By Flynn Espe

Eighteen years after earning her degree from Washington State University Tri-Cities, high school science teacher Katy Andrewjeski (鈥�08 Elem. Ed.) found herself back on the Richland campus this past summer. Instead of learning about classroom management and teaching pedagogies, however, this time she was donning lab safety gear and helping researchers explore new methods for turning agricultural waste into bioplastics.

For two days a week over an eight-week period, Andrewjeski joined Professor Bin Yang and other researchers at the Bioproducts, Sciences, and Engineering Laboratory to observe and participate in their work.

The opportunity was made possible thanks to the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust鈥檚 , which allows middle and high school science teachers to engage in innovative research projects at leading science institutions under the guidance of a professional mentor. In doing so, partnering teachers gain authentic laboratory experience meant to elevate their classroom teaching on scientific processes and discovery.

Under Yang鈥檚 mentorship, Andrewjeski conducted research on the bioconversion of agricultural residues, including corn stover and wheat straw, into high-value bioplastics and biofertilizers. Specifically, the research involved applying enzyme catalysts to the plant material as a first step in the conversion process.

鈥淭heir cell walls are made mostly of cellulose, hemicellulose and lignin, so the pre-treatments we were applying were meant to break down those [complex carbohydrates] into simpler, fermentable sugars,鈥� Andrewjeski said.

By maximizing the number of fermentable sugars, she said, the plant waste becomes a more effective feedstock for certain bacteria that convert them into a polymer type known as polyhydroxyalkanoates, or PHAs for short.

鈥淲hen people consume more sugar than their bodies need, the surplus is stored as fat. Similarly, some bacteria store excess carbon as PHAs, and PHAs can be used to make biodegradable plastics,鈥� Andrewjeski said. 鈥淪o the goal is to increase PHA production.鈥�

For Andrewjeski, who teaches at Connell High School in rural Franklin County, the experience was particularly eye-opening. Not only does she live and work in a highly agricultural community, she also helps operate a family farm that recently switched over to corn and wheat production.

鈥淚 had no clue that corn stover and wheat straw, which are two waste products from our farm, could be used to produce biofuels or biodegradable plastics,鈥� Andrewjeski said.

Whereas she and her husband have long focused on hay and cattle ranching, financial considerations caused them to change course last season.

鈥淭he hay market has not been the greatest, so we鈥檝e had to pivot and make some other decisions 鈥� just trying to stay alive, which is not easy for a family farm these days,鈥� she said.

As irrigation farmers, Andrewjeski says she and her husband typically pasture their corn stover after harvest before discing the remains back into the soil. Some growers sell their waste materials as feedstock, while others dispose of them through practices such as burning. But with biofuels and bioplastics becoming more commercially feasible alternatives to petroleum-based products, she said, farmers stand to benefit financially from the introduction of new markets.

At BSEL, Yang has played a significant role in making those economic changes possible, directing cutting-edge research efforts focused on converting agricultural residues, plant biomass and lignin into renewable fuels, chemicals and other high-value bioproducts. He was recently selected to Biofuels Digest鈥檚 , highlighting the most influential global figures driving scientific and commercial progress toward biobased fuels, products and solutions.

Despite her lifelong love of science, Andrewjeski said she had never taken part in real-world lab research prior to participating in the Murdock-funded program.

鈥淢ost science teachers don鈥檛 have that experience, which is odd,鈥� Andrewjeski said.

As such, much of her initial on-site training involved shadowing 黑料社 Pullman graduate Do-Gyun Kim, a postdoctoral researcher who joined the BSEL team last spring after completing his Ph.D. in biological and agricultural engineering.

鈥淪he was very interested in the real research work, so I made sure to show her my workflow and explain the daily tests,鈥� Kim said.

鈥淒r. Kim was great about showing me how to do everything,鈥� Andrewjeski said. 鈥淭here were a lot of people I would see periodically who would come through and make sure I had the help that I needed 鈥� Dr. Yang being one of them as well.鈥�

The project was also beneficial for BSEL staff and faculty, as Andrewjeski and her husband 鈥� who also visited the lab at the end of the summer project 鈥� offered valuable insight from the agricultural business side of things.

Teachers selected for the Partners in Science program participate in two summers of research, as well as attend two Murdock-hosted conferences each year, including a January research symposium where they present their findings. With one summer under her belt, Andrewjeski plans to return to BSEL at the end of the current academic year to complete the project. In the meantime, she looks forward to bringing some of her lab experience into the classroom at Connell High School.

