School of Molecular Biosciences

More than 200 students presented at last week’s Showcase for Undergraduate Research and Creative Activities. Overall, 53 students were presented with 49 awards totaling $10,900.

Bri Jones is pursuing a PhD in Molecular Biosciences and has focused her research efforts on archaea, tiny organisms that can live in some of the most diverse and harsh environments on the planet.

Jimena Ruiz is a first-generation college student from Los Angeles who is pursuing a PhD in Molecular Biosciences from WSU’s School of Molecular Biosciences in the College of Veterinary Medicine. Jimena is investigating the influences of mitochondrial stress and lipids on dietary-induced ferroptosis, which is associated with neurodegenerative diseases and cancer.

Graduate student Mustika Rahmawati hopes her research will one day help scientists and clinicians in the fertility field better diagnose and prevent male infertility. Mustika is pursuing a PhD in Molecular Biosciences.

From Vancouver, Washington, Maggie Munoz recently graduated from WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. While she has wrapped up her undergraduate studies, she plans on staying on campus to continue her research on Lyme disease and relapsing fever in the lab of Dr. Troy Bankhead before pursuing a doctorate in molecular biology.

Ayiana Sapp recently graduated from WSU with an undergraduate degree in genetics and cell biology. She now plans to pursue a PhD at WSU.

Microbiology major Mikayla McClintock is a member of the Honors Pre-Admit Program in Veterinary Medicine in which students can gain early admission to the College of Veterinary Medicine’s DVM professional program and become a veterinarian in only seven years. Mikayla is from Billings, Montana, and she hopes to return to her home state once she wraps up veterinary school.

Microbiology major Tuhina Bhar is more than 7,000 miles away from her home in Ahmedabad, India, a city of more than 5 million residents. On track to graduate in the spring of 2024, Tuhina has her eyes set on a career in research when she wraps up her studies at WSU.

The Office of Research recognized researchers, staff, and grant competition winners during the annual event’s awards ceremony on Friday, Oct. 20.

Washington State Magazine | Washington State University researchers adapt livestock and crops to feed a more crowded, warming planet.