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Summer 2026

Earth Sciences

Small cropped thumbnail of a close-up photograph showing an older adult against a dark background.
Summer 2026

Robert Redford’s travels on the Palouse

Robert Redford’s trip to Washington State University and eastern Washington in October 1982 was memorable—and not only for his insights into environmental issues to students.

Redford was visiting as part of the launch of the Institute for Resource Management, a joint effort with the University of Idaho. But on a tour, the group’s bus caught on fire and brought some unwanted drama.

Browse a photo gallery and read a WSU student’s story of the trip below.

All photos from WSU Chinook 1983 yearbook

 

 

Leslie (English) Hynes (’84 Comm.) wrote an account of Redford’s visit for the 1983 Chinook yearbook:

 

… » More …

Woman on a beach in a hat and coat with binoculars
Summer 2025

At home in the Pacific Northwest woods

After many years of service, wildlife biologist Betsy L. Howell (’87 Wildlife Mgmt.) wrote about her calling in Wild Forest Home: Stories of Conservation in the Pacific Northwest (The University of Utah Press, 2024).

Book cover of Wild Forest Home, shows forest illustration

Howell talks with Washington State Magazine about her career, conservation, and time at Washington State University.

 

Talk about your time at WSU. How well did it prepare you for your career? Who were your mentors? What are your favorite … » More …

Tire on the side of a stream
Winter 2024

A stormwater priority: Protecting coho salmon from tire chemicals

Coho salmon in urban areas were dying from stormwater runoff, but scientists didn’t know why until a few years ago.

A team of researchers from Washington State University and University of Washington identified a chemical found in tires as the culprit.

Tires contain 6PPD, which keeps the rubber from cracking after exposure to ozone in the atmosphere. But 6PPD also reacts with ozone, forming the organic chemical 6PPD-quinone.

During rainstorms, tire dust washes into rivers and streams, where 6PPD-quinone is lethal to juvenile and adult coho in small doses. It’s a complex issue—with no easy fix.

Caitlin Lawrence and Nathan … » More …