WSU Department of Animal Sciences

08/13/2026

We'll begin accepting applications for our Climate Smart Farm Equipment Grant on September 4th — but the time to prepare your application is now!

💚With this grant, eligible Washington producers may receive reimbursement to help purchase equipment that improves soil health, reduces greenhouse gas emissions, and strengthens resilience of Washington agriculture.

‼️Funding for this grant is first come, first served, so we recommend applicants start preparing now.

👉Visit the grant webpage to learn about the grant and get tips on how to prepare your application. 🔗https://agr.wa.gov/climategrant

08/03/2026

🎉 The Department of Animal Sciences is excited to fully welcome Dr. Katie Shira, who will begin her appointment as an Assistant Professor-Beef Production on August 3, 2026.

Raised on a commercial cow-calf operation and actively involved in her family's cattle business, Dr. Shira brings both industry experience and scientific expertise to the role. Her research focuses on beef cattle physiology and livestock genetics, helping advance our understanding of the factors that influence economically important production traits.

Dr. Shira is already a familiar face in our department, having taught Animal Sciences courses during Spring 2026. Her passion for beef cattle production and commitment to student success made an immediate impact, and we are thrilled to welcome her back in this new role.

We look forward to the many contributions she will make to our students, stakeholders, and the Washington State beef community.

👏 Welcome, Dr. Shira!

07/23/2026

🐄 A recent article by Kimmi Devaney in Progressive Dairy highlights several major dairy facility projects underway at universities across the country, including exciting developments at the WSU Knott Dairy Center.

WSU is advancing dairy sustainability, teaching, and research with the construction of a new anaerobic digester projected to be fully operational by the end of 2026. The system will help convert farm waste into renewable energy while serving as a valuable resource for research, extension, and student learning.

The article also notes recent facility improvements at the Knott Dairy Center, growing research efforts focused on methane mitigation and dairy production, and renewed student engagement through programs like Dairy Club and Dairy Challenge.

We're proud to see WSU recognized as a leader in preparing the next generation of agricultural professionals and advancing sustainable dairy practices.

Read the full article by Kimmi Devaney, Progressive Dairy.
https://www.agproud.com/articles/63680-cows-move-into-multiple-new-university-dairy-facilities-others-nearing-completion

07/22/2026

We're proud to see two WSU Animal Sciences faculty members recognized as 2026-27 Cashup Davis Dean’s Faculty Fellows!

🐟 Dr. Michael Phelps received support for Fish for the Future, a citizen science project designed to improve Pacific Northwest fisheries.

🐑 Dr. Kimberly Davenport was awarded funding to launch new undergraduate research opportunities in sheep and cattle genetics.

These fellowships support bold ideas that advance research, education, and outreach across Washington and beyond.

Read the full story: https://news.cahnrs.wsu.edu/article/inaugural-deans-faculty-fellow-awards-support-nine-high-impact-research-teaching-and-outreach-projects/

07/22/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Davenport's students on this achievement. Well done!

WSU’s Kim Davenport grad students win 2nd place in the ASAS MS Graduate Student poster competition.

07/14/2026

Congratulations to emeritus faculty member Dr. Nancy A. Irlbeck on being recognized with the ASAS Fellow Award in Teaching! We are proud to celebrate this outstanding achievement. 🎉

Congratulations Nancy A. Irlbeck, recipient of the ASAS Fellow Award in Teaching. Learn more about Nancy and this award at www.asas.org/about/national-awards.

07/07/2026

🌍🐑 How can livestock production become more efficient in some of the world's most challenging environments?

WSU research scientist Dr. Zhihua Jiang recently traveled to Egypt as a Fulbright Scholar, exploring innovative approaches to livestock production and food security in arid regions.

His research focuses on animal genetics, disease resilience, and resource-efficient farming practices that can help address global food challenges while providing insights that may benefit agricultural producers in Washington and beyond.

Read more in The Spokesman-Review: "It's a global issue: WSU researcher looks to Egypt to improve livestock efficiency."

🔗 https://www.spokesman.com/stories/2026/jul/02/its-a-global-issue-wsu-researcher-looks-to-egypt-t/

07/06/2026

🎓 Graduate Student Spotlight🎓

Meet Amy Zinski, a PhD student in the Department of Animal Sciences.

Learn more about Amy’s academic background, inspiration for graduate study, and research interests.

🔗 Read the full graduate student questionnaire on our website:
https://ansci.wsu.edu/2026/05/04/amy-zinski/

07/03/2026

🎓 Graduate Student Spotlight🎓

Meet Morgan Wagle, an MS student in the Department of Animal Sciences.

Learn more about Morgan’s academic background, inspiration for graduate study, and research interests.

🔗 Read the full graduate student questionnaire on our website:
https://ansci.wsu.edu/2026/05/01/morgan-wagle/

06/29/2026

🎓 Graduate Student Spotlight🎓

Meet Chaeyoung Shin, a PhD student in the Department of Animal Sciences.

Learn more about Chaeyoung’s academic background, inspiration for graduate study, and research interests.

🔗 Read the full graduate student questionnaire on our website:
https://ansci.wsu.edu/2026/05/01/chaeyoung-shin/