鈥淭hat鈥檚 one of the things I鈥檓 most excited about, taking what I learned through my summer research and turning it into authentic learning experiences for my students,鈥� Andrewjeski said.

One classroom project she鈥檚 already begun working on will mimic the work she did at BSEL by having students investigate the composition of plant biomass.

鈥淩ather than simply teaching those concepts from a textbook, students could work through a simplified version of what I did in the lab 鈥� developing questions, making predictions, analyzing samples, collecting data and using that evidence to draw conclusions,鈥� Andrewjeski said. 鈥淚 want students to understand that science isn鈥檛 just about getting the right answer.鈥�

To help facilitate that new curriculum, Andrewjeski was recently honored with 黑料社鈥檚 .

鈥淚 will be receiving funding for my classroom that I can use to purchase the lab equipment that we鈥檙e going to need,鈥� she said.

On a deeper level, Andrewjeski says she also hopes to demonstrate to students how modern science and technology connects to the world around them.

鈥淚 hope my students see that the science they鈥檙e learning has applications beyond the classroom. It creates relevance, and that鈥檚 important to kids,鈥� Andrewjeski said. 鈥淭hey can look at something as familiar as a cornfield and begin asking questions about chemistry, biology, sustainability, agriculture, engineering and how these things really do come together.鈥�

Yang, meanwhile, plans to visit Andrewjeski鈥檚 classroom later this year to talk about his team鈥檚 work at 黑料社 Tri-Cities.

鈥淜aty and I hope this partnership will help bridge the gap between scientific discovery and STEM education, bringing cutting-edge research into the classroom and creating meaningful opportunities for both teachers and students,鈥� Yang said.

In addition to her time in BSEL, Andrewjeski also returned to 黑料社 Tri-Cities this summer as an online student in the Educational Leadership program. She鈥檚 currently seeking an add-on certification, with courses that she hopes will eventually contribute toward her doctoral degree.

鈥満诹仙� Tri-Cities has given me so many opportunities 鈥� getting my education degree all the way to this program, so it鈥檚 a really big deal for me,鈥� she said.

By Flynn Espe

The Washington State University Tri-Cities campus was buzzing with youthful energy and excitement as more than 170 visiting students from Finley Elementary School took part in a special STEM Discovery Day event on May 14. Throughout the morning, groups of students in grades three through five cycled through various labs and classroom spaces, each set up with a hands-on activity led by university faculty and staff.

Groups of third-graders rotated through five activities involving rockets, perception, sensory play, decoder wheels, and the human heart. Students in grades four and five, meanwhile, explored 3D pens, robotics, electrical circuits, electronic music, and aerodynamics. Through it all, instructors prompted students to consider how science and technology play a key role in shaping the world around them.

Outside, in the campus amphitheater, Sara Egbert introduced a group of third-graders to rocket building by referencing NASA鈥檚 recent Artemis II mission, which sent four U.S. astronauts on a 10-day, 700,000-mile voyage around the far side of the moon and back.

鈥淭his rocket has to have super amazing fuel,鈥� Egbert, a 黑料社 Tri-Cities instruction and classroom support technician, said. 鈥淪o there are engineers who make fuel that鈥檚 super-efficient and lightweight and won鈥檛 run out, because if you鈥檙e in space and your gas runs out, you鈥檙e in big trouble!鈥�

Students then got to create their own miniature rockets with the help of a basic chemistry experiment: mixing water and Alka-Seltzer tablets to create carbon dioxide. By combining the ingredients in a sealed plastic film container, students stood back and watched as the pressure build-up caused their makeshift rockets to launch into the air with a satisfying pop. Egbert concluded by asking students what they might try in a future experiment to make their rockets fly even further.

鈥淲e need young scientists to come and help solve the problems in the world and to ask the good questions,鈥� Egbert said. 鈥淪o I hope you all go into science.鈥�

Over in the Floyd building, Tyler Hansen, assistant professor of teaching and learning, taught a classroom of fifth-graders how to build electrical circuits using paper, copper tape, LED lights, and batteries.

鈥淐ircuits are how we carry electricity from one place to the other,鈥� Hansen said. 鈥淭hey go only one direction, and specifically, it always goes from positive to negative.鈥�

Student Alex Vasquez later cited Hansen鈥檚 activity as his favorite activity of the day, saying he enjoyed getting to see his experiment succeed after applying multiple red lights to the paper circuit.

鈥淲e got to turn on the lights without using switches,鈥� Vasquez said.

Fifth-graders Tegan Bennett and Jace Gutzmer both enjoyed the music lab and 3D pen activity stations, where they combined STEM learning with creative expression to make beats and 3D-printed drawings.

