Being as her father is a cardiologist and her mother is a pathologist, Maria Stogioglou’s strong interest in medicine and science began as a child. In fact, when she was in the fourth grade, she even wrote a poem about how she wanted to be a veterinarian at the New York City ASPCA.
“My parents inspired me to pursue medicine, and of course, I had to choose a career with animals,” Maria said.
Despite immigrating from Athens, Greece, to New York City when she was 2, then moving to Kentucky and later Washington, that dream has always been the same.
Now just a semester and some change away from receiving her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Maria has accepted a job offer in Chicago with plans to work in small animal general practice and equine medicine, but she also is excited to explore all opportunities that may arise in the veterinary field.
“WSU has prepared me with the best veterinary education — excellent professors and clinicians to work with, opportunities in and out of the hospital, clinical simulation lab to work on clinical skills. I’ve always loved learning and WSU has been able to nurture that,” she said.
While she has citizenship in the U.S., Canada, and Greece, she loves the views of the Palouse hills and noted they can only be found in one place. She loves everything the Pacific Northwest has to offer, from exceptional mountain and ocean views to amazing hiking and skiing. She also is an avid equestrian and enjoys competing in show jumping. The Roost Coffee and Market is her favorite study spot.