Science drives genetics and cell biology student Kurtis Shipman, but there may not be anything he looks forward to more than Cougar football games. The Spokane, Washington, native expects to graduate this spring, but he doesn’t plan on straying far, as he is planning on pursuing a graduate degree at WSU – meaning you can expect to find him cheering on the Cougs on game day for the foreseeable future.
How has WSU prepared you for your future?
WSU has provided me with many great classes that are overall very applicable to the field, and I have been provided many great opportunities to work in labs to prepare me for my career in science.
What’s your favorite thing about WSU?
My favorite thing about WSU is FOOTBALL! There’s nothing quite like being able to go to an event with so many people your age who all share the same excitement for the event.
What’s your favorite course you’ve taken at WSU?
My favorite class that I have taken here at WSU so far has been Bio Ethics with Dr. Noll, as we were able to dig into topics that aren’t typically covered in my normal classes. I also feel that it gave me a great foundation of ethics to build off of whenever I go on into my career in genetics.
What do you hope to do when you graduate?
After I graduate, I plan on pursuing a master’s in biology here at WSU!
Do you work in a lab?
I am currently working with Dr. Cecilia Rodriguez-Furlan in her lab in the School of Biological Sciences. I am researching the RABG1 and RABG2 proteins and looking into what role they play in the plant cell endomembrane transport network. Currently, I am identifying the phenotypes of these genes as well as what proteins they colocalize within plant cells.
What’s one of your favorite things or favorite hobby?
My favorite hobby is hiking in the local area as I feel it gives me a chance to experience the Palouse in a whole new way.
What’s a unique fun fact about you?
A unique fact about me is that this is only my second year at WSU as I am a transfer student from SFCC in Spokane.