{"id":9,"date":"2023-12-20T11:54:14","date_gmt":"2023-12-20T19:54:14","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/labs.wsu.edu\/soilhealth-nwrec\/?page_id=9"},"modified":"2026-01-12T12:32:44","modified_gmt":"2026-01-12T20:32:44","slug":"people","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/labs.wsu.edu\/soilhealth-nwrec\/home-page\/people\/","title":{"rendered":"People"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tDeirdre Griffin LaHue\t\t\t\t\t<\/h2>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Associate Professor, Soil Health & Sustainable Soil Management, PI<\/strong>

My research and extension program\u00a0focuses\u00a0on the impacts of agricultural practices on soil health, microbial communities, and the functions they provide. Working across Washington’s annual and perennial crops, I like to take a systems approach to understanding dynamics of soil organic matter,\u00a0biological activity, and nutrients in agriculture to help improve the resilience of cropping systems.\u00a0

I\u00a0received\u00a0my\u00a0M.S. and Ph.D. in Soils & Biogeochemistry from UC Davis, where\u00a0I\u00a0studied the effects of soil amendments and irrigation management on soil carbon and nitrogen dynamics, soil health, and system productivity and profitability.\u00a0I\u00a0earned\u00a0my\u00a0B.S. at the University of Maryland in Environmental Science and Policy\u00a0where I developed my love for soils as a member of the UMD Soil Judging Team.
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From:<\/strong> Hyattsville, Maryland, right outside of Washington, DC

Personal interest\/fun fact:<\/strong> Before getting into soils, I had a previous career as a ballet dancer with The Washington Ballet (in DC) and Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre. I still enjoy taking local ballet classes, as well as hiking and backpacking around Washington’s beautiful sites.

Faculty Profile<\/a>
Google Scholar Profile<\/a>
LinkedIn<\/a>
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\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tLiz Myhre\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Lead Technician\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>

I\u2019m the main Tech for the Soil Health and Soils and Water programs of Dr Deirdre Griffin and Dr Gabe LaHue at WSU Mt Vernon. I mostly work behind the scenes to keep Dr Griffin LaHue\u2019s and students\u2019 projects supplied and organized, aid students in learning procedures to complete their research, and manage timeslip workers. In addition, I organize data, field work, and data collection for the Mount Vernon site of the Long-Term Agroecological Research and Extension Site (LTARE) which is a long term, multi-site project. I received my BS and MS degrees in Entomology from WSU and have worked in the Crops & Soils Department for many years.

Personal interest\/fun fact:<\/strong>\u00a0 Major hobby-Corgis and Agility\u00a0\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/article>\n\n
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\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tKwabena (Kobby) Addae Sarpong\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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PhD Candidate<\/strong>

My research focuses\u00a0on understanding\u00a0how\u00a0farm\u00a0management practices influence\u00a0soil health indicators and\u00a0developing\u00a0a soil assessment framework\u00a0specialty\u00a0crop\u00a0systems\u00a0soils\u00a0in WA, focusing particularly on potato and pulse systems.\u00a0

I received my\u00a0M.S.\u00a0degrees in Industrial Engineering and Water Science and Management from New Mexico State\u00a0University where\u00a0I\u00a0researched the\u00a0regulatory framework surrounding produced water in New Mexico and impacts on potential uses,\u00a0the\u00a0short-term leachability of salts from Atriplex-derived biochar and\u00a0the\u00a0use of biochar as soil amendment in hybrid poplar cultivation. I earned my\u00a0bachelor\u2019s\u00a0degree from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana.\u00a0

From:\u00a0<\/strong>Kumasi,\u00a0Ghana\u00a0\u00a0

Personal interest\/fun fact:\u00a0<\/strong>I\u00a0am a huge lover of\u00a0sports and luxury\u00a0cars. I also enjoy\u00a0playing my guitar to good country\u00a0and rock\u00a0music, and\u00a0playing golf.\u00a0 I learned how to fly but not land so if you ever\u00a0find yourself in a plane with me as your pilot, make sure you have your parachute ready.\u00a0\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/article>\n\n
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\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMadeline (Maddy) Desjardins\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Former PhD Student<\/strong>, graduated Aug 2025<\/strong>

My research explores how biosolids influence soil health properties and overall soil function in dryland cropping systems. My project is in Central Washington, it spans two sites and 26 years (and counting). Some of the current research being conducted is focused on how biosolids contribute to the soil carbon profile in arid dryland systems, how biosolids effect soil health in cover cropped and grazed systems, and whether biosolids can be used as a tool to improve soil health in dryland cropping systems.

I received my BA in liberal arts from St. John\u2019s College in 2016.

