Robert Esch

Robert Esch (’75 BS, ‘78 MS) has made significant contributions to the fields of microbiology and immunology as a leader, researcher, and educator. For nearly four decades, Esch has guided organizations and science professionals in pioneering solutions to global health challenges. He served as an industry representative to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s Allergen Products Advisory Committee, the Consortium of Food Allergy Research, and the Inner-City Asthma Consortium. He has held several positions with the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology and was the chief scientific officer at Greer Laboratories, which specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of allergies. Esch and his wife, Katherine, share a passion for science education reflected across decades of philanthropy at WSU. In 2020, they established the Robert and Katherine Esch Fund for the School of Molecular Biosciences Faculty Development, which provides opportunities for WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine faculty in molecular biology research. Esch is currently an adjunct professor at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine.