PULLMAN, WA – Sieg Snapp will be the new associate dean for research for Washington State University’s College of Agricultural, Human, and Natural Resource Sciences (CAHNRS).
Raj Khosla, the Cashup Davis Family Endowed Dean of CAHNRS, announced Snapp’s selection following a national search. Snapp will join the college on April 1, 2026.
“Dr. Snapp is an acclaimed scientist who knows how to effectively lead teams of researchers,” Khosla said. “I’m excited to see her work closely with faculty and industry as she guides the research happening in our college to new heights of innovation and real-world impact, advancing WSU’s land grant mission and solutions that matter.”
Snapp, who graduated from WSU in 1983 with a bachelor’s degree in agronomy and soil science, returns to the university from her position as global director of the Sustainable Agrifood Systems Program at CIMMYT, an international research organization based in Mexico that works to improve sustainability and profitability of cropping systems. Previously, she was a professor and associate director at Michigan State University.
She looks forward to working directly with WSU experts and industry leaders on the tremendous variety of agriculture in the state.
“Washington has an amazing diversity of crops, livestock and food system initiatives,” Snapp said. “I’m excited to learn how WSU can best help the success of farmers, growers, and communities.
She added that translating research has been a big focus in her career. “I’m committed to developing new approaches and partnerships to ensure that research is relevant and useful for farmers,” Snapp said. “WSU has been on the cutting edge of this, and it’s an honor to add my expertise.”
In addition to her background in agriculture, Snapp is eager to work closely with other CAHNRS disciplines. Those include economics, human development, and apparel, merchandising, and design, among others.
“My job is to bring together teams to do the best research for society, not just what I know,” she said. “It takes time to understand science across different disciplines and that’s how we make a difference.”
She will take over as the CAHNRS research leader from current acting Associate Dean Scot Hulbert, who also serves as CAHNRS senior associate dean and plans to retire a short time after Snapp’s arrival.
Snapp honed an early interest in science into a career during her time as a WSU student working in labs that were pioneers in soil health and barley nutrition.
“As a child, I was fascinated by nitrogen, that it’s most of the air we breathe but also vital for plants and soil,” said Snapp, who grew up on a small farm in the San Juan Islands. “Working in labs as an undergraduate was where I learned I could be a scientist for a career. It was a truly formative experience.”
Snapp’s work has included leadership roles at MSU, but also comprises significant time and effort in Africa, helping farmers implement scientific findings to produce more food. Teamwork to help feed the world is a necessity, she said.
“I worked in Extension and in Africa and I know firsthand how challenging it is translating science into impactful change for farmers,” Snapp said. “It takes teams of scientists from different backgrounds working together. It’s not just what I know, or any one person knows. It takes time to understand science across different disciplines, and to listen to communities and industry, but that’s how we make a difference in the real world.”
She plans to spend the first few months listening, meeting with scientists from across CAHNRS. Snapp also plans to meet with industry leaders in every field CAHNRS touches to learn about their research priorities.
“I’m eager to return to my home state,” she said. “Washington State has unique strengths and we have an opportunity to show the world what we’re doing. I’m deeply excited about this opportunity. It’s a joy to return to WSU.”
