Hometown: Auburn, WA
Undergraduate Degree: Animal Sciences (Washington State University)
Area of Interest: Small and Large Animal Medicine
Living and working on a dairy farm before veterinary school, Hannah Thom developed an early appreciation for agriculture and the animals that sustain us. Now in her final year at WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine, Hannah’s interests span both small and large animal medicine — a balance she hopes to maintain throughout her career.
“I have a huge heart for agriculture and caring for the animals that care for us,” Hannah said. “But I also enjoy working with people and their pets. Building strong relationships with clients allows us to collaborate in the best interest of their animals — a principle that applies equally to both small and large patients.”
Following graduation, Hannah will serve as a veterinarian in the U.S. Army through the Health Professions Scholarship Program, where she’ll care for military working dogs, horses, and pets belonging to soldiers and their families. Long term, she hopes to return to a mixed rural practice and continue serving her community.
When she’s not studying or working, Hannah enjoys staying active outdoors — hiking, backpacking, scuba diving, and horseback riding, especially with her dog, Tango. She’s also a black belt in mixed martial arts and loves diving with her dad in the Puget Sound, where they search for the elusive giant Pacific octopus.
After nearly eight years in Pullman, Hannah says the sense of community and Cougar pride have made WSU feel like home.
“There’s a shared energy and loyalty that makes WSU special,” she said.