Lynwood W. Swanson Scientific Research Award Lecture
Featuring 2025 Lynwood W. Swanson Promise Award Recipient Dr. Chris Whidbey

Made possible by a grant from the MJ Murdock Charitable Trust

"Small Things Considered: How Our Microbiomes Help Us Stay Healthy"

The College of Science and Engineering is pleased to invite you to the Lynwood W. Swanson Scientific Research Award Public Lecture featuring the winner of the 2025 Lynwood W. Swanson Promise Award, Dr. Chris Whidbey. Please join us for this special evening of ideas, conversation and discovery. We look forward to welcoming you.

Thursday, October 22, 2026
Seattle University | Leroux Conference Center (Student Center 160)
Lecture 4-5 p.m. | Reception to Follow

Our bodies are covered inside and out with microorganisms. Over the last 15 years, scientists have gained a more complete understanding of the microbes that make up our microbiomes and have found that certain microbes are associated with better health outcomes. But how do these microbes impact our health? And is there a way for us to harness the microbiome to improve health outcomes?

Join Associate Professor of Chemistry Chris Whidbey for a public lecture exploring these questions and how he is using tools from chemistry and biology in his lab to better understand the relationship between our microbiomes and human health.

The lecture is free and open to everyone interested in learning more about microbiomes and our health. A reception will follow the lecture.

About Dr. Chris Whidbey

Dr. Chris Whidbey is an associate professor in Seattle University’s Department of Chemistry whose research explores the complex relationship between microbiomes and human health. An SU alumnus, Whidbey earned his degree in 2010 with majors in Chemistry, Biology and Philosophy, before receiving his PhD in Pathobiology from the University of Washington in 2015. He returned to SU as a faculty member in 2018.

In 2025, Whidbey received the Swanson Promise Award for his application of innovative cross-disciplinary tools to the study of microbiomes and his commitment to providing impactful and inclusive laboratory experiences for undergraduates. This public lecture offers an opportunity to learn more about the research that earned Whidbey this recognition.

Read more about Dr. Whidbey here or watch the video shown at the Swanson Promise award ceremony. 

About the Award

The Lynwood W. Swanson Promise for Scientific Research Award, presented by the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust, recognizes a junior faculty member who has demonstrated exceptional potential in establishing an exemplary, productive and sustainable research program at a private undergraduate institution in the Pacific Northwest.

Named in honor of Dr. Lynwood Swanson and his service as a trustee of the Murdock Trust, the award recognizes faculty whose research shows promise while also contributing to the undergraduate research experience.