Between studying and getting time on the water, Ilaria Macchi leads a busy life. From Koper, Slovenia, Ilaria is pursuing a degree from WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine in biochemistry while also competing as a member of the Cougar rowing team. She is now in her fourth year on the Cougar rowing team, and she has also competed as a member of the Slovenia national team at the European and World championships.
How has WSU prepared you for your future?
WSU has helped me grow as an independent person and to be open-minded to new opportunities.
What’s your favorite place at WSU?
I love the Snake River where I go to practice every day with the WSU rowing team – it’s an escape place after school where I can enjoy the sun and doing my favorite sport with my friends and teammates.
What’s your favorite course you’ve taken at WSU?
My favorite course so far was MBIOS 304 (molecular biology lab) taught by professor Haseltine because I got to learn a lot of procedures and tests that eventually I will find myself perform in my professional career.
What do you hope to do when you graduate?
After graduation, I would like to start working so I can put in practice what I’ve learned in the past years.
What’s one of your favorite hobbies?
In my free time, I enjoy baking and playing the piano – I studied piano for six years when I was a kid.
What’s a unique fun fact about you?
A unique fun fact about me is that I speak five languages: Italian, Slovenian, English, Croatian, and Spanish.