Howard Grimes
Howard D. Grimes, professor of molecular biosciences, manages two important roles as Vice President for Research and Dean of the Graduate School. Dr. Grimes earned his master’s in plant pathology from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and his doctorate in botany from North Carolina State University. Overcoming some of the most painful, common, and deadly human diseases is at the core of Grimes’ innovative research on plants. His efforts in plant biochemistry and human health offer new hope for predicting, treating, and preventing illnesses such as arthritis, obesity, malnutrition, cancer, asthma, heart disease, diabetes, and starvation.
Since his appointment, Dr. Grimes has overseen the largest outside research and grant funding growth in WSU history. In the last two years alone, WSU has increased its research funding by 42%. In addition, Dr. Grimes has increased graduate student enrollment, new student enrollment, and the presence of interdisciplinary programs at the university. He established the Institute for Globally Engaged Leadership, which provides doctoral students at WSU with leadership and team-building experience outside their discipline. Most recently, Dr. Grimes participated in a delegation to China, which included Washington Governor Christine Gregoire. During this visit he established an education and research exchange program with one of China's prominent universities.
