Hannah Fabacher’s curiosity about genetics began with a simple question: how could she have brown eyes when her father has blue eyes and her mother has green eyes? The answer introduced her to the world of inheritance and sparked a fascination with understanding how living things work.
Today, the Snohomish, Washington, native is pursuing a degree in genetics and cell biology with a minor in microbiology in WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine and expects to graduate in December 2026. Along the way, she has gained hands-on research experience, discovered an unexpected interest in plant science, and found mentors who have helped shape her college experience.
Learn more about Fabacher and her time at WSU in the Q&A below.
What initially drew you to your major?
Honestly, Punnett squares. I remember learning about eye color in school and being very confused because my dad has blue eyes, my mom has green eyes, and I have brown eyes. I actually went home and asked my parents if I was adopted. I was quickly told that I looked way too much like my mom for that to be the case. Once I learned more about recessive genes and how traits can skip generations, I realized there was a real genetic explanation for it.
I’ve also always been the type of person who needs to know how something works. Whether it’s cells, genetics, computers, or even Wi-Fi, knowing that something works isn’t enough for me — I want to know how and why it works. Genetics gave me an endless number of those questions to ask, and that curiosity eventually led me to genetics and cell biology.
Who has been the most influential mentor or professor during your time at WSU?
My academic advisor, Blake Uphus, has definitely been one of the most influential people during my time at WSU. He helped me realize that college and my future are about so much more than just my grades. I knew I could go talk to him when I was struggling without feeling judged, but I could also come in with a grade I was really proud of and he would be genuinely excited with me. Having someone in my corner through both the struggles and the accomplishments made a huge difference in how I viewed myself as a student.
Have you had any opportunities to work in a lab or conduct research while at WSU?
This summer, I participated in WSU’s Research and Extension Experiences for Undergraduates program in collaboration with the USDA. My project looked at how heat and drought stress affect wheat fertility and seed yield. I got to experience both sides of research, from working out in the field and collecting plant samples to collecting anthers, staining pollen with DAPI, and using fluorescence microscopy.
Before this experience, plant research wasn’t really something I pictured myself doing. I came into my degree with completely different research interests, so getting thrown into wheat research and realizing how much I enjoyed it was a little unexpected. It showed me that I don’t have to limit myself to the areas of biology I already know I like and made me much more willing to explore where my degree can take me.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about majoring in a field within the College of Veterinary Medicine?
Don’t let the prerequisite classes fool you. Some of them are hard, and sometimes it can feel like you picked the wrong major just because you’re struggling with a class that doesn’t even feel related to why you chose it. Once I got into my upper-level classes, I started getting to learn about the things that actually made me interested in genetics in the first place. Give yourself the chance to get there before deciding that the major isn’t for you.
What’s your favorite thing about WSU?
I love that Pullman really feels like a college town, and the campus itself is beautiful. I’ve also had opportunities at WSU that I never would have expected when I first started college. One of the biggest things for me, though, has been the professors and advisors who actually make an effort to get to know and support their students. WSU is a big university, but those relationships have made it feel a lot smaller and more personal.
What are your post-graduation plans?
After graduation, I plan to go to graduate school and eventually pursue a PhD. When I first came to WSU, I was convinced I wanted to work with CRISPR and gene editing. I still think that research is incredibly interesting, but the opportunities I’ve had at WSU have introduced me to areas of biology I never expected to enjoy, especially plant research.
At this point, I don’t know exactly what my research career will look like, and I’m actually OK with that. WSU has taught me that there are a lot more possibilities out there than I originally realized. Whatever area I eventually end up in, my goal is to be part of research that can make a meaningful, real-world difference.
What hobbies or extracurricular activities have you enjoyed at WSU?
Outside of school, I like doing my nails, bowling, dancing, gaming, and going out with my friends. I’ve learned that I really need that separation between school and the rest of my life. It’s easy to let academics become your entire world, especially in a science-heavy major, so having things I do just because I enjoy them has helped me find a much better balance.
What’s a fun or surprising fact about you that most people wouldn’t guess?
I love scuba diving and snorkeling even though I have thalassophobia, which is a fear of deep, open water. It makes absolutely no sense, but apparently my need to know what’s down there is stronger than my fear of what might be down there. Plus, the reefs are beautiful, and the turtles are adorable.