From: <\/strong>Maui, Hawaii

Personal interest\/fun fact: <\/strong>Before I came to the NWREC I spent several years working on small farms in Maui, Hawaii, which is where my interest in soil science began.

Social media:<\/strong>
Maddy’s Linkedin<\/a>

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\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEvan Domsic\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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PhD Candidate<\/strong>

My research project is looking at the relationship between soil health and nutritional quality in organic quinoa production here in Western Washington. We are particularly interested in how microbially mediated nitrogen cycles affects protein, amino acid and mineral content in quinoa seed. \u00a0I am co-advised by Dr. Deirdre Griffin (NWREC\u2019s Soil Health Lab) and Dr. Kevin Murphy (The Sustainable Seed Systems Lab<\/a>).

From <\/strong>Santa Cruz, California

Personal interest\/fun fact:<\/strong> I received my bachelors degree from the University of California, Santa Cruz where I studied Environmental Studies and Agroecology. Prior to coming to WSU I spent the past decade working as an organic farm hand, farm manager and agricultural educator.\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/article>\n\n
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\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tNayab Gull\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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PhD Candidate<\/strong>

My research compares the benefits of soil-biodegradable mulches (BDMs) to conventional Polyethylene mulch (PE) in diverse strawberry systems.\u00a0Specifically, we are evaluating the biodegradability and impacts of BDMs on soil health, fruit quality and yield of strawberries in northwestern Washington with a goal of providing sustainable end of life management of mulches that also maintains soil-plant health.\u00a0
I received my M.S. in Crop Cultivation and Farming Systems from China Agricultural University, Beijing, where I studied the effects of microplastics pollution in agroecosystems.\u00a0

From: <\/strong>Punjab, Pakistan\u00a0

Personal interest\/fun fact:<\/strong> I\u2019m a polyglot who loves photography, travelling, and exploring new places\/ cultures\/food. Occasionally, I enjoy baking as well!\u00a0

Social media:<\/strong> Nayab Gull | LinkedIn<\/a>\u00a0\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/article>\n\n
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\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAnnah Young\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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PhD Candidate <\/strong>
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My research project evaluates the soil health impacts of incorporating a buckwheat grain crop into a vegetable crop rotation in the Skagit Valley. Our research plots for this project are located at Viva Farms. I am also exploring cover crop termination timing and different methods of biomass incorporation to better understand best practices for cover crop management in our region. Additionally, I will be assessing soil health impacts of perennial grain crops.\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0

From: <\/strong>Maine\u00a0\u00a0

Personal interest\/fun fact<\/strong>: Before starting at WSU, I co-founded City Sprouts Farm in Bellingham, a neighborhood farm that grows mixed vegetables for a CSA and local hunger relief organizations.\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/article>\n\n
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\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tErik Spitzer\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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PhD Student<\/strong>
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For my PhD I am working with buckwheat in the NWREC Soil Health Lab and with Dr. Kevin Murphy at the Sustainable Seed Systems Lab\/Breadlab. My primary research goals are to develop improved varieties of common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum<\/em>) suitable for the environment of the Pacific Northwest, and to assess the role of buckwheat in liberating and\/or mobilizing plant-available phosphorus in soil. I earned my MS in Crop Physiology in 2023 from California State University, Chico. My Master\u2019s thesis explored 13C\u00a0isotope discrimination and its correlation with water-use efficiency in faba bean (Vicia<\/em>\u00a0faba<\/em>). In addition to my work with faba bean, I\u2019ve also worked with other annual crops, including common bean, peas, cowpea, soybean, and sunflower.

From: <\/strong>Lincoln, California

Personal interest\/fun fact<\/strong>: In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, reading, and exercising.\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/article>\n\n
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\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tCharchit Bansal\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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PhD Student<\/strong>
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After getting muddy in the field soils at the University of Missouri during my master\u2019s, I got the opportunity to join Dr. Deirdre\u2019s Soil Lab at Washington State University for my PhD. During my master\u2019s research, I explored how terracing affects soil properties and how innovative tile inlet technologies influence water quality in the Midwest.
For my PhD, my research focuses on understanding the soil health impacts of biosolids amendments, cover cropping, and grazing in dryland systems of central Washington. Stay tuned for some interesting findings!

