Fall 2020

by Larry Clark

Together

A world without insects?

Insect abundance and biodiversity are declining worldwide. For WSU scientists, complacency is not an option.

A viral response

Special Subject

In the face of tough circumstances during the COVID-19 pandemic, Cougs did not merely endure, but adapted and engaged.

Tracking down an equine mystery

A “Hall of Fame” expert tracks down the cause of catastrophic racehorse injuries.

Cougar confidential

Behind the costume of legendary fierce but friendly character Butch T. Cougar

Gardens of refuge

Growing vegetables and other plants reduce stress and help promote mental and physical well-being.

Digital magazine

The Fall 2020 issue in fullscreen and tablet PDF, web, and print-on-demand formats

A taste of the wild side

Wild apples and their desirable traits might speed up the process of apple breeding.

Renaissance of an ancient grain

Chefs looking for new flavors are discovering spelt, including new varieties developed at WSU.

“The Voice”

Glenn Johnson has arguably the most recognizable voice in Pullman.

Listen to the voice

Videos and audio clips of Glenn Johnson

Behind the mask

Profiles of Cougs who were Butch T. Cougar

Butch looks back

Reflections on life as the WSU mascot

Gallery: The antics of Butch T. Cougar

From the president

A letter from WSU President Kirk Schulz on the resiliency of Cougs in these tough times

Pacific golden chanterelles

First you have to find the delicate, delectable mushrooms.

Chanterelle recipes

Shroomin’ - A mushroom reading list

In a crunch for lunch?

Not only are insects packed with protein, vitamins, minerals, omega-3 fatty acids, and flavor, they offer a sustainable way to eat.

Cricket chili

A recipe from WSU entomologist Rich Zack

Bug recipes

COVID-19 research at WSU

Scientists examine the pandemic's health, economic, and social effects

How you can help during the COVID-19 pandemic

Distress call

A viral response

Health care workers can face depression, anxiety, insomnia, and worse during the COVID-19 crisis.

An epidemic of misinformation

A viral response

COVID-19 misinformation is widespread, and WSU faculty offer techniques to sift it out.

Planning for the storm

A viral response

WSU researchers modeled health care needs when local officials wanted to prepare for COVID-19.

Viral haystack

A viral response

WSU virologist Michael Letko and colleagues have found a way to identify coronaviruses likely to affect people.

Flour power

A viral response

King Arthur Flour Baking School at the WSU Bread Lab baked thousands of loaves to donate.

On a mission

A viral response

WSU alumni and groups statewide have launched fforts to increase food security.

Tireless food fighter

A viral response

Erich Broksas helps get millions of meals to people through World Central Kitchen and #ChefsForAmerica.

Rolovich pays it forward

A viral response

WSU's new football coach donated food to Pullman first responders and the community.

Call to duty II

A viral response

Vice Admiral (ret.) Raquel Bono (’15 MBA) answered the Washington governor’s call to serve as Washington state’s COVID-19 hospital “czar.”

Hands-on help

A viral response

Coug-owned Westport Winery and Ocean’s Daughter Distillery makes and donates wine bottles filled with hand sanitizer.

Facing the challenge

A viral response

A Coug uses her sewing skills to help Pullman Regional Hospital cope with a shortage of face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Drive-by Wi-Fi

A viral response

WSU Extension in late April opened drive-in Wi-Fi hotspots to help students get online.

Stories on the fly

A viral response

Matt Loveless had to navigate a pandemic during his first year of teaching broadcast journalism.

Virtual vacations

A viral response

Liven up your next Zoom call with a llama, thanks to an idea from Bolivia-based Derren Patterson.

Cries to eat more fries

A viral response

The pandemic has caused an excess of potatoes according to WSU horticulturist Mark Pavek.

Washington state drive-in Wi-Fi hotspots

Exchanging solutions

Earning a college degree, securing a better life while under the specter of deportation—our politicians seek solutions.

NEW: Viewscapes

Audio stories from Washington State Magazine

The building of social empowerment

Two WSU alumni architects want to build a better world.

Gallery: Designs from informal

Gardening resources

Open access help for gardeners

Backing WSU

Videoconferencing backgrounds with a Coug look

Talkback for Fall 2020

Letters from WSU alumni on chemistry professor Ralph Yount and about Mount St. Helens in 1980

He got the call

Barry Warren achieved his dream to be a principal througha WSU Indigenous teachers and school administrators program.

Up, up, and beyond

Jerry Jaeger washed dishes as kid, launching him to a 50-year career in hospitality.

Generations of hospitality

WSU hospitality alumni have found their paths for decades.

Glass action

Tracy Morgan found a way to give back through glassybaby.

Heaven so fine

Rob Mercer and his family have deep roots in winemaking and the Northwest.

A writer in chief

Bill Gardner, chief of WSU Police, put his English degree to work as a writer.

Sara and Kevin Mader

Sales of their Palouse Brand of products has shot up during the pandemic.

Class notes

Updates from Cougs all over

In memoriam

WSU alumni, faculty, and staff who have passed away

A Blissful Feast: Culinary Adventures in Italy’s Piedmont, Maremma, and Le Marche

An Eye for Injustice: Robert C. Sims and Minidoka

Edited by Susan M. Stacy, published by WSU Press

Tahoma and its People: A Natural History of Mount Rainier National Park

By Jeff Antonelis-Lapp, published by WSU Press

Sarah Bernhardt: The Divine and Dazzling Life of the World’s First Superstar

By Catherine Reef

Briefly noted

Books by WSU alumni

Stranded at sea

Mariah Brush experienced COVID-19 aboard a cruise ship.

Setting the tone

Sound and art installation Ambiente432 welcomes visitors to the Jordan Schnitzer Museum of Art at WSU.