Carson Carruthers has spent her time at WSU gaining valuable research and building relationships she hopes will help get her accepted into a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program after she graduates in May. Originally from Vancouver, Washington, Carson is a genetics and cellular biology major on the pre-veterinary track.
How has WSU prepared you for your future?
WSU has many undergraduate opportunities like research mentorships and leadership opportunities that have helped me explore all my interests and develop professional skills and relationships. WSU has also helped me build my experience within the professional fields that I plan to further pursue once I graduate.
What’s your favorite place at WSU?
The Starbucks in the Spark. It’s a good place to refuel my caffeine addiction before my next class – if the line isn’t wrapped all the way around the stairs.
What’s your favorite course you’ve taken at WSU?
My favorite course is Animal Science 440 (Physiology of Domestic Animals) with Dr. Nathan Law. The class is super interesting and helps me connect and apply all my learnings within the molecular sciences and integrate them into human and animals’ essential physiological processes. Dr. Law is also one of the kindest and most understanding professors I know, and he makes his lectures interesting and interactive. He’s outstanding at teaching such a complicated topic.
What do you hope to do when you graduate?
I hope to be accepted into a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program in the Midwest so I can continue my education to earn my doctorate and hopefully a PhD as well so I can continue working on research part-time.
Do you work in a lab?
I am a volunteer research technician in Dr. Kelly Brayton’s lab. I work under Jason Park studying anaplasma, a tick-borne pathogen that infects humans and large mammals.
What’s one of your favorite hobbies?
When I have the time, I like to spend time doing activities to express my creativity. Whether it’s drawing, photography, or graphic design; I honestly do it all. Over breaks when my school demand is low, I make and sell custom products like coffee cups, stickers, and decorative signs through my mini side business.
What’s a unique fun fact about you?
I can fit my entire fist into my mouth. Pro tip: Don’t ask someone to demonstrate this, it’s anxiety-inducing.