. I’m very excited to experience the change of seasons.
Aspen Dobbins – 4-H Extension
I’m the 4-H Program Coordinator for King County Extension. It’s been exciting to connect with other counties and learn about their programs—seeing how interconnected our work is has been so inspiring. The King County team is wonderful, and I’ve loved getting to know the impactful work 4-H is doing across the region. One of the highlights so far has been visiting the state fair and meeting the hardworking 4-H’ers competing there. Their passion and willingness to share their projects reminded me why this work matters so much. I’m a former 4-H horse club kid from Georgia and have called Washington home for the past four years, most recently teaching environmental science education in Olympic National Park. Ask me anything about salmon, and I’ll happily talk your ear off! Outside of work, I enjoy biking, reading, and crafting. I’m currently on a quest to find the best breakfast burrito in Washington (accepting recommendations).
Evelyn Whitmer – Y&F
I am currently the EFNEP Assistant Director, within the Youth and Families Program Unit. I’m thrilled to be part of Washington State University and to continue building strong, healthy communities through Extension work. I’m especially excited about the opportunity to collaborate with passionate colleagues across the state who are committed to making a real difference in people’s lives. The energy, support, and teamwork at WSU have been incredible so far. It’s inspiring to see how everyone works together to improve community health and well-being.
One of the most amazing things I’ve experienced since joining WSU is the welcoming, collaborative spirit of the people here. Whether in the office or in the community, everyone has been open, encouraging, and eager to share knowledge. It truly feels like being part of a team that cares deeply about both people and purpose.
Before coming to Washington, I spent many years in Arizona working on building healthy communities, supporting policy and environmental change, and leading collective impact efforts. I love seeing how communities come together to make positive, lasting change.
Outside of work, I enjoy swimming, painting, gardening, and sightseeing, anything that lets me relax and be creative. And I really love to cook (did I mention I like to cook?). Trying new recipes and sharing meals with others is one of my favorite ways to connect. I’ve been known to plan travel routes around great farmers’ markets and I never pass up a chance to taste local produce or learn a new cooking technique from someone in the community.
Cal Verstrate – EFNEP Clark County
Hi team! My name is Cal Verstrate, and I recently joined the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) in Clark County as a Nutrition Education Assistant. I’m excited to teach research-based nutrition classes and build connections within the local community.
I have a professional background in education and community engagement, most recently serving two terms as a School Nutrition FoodCorps Member. I am currently working towards a master’s degree in sustainable food systems through Arizona State University. In my free time, I enjoy reading, being outdoors, playing video games, and spending time with my husband and our two cats, Benny and Cazador.
Nicole Jones – 4-H
I work as the 4-H program coordinator at the WSU Skagit County Extension. I am most excited to connect with youth, volunteers, and community partners to expand opportunities in 4-H. I am passionate about agricultural education and look forward to helping youth discover their passions and gain confidence through meaningful projects and experiences. The sense of community and support in 4-H and at WSU extension has been amazing, thank you to everyone that has helped me and my county thus far, you are appreciated! A little bit about me, I was previously an agriculture educator and FFA advisor, and I grew up in 4-H starting at five years old and mainly showed dogs and dairy cattle. Outside of work I have a small family farm with horses and chickens, I enjoy floral design, and anything outdoors including hiking, camping, and snowboarding. And of course, cheering for the Mariners and Cougs!
Em Rendleman – V&E
Hi y’all! My name is Em Rendleman (they/them), and I am an Agricultural Research Technician in the Keller Lab, Viticulture and Enology Department. I am stationed at the Prosser IAREC, and my job includes managing operations in the vineyard, greenhouse, and growth chambers. I have never worked with grapes before, so all the learning opportunities I have in store are very exciting, and I am thrilled to connect with other members of WSU. So far, the highlight of the job has been experiencing the grape harvest, which was only a little bit sticky. I am originally from the St. Louis, MO area, and became a Coug in 2020, graduating in 2022 with a Masters in Entomology. I guess you can add me to the tally proving that Cougs always come home. I currently live in the Tri-Cities with my girlfriend (also a Coug), and I enjoy reading, fishing, embroidery, and exploring the area. Thanks for the warm welcome, and of course, Go Cougs!
