PULLMAN, Wash. — On Tuesday, April 22, 2025, the faculty and staff of Washington State University’s College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS) joined their loved ones for the 2025 Faculty & Staff Awards ceremony. The event honored and recognized staff members and faculty who continuously go above and beyond in their work at WSU.
One of our professors, Dr. Meijun Zhu, received the Land Grant Mission Award. Every year, a faculty member is nominated for their scholarly work that integrates teaching, research and/or WSU Extension programs for the award, which Dr. Zhu has exemplified.
Dr. Zhu’s work aims to develop novel strategies to inactivate, intervene, and detect foodborne pathogens in foods and food production environments, with the goal of enhancing food safety. Throughout her career, Dr. Zhu has published over 300 peer-reviewed articles, achieving an H-index of 76. Earlier this year, Dr. Meijun Zhu was also nominated for the 2025 IFT Achievements in Microbial Research for Food Safety in honor of Gerhard J. Haas award.
Dr. Zhu’s research has had a profound impact on both the scientific community and the food industry, particularly in ensuring the safety of fresh produce such as apples—Washington state’s most prominent fruit crop. Her studies, supported by organizations like the USDA, Center for Produce Safety, and Washington State Department of Agriculture, have provided practical, evidence-based solutions that assist the produce industry in pathogen control and food safety compliance. Additionally, her extensive collaborations with leading institutions worldwide have further advanced research in food microbiology and gut health. Dr. Zhu continues to have a profound impact on both the scientific community and the food industry.
We are excited to celebrate such an achievement earned by one of our faculty!