*Article first posted on the WSU Foundation official website, in November, 2025.
By Keith Powell, WSU Foundation
In research, modest investments can help big ideas bloom. Nowhere is that truer than at Washington State University Everett. In September 2024, the university awarded four undergraduate students each a $1,000 research grant to pursue independent projects tackling real-world challenges. Funded through a dedicated endowment, these awards are more than financial support — they are a catalyst for innovation, leadership, and the future of science and technology.
From the classroom to the lab and beyond, these Cougs turned curiosity into hands-on research that not only advanced their academic journey but also contributed to their respective fields.
Alex Kelly – Engineering the future of infrastructure
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Kelly’s research focused on the load-bearing characteristics of composite beams made from carbon fiber, epoxy, Nomex core, and aluminum sheets. His findings suggest that these materials could outperform traditional concrete beams in terms of strength and sustainability — especially in small-scale bridge infrastructure.
“Without the funding, I wouldn’t have had access to the materials needed to test my idea,” Kelly said. “Meeting with my mentor and figuring out when and how to ask questions in an independently driven environment was one of the most important skills I improved… This experience is valuable not just for higher education, but also as a resume builder and a way to foster technological advancement.”
Kelly is now pursuing a PhD in mechanical engineering at WSU Tri-Cities, with this research experience serving as a foundational step.
Gusta Beard – Protecting crops through entomology
Major: Organic and Sustainable Agriculture
Beard used her award to study the effects of insect growth regulators (IGRs) on the spotted-wing drosophila (SWD), a pest that causes significant damage to berry crops in Washington. Stress-induced behaviors like “egg dumping” were observed in her experiments with certain IGRs. These types of observations guide the process of research, leading to findings that could inform future pest management approaches.
“I knew I wanted to work in entomology, but I had no idea where to start,” Beard said. “By working with my professor, I was able to find a topic that both interested me and was relevant to local farmers… Within a semester, I gained a clearer understanding of the field and its importance to society.”
The grant also enabled her to attend the Entomological Society of America conference, where she connected with professionals and secured an internship with WSU’s entomology lab.
Gusta will pursue a doctorate at the Northwest Research Extension Center in Mount Vernon after completing her last undergraduate courses this fall.
Kwon-Yu Chen – Advancing cybersecurity through hardware research
Major: Cybersecurity
Kwon-Yu collaborated with Professor Shih-Lien Lu to analyze SRAM mappings in modern CPUs and explore their potential for use in hardware-based security systems based on Physical Unclonable Functions (PUFs). While proprietary systems posed challenges, ARM-based processors offered promising avenues for experimentation.
“The grant gave me access to advanced computing resources and time to work closely with my professor,” Chen said. “Being part of a research project not only gave me technical skills, but it also made me more confident in the career I want to pursue.”
While not required, students were encouraged to work with faculty mentors during their research. Kwon-Yu shared, “Talking to Professor Lu and having him as a mentor has elevated my experience greatly.”
The power of undergraduate research
These stories are a powerful reminder that WSU Everett’s research grants do more than fund projects—they unlock potential. “The funding doesn’t just buy materials—it endorses the ability for students to better themselves and those around them,” said Kelly. From engineering and agriculture to cybersecurity, these student-led projects reflect the bold ideas and diverse talents that define the Cougar spirit.
And the momentum continues: a new cohort of student researchers was selected this September to receive grants, ready to take on the next wave of real-world challenges. With continued support from the endowment, WSU Everett is fueling innovation, removing financial barriers, and empowering students to lead with purpose and vision.
Get involved
Are you a student with a bold idea? A faculty member ready to mentor? A donor looking to make a lasting impact? WSU Everett’s Research Program is your gateway to meaningful discovery. To learn more about how you can support research at WSU Everett, please contact Hayley Larson, director of development, at hayley.larson@wsu.edu.