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The School of Biological Sciences Search Results

Franceschi Microscopy & Imaging Center

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Microscopic creature.

Franceschi Microscopy & Imaging Center

The Franceschi Microscopy and Imaging Center (FMIC) is a research and educational facility for the imaging and ultrastructural study of biological and non-biological materials. It is a centralized facility available to all WSU researchers and students. The FMIC provides electron microscopy and light microscopy equipment for observation and analysis of a diverse array of specimens.

The FMIC currently maintains two TEMs, one SEM, three confocal microscopes, a fluorescence microscope, and various light microscopes. All necessary ancillary equipment such as a high pressure freezer, auto freeze sub, two ultramicrotomes, and sputter coaters for SEM sample prep. Computers for image processing and analysis are maintained for student and faculty use. The center provides project consultation and has a skilled staff to assist students and faculty in a wide range of research projects. Faculty and students are welcome to visit the FMIC located on the ground floor of Abelson Hall (103/133 Abelson Hall). Inquiries about services and courses offered or class tours of the facilities can be made by calling (509) 335-3025 or email cos.fmic@wsu.edu.

PAPERWORK REQUIRED TO USE FMIC

Form: Proposed Research Project & Billing Information

Contact Us

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Diagnostic Lab Contact Information

Email

lariosr@vetmed.wsu.edu

Phone

(509) 335-7924

Address

Rose Marie Larios C/O Andrew Storfer
School of Biological Sciences
312 Abelson Hall
Washington State University
Pullman, WA 99164-4236

School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, PO Box 644236, Pullman WA 99164-4236 Contact Us: 509-335-3553
The SBS main office is located in 301 Abelson Hall on the Pullman campus.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Do you accept credit cards for payment?

We accept credit card, checks and purchase orders. Detailed instructions concerning payment are included in the invoice.

What protocol should I use to collect my samples?

We refer you to Hyatt et al. Diagnostic assays and sampling protocols for the detection of Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis. Dis Aquat Org 73:175-192, 2007.

My grant funding expires soon, can I send in the payment for the work prior to work being completed?

Yes, we accept prepayment of work.

How do you extract DNA?

We use QIAGEN kits to extract DNA from all of our samples.

What type of PCR machine do you use to run and analyze your results?

We use Applied Biosystems 7300 Fast Real-time PCR System.

Do you use a Standard of the Bd virus?

Yes, we receive our standards from Hyatt’s lab. We then serial dilute our standards from 10^3 to 10^2,10^1, 10^0, and 10^-1.

Do you accept dry swab samples?

Yes, we accept dry swabs and swabs stored in ethanol.

School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, PO Box 644236, Pullman WA 99164-4236 Contact Us: 509-335-3553
The SBS main office is located in 301 Abelson Hall on the Pullman campus.

Submit Your Sample

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Important Submission Information

Please email Rose Marie Larios (lariosr@vetmed.wsu.edu) to let us know that you plan to submit samples. Let us know the number of samples you plan to send and the date you are sending them. Please fill out the sample submission form which is downloadable and include it in your package. If you have any questions, call Rose at (509) 335-7924

Some Tips

  • Please ship via Fed-Ex as they are the only ones that deliver directly to our department.
  • Please use screw top centrifuge tubes to store samples.  Snap top tubes will often burst in shipping.
  • Please trim swabs as short as possible to limit our handling of them.
  • Please be sure to use ethanol proof markers on outside of samples.
  • Please notify us via email when samples are shipped and be sure to include a tracking number.

Deliver To

Rose Marie Larios
C/O Andrew Storfer
School of Biological Sciences
312 Abelson Hall
Washington State University
Pullman, WA 99164-4236

School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, PO Box 644236, Pullman WA 99164-4236 Contact Us: 509-335-3553
The SBS main office is located in 301 Abelson Hall on the Pullman campus.

Amphibian Disease Diagnostic Laboratory

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Who are we?

We are a non-profit, Washington State University-approved service center for diagnostic testing of amphibian samples for presence of ranavirus or the chytrid fungus, Batrachochytrium dendrobatidis (“Bd”).

Where are we located?

In the laboratory of Dr. Andrew Storfer in the School of Biological Sciences at Washington State University.

What do we do?

