An early congratulations to Vijini Liyanage, who will earn her microbiology degree on Dec. 6! Throughout her time at WSU, the Bothell, Washington, native found a home in the College of Veterinary Medicine, diving into research on immune responses to Mpox virus and building strong connections within the college’s community.
She is also one of our amazing EschLEAD scholars. Established through a generous donation by Robert Esch (’75 BS, ’78 MS) and Katherine Esch, the EschLEAD (Learn, Experience, Apply, Deliver) program is pioneering initiative — open to WSU undergraduate students from all backgrounds, experiences, and academic disciplines — designed to provide undergraduates with immersive, hands-on learning in real-world research environments in the college’s leading labs. EschLEAD combines skill-building, real-world applications, and mentorship to empower students to explore, grow, and create their own paths to success.
We caught up with Vijini to talk about her journey, her favorite parts of WSU, and the next steps in her scientific career.
Have you had any opportunities to work in a lab or conduct research while at WSU?
Throughout my time at WSU, I’ve had the opportunity to conduct research in Dr. Heather Koehler’s lab. My project investigated how immune responses are modulated with the presence of an immune sensor called ZBP1 upon Mpox virus infection. This experience taught me valuable skill sets that are necessary in a variety of fields, including molecular and cell techniques, data analysis, and experimental design. This work not only sharpened my technical laboratory skills—such as experimental design, data analysis, and molecular techniques—but it also gave me valuable experience in communicating science through presentations at conferences.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about majoring in a field within the College of Veterinary Medicine?
One piece of advice I would give to someone majoring within the CVM is to reach out for opportunities. For example, if you wanted more hands-on experience within the field, I would ask around different labs that use the techniques that you’re interested in. There are certainly many ways to develop valuable skills that are necessary for careers within the CVM.
What’s your favorite thing about WSU?
One of my favorite things about WSU is the community! The students and staff (especially in the CVM/SMB!) always go out of their way to make sure you are successful and provide as many opportunities for growth as possible! Everyone is super friendly at WSU, making it a great environment to learn.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I hope to pursue graduate school and eventually work in research in the biotechnology field. WSU has definitely given me the skill sets and connections that will support me in my future career.
What’s a fun or surprising fact about you that most people wouldn’t guess?
I love traveling and experiencing different cultures! In fact, I usually travel to a different country every six months!