From Snoqualmie, Washington, Mount Si High School alum Mariah Landon is set to graduate from WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. While Mariah, an avid gamer, plans to take a year or two off to travel, she hopes to eventually have a career in science.
How has WSU prepared you for your future?
Aside from furthering my education, my experience at WSU has most importantly reinforced/refined my teamwork skills and encouraged me to learn how to live with roommates.
What’s your favorite thing about WSU?
I absolutely adore the school history sprinkled around campus. From the historical buildings and artifact displays to old books tucked away in the libraries, the history of WSU is something I feel and see every day. It’s a history I can “touch,” the kind of history I’ve always felt most connected and inspired by. The pathways I walk when passing between classes have been walked by thousands of alumni before me, including my grandfather. It all reminds me of the infinite memories and experiences associated with WSU and the campus.
What’s your favorite course you’ve taken at WSU?
First semester organic chemistry taught by Dr. Clifford Berkman. This course truly enforced my love of chemistry and molecular biology. Dr. Berkman’s incredible energy and enthusiasm for the course made the content all the more fascinating and engaging for me.
What do you hope to do when you graduate?
I first intend to take a year or two to travel and gain more practical experience in my field (internships, jobs in labs, etc.). I ultimately hope to pursue a career in research in the field of molecular biology and/or microbiology.
Do you have a job or work in a lab or somewhere else?
No, however, I was involved in undergraduate research this past year in the field of anthropology for SURCA and my Honors College thesis. My completed thesis is titled “Mixed-methods analysis of TikTok videos posted by d/Deaf creators.” It explores TikTok content posted by d/Deaf creators, with particular regard for the particular themes depicted in those videos and their relative rates of engagement.
What are some of your favorite hobbies?
I spend much of my time video gaming and Twitch streaming on the PC I built a few years ago. My favorite games are survival/sandboxes such as 7DTD, The Forest, Raft, and (of course) Minecraft, as well as MMORPGs like FFXIV.
What’s a unique fun fact about you?
I’m bilingual, utilizing both English and American Sign Language (ASL).