We process tissue samples or swabs for presence of a ranavirus or Bd. We will perform DNA extraction on each tissue sample or swab followed by quantitative, real-time PCR.  Each sample is run in triplicate.  Presence-absence data, as well as quantitative estimates of pathogen load (if positive) are included in the data we return to you.

Pricing Information

$15 / individual sample
$85 / pool of up to 6-10
$50 / pool of 5
$12 / pcr on extracted DNA

Turnaround time: Our current turnaround time is 3-6 weeks.

School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, PO Box 644236, Pullman WA 99164-4236 Contact Us: 509-335-3553
The SBS main office is located in 301 Abelson Hall on the Pullman campus.

Facilities

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Overview

Charles R. Conner Natural History Museum

The Conner collection dates back almost to the opening of the university as an agricultural college in 1890. The first specimens exhibited in Pullman had originally been exhibited at the Chicago World’s Fair in 1893, and over the course of the century many traditional specimens were added to the collection. Presently the entire collection contains more than 65,000 specimens. Visit the Conner Museum site.

Inside the museum

The Marion Ownbey Herbarium

The Marion Ownbey Herbarium is among the larger herbaria of the Pacific Northwest. The collection consists of nearly 400,000 specimens of vascular and nonvascular plants and lichens. The herbarium includes plants from around the world, although those of the Pacific Northwest, Great Basin, and California form the majority of the collection. Visit the Ownbey Herbarium site.

photo of plant at the herbarium

Plant Growth Chamber Facility

Constructed in 1999, the newest of the School of Biological Sciences research space for plant growth is the Plant Growth Chamber facility in the basement of Eastlick Hall (B-97). All chambers are computer controlled and network-connected to a server for the continuous collection of environmental data. This facility consists of 23 plant growth chambers varying in size from 9 square feet to 36 square feet. In addition, there are four 19 cubic foot tissue culture chambers. All chambers are temperature controlled (5-40ºC) and humidity is controlled between ambient and 85%. Light intensity levels can be varied between dark and 1,600 micromoles/m2/s. Two chambers are equipped with capabilities for CO2 enrichment up to 2,000 ppm and elevated UV-B up to 20 times ambient. Automatic irrigation can also be programmed.

plants growing in the winter

Greenhouses

The School of Biological Sciences has 3 modern greenhouses: one in Abelson Hall, one in Murrow Hall and a third in the Steffen Center.

The Abelson Hall Greenhouse, completed in 1989, is a 4,000 square foot aluminum and glass rooftop facility occupying the seventh floor and consists of nine independently controlled compartments.

The Murrow Greenhouse, built in the 1920s, is the oldest greenhouse on the WSU Pullman campus. Constructed of steel and glass, it is approximately 1,000 square feet and houses a portion of the permanent botanical teaching collection.

The Steffen Center Greenhouse, built in 1995, is a 3,000 square foot galvanized steel and polycarbonate greenhouse divided into four 750 square foot compartments. This facility is used predominantly for research but is also used for instruction.

Inside the greenhouse

Franceschi Microscopy and Imaging Center

The Franceschi Microscopy and Imaging Center (FMIC) is a research and educational facility for the imaging and ultrastructural study of biological and non-biological materials. It is a centralized facility available to all WSU researchers and students. The FMIC provides electron microscopy and light microscopy equipment for observation and analysis of a diverse array of specimens. Visit the Franceschi Microscopy and Imaging Center site.

Tools for microscopy.

Student Resources

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Alpha Epsilon Delta

Alpha Epsilon Delta – WSU is the national health professional honor society. Our chapter at WSU welcomes any students aspiring to enter the field of healthcare. As an academic honor society, it is our goal to encourage excellence in scholarship and to help students prepare for their futures in a healthcare career.

The faculty sponsor of Alpha Epsilon Delta is Sandi Brabb.

Pre-Dental Club

The Pre-Dental Club is a WSU organization for undergraduate students interested in the dental field. The Pre-Dental Club’s purpose is to affiliate students with the option of pursuing dentistry while making a difference in the community. Everything they do as a club is designed to benefit those involved in their pursuit of a career in the field of dentistry. They are actively learning more in the field of dentistry through discussions and pride themselves in the impact theymake in the community through various community projects.

The faculty sponsor of the Pre-Dental Club is Karen Chase.

