Ryan Evanoff, Washington State University: Based on the preponderance of the evidence from the Washington State University (WSU) investigation and obtained by the Office of Research Integrity (ORI) in its oversight review, ORI found that Ryan Evanoff (Respondent), former Scientific Assistant, Department of Veterinary Microbiology and Pathology, WSU, engaged in research misconduct under 42 C.F.R. Part 93 in research funded by the U.S. Public Health Service (PHS), specifically National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), grant R21 AI126304.

ORI found by a preponderance of the evidence that Respondent intentionally and knowingly falsified and/or fabricated the following DNA sequences reported in research records, each of which purports to include data from a different sequencing reaction: pC-293_pcDNAF_ CZ3082_1.seq, pC-293_pcDNAR_CZ3083_2.seq, pQ-293_pQEfPR_CZ3084_3.seq, pQ-293_pQErev_CZ3085_4.seq, pQ-CD81_pQEfPR_CZ3086_1.seq, and pQ-CD81_pQErev_ CZ3087_2.seq.

Based on the information in the administrative record, the HHS SDO proposed debarment under 2 C.F.R. § 180.800(b)(1) – “Violation of the terms of a public agreement or transaction so serious as to affect the integrity of a Federal agency program, such as willful failure to perform in accordance with the terms of one or more public agreements or transactions;” and 2 C.F.R. § 180.800(d) – “Any other cause that is so serious or compelling in nature that it affects your present responsibility” to protect the Federal Government’s interest. 

HHS provided Respondent the opportunity to contest the proposed debarment under 42 C.F.R. Part 93 by requesting a hearing before an administrative law judge with the HHS Departmental Appeals Board or alternatively, in lieu of requesting a hearing, to contest under 2 C.F.R. Part 180. Respondent did not contest within the prescribed 30-day period. Accordingly, the following administrative action has been implemented: 

• For a period of three (3) years, beginning on June 16, 2025, Respondent is debarred from participating in “covered transactions” as defined in 42 C.F.R. § 180.200 and procurement transactions covered under the Federal Acquisition Regulation (48 C.F.R. chapter 1).

Related Content

• Federal Register Notice: Volume 90, Number 153 (Tuesday, August 12, 2025). (.pdf)