鈥淚t was pretty fun,鈥� Bennett said.

As the day鈥檚 events wrapped up, students gathered around the outdoor basketball court for one last demonstration led by Professor Joseph Iannelli from the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, who quizzed the group on the difference between science and engineering.

鈥淪cience is about learning how nature works. Engineering is to take that knowledge and build items,鈥� he said.

To illustrate his point, he produced a small remote-controlled drone as an engineered application of wind and force. Finley Students then got to watch as he and two university students flew drones around the space 鈥� cheering on as Iannelli carefully maneuvered his blue quadcopter through a basketball hoop.

The half-day event was made possible thanks to a generous grant from Women Helping Women Fund Tri-Cities (WHWF-TC), a nonprofit aimed at empowering women and children in the Tri-Cities region. The goal of the event was simple: Introduce young learners to the joys of STEM subjects in the hopes that some will go on to pursue science and technology professions later in life.

鈥淵ou want kids to understand what the possibilities are for their future,鈥� said Alysia Johnson, WHWF-TC executive director, who came to observe the opening and closing sessions. 鈥淭his could help solidify what they want to do when they grow up, so these experiences are important.鈥�

James Kindle, career connected learning coordinator for Educational Service District 123, agreed. As one of the outside organizers behind the event, he said the choice to target rural elementary school students was deliberate, noting that most STEM programs tend to focus on the high school age.

鈥淎nd sometimes that鈥檚 more reactive than proactive, so with something like this this we鈥檙e planting the seed,鈥� Kindle said. 鈥淲e know that STEM is very important, especially for future jobs coming down the pipeline, and the more we can expose students to these types of activities the better. Because now they鈥檒l go home and they鈥檒l talk to their parents about the cool things that they got to do today.鈥�

By Flynn Espe

Twelve students from the Washington State University system have received the 2025-26 Power & Energy Society (PES) , making 黑料社 the top institutional producer of PES scholars for this award year.

The PES Scholarship Plus is presented on behalf of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and can award students up to $10,000 over a three-year period. The scholarship is given to high-achieving undergraduate students majoring in an IEEE-designated field of study who are pursuing careers in power and energy.

The 12 黑料社 students, who hail from three system campuses, comprised almost a third of the 38 total PES scholars chosen from colleges and universities in IEEE鈥檚 Western U.S.A. region, a cluster that includes 12 states. The students are:

• Katelyn Albertin, 黑料社 Tri-Cities
• Gianni Avilan Losee, 黑料社 Vancouver
• Gerrit Bruland, 黑料社 Pullman
• Hugo Contreras, 黑料社 Tri-Cities
• Jacob Culligan, 黑料社 Tri-Cities
• Daniel Gapper, 黑料社 Pullman
• David Hysjulien, 黑料社 Tri-Cities
• Jesus Miranda, 黑料社 Tri-Cities
• Miguel Palomino, 黑料社 Tri-Cities
• Jessica Pantoja-Garcia, 黑料社 Vancouver
• Tarang Teredesai, 黑料社 Pullman
• Manuella Tossa, 黑料社 Tri-Cities

Bruland and Tossa are both two-time recipients.

To qualify for the scholarship, students must be considering a career in electric power and energy engineering, having earned a minimum number of academic credits within those areas of study. Applicants are evaluated by way of grades, achievements, work experiences, and volunteer activities. Selection is also based on the quality of the institution鈥檚 academic programs and curriculum related to power and energy engineering.

Palomino, a first-time recipient majoring in electrical engineering with minors in computer science and mathematics, found out about the PES scholarship through his academic advisor. He says he鈥檚 currently interested in working on energy systems that are healthier for the environment, noting that emerging technologies like ChatGPT and other large language models have proven to be heavily energy dependent.

As a student intern at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL) since 2023, Palomino has contributed to research projects involving high-voltage systems analysis for an experimental time projection chamber, the creation of an automatic cooling system, and more.

鈥淢y second project at PNNL, I created a standalone digital display system for a pressure transducer,鈥� Palomino said. 鈥淔or this, I had to integrate a microcontroller, analog-to-digital converter, and a digital display screen. This system required me to create a voltage divider to scale down the input signal to prevent any damage to the components.鈥�

After earning his associate鈥檚 degree from Columbia Basin College, Palomino transferred to 黑料社 Tri-Cities as a part of the Bridges Program and expects to graduate with his bachelor鈥檚 in electrical engineering in the spring of 2027.

