Washington State University was pleased to host Congressmen Michael Baumgartner (WA-05) and Randy Fine (FL-06) on the Pullman campus on August 29. As members of both the U.S. House Committee on Foreign Affairs and the Committee on Education and the Workforce, their visit provided an opportunity to highlight WSU programs and research that advance national priorities in global health, workforce development, and nuclear science.
The visit began at Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory (WADDL), where Dr. Kevin Snekvik, executive director of the nationally accredited laboratory, outlined WADDL’s role in safeguarding animal health and protecting public health. The tour included an overview of WSU’s participation in the USDA National Animal Health Laboratory Network (NAHLN), which supports disease surveillance, outbreak response, and national biosecurity efforts.
Dr. Viveka Vadyvaloo, Director of the Paul G. Allen School for Global Health, briefed the members on WSU’s global health initiatives, international disease surveillance, and the importance of international research and educational collaborations.
The visit concluded at WSU’s Nuclear Science Center (NSC) where the Congressmen learned about the Reactor Operator Training Program from a current student. WSU Vice President for Research Dr. Kim Christen and NSC Director Corey Hines highlighted WSU’s expertise in operational excellence, reactor core conversion, reactor operator training, and external client engagement at local, national, and international levels.
The visit underscored WSU’s role as a leading public research university and its commitment to addressing critical challenges in public health, food and agriculture, energy, and national security through research, education, and service.