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Some Other New Staff Include:
- Nathan Oates – AgWeatherNet
- Corinn Rutkoski – CSANR
- Micaela Cristina Proano – Entomology
- Desiree Otis – Ag and Natural Resources
- Alexis Brandy Alexander – CSS
- Kendra Wales – Children’s Center
- Saleen McEntire – Animal Science
- Kevin Paul Smith – Puyallup R&E Center
- Tabitha Cuevas-Rodriguez – Puyallup R&E Center
- Brooke McCulla – Children’s Center
- Matthew Kruger – Animal Science
- Kelsey Hoots – Energy
- Em Rendleman – Prosser R&E Center
- Misty Gludt – Children’s Center
If you are new staff and you’d like to be featured in next month’s newsletter, please reach out to k.tsatsomeros@wsu.edu and share your photo along with your answer to the questions outlined in the introduction to this story.
Gordon Davis Visits Pullman Campus
A Visit to Remember
We welcomed back to Pullman Dr. Gordon Davis, the benefactor who has provided the CAHNRS Cashup Davis Family Endowed Deanship.
Dr. Davis was raised in Deer Park, WA and studied Ag Sciences and received his Education certificate from WSU. While here he discovered his deep passion for competition as part of the WSU Livestock and Meat Judging teams under his mentor, Dr. Gary Smith. Following his undergraduate degree at WSU, he taught High School Agriculture and then went on to a faculty career in Meat Sciences at University of Tennessee and Texas Tech University which gave spark to his business venture, iCEV Mulitmedia.
A Visit to Remember
Dr. Davis’s time in Pullman included various meetings on campus with WSU Leadership and a new beginning for the Cashup Davis Family Endowed Deanship with a productive meeting with Dean Raj Khosla. CAHNRS Students, faculty and staff were all integral in hosting and highlighting the current work at WSU. We look forward to his next visit to Pullman.
Entomology Students Visited the Apiary
Dr. Priya Basu’s Entomology class, 361-Honey Bee Biology, brought students to visit the apiary hives for a chance to see firsthand honey extraction techniques and the management of the WSU bees. They even got to handle the bees themselves while suited up in protective gear (bee suits) for the full experience. This entomology course offers a mix of lectures, field days with honey extraction and beekeeping and lab days for honey bee anatomy, pathogens and gut dissections to give students a holistic experience of the honey bee biology.
Character, Wisdom, and Leadership: Corey Ciocchetti Inspires WSU Community
On the warm autumn day of Oct 6, in Pullman, the Great Hall of the Lewis Alumni Center became a hub of reflection and inspiration as WSU welcomed keynote speaker Corey Ciocchetti. With approximately 50 attendees in person and 124 joining online, Ciocchetti delivered a thought-provoking message centered on leadership, character, and the timeless philosophical concept of “the Golden Mean,” attributed to Aristotle.
Encouraging WSU administration, staff, and faculty to lead from a place of wisdom, reason, and virtue, Ciocchetti challenged the audience to consider how character is cultivated not at the extremes, but in the balanced center—where integrity and thoughtful decision-making reside.
His message was enriched by personal reflections and powerful quotes that shaped his own philosophy. Among them, John Bogle’s reminder to “never put your job above your family” and Eric Hoffer’s insight, “You can never get enough of what you do not need to make you happy,” resonated deeply with attendees, sparking conversations about values-driven leadership.
The event was complemented by a light luncheon catered by Paradise Creek, offering a warm and collegial atmosphere for continued dialogue and connection. Attendees followed the presentation by creating a brown bag lunch on Oct 16 for discussion and reflection.
Ciocchetti’s keynote left a lasting impression, reminding the WSU community that true leadership begins with character—and character begins with choosing a virtuous, centered approach. Contact Judy Hopkins (judy_hopkins@wsu.edu) with any questions or information.
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!
10/14
10/15
10/16
10/17
10/20
10/22
10/23
10/24
10/27
11/19
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
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