From: <\/strong>Punjab, India

Personal interest\/fun fact<\/strong>: You\u2019ll occasionally find me spending my free time painting, dancing (Bhangra – Punjabi cultural dance form) and last but not the least – vibing to Punjabi music.\u00a0Fun fact: I binge-watched the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe in one month during COVID.\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/article>\n\n
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\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tBetsy Schacht\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Scientific Assistant\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>

After dipping my toes into agricultural entomology at the University of Minnesota, I was lucky enough to find my way to WSU Whatcom County Extension and Chris Benedict\u2019s research program there. I was excited to find such diverse cropping systems, a world away from my work in the Midwest, and I\u2019ve never looked back. My work with the Soil Health Lab began when I was able to lend a hand to Dr. Griffin Lahue when she arrived at WSU NWREC in 2019. I\u2019ve been excited to spend part of my time working in the program ever since: I assist with and help organize a variety of field and lab tasks across different projects as needed.

From: <\/strong>Milwaukee, WI

Personal interest\/fun fact:<\/strong> I love making things with my hands: ceramics is my favorite medium but I also like embroidery and I\u2019m learning to crochet!\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/article>\n\n
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\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEd Scheenstra\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Scientific Assistant\u00a0\u00a0<\/strong>

I completed my B.S. in Environmental Science from WSU in 1999, and then worked for Weed Science and the USDA in Pullman from 2000-2004. I then spent 10 years managing a materials testing lab in Bellingham before coming back to WSU in 2014. I have been working for the Soils Dept. for the last couple of years primarily on the LTARE and Controlled Drainage projects as well as helping out in the lab occasionally. Some of my other favorite projects I\u2019ve worked on here at WSU NWREC include the biodegradable plastic mulch trial, as well as variety trials for growing sweet potatoes and tea in the Pacific Northwest.\u00a0\u00a0
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Personal interest\/fun fact:<\/strong> I enjoy photography as well as hiking and kayaking around the Anacortes area with my wife and 2 daughters.\u00a0\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/article>\n\n
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\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAdam Elcan\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Agricultural Research Technician\u00a0\u00a0
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I\u202f<\/strong> help with lab and field projects in the Soil Health program, as well as the Soils & Water, Blueberry and Potato Pathology, and Vegetable Horticulture programs at WSU NWREC. Born and raised in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains in Virginia and currently residing in Burlington, I made the move from the east coast after graduating with a B.S. in Geology from Appalachian State University in Boone, NC.\u00a0\u00a0
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Personal interest\/fun fact:<\/strong> During the winter months I can typically be found exploring the Cascades on skis and honing my skills as an amateur photographer. I also enjoy hiking, biking, and sea kayaking when there\u2019s no snow in the mountains and have recently been experimenting with brewing fruit wines.\u00a0
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\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tEm Olpinski\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Agricultural Research Technician<\/strong>

I grew up in Central Colorado and relocated to the Pacific Northwest to study the Environment and Creative Writing at Western Washington University.\u00a0\u00a0
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Personal interest\/fun fact:<\/strong> In my free time I enjoy reading, writing, singing, identifying native plants, and scouring beaches for agates.\u00a0\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/article>\n\n
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\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tMadeline Zwergel\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Agricultural Research Technician<\/strong>

I\u00a0grew up in Madison, Wisconsin and earned a B.A in Environmental Studies, Geography, and Organic Agriculture from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in May 2023. As an undergraduate, I found a love for plant sciences through working in multiple fruit and vegetable horticulture labs.
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Personal interest\/fun fact:<\/strong> In my free time I enjoy hiking, watching anime, and exploring the beautiful Pacific Northwest.\u00a0\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/article>\n\n
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\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAustin Kerr\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Agricultural Research Technician<\/strong>

Born and raised in Washington,\u00a0I\u00a0hold a BAS in Conservation Ecology from Skagit Valley College. I am happy to be working at WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, building on my ecological expertise and field and lab experience to support various natural resource management initiatives focused on creating sustainable and resilient food systems in our stunning valley and beyond.
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Personal interest\/fun fact<\/strong>: In my free time, I enjoy exploring the state’s beautiful natural landscapes, discovering new music, collecting vinyl records, playing computer games, and photography!\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/article>\n\n
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\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAnne Wendt\t\t\t\t\t<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
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Agricultural Research Technician<\/strong>

I grew up in Western Washington and earned my BAS in Environmental Conservation from Skagit Valley College. At WSU Mount Vernon NWREC, I am supporting soil science and ecological research projects that promote sustainable agriculture and conservation.

Personal interest\/fun fact<\/strong>: In my personal time, I enjoy hiking, horseback riding, backpacking, snowboarding, fishing, kayaking, anything outdoors, as well as volunteering for local schools and environmental\/fishery organizations. I especially value sharing these activities with my kids and grandkids, creating memories as they explore Washington\u2019s beautiful natural landscapes. I also have a passion for education and mentorship, having supported students in classroom settings and advocated for equity in learning environments.\u00a0\u00a0\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\t<\/article>\n<\/div>\n\n
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