 

Pre-Health Club

The Pre-Health Club’s mission is to work to provide guidance to students whose goals are to enter a health profession, but are still deciding on a specific career pathway. They set up volunteer activities to broaden students’ perspectives. They believe that the best advice on how to pursue a healthcare career comes from people that have gone through the application process. Many of their members have done just that, and have remained a part of the club in order to offer that advice to newer members

 

Pre-Nursing Club: Rho Nu

The Rho Nu Pre-Nursing Club is a volunteer-based club open to all Washington State University Pre-Nursing students. The name of this organization was adopted from the Greek names for the letters RN, which are, in turn, the symbol for Registered Nurse.

 

Pre-Pharmacy Club

The Pre-Pharmacy Club helps WSU Pullman students become competitive applicants for professional schools of pharmacy. Any dedicated Pre-Pharmacy student, and anyone considering a career in Pharmacy, is welcome to join the club.

The faculty sponsor of the Pre-Pharmacy Club is Marian McDonnell Horton.

 

Pre-Physician Assistant Club

The Pre-Physician Assistant Club’s purpose of is to organize a community of pre-P.A undergraduates while working cooperatively to gain information and support in preparation for professional school. We are an informative club with meetings based around giving information about the profession, the GRE, CASPA (online application process to all P.A schools), writing personal statements, etc. We also make volunteer opportunities available to all members.

 

Pre-PT/OT Club

The Pre-PT/OT Club is for all students who are interested in physical and occupational therapy careers. They help each other prepare for graduate school and learn more about the opportunities in the field. Meetings are informative and helpful, but also fun and a good networking tool.

The faculty sponsor of the Pre-PT/OT Club is Charlie Snyder.

 

Pre-Vet Club (AKA Organization of Future Veterinarians (OFV))

The Pre-Vet Club is an organization for pre-professional students interested in veterinary medicine. It promotes scholarship and provides activities relevant to professional goals in veterinary medicine. The Club emphasizes education about careers in veterinary medicine and information on entrance requirements to veterinary colleges.

To get involved in the Pre-Vet Club, you can email them at wsuofv@yahoo.com.

The faculty sponsors of the Pre-Vet Club are Brooke Wolf and Dr. Patrick Wilson.

 

Raptor Club and Rehabilitation Program

The Raptor Club promotes wildlife conservation through the use of non-releasable raptors as living representatives in public environmental education programs.

To get involved in the Raptor Club, you can email them at wsuraptorclub@gmail.com.

 

Zoology Club

The Zoology Club is a WSU organization for undergraduate students interested in animals and conservation. The Zoology Club has regular meetings, participates in public service projects, makes field trips to see wildlife and zoos, and sponsors invited lectures for the university community. Activities of the club aim to give students amazing opportunities with animals.

To get involved in the Zoology Club, please e-mail us at wsuzoologyclub@yahoo.com.

The faculty sponsor of the Zoology Club is Chris Davitt, who can be reached at davcmd@wsu.edu.

Research Oppurtunities

In the School of Biological Sciences, faculty and students engage in wide-ranging research using world-class facilities to solve diverse biological problems. For undergraduates, research experiences offer novel challenges and provide hands-on experience of cutting-edge science. Students involved in research projects not only learn to work with new technologies and techniques but also gain valuable experience in problem-solving and creative thinking. Experience in research can be advantageous to students who want to continue their education in graduate or professional schools.

 

As a research university, WSU is a place where new knowledge is made. Research universities offer students incredible opportunities not only to learn the newest information in their classes but also to participate in research projects.

Students can enroll in Biology 499 to receive credits for research projects.

Students who are interested in research may want to ask their advisors about opportunities with faculty in the School of Biological Sciences or contact directly faculty whose research interests them. Brief descriptions of faculty research areas are listed below and linked to websites that explain their research in greater detail.

Recent Graduate Recommendations

Course Planning

  • Look ahead several years into your course program. This might help you decide if you are in the right major.
  • Talk to your advisors about when classes (e.g. alternate year classes) are offered. Plan your schedule to match course availability.
  • Take the classes that you interest and on topics you enjoy.
  • Take advantage of specialized courses.
  • Plan your courses to avoid being overwhelmed in any one semester.
  • Don’t take more than 15 credits of science at one time.
  • Ask students who are ahead of you in their programs for advice.
  • Consider using withdrawals to avoid getting low grades.
  • Pay close attention to your freshman Biology and Chemistry classes. Keep your notes, lab reports and materials from introductory classes because you will need them later.
  • Consider taking some summer classes. You get more personal attention then and may have better success because you don’t forget between classes.
  • Don’t be afraid to take courses outside your major, especially to get a break from hard science. Save some of the GERs for late in your program.
  • If you switch majors to sciences, do prerequisites as quickly as possible.
  • Get introductory science courses in biology and chemistry done early (i.e., your freshman year).
  • Set up a plan of courses. Take charge of your own 4-year plan.

