Q&A with genetics and cell biology student Hannah Johnson

Hannah wearing her Coug gear.

Hannah Johnson has been busy during her time at WSU. In addition to majoring in genetics and cell biology in the College of Veterinary Medicine, Hannah works in a pair of labs and serves as a simulated client in a DVM training program. She is also a frequent performer at the STAGE Student Theatre, Nuthouse Improv Comedy, and the Palouse Music Community.

How has WSU prepared you for your future?

WSU has prepared me for the future by allowing me to become an interdisciplinary learner. On top of my studies in the sciences, I also obtained my minor in Spanish and have developed a lot as a performer of theater, comedy, and music, allowing me to achieve a well-rounded education with skills that will benefit me throughout my entire career.

What’s your favorite thing about WSU?

My favorite thing about WSU is the community! As soon as I arrived in Pullman for the first time, I felt welcome and accepted here. The communities I’ve been so lucky to be a part of, such as STAGE Student Theatre and the Palouse Music Community, have only grown over the last few years and I’m excited to continue to watch them grow.

What’s your favorite course you’ve taken at WSU?

My favorite course I’ve taken at WSU is any course by professor Collin Shull! I think I’ve taken at least three classes from him because he’s not only a great Spanish professor but a rad dude from whom I’ve learned a lot. His classes are always fun and engaging, and it’s always great to learn from a fellow music lover!

What do you hope to do when you graduate?

After graduation in May, I hope to go to work in Moscow and stay in the area!

Do you have a job or work in a lab or somewhere else?

I hold multiple jobs on campus, the primary one being my role as a research assistant in the Dr. Bates lab for plant oil biosynthesis in the Institute of Biological Chemistry. I work to assist my advisor, Dr. Azeez, in performing functional genomics analysis of the model plant organism Arabidopsis thaliana by doing PCR, agarose gel electrophoresis, and rearing and tending to plants. My other job is as a simulated client in the WSU Vet Med’s Clinical Communication program, in which I play simulated owners of pets being treated by veterinary students in a simulated clinical environment.

What’s one of your favorite things?

My favorite thing is performing! I am lucky to be a part of STAGE Student Theatre, Nuthouse Improv Comedy, and the Palouse Music Community, and thanks to that combination I am either attending or performing in at least one show per week!

What’s a unique fun fact about you?

I am fluent in Spanish and have visited Spain twice!