Discovery Series: Cool Talks in Cool Places
WSU Professors Thomas Waltzek and Michael Phelps
From Healthy Fish to Healthy Fisheries: Biotechnology and the Future of Salmon
What if protecting Washington’s salmon means becoming better at detecting disease, decoding DNA, and even rewriting biology?
Salmon are woven into the identity and economy of Washington, supporting Tribal nations, fisheries, aquaculture, and communities across the region. But warming waters, pollution, emerging diseases, and growing demand for seafood are putting increasing pressure on wild fish populations.
At Washington State University, researchers are building new tools to meet that challenge. Dr. Thomas Waltzek studies emerging diseases in salmon, sturgeon, and other aquatic animals, using genomic sequencing to identify new pathogens and develop rapid diagnostics that can help stop outbreaks before they spread. His work is also helping WSU expand its aquatic animal health research facilities and train the next generation of fish health experts.
Meanwhile, the Phelps Laboratory is using biotechnology to tackle some of salmon biology’s toughest questions. By combining genetics, genome editing, and artificial intelligence, researchers are exploring ways to protect wild salmon, strengthen hatchery populations, and produce seafood more sustainably.
Together, these efforts point toward a future with healthier fish, more resilient fisheries, and sustainable seafood, while helping secure one of Washington’s most iconic natural resources for generations to come.
Agenda:
11:30–12:00 | Lunch & informal networking
12:00–12:40 | Speaker presentation
12:40–1:00 | Audience Q&A
About the Discovery Series: The Discovery Series brings together researchers, innovators, and leaders from across Washington's public and private sectors who want to stay on top of the important advancements being made in our state. Each program includes lunch, networking time, a Q&A session, and a chance to meet the speaker.
Thank you to our event sponsors: Accenture, Clark Nuber, McKinsey, PNNL, Slalom, University of Washington, and Washington State University