鈥淚 feel honored to be recognized by IEEE,鈥� he said. 鈥淚t is encouraging to know that others have faith in me and are willing to give me that support which I greatly need.鈥�

Pantoja-Garcia, who transferred from Clark College to 黑料社 Vancouver in 2023, said she became interested in the field thanks to power-related projects and classes, as well as her participation in the PNW Hydro Think Tank Competition. At 黑料社 Vancouver, it was her Intro to Power and Energy Systems course and two key electives 鈥� Renewable Energy Conversion Systems and Introduction to Solar Cells 鈥� that further cemented her enthusiasm.

鈥淏oth of these electives stood out to me from other electrical engineering classes I have taken because they involved learning with a project-based approach,鈥� Pantoja-Garcia said. 鈥淎s a student, I have found that when I am tasked with projects instead of problem sets, I feel more involved and a sense of ownership over my education.鈥�

Outside of the classroom, Pantoja-Garcia took part in two four-month electrical engineering internships with Burns & McDonnell 鈥� an architecture, engineering, and construction firm. She recently joined the company as a full-time assistant substation engineer after graduating in December with a bachelor鈥檚 in electrical engineering.

鈥淚 spent most of my time working on substation projects,鈥� Pantoja-Garcia said. 鈥淚n my application, I described how my internship allowed me to take on projects that directly affected our electric grid and that it taught me the importance of making safe and smart design choices.鈥�

The PES Scholarship Plus program grew sharply over the past year, increasing from 84 PES scholars in 2024 to 244 in 2025. The jump was driven in part by expanded eligibility, which now includes majors such as computer science, technical communications, education, and more. 黑料社 students outpaced that growth, rising from two scholars last year to 12 this year.

According to Noel Schulz, inaugural director of the 黑料社 Tri-Cities and Bob Ferguson endowed professor, who joined the IEEE board of directors in 2024, it鈥檚 a promising sign for the trajectory of 黑料社鈥檚 programs.

鈥淭his is a significant accomplishment for the entire 黑料社 system,鈥� Schulz said. 鈥淚t’s encouraging to see that our students are excelling not only in the labs and classrooms on campus but also being recognized by professional societies like IEEE PES.聽 The 黑料社 system continues to be a strong program in electrical power education and research. It鈥檚 a true testament to our incredible engineering faculty and curriculum that 黑料社 is producing so many talented and committed students.鈥�

Freshwater and coastal waters may cover just a small portion of the planet, but they turn out to be powerful contributors to nitrogen fixation, a natural process essential to life on Earth. A new global study co-authored by Sarah Roley, associate professor of environmental science in the College of Arts and Sciences at Washington State University Tri-Cities, and Carmella Vizza, former 黑料社 Tri-Cities post-doctoral research associate and current assistant professor at Hawai鈥檌 Pacific University, reveals that these ecosystems produce far more nitrogen than previously recognized.

The research recently published in the journal Science, demonstrates that lakes, rivers, wetlands, and coastal waters fix approximately 40 million tons of usable nitrogen each year, which is about 15% of the global total. That鈥檚 a significant contribution, especially considering these environments represent less than 10% of Earth’s surface area.

鈥淣itrogen is essential for life but unusable by most organisms in its atmospheric form,鈥� said Roley. 鈥淭hrough nitrogen fixation, specialized microbes convert nitrogen from the air into forms that plants and other organisms can use. This study shows that inland and coastal waters are doing much more of this work than we realized.鈥�

Until now, most scientific estimates of global nitrogen fixation focused on terrestrial ecosystems and the open ocean. The new study helps fill a critical gap by quantifying nitrogen fixation in the aquatic environments in between, such as lakes, rivers, wetlands and coastal waters.

The findings suggest that current environmental models may need to be recalibrated. If nitrogen contributions from these systems are undercounted, forecasts for climate change, agriculture, and pollution risks may be off target.

鈥淭his research will help improve environmental models and predictions by giving us a more complete picture of where nitrogen is coming from,鈥� Roley said. 鈥淥ften, a lack of nitrogen limits algae and plant growth, especially in coastal ecosystems. These global nitrogen fixation estimates can help us better understand algal growth in freshwater and coastal ecosystems, which are clearly producing more of their own nitrogen than we previously understood.鈥�

The research team was part of a Research Coordination Network called National Science Foundation. The team compiled 4,793 nitrogen fixation rate measurements from existing studies and synthesized the data during a workshop.

The research team compiled global nitrogen fixation data from water columns and sediments across hundreds of inland and coastal sites. Their analysis revealed that nitrogen fixation is widespread and varies widely by location, with some areas fixing orders of magnitude more nitrogen than others.