Choosing your Major & Career

  • Investigate majors before choosing a direction.
  • Know your professional goals and what it will take to achieve them.
  • Biology and zoology are hard majors–don’t assume you can keep the same schedule as your friends.
  • Think about future your objectives. Try to decide early on your career direction.
  • If you are interested in a minor, think about it early on.
  • Be prepared to change your mind about your future directions.
  • Be honest with yourself about whether you want to be a scientist or health professional.

Time Management

  • Balance your classes—think about which you want to take together. Try to take classes that fit well with your personal (activity) schedule. Don’t get over-stressed. Don’t take too many lab courses at once, especially your first year.
  • Be prepared to study harder than in high school.
  • Use a calendar to keep track of assignments and appointments.
  • Read the textbook and other assignments and know your lecture notes!
  • Be prepared. Plan to put time into labs.
  • Motivate yourself to study. Be disciplined about study and course needs.
  • Be responsible for test preparation.
  • Get study habits together your first semester.
  • Be sure to study and read the textbook well before exams.
  • Get help early in courses if needed and don’t fall behind in studying and assignments.
  • Form study groups with other students. Find people who are disciplined and want to excel. Take classes and study with these people. Studying with good students can improve your grades. Be smart about these choices.

Oppurtunities

  • Take advantage of different opportunities (e.g. research in labs, etc.) so you can determine what you like most. Get involved in clubs to network with people with similar interests and to identify good opportunities in your area.
  • Seek out undergraduate research opportunities. Get involved with research or other beneficial, out-of-class activities early in your program; they will help you.
  • Consider being an undergraduate TA if the opportunity is available.
  • Find out about scholarships and apply for them.
  • Get involved early in extracurricular activities related to your interests (clubs, internships). They’re a great way to meet peers, especially as a freshman.
  • It’s important to get experience. Unpaid and paid are both important.
  • Get to know your professors. They can provide tips on research and other opportunities.

School of Biological Sciences, Washington State University, PO Box 644236, Pullman WA 99164-4236 Contact Us: 509-335-3553
The SBS main office is located in 301 Abelson Hall on the Pullman campus.

Apply

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WSU letters viewed under a microscope.

Application

The School of Biological Sciences does NOT require GRE scores

To Apply:

Applicants must apply online to the Graduate School (see below). Review of applications for Fall semester starts on January 10th and review of Spring semester applications starts on September 15th. International applicants should note the WSU Graduate School deadlines on the Application for Admission.

Link to timeline: This is a suggested timeline for applicants applying for a fall semester start. Note that, SBS also accepts applications for spring semester start. If you are interested in applying to our department, the most important thing is to reach out to a faculty member. If, after contacting a faculty member you both feel you would be a good fit for our graduate program we would be happy to work with you to complete the application process.

SBS Graduate Application Guide:

Application Steps

Step 1: Email prospective faculty advisors

SBS only admits students to work with a specific faculty thesis advisor (i.e., no rotations). We encourage prospective students to email potential faculty advisors to learn about their labs. It is most helpful if your email includes a resume or CV and a brief statement (4-8 sentences) describing your research interests and reasons why you think this lab would be a good fit for you. Check faculty lab websites for more detailed instructions on what to include in the introductory email. (Links to our current faculty and their research interests)

Step 2: Apply directly to the Graduate School

Link to the Graduate School Application Be sure to carefully follow all instructions. If you have questions or want further information please contact the Graduate School directly.

 

Contact the Graduate School

PO Box 641030 Pullman, WA 99164-1030
Phone: (509) 335-1446
E-mail: gradsch@wsu.edu
Website: gradschool.wsu.edu

Applications must include:

In addition to the above, your application must include:

  • Three letters of recommendation which will be submitted online (follow instructions on the Graduate School application page).
  • TOEFL scores (international applicants only): Official scores must be sent to the Graduate School. WSU Institutional Code: 4705
  • Transcripts: These must be sent directly to the Graduate School (follow instructions on the Graduate School application page).

