Reagan Simek, a genetics and cell biology student at WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine, is on track to graduate in the spring with ambitions to attend medical school. Originally from Saint Paul, Minnesota, Reagan’s fascination with genetics began in high school when she learned about the genetic basis of her family’s chronic migraines.
Arriving at WSU with aspirations of becoming a veterinarian, Ashleigh Carlton never imagined she would fall in love with biochemistry. However, her relentless curiosity about how the body functions and why cells behave the way they do inspired her to switch majors, and the Lynnwood, Washington, native is now set to graduate this December.
Samira Diaz De Leon came all the way from Southern California to attend WSU, where she is now majoring in biochemistry with an emphasis on molecular biology. She was recently named as one of 12 recipients nationwide of a $20,000 National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship given to those pursuing future careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science research.
A $2.1 million grant from the National Institutes of Health will continue nearly five decades of research into better understanding sperm production and regulation in mammals.
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.
The WSU application could revolutionize the way scientists study hair and ultimately lead to the development of health diagnostics based solely on hair.
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.