鈥淚ntegration of inland and coastal aquatic ecosystems with global nitrogen estimates has been lacking for several reasons,鈥� the authors write. 鈥淲e anticipate that this study will motivate future research to improve detection techniques, expand monitoring across underrepresented climate zones, and better understand what drives nitrogen fixation in these environments.鈥�

The study, titled , appears in the June 2025 issue of Science.

Students presented a range of research and course projects as part of the Washington State University Tri-Cities Showcase for Research and Creative Activities, on Wednesday.

The showcase gives students the opportunity to display and discuss the research and projects they have been working on and helps them practice skills they will use in their professional careers.

More than 45 projects were on display representing graduate and undergraduate students as well as the 黑料社 Tri-Cities Clean Energy Ambassadors Network (CEAN) teams. 聽CEAN incorporates student teams working with 黑料社 faculty, industry mentors and their peers to research clean energy and climate related topics, potential impacts on disadvantaged populations and ways to share their findings with their community.

The following projects received awards:

• Best Capstone in Electrical Engineering or Computer Science
  Automated Toolbox Inventory Control System, Reem Osman, Steven Pixler, Caitlyn Powers, Navin Sabandith, Caleb Thomas

 

• Best Capstone in Mechanical or Civil Engineering
  Solar Powered Refrigeration System for Milk Transport, Josh Romero, Erick Martinez, Marcos Salas, Pascal Elsinghorst

 

• Best Creative Project
  The Cloud, Emily Sierra

 

• Best Undergraduate Project in Life, Biological, or Food Sciences
  Artificial light at night (ALAN) and bird-window collisions on the 黑料社TC campus, Nelly Pacheco

 

• Best Undergraduate Project in Physical, Computer, or Engineering Sciences
  Low-Power Cooling System Redesign, Jacob Getchell

 

• Best Graduate Project: (Tie)
  1. Effect of harvest time, alcohol concentration and maceration time on wine and grape phenolic composition and astringency perception – Juliana Pazos
  2. Comparison of Freeze-Killed versus Freeze-Dried Leaves for the Production of Frost Tainted Cabernet Sauvignon Wines – Mitchell Davey

 

CEAN Projects:

First Place – Flowing Forward: Innovations in Efficiency for Archimedes Screw Generators
Raul Aguilera-Vazquez, Edgar Bustamante-Angel, Leo Gomez & Noel Saldana
Industry Mentors: Gary Spanner, Adrianna Miller (1st Washington), Noel Schulz (黑料社/PNNL)

Second Place – Clearing the Air: Exploring Direct Air Carbon Capture and Storage in Eastern Washington
Student Ambassador Team: Sara Christensen, Elise Colson, Bailee Fehringer & Kalimae Mountain Industry Mentors: Todd Schaef (PNNL), David Heldebrant (PNNL), Jillian Cadwell (黑料社 Tri-Cities)

聽Co-Third Place:

1. Powering the University, Empowering the Community: A Campus Microgrid for Renewable Energy Generation and Education
   Student Ambassador Team: Asmita Acharya, Laurren Nirider, Nur Syeda & Manuella Tossa, Dae Ya Wah
   Industry Mentors: Noel Schulz (黑料社/PNNL)
2. Harnessing Energy Potential: Molten Salt
   Student Ambassador Team: Jordy Bautista, Jackie Figueroa, Rebecca Negrete-Ramos, Jose Vargas
   Industry Mentors: Tim Nies (Energy Northwest), Suh-Jane Lee (黑料社 Tri-Cities)

Judges for the Research and Creative projects included 黑料社 Tri-Cities faculty and The CEAN posters were judged by the Tri-Cities Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the 黑料社 Tri-Cities Entrepreneur in Residence/Innovation Lab.

Many project ideas come from local business partners such as Bechtel, and Washington River Protection Solutions who have problems they are attempting to solve or are looking for alternative or more cost-effective solutions. In some cases, the student鈥檚 work is adopted and implemented by the sponsoring company, giving students hands-on experience developing real-world solutions that make a difference.

By Seth Truscott

Collaborating with European scientists to develop ideas, fuels, and products that solve global environmental and energy challenges, Washington State University Professor Bin Yang is headed to Toulouse, France, as the newly announced recipient of the Fulbright-Tocqueville Distinguished Chair Award.

The award will fuel Yang鈥檚 work alongside colleagues at the Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, INSA Toulouse, expanding international partnerships for development of global decarbonization and biofuels and bioproducts production.

