Assistant professor and student
Undergraduate research
EschLEAD Program
Whether you’re pursuing STEM, social sciences, or humanities, EschLEAD helps you turn curiosity into career potential.
College of Veterinary Medicine > Education > Undergraduate > EschLEAD Undergraduate Research Program

EschLEAD Undergraduate Research Program

EschLEAD at Washington State University is a pioneering undergraduate research program that empowers students to begin working in research labs as early as their first year.  Through immersive, hands-on experiences in leading labs, students gain practical skills that bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application.  Students engage in original research, receive expert mentorship, and develop in-demand skills in commercialization, technology transfer, and industry collaboration—preparing them to thrive in today’s competitive job market.

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For Undergraduate Students: Explore, Discover, Lead

Kyu Jin “KJ” Youm, a sophomore biology major and undergraduate EschLEAD research scholar in Arden Baylink’s lab in Washington State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, poses for a photo.

Are you passionate about research? 

EschLEAD offers you the opportunity to:

  • Join research labs as early as your first semester—no prior lab experience required.
  • Apply classroom learning to real-world challenges through hands-on lab work.
  • Collaborate with faculty, post-docs, and graduate mentors to build your research skills.
  • Work across disciplines—open to students from all academic majors.
  • Gain industry-relevant experience that expands your career horizons.
  • Become job-ready through direct engagement with industry partners.

Whether you’re pursuing STEM, social sciences, or humanities, EschLEAD helps you turn curiosity into career potential.

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EschLEAD students

For Industry Partners: Invest in the Future of Innovation

EschLEAD builds a pipeline of skilled, research-savvy graduates ready to contribute to your organization. Our collaborative model ensures students gain the technical and professional skills needed to thrive in your workplace.

Interested in becoming an EschLEAD industry partner? Let’s connect and explore how your organization can benefit from partnering with WSU’s next generation of innovators.

Let's connect
Katy Touretsky works in a lab.

Participating in the program has definitely changed how I view science and research. I’ve come to appreciate how much teamwork, communication, and shared problem-solving go into making scientific discoveries.

 Katy Touretsky, a neuroscience major in Dr. Kristen Delevich’s lab, is leading her own research project on the effects of chronic adolescent vapor cannabis exposure.

EschLEAD stories

View all EschLEAD stories

Interested in supporting undergraduate research? Contact Lipi Turner-Rahman  or 509-335-4849.

Gifts to the EschLEAD Program support robust, experiential learning opportunities to undergraduate students and build a sustainable foundation for interdisciplinary and hands-on education.

Give to EschLEAD

The EschLEAD program was established through the vision and generosity of Robert Esch (’75 BS, ’78 MS) and Katherine Esch.  The program reflects their passion for science education and their commitment to nurturing the next generation of innovative leaders.