Science In Our Valley
Scientists and science educators in the Wenatchee Valley have been gathering for the past few years for weekly seminars to catalyze the development of an engaged regional scientific community.
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Each series features the research of local scientists and invited guest speakers.
Incredible research in our own backyard.
The Science in Our Valley seminar series began in October 2017 as a way for local scientists and science educators to bring their research to the community and as a way to engage and connect with one another. The series features presentations by local scientists and science educators as well as guests from outside the region.
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The seminar presentations are intended for a ‘science-based’ audience, including researchers, postdoctoral scientists, K-12 educators, graduate students, undergraduate scientists, and science enthusiasts.
Fall 2025 Series
October 2025 - November 2025
Events are free and open to the public -
no registration required!
Wednesdays from 4:00pm - 5:00pm
WSU Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center
1100 N Western Ave, Wenatchee WA 98801
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Each seminar will be live-streamed via Zoom. If you are unable to attend in person, we encourage you to join us via Zoom. View this guide to Zoom for help
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Meeting ID: 954 4452 3314​
Partners for the seminar series include: Apple STEM Network, North Central Educational Service District, U.S. Department of Agriculture Research Station, WSU Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center, and Wenatchee Valley College.
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The Science In Our Valley seminar series are possible thanks to support from Our Valley Our Future funding.
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Educators: Clock Hours are available for attending Science In Our Valley seminars.
Scroll down for more details
Wednesday, October 8 | 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Attend In-Person: WSU Tree Fruit Research + Extension Center
Livestream via Zoom: Click here to join Zoom
Cultivating Careers: Research and Opportunity at the WTFRC
Presented by Dr. Ines Hanrahan, Executive Director, Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission
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This talk, led by Ines Hanrahan, Executive Director of the Washington Tree Fruit Research Commission (WTFRC), provides a comprehensive overview of the organization and its crucial role in supporting the state's tree fruit industry. Hanrahan will detail how the WTFRC strategically funds research to address the industry's most pressing challenges, from pest management to developing new fruit varieties. She will share insights into how this research drives innovation, ensures economic viability, and maintains the global competitiveness of Washington's growers. The talk will also highlight the collaborative spirit of the WTFRC, which brings together growers, researchers, and industry partners to translate scientific discovery into practical solutions. A central focus of this presentation will be the WTFRC's highly successful internship program. Hanrahan will discuss how this program is a cornerstone of the organization's mission to cultivate the next generation of industry leaders. She will provide a glimpse into the hands-on, high-impact research projects that interns undertake, emphasizing the real-world skills they gain and the professional connections they forge. Attendees will learn how this program not only provides invaluable experience for students but also infuses the WTFRC with fresh perspectives and talent, ultimately strengthening the future of the tree fruit industry.
Wednesday, October 15 | 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Attend In-Person: WSU Tree Fruit Research + Extension Center
Livestream via Zoom: Click here to join Zoom
Biological Control for Washington Tree Fruit Pests
Presented by Cesar Reyes Corral
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Washington’s cherries and apples have some unlikely allies—tiny insects and fungi that quietly protect orchards from destructive pests. Instead of relying only on pesticides, scientists are learning how to work with nature’s own defenses through biological control. In this talk, I’ll share stories from my research on these natural guardians, how they help keep our fruit healthy, and why they’re key to building a more sustainable future for agriculture in our valley.
Wednesday, October 22 | 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Attend In-Person: WSU Tree Fruit Research + Extension CenterLivestream via Zoom: Click here to join Zoom
Identifying Leafhopper Feeding and Communication Behaviors to Disrupt Transmission of the X-disease Phytoplasma in Washington Cherries
Presented by Jacob Pitt, Post Doctoral Research Associate, Washington State University
Leafhoppers are insects that can transmit plant pathogens, causing a variety of diseases in many crops. In the Pacific Northwest, X-disease is leading to major reductions in cherry harvests. The disease is caused by a type of bacteria (phytoplasma) that is transmitted between cherry trees by leafhoppers, and pesticides are one of the few tools available to growers to control leafhoppers. More information on leafhopper feeding and communication behaviors will eventually lead to new and/or optimized management strategies, in addition to providing fundamental insights into leafhopper biology. Our research combines electropenetrography (EPG) and recording of substrate-borne vibrations to simultaneously monitor feeding and communication behavior of leafhopper vectors in the lab. We attempt to answer questions of: How long do leafhoppers have to feed on a plant to acquire the X-disease phytoplasma?; Which plants are leafhoppers most likely to acquire the phytoplasma from?; Do leafhoppers prefer to communicate on cherry trees or other types of host plants? In this seminar, I will discuss current findings and ongoing work that is being conducted.
Wednesday, October 29 | 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Attend In-Person: WSU Tree Fruit Research + Extension CenterLivestream via Zoom: Click here to join Zoom
Wild Bee Parasites and Conservation in the Pacific Northwest
Presented by Dr. Mario Luppino, Post Doctoral Researcher, Washington State University
Wild bees pollinate many of the foods we eat, and the plants that keep our planet functioning smoothly. Washington alone is home to more than 500 native bee species, many of which are threatened by parasites, pesticides, pathogens, and habitat loss. Little is known about the parasites, like mites, that affect wild populations in this region. This presentation will discuss the life cycle of wild bees, like bumble bees, and the parasites affecting them. Additionally, we’ll review strategies for bee conservation, like wildflower plantings, nesting boxes, and landscape management.
Wednesday, November 5 | 4:00pm - 5:00pm
Attend In-Person: WSU Tree Fruit Research + Extension CenterLivestream via Zoom: Click here to join Zoom
Paths to Entrepreneurship In Science & Agriculture
Presented by Virginia Emery
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Virginia Emery, PhD is an experienced startup founder and executive, and an investor in deep tech and science-centric companies. As Partner at Gliding Ant Ventures, Virginia works with early stage startups that are solving real problems in agriculture, biodiversity, advanced energy and climate adaptation. She will share advice on practical paths from lab to commercialization, and will do a live mini shark tank, giving feedback on entrepreneur's quick pitches and storytelling. Come hear her personal founder's journey as CEO of Beta Hatch, where she raised $30M, built at 60,000 ft2 insect factory, and then had to close it all down. A dynamic session that will hopefully help illuminate the varied paths after academia and into business.
Science in Our Valley is a collaborative effort with support from Apple STEM Network, Washington State University Tree Fruit Research & Extension Center, U.S. Department of Agriculture Research Station, Wenatchee Valley College, the North Central Educational Service District and NCW Libraries.