Washington State University was pleased to welcome Lizzy Letter, Senator Patty Murray’s new legislative director, to the Pullman campus for her first official visit. The day-long visit showcased the depth and breadth of WSU’s research portfolio, the university’s federally supported initiatives, and its commitment to students and communities throughout Washington state.
Federal Research Priorities with Dr. Kim Christen The visit began with a meeting between Vice President for Research Dr. Kim Christen and Ms. Letter. The two discussed the current federal funding landscape for university research, including budget outlooks, agency priorities, and the evolving role of research universities in addressing national challenges.
Dr. Christen provided a comprehensive overview of WSU’s research strengths—from sustainable agriculture and clean energy to cybersecurity and biotechnology—and emphasized the need for stable, long-term federal investments to maintain national competitiveness. The discussion also included opportunities to deepen interagency collaboration and expand federal funding pipelines aligned with WSU’s mission as a land-grant public research university.
USDA-ARS Collaboration and Joint Research Infrastructure Letter toured the USDA-ARS facility alongside Senior Associate Dean Dr. Scot Hulbert and WSU Provost Chris Riley-Tillman. The team highlighted the unique and productive partnership between WSU and USDA-ARS in addressing critical agricultural challenges such as climate adaptation, soil health, plant breeding, and pest management. The tour underscored the importance of co-located research capacity and the mutual benefits of integrated staffing models. Letter received briefings on how federal funding supports cutting-edge innovation that directly benefits Washington’s agricultural economy, workforce training, and food systems resilience.
Research Facility Renewal and Federal Infrastructure Investment Courtney Meehan, Interim Dean for the College of Arts and Sciences, led a walk-through of Heald and Fulmer Halls—two aging facilities slated for renovation or replacement. Letter received firsthand insights into the limitations of the current infrastructure, including outdated lab environments and obsolete equipment, and how federal infrastructure funding could modernize these spaces. Discussions centered on how proposed upgrades would enhance student experiences, increase research capacity, and ensure compliance with modern safety and accessibility standards. The conversation aligned with WSU’s broader federal infrastructure strategy to compete for NSF’s Mid-scale Research Infrastructure and DOE’s Science Laboratory Infrastructure programs.
Functional Genomics and CRISPR Innovation with Dr. Jon Oatley Dr. Jon Oatley, Associate Dean for Research in the College of Veterinary Medicine, hosted Letter at the Center for Reproductive Biology and nearby livestock facilities. The visit included a presentation on WSU’s leadership in genome editing and functional genomics, including the University’s pioneering work with CRISPR to improve animal health and agricultural sustainability. Letter toured the facilities housing the now-renowned “CRISPR bull,” a live demonstration of federally supported biotechnology innovation. Discussions focused on the implications of this research for food security, regulatory science, and federal funding opportunities through USDA, NIH, and FDA.
Student Affairs and Federal Student Support Programs During a working lunch, Letter met with Dr. Jenna Hyatt, Associate Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs, Sean Greene, Director of Student Engagement Services, and Paul Whitney, Interim Vice President of International Programs. The discussion covered a spectrum of student-focused federal programs, including TRIO grants, mental health resources, leadership development, and food insecurity support. The team also highlighted visa-related challenges faced by international students and the importance of federal protections for student services in higher education policy. Letter heard directly about how federal investments create pathways for first-generation, rural, and underrepresented students across the WSU system.
Artificial Intelligence and Agricultural Innovation In a follow-up meeting with Dr. Christen, Letter joined faculty leaders from the AgAID Institute: Dr. Ananth Kalyanaraman, Dr. Lav Khot, and Dr. Kirti Rajagopalan. The team provided an overview of the USDA-funded institute’s work to apply artificial intelligence and data science to critical issues in agriculture. The conversation extended to cybersecurity, machine learning applications, and the ethical frameworks guiding WSU’s AI research. WSU faculty emphasized the importance of continued federal investment in cross-disciplinary centers that integrate agriculture, computer science, and engineering.
Energy Research and Workforce Development at the Nuclear Science Center Letter toured WSU’s Nuclear Science Center, home to a TRIGA research reactor used for energy research, nuclear safety training, and isotope production. Faculty members Corey Hines, Zach Heiden, Dr. John McCloy, and Dr. Qiang Zhang led the tour, offering insights into the facility’s role in national energy strategy, nuclear workforce development, and university-industry partnerships. The tour highlighted past and ongoing Department of Energy support and identified emerging federal opportunities in fusion, next-generation reactors, and advanced manufacturing.
Biosecurity and Disease Diagnostics at WADDL Dr. Kevin Snekvik welcomed Letter to the Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (WADDL), a cornerstone of WSU’s One Health framework. The conversation focused on WADDL’s federal partnerships with USDA, FDA, and DHS, and the lab’s role in regional and national biosecurity. Letter toured diagnostic facilities used to monitor zoonotic diseases, enhance food safety, and respond to biological threats. The visit reinforced the critical role of federal investments in preparedness infrastructure and veterinary public health.
Aquaculture Innovation and Federal Research Alignment At the aquaculture research facilities, Dr. Michael Phelps presented WSU’s work on genetic improvements in aquaculture and the intersection of NOAA and USDA funding in this space. Letter toured laboratories and aquatic breeding facilities where researchers are developing sustainable aquaculture systems to meet growing global demand. Discussions included federal grant alignment, workforce development in the blue economy, and opportunities for WSU to lead in precision aquaculture innovation.
President Cantwell Hosts Closing Conversation at the BEARS Center The day concluded with a visit to the Bear Education, Awareness, Research, and Safety (BEARS) Center, where WSU President Elizabeth Cantwell welcomed Letter for a final debrief. The group reflected on shared goals between WSU and Senator Murray’s office, discussed future areas of collaboration, and most importantly, the bears!
WSU’s Office of Federal Relations remains committed to advancing the University’s strategic priorities through collaborative engagement with federal stakeholders.