鈥淚 am grateful to the Fulbright Program for allowing me to expand on ideas and broaden ties between Washington state, the U.S., and France,鈥� said Yang, a professor at 黑料社鈥檚聽. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a great honor to work with European leaders in technology and sustainability at Toulouse and other partner institutions.鈥�

The six-month exchange begins in spring 2025 and builds on existing collaboration between Yang and scientists at Toulouse, part of the France鈥檚聽听(滨狈厂础).

Working with European colleagues in the bioeconomy鈥攅conomic areas embracing technologies like biomass to produce fuels and chemicals鈥擸ang seeks to make advances in energy and sustainability while promoting 黑料社 research to the international scientific community.

鈥淚nnovating together is the key to a better future for the world,鈥� he said. 鈥淢y ultimate goal is to develop a roadmap for the decarbonization of the bioeconomy between the United States and France, as well as the manufacture of products that serve the visions and goals of both countries.鈥�

Yang鈥檚 laboratory at聽黑料社 Tri-Cities聽focuses on development of renewable energy technologies, with an emphasis on production of biofuels and chemicals from cellulosic biomass: plant materials grown as crops or harvested as agricultural waste. He recently pioneered new pretreatment and manufacturing technologies to process biomass into jet fuel, bioplastics, carbon fiber, hydrogen carriers, and other bioproducts.

This is Yang鈥檚 second Fulbright Distinguished Chair award. In 2019, he traveled to Helsinki, Finland, as the first professor at 黑料社 to be selected for the Fulbright Distinguished Chair in Energy and Sustainable Use of Natural Resources Award.

鈥淏in Yang鈥檚 accomplishments have made him an international leader for development of the bioeconomy,鈥� said Jean Marie Fran莽ois, professor of industrial microbiology and bio-nanotechnology and Yang鈥檚 host at Federal University Toulouse. 鈥淩ecent awards recognize his pioneering contributions to the next generation biorefinery, sustainability, and green technologies that can overcome climate change. His upcoming visit is a great opportunity for students in our biochemical engineering and international master in bioeconomy programs and will significantly improve cooperation between our two institutions.鈥�

The Fulbright Program awards distinguished chairs to renowned scholars set apart by significant experience and extensive publications in their fields. Yang is the first professor at 黑料社 to receive the Fulbright-Tocqueville Distinguished Chair Award.

The most prestigious award offered by the Fulbright France bilateral program, this distinguished chair was created in 2005 to mark Senator J. William Fulbright鈥檚 centennial and Alexis de Tocqueville鈥檚 bicentennial. Funded by the French Ministry of Higher Education and Research and the Fulbright Program, it reinforces collaborative research between France and the United States on topics of major significance for the future of both societies.

鈥� Contact: Bin Yang, Professor, Department of Biological Systems Engineering, (509) 372-7640,聽bin.yang@wsu.edu

By Seth Truscott

Creating plant-based fuels that are easier on the environment and the pocketbook, Washington State University Professor Bin Yang makes a positive impact through chemical engineering.

Yang is now one of the newest Fellows of the聽聽(AIChE), a professional society of more than 60,000 scientists in 110 countries. He will be honored at the institute鈥檚聽, Nov. 5-10, 2023, at Orlando, Fla.

鈥淚 take nature as my inspiration,鈥� said Yang, who works to understand and develop advanced biofuels and bioproducts from plant biomass鈥攃rops and plant residue used to create energy鈥攚hile sharing knowledge and training the next generation of scientists.

鈥淢y ultimate goal is a real sustainability revolution,鈥� he said. 鈥淚鈥檓 working to develop sustainable low-carbon fuels that reduce climate change.鈥�

Fellow is the highest grade of membership in the institute, which fosters exchange on the frontiers of research in energy, sustainability, nanotechnology, and chemical plant safety and security. Fellows provide guidance and contribute to activities aiding development of safe and useful products for the benefit of society.

鈥淚鈥檓 humbled and deeply grateful for this award,鈥� said Yang, who thanked peers and colleagues who supported his nomination.

Involved with AIChE for the past 20 years, he has been a volunteer leader, organizing topical sessions and serving as a session chair. He is one of three 黑料社 scientists to be named Fellows of the Institute. Yong Wang and Richard Zollars, faculty in the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture, were previously named Fellows.

Developing new and sustainable fuels and products from biomass, Professor Bin Yang works with members of his lab at 黑料社 Tri-Cities.

Based at 黑料社 Tri-Cities for over a decade and a member of of the聽, Yang has pioneered new technologies to process biomass into jet fuel, bioplastics, carbon fiber, supercapacitors, hydrogen carriers, and other bioproducts.

