People

Utah native Sydney Hewitt will graduate this spring with her DVM and plans to pursue a career as a small animal emergency clinician.

Richland, Washington, native Brayden Olsen is not only excelling in his undergraduate studies in microbiology at the College of Veterinary Medicine’s School of Molecular Biosciences, but he’s also setting his sights on a future doctorate. While making the most of his campus experience, Brayden has been deeply committed to his studies and is already making contributions as an undergraduate to mpox research in Dr. Heather Koehler’s lab.

Caroline Thornberry plans to specialize in small animal internal medicine, beginning with a rotating internship next year, followed by a residency and board certification.

Dr. Felix Lankester is a veterinarian specializing in infectious disease surveillance, epidemiology, and wild animal health. He serves as the associate director of Rabies Free Africa.

When Lillian Zachary ventured to Pullman from Arlington, Washington, to pursue a bachelor’s degree in wildlife conservation and ecology, it was always her plan to leave with her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine in hand.

When he isn’t summiting the tallest peaks in the Pacific Northwest, Sam Kindl is working toward earning a degree in genetics and cell biology in the School of Molecular Biosciences, with minors in math and computer science. When the Spokane native wraps up his undergraduate studies in the College of Veterinary Medicine, he plans pursue a doctorate degree.

Prior to his appointment as co-director of Washington State University’s new Bachelor of Science in Public Health program, Todd Sabato spent 11 years as director of the public health program at the University of North Dakota.

Samantha Heilman is an aspiring small animal emergency clinician and a member of the class of 2025.

Master’s student Meg Southard’s research in the College of Veterinary Medicine has the potential to lead to new treatments to decrease the symptoms of opioid withdraw and significantly improve recovery outcomes for individuals with opioid use disorder.

Kimberly McBride is excited to build an interdisciplinary public health undergraduate program at Washington State University. As new co-director of the college’s Bachelor of Science in Public Health program, McBride will train the next generation of the public health workforce to respond to the unique needs of communities in Washington and beyond.