Research

Advancing Biomedical and Veterinary Research at WSU

At the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine, our researchers lead groundbreaking studies in neuroscience, microbiology, immunology, biochemistry, public health, and cell biology and genetics—driving the development of innovative medical technologies, therapies, vaccines, and medications. We also conduct research in epidemiology, infectious diseases, integrative physiology, and veterinary clinical and translational sciences to improve both public health and animal health worldwide.

Research statistics at a glance

$49.1 million in research spending. More than half is spent on infectious disease research.

1st in CDC research funding by the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges.

$32.3 million in research grant funding from state, federal, and private funds.

3rd in total federal research funding. by the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges.

Meet our researchers

Meet our researchers: Dr. Sushanta Deb

Dr. Sushanta Deb uses genomic surveillance to discover emerging pathogens and track how viruses evolve across humans, animals, and their shared environments. An assistant research professor with the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Washington Animal Disease Diagnostic Laboratory, Deb studies the immense microbial diversity that shapes disease dynamics and informs public and animal health.

Meet our researchers: Dr. Cole Allick

Dr. Cole Allick, an assistant professor of public health in the Paul G. Allen School for Global Health and citizen of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians, works at the intersection of public health, policy, and Indigenous knowledge. His research aims to create more equitable systems and strengthen policy outcomes in Tribal communities through culturally grounded approaches.

Meet our researchers: Dr. Kimberly McBride

As an associate professor in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s School of Molecular Biosciences, Dr. Kimberly McBride’s research explores how social, cultural, and individual factors influence human sexuality and reproductive health. An interdisciplinary social and behavioral scientist, she focuses on sexualities and reproductive justice, using mixed-method approaches to better understand and advance equity in health […]

View all meet our researchers

EschLEAD Undergraduate Research Program

The EschLEAD undergraduate research program at Washington State University empowers students to begin working in research labs as early as their first year. Whether you’re pursuing STEM, social sciences, or humanities, EschLEAD helps you turn curiosity into career potential.

Learn more about the EschLEAD program

Research abroad for undergraduate students

WSU’s Research Immersion in Nairobi

An immersive six-week summer study-abroad program to Nairobi, Kenya, providing research opportunities to WSU undergraduate students.

Learn more about Research Immersion in Nairobi

Group of winners from the 2025 Research Symposium.

College Research Symposium

The annual event showcases research by our undergraduate, graduate, and professional veterinary medical students, postdoctoral researchers, and veterinary residents and interns. During the symposium the college also recognizes excellence in research with a keynote address by the Zoetis Award for Veterinary Research Excellence faculty recipient.

Next Research Symposium is October 2026

Learn more about the College Research Symposium

Student research opportunities

WSU Research Exposition

WSU’s poster session and scholarship competition for graduate and professional students

Student explaining research on their research poster to attendees of the 2023 SURCA event.

WSU SURCA

WSU’s Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities

Three Minute Thesis (3MT®)

A graduate student research communication competition

Veterinary Student Summer Research Fellowship Program

An engaging summer opportunity to introduce veterinary students to biomedical research

Federal Excess Personal Property Program

The College of Veterinary Medicine is a participant in the Federal Excess Personal Property Program, which gives our researchers the opportunity to secure lab and project equipment from the federal government on loan and at substantially reduced costs. This allows our researchers to stretch their grant money further and to obtain items ranging from microscopes and centrifuges to vehicles and medical equipment often for just the cost of shipping and a staff support fee.