At Washington State University, graduate students work in world-class facilities with state-of-the-art technology under the guidance of the University’s faculty experts—many of whom are recognized nationally and internationally as top researchers in their fields.
With several research programs and areas of investigation to choose from, you can be assured that your graduate program in biotechnology will fit your specific goals and interests.
Research that motivates you
Researchers in the following research areas and core laboratories work closely with the Center for Integrated Biotechnology on a variety of projects. For more information on the full range of opportunities for study and research at WSU, explore the departments that offer training in biotechnology and look up faculty members in biotechnology research areas that interest you. The following list highlights just a few major research areas; the University conducts significant research in many other areas of inquiry.
Plant Biotechnology
Use a plant systems biology approach to understand plants from genomics to the physiological level. Apply your research to solving problems in the areas of agriculture and human health.
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Reproductive Biology
Research the physiological effects of molecular and cellular function in a wide variety of species, from insects to humans, and apply that knowledge to problems such as infertility, cancer, and broad questions of environmental and human health.
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Bioengineering
Integrate biology and engineering to solve biological problems, from developing equipment for biotechnology industry to engineering improved biomaterials such as artificial bone.
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Microbial Genomics
Use molecular and cellular approaches to understand microbes from the genomic to the cellular level; apply your understanding to fighting disease and improving human and animal health.
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Human Health
Work with researchers in any of a variety of human health areas to understand the molecular basis of human disease. Apply your research to prevention or the design and development of new and improved therapeutics. Ongoing projects include research into sleep disorders, molecular control of DNA repair, and cancer biology.
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Core laboratories
Facilitate research in many different programs and projects. As a student in biotechnology at WSU, you may have the opportunity to work with researchers and technical experts in many laboratories including the core laboratories operated by the Center for Integrated Biotechnology. Collaborate with other investigators and their labs as you lend your expertise and specialized knowledge to a wide range of research projects. These labs house state-of-the-art technology and equipment that individual investigators might be unable to obtain.
Proteomics core laboratory
This laboratory provides state-of-the-art technology and expertise in protein identification and analysis. Resources and support include gel electrophoresis, multidimensional liquid chromatographic methods, and major equipment for peptide mass mapping and sequence-based protein identification.
Genomics core laboratory
The centerpiece of the genomics core is a microarray equipment suite with bioinformatics support and data analysis systems. The lab provides technical expertise, assisting investigators in data analysis as well as helping produce custom arrays for individual researchers’ genome studies.
Bioinformatics core laboratory
This laboratory provides centralized genomics and proteomics data storage and analysis, and operates a bioinformatics user lab for WSU scientists. A Web site with secure high-performance servers allows researchers to access the lab's services using local terminals. The lab also provides technical and programming support, designs relational databases, and maintains software for DNA/RNA and protein sequence analysis and statistical analysis.
Molecular biology core laboratory
This lab provides DNA sequencing, protein sequencing, oligonucleotide synthesis, peptide synthesis, and information services to biotechnology researchers.
Plant transformation core laboratory
The plant transformation laboratory provides state-of-the-art facilities and technical support for research on plant tissue culture and plant transformation. The laboratory maintains specific bacterial and plant cell lines for investigators in plant biotechnology.
"My thesis advisor was instrumental in helping me learn how to think like a scientist and understand how to design and execute scientific research."
Alumnus, Kathryn Roupe, Ph.D.
Pharmacology / Toxicology
WSU alum in pharmacology and toxicology, Kathryn Roupe concentrated
on evaluating
the metabolic pathways, pharmacokinetic parameters, and anticancer effects of the stilbenes piceatannol, pinosylvin, and rhapontigenin.
Stilbenes, which are found naturally in a variety of foods (such as fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, wines, and teas), may be partially responsible for the health-protective effect of fruits and vegetables. One
well-known stilbene molecule, resveratrol, is currently undergoing clinical trials as a treatment for HIV and cancer.
Kathryn’s research on these three novel compounds, never evaluated in this way before, yielded the discovery that they are virtually non-toxic, and create anti-inflammatory
and anti-cancer effects in cell cultures and live animals— making them prime candidates for a variety of future therapeutic uses.
“Science has always fascinated me,” Kathryn says. “It's gratifying to know that my research may someday help people who are suffering from disease.”
After graduation, she chose
a position as a clinical pharmacokineticist where
she oversees clinical trials
of new, safer, and more effective drugs to combat cancer and other devastating chronic illnesses.