鈥淏iofuels and bioproducts play a crucial role in decarbonization efforts by promoting sustainable alternatives to fossil-based products and processes,鈥� Yang said. 鈥淚nnovation is key to achieving a sustainable future for the world.鈥�

A member of the university鈥檚 Bioproducts, Sciences and Engineering Laboratory (BSEL), Yang also studies how microbes can produce a biodegradable plastic. He was a 2019 Fulbright Distinguished Chair in Energy and Sustainable Use of Natural Resources; holds six patents; has authored more than 135 papers and book chapters; and serves as an editorial and advisory board member for leading biorefinery journals.

Learn more about Yang鈥檚 work at his聽.

Washington State University Tri-Cities engineering professor Xiao Zhang has been honored as a senior member of the National Academy of Inventors.

The Academy recognizes senior members for their success in patents, licensing, and commercialization as well as for having produced technology that has, or will have, a significant impact on society. Zhang will be inducted formally at the Academy鈥檚 annual meeting in June in Washington, D.C.

Xiao Zhang
Professor, Gene and Linda Voiland School of Chemical Engineering and Bioengineering

Zhang’s research centers around improving understanding of plant macromolecules, such as cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose. Zhang has led the development of a number of bio-based product innovations for industrial applications, including: a cellulose-based coating for plant protection, foam packaging technologies, and lignin-derived composites and chemicals. Two technologies developed with 黑料社 colleagues were recently licensed to multibillion-dollar companies.

Some of Zhang鈥檚 patented innovations include plant-based compositions to protect plants from cold damage; cellulose foams for high-performance insulation; conversion of knot rejects from chemical pulping; and fractionation of a waste liquor stream from nanocrystalline cellulose production. He has collaborated with many industrial partners on the development of these new bio-based materials and co-founded a start-up company, Pomona Technologies. Zhang is a recipient of a National Science Foundation CAREER AWARD and C. Howard Smith Award from Pulp and Paper Technical Association of Canada. He holds a joint appointment with Pacific Northwest National Laboratory鈥檚 Energy and Environment Directorate and is part of 黑料社 Tri-Cities鈥� Bioproducts, Science, and Engineering Laboratory.

Story credit: 黑料社 Insider:

RICHLAND, WA 鈥� Washington River Protection Solution鈥檚 (WRPS) and Washington State University (黑料社) Tri-Cities have partnered to build a diverse workforce by establishing a robust cooperative work experience program (Co-Op Program) that will prepare students to be the next generation employees for WRPS. The collaboration provides both academic and professional opportunities for growth and development while helping selected students build the skills necessary for full-time employment with WRPS post-graduation. As part of the partnership, WRPS donated $250,000 to 黑料社 Tri-Cities to fund program costs.

Anna Plemons, associate vice chancellor academic and student affairs at 黑料社 Tri-Cities said, 鈥淚 am very excited to see this program develop because, as a career-oriented campus, it is foundational to what we do. Many students choose 黑料社 Tri-Cities because they want to stay local to earn their degree. This program fits perfectly with that desire because it connects them with career experience and future job opportunities in our region.鈥�

Up to 10 students, who have junior, senior or graduate status during the next academic year, will receive full-time summer employment and continue working part time during the school year in their chosen fields.

A 黑料社 Tri-Cities program coordinator and WRPS managers and mentors will closely monitor the development of co-op participants to ensure sufficient progress is taking place, both academically and professionally.

The 2022-2023 cohort consists of six students studying in the following academic programs: computer science (2), mechanical engineering (1), electrical engineering (1), civil engineering (1), and environmental and ecosystems sciences (1). All students will begin this summer and continue through at least one full academic year. Applications will open again so that all 10 spots can be filled.

Colby Morris, one of the students selected to participate in the 2022-2023 cohort says the best part about the program so far has been the opportunity to meet and interact with people who have years of experience in the field. 鈥淭his internship has significantly increased my ability to see what real world coding is. Here I have had the ability to see what people are really programming and how I can apply it to my schooling,鈥� he said.

Another student in the cohort, Omar De La Mora said, 鈥淭his is making a great deal of a difference. Being able to gain real-world experience on what happens on a day-to-day basis changes your perspective on what to focus on during school.鈥� He is looking forward to the flexibility the program allows him to have while attending 黑料社 Tri-Cities, as well as the possibility of a full-time position after graduation.

Additionally, two students not part of the cohort were offered full-time positions at WRPS. Both students are women of color who have, or will soon, wrap up their graduate programs in computer science and engineering and technology management.

