Kayla Dickson

Kayla Dickson is a junior at Eastern Washington University. She is majoring in Biology and Biochemistry with a special interest in cannabis research, plant genetics, and botany. In 2024, she was accepted by WSU’s Summer Research Program to work with Dr. David R. Gang on hemp research. She presented her research at the 8th Annual Cannabis Research Conference at Colorado State University-Fort Collins. In 2025, due to funding cuts, Kayla was the only person accepted to attend the Applied Plant Systems Summer REU at University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This summer, she will be working with Dr. Katherine Frels using genetic techniques to create new varieties of small grains that address consumer needs. Additionally, at EWU she has worked with Dr. Paul Spruell on a nematode genetics project, and Dr. Robin O’Quinn on a plant genetics intensive. She is a member of the EWU Honors Program, the McNair Scholars club, and the McNair Scholars program.