Following graduation in May, Jacob Satake will be off to medical school at WSU Spokane’s Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. From Spokane and a graduate of North Central High School, Jacob is currently majoring in genetics and cell biology in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s School of Molecular Biosciences.
How has WSU prepared you for your future?
The opportunities I have received at WSU have allowed me to become a better leader. I have been challenged and through that been able to become more resilient and well-prepared for the challenges ahead of me. I have been able to work in a collaborative environment learning with my peers and making connections with people that have lasted my entire career. I have learned how to network with professors and fellow students who will be valuable to my future success. Outside of the classroom, my jobs and extracurriculars have taught me life skills that expand on my education and I have been able to grow not only my knowledge but also as a person.
What’s your favorite thing about WSU?
My favorite thing about WSU is that I have gotten to pursue a rigorous degree in a setting that allows me to enjoy my hobbies as well, such as research, sporting events, and recreational activities. I chose WSU for two main reasons – the access to undergraduate research that connected to my future major, which really excited me, and the community. The inherent connection between everyone when we say, “Go Cougs!” felt really special to me, and I love sports, so the access to that is also amazing.
What’s your favorite course you’ve taken at WSU?
My favorite class I’ve ever taken at WSU was Biology 107 with Dr. Davis. The class is called Introductory Biology: Cell Biology and Genetics, which was essentially the introduction to my degree. It was one of my first WSU classes, and in that class, I met the friends who became my best friends for my whole college career. It assured me that the major I had chosen was the correct one for me. I also later became an undergraduate TA in the lab portion of the class and an LA in the lecture. That class set the basis for my WSU career, and I am so grateful for it.
Do you have a job or work in a lab?
My freshman year I worked in Dr. Robert’s lab attempting to identify genes that interact with a candidate for a gene that may cause cancer. With a graduate researcher and the PI, I was given my own project that was overseen by them and contributed to the graduate student’s project. I am now a senior RA in Stimson Hall and a lead challenge facilitator within the UREC department.
What are some of your favorite hobbies?
My favorite hobby is attending WSU sporting events and cheering on our Cougs! I love being on the front row of football, basketball, and volleyball games and being as loud as possible to help our Cougs.
What’s a unique fun fact about you?
A fun fact about me is that I am a second-generation Coug and my parents met in Pullman. I have known the fight song since I was very young and have always had some crimson in my closet.