To learn more about the WRPS/黑料社 Co-Op program contact Laura Sanchez, director of student services: laura.sanchez1@wsu.edu聽 (509) 372-7660

MEDIA CONTACT(S)

Leslie Streeter, Office of Marketing and Communication, (509) 372-7333,聽leslie.streeter@wsu.edu

By Maegan Murray, 黑料社 Tri-Cities

RICHLAND, Wash. 鈥� Washington State University Tri-Cities celebrated the opening of its first fully state-funded academic building in over 30 years as part of a ribbon cutting celebration on Sept. 22.

The grand opening of Collaboration Hall featured remarks from university leaders, light refreshments and open tours of the building.

Hands-on, career-relevant learning

The building, which officially opened on the first day of fall classes this year, features a range of state-of-the-art science teaching laboratories, three large interactive classrooms, study and collaborative areas, an open atrium ideal for presentations and events, as well as an outdoor amphitheater that seats 100.

黑料社 Tri-Cities Chancellor Sandra Haynes said the building was designed and constructed with student success in mind.

鈥淏eing a STEM-focused campus, this building, complete with labs specific to the full array of science disciplines, will enhance students鈥� education, resulting in graduates even more prepared to meet the demands of the workforce,鈥� she said. 鈥淎t 黑料社 Tri-Cities, we partner with a range of companies and organizations that contribute to groundbreaking research, technology development and overall community growth. As signified in its name, this building will help further academic and industry collaboration and truly help prepare our students for future careers rooted in regional needs.鈥�

The teaching laboratories featured in the building include:

• A physics laboratory
• Two biology laboratories
• A chemistry laboratory
• An anatomy and physiology laboratory
• An environmental science laboratory
• An innovation and design laboratory

Funded by state and local support

The construction of Collaboration Hall was made possible by $3 million in design funding and $27 million in construction funding from the Washington state Legislature.

In addition to state allocations, financial contributions have been made by university leadership by naming study, collaborative and learning spaces:

• 黑料社 President Kirk Schulz and First Lady Noel Schulz | Noel and Kirk Schulz Academic Support Lounge
• 黑料社 Tri-Cities Chancellor Sandra Haynes | Sandra Haynes Collaboration Space in Honor of First-Generation Students
• 黑料社 Regent Lura Powell and Art King | Lura Powell and Art King Lounge – Supporting First-Generation and Underserved Students and STEM

The following individuals and organizations also committed to naming seating on the grand staircase located in the atrium of Collaboration Hall. The naming of each step pays tribute to 黑料社 Tri-Cities students and the regional community:

• Washington River Protection Solutions | 鈥淚nvesting today for the challenges of tomorrow鈥�
• Central Plateau Cleanup Company | 鈥淏uilding our future workforce step by step鈥�
• Patrick and Tia Jensen | 鈥淚n honor of first-generation students鈥�
• Phil and Diane Ohl | Ohl Family Foundation | 鈥淲e always find our way back home, Go Cougs!鈥�

Haynes said the 黑料社 Tri-Cities campus community is incredibly grateful for the generous state, private and organizational support.

鈥淚t鈥檚 a stunning and functional space that, as a result of our state and community contributions, is one of the most valuable assets for our campus in fulfilling our educational mission,鈥� she said.

Serving community needs

Collaboration Hall lives up to 黑料社 Tri-Cities鈥� historical roots. The Tri-Cities campus dates back to the 1940s when it began as the General Electric School of Nuclear Engineering to provide educational advancement to engineers and others working at the Hanford Nuclear Site amid the Manhattan Project. Collaboration Hall was constructed to provide an educational space that would prepare regional students for current and future regional, state and national needs.

Kirk and Noel Schulz, both engineers, said the building is a prime example of a facility that capitalizes on 黑料社鈥檚 land-grant mission of providing exceptional learning, research and community service.

鈥淔or a campus that thrives in providing excellent STEM education, Collaboration Hall at 黑料社 Tri-Cities is a fantastic place for students to learn, grow and excel, all in partnership with our regional industry,鈥� Kirk Schulz said. 鈥淲e want to thank the Washington state Legislature and the many individuals and organizations that made this facility a reality. It is a space where students will learn foundational and practical skills that will be applied to serve regional, state and national needs.鈥�

For more information on Collaboration Hall, visit聽tricities.wsu.edu/collaborationhall.

Those interested in providing a gift or naming a space in the building should contact Jaime Heppler, 黑料社 Tri-Cities senior director of development, at 509-372-7207 or聽jaime.heppler@wsu.edu.