If you have questions, please contact us at sbs.gradstudies@wsu.edu

Cougar Statue on WSU Campus

Undergraduate Studies

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Leaves.

Overview

Biology Major

The biology major is built around core courses in biochemistry, cell biology, ecology, evolution, and genetics. We offer five options for biology majors that allow students to pick among different programs of interest.

  • The general option provides students with the greatest latitude to shape their own programs of study.
  • The plant biology, entomology, and ecology and evolution options of the biology major direct students select appropriate courses to develop a strong background in these disciplines.
  • The education option prepares students to enter a teaching career in secondary education in biology and related areas.

General Biology

Plant Biology

Entomology

Ecology and Evolution

Pre-PT, PA, OT

Education

Basic Medical Sciences

Agreement for Completion BIOL 491, 495, 496, 499, 600, or 702

4 Year Plan Worksheet

SBS- Department Animal Policy

Human Biology Major

Beginning fall 2020
Responding to the global need for more skilled professionals in health, social and environmental sciences, and public policy, the Department of Anthropology and the School of Biological Sciences offer a new, interdisciplinary bachelor of arts degree in human biology, designed for rigorous study in the natural and social sciences.

Graduates will be prepared for a wide variety of career options in areas of medical and health sciences, social work and support, development and analysis of public policy, and more.

The four-year human biology program, offered on the WSU Pullman and Vancouver campuses, melds approaches and content from social and biological sciences to provide students with a vibrant, synthetic understanding of the roles of culture, the dynamics of natural and social systems, and the biological attributes responsible for shaping the human being.

Find out more and apply today!
Interested students should contact a degree advisor:

Human Biology (WSU degree catalog)

Zoology Major

The zoology major aims to provide students with knowledge and experience in the biology of animals. The major is built around core courses in ecology, evolution, and genetics. Students are expected also to select from courses in anatomy, physiology, and invertebrate biology. Opportunities for elective courses allow students to specialize in different areas of zoology.

For students interested in health science professions, we offer degree options to provide coursework and experiences essential to enter professional schools.

General Zoology

Pre-vet/Animal Care

Pre-med/Pre-dent

Accelerated Pre-vet

Agreement for Completion BIOL 491, 495, 496, 499, 600, or 702

4 Year Plan Worksheet

Certifying as a Biology, Human Biology, or Zoology Major

Students may certify in biology, human biology, or zoology after the completion of 24 semester hours of credit and with a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. Majors in biology and zoology will be assigned an advisor in the School of Biological Sciences. Majors in human biology will be assigned an advisor in the Department of Anthropology.

Students can choose biology, human biology, or zoology as a second major. To declare a second major, students must have completed 60 semester hours of credit and have a GPA of 2.0 or above.

To certify in a biology or zoology major, please contact SBS in 301 Abelson Hall.

To certify in the human biology major, please contact

If you have questions about the biology or zoology majors, please feel free to contact us. You are welcome to come by the office of the School of Biological Sciences in 301 Abelson Hall on the Pullman campus or contact one of the following individuals by email:

Photo of plants in a greenhouse

NameTitleContact
Pat CarterDirector, School of Biological Sciences pacarter@wsu.edu
R. Dave EvansAssociate Director for Undergraduate Studiesrdevans@wsu.edu
Dawn PollardAcademic Coordinator/Advisordawn.pollard@wsu.edu
Susan SchroederAcademic Coordinator/Advisorschroedersa@wsu.edu

School of Biological Sciences Learning Goals

  1. Mastery of fundamental biological concepts and an ability to integrate this conceptual knowledge across different field within the discipline
  2. Use critical thinking and scientific skills to analyze and solve problems.
  3. Formulate logical hypotheses and test them by designing and running appropriate experiments or observational studies and analyses.
  4. Effectively communicate biological problems and solutions to both the scientific community and the public at large in writing and in discussion.
  5. Identify the central body of knowledge in biology or zoology (genetics, evolution, ecology and organismal biology, molecular biology).
  6. Use scientific literacy and knowledge of biology or zoology to analyze contemporary social, cultural, and environmental issues and contribute to informed opinion.