Washington State Magazine

Catherine Roberts ('33) was the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine's first woman graduate. When she passed her exam to practice in California, the Associated Press covered the event: "I got fan mail from all over the world, one long letter from a sheep-herder in the outback of Australia who invited me to come and marry him." Read about her life experiences: https://lnkd.in/gkBbVZW9

Wrestling has a long and storied history at Washington State University. In 1909, Frank Jenne was captain of the first wrestling team. In 1942, the team was undefeated. In 2015, the team became two-time conference champions and NCWA Division II national champions.?See historic photos and read more highlights: https://lnkd.in/gTSmx9TJ #WashingtonStateMagazine #GoCougs #CougarAthletics

Entrepreneur, philanthropist, and author?Jamie Kern Lima?received WSU’s most prestigious honor, the Regents’ Distinguished Alumni Award. Lima (’00 Busi.) founded a cosmetics company that she sold to L’Oréal for $1.2 billion; became the first female CEO of a L’Oréal brand; and is now a best-selling author, speaker, and podcast host. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gh3XiZvx #WashingtonStateMagazine #GoCougs

For years, therapy dogs have ruled the world of animal-assisted services, offering relief to those in need of emotional support. But new research from WSU's patricia pendry and Belgium researchers suggests that some cats might also have what it takes to join the ranks of therapy animals — bringing their purrs, gentle head-butts and calm demeanor to the field.

Cougs Connect, a new platform from the WSU Alumni Association, makes it easier to network with other alumni; forge links around shared affiliation, such as housing, major, or clubs/organizations; or join groups to mentor WSU students. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gwNJ9QA3 #WashingtonStateMagazine #GoCougs

Did you know? During the pandemic, the state Department of Health tapped the Washington Disease Diagnostic Laboratory to?process human COVID-19 tests. Working with a Spokane partner, the WSU lab processed 80,000 tests over a nine-month period. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gg3ENsqG #WashingtonStateMagazine #GoCougs WSU College of Veterinary Medicine

Logan Whiles?('21 MS) spent two summers researching hoary marmots in North Cascades National Park to understand why populations of the endearing rodents are declining. Receding snowpack and expanding coyote populations appear to be factors. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gP5A5R6P #WashingtonStateMagazine #GoCougs

Have you seen the northern lights recently? Dr. Universe interviewed WSU astronomer Michael Allen, who explains what causes the pink and green colors. Northern lights are more visible during a solar maximum, which occurs every 11.1 years. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gVm42pcJ #WashingtonStateMagazine #GoCougs

Tardigrades - sometimes called water bears - are nearly indestructible, not quite microscopic, and surprisingly adorable.?Gary Pielak?(’83 PhD Biochem.)?studies tardigrades?because he thinks their secrets that will revolutionize how vaccines and other medicines are made and shipped. “We spend billions of dollars every year keeping biological drugs?—protein-based drugs?—cold, but if you could dry them out, you wouldn’t have to keep them cold,” Pielak says. “Tardigrades have the weirdest proteins I’ve ever worked on. If they help tardigrades survive, can they help other proteins survive?” Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gday64wC #WashingtonStateMagazine #GoCougs Photo credit: Gary Pielak WSU College of Veterinary Medicine

Five years ago, the COVID-19 lockdown changed how Washington State University delivered education. Within about two weeks, the university pivoted to online learning. "However, the experience also reinforced the importance of the human element in higher ed," says President Kirk Schulz. "Before the pandemic there were predictions from time to time that all education would eventually be delivered online. I think we learned that’s not preferable for everyone. Personal interactions are an important part of both education and research. Read more: https://lnkd.in/gaxUB5Aq #WashingtonStateMagazine #GoCougs