Reagan Simek, a genetics and cell biology student at WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine, is on track to graduate in the spring with ambitions to attend medical school. Originally from Saint Paul, Minnesota, Reagan’s fascination with genetics began in high school when she learned about the genetic basis of her family’s chronic migraines. Since then, she has immersed herself in research, from working in a molecular plant sciences lab to conducting fieldwork in Australia.
What initially drew you to your major?
I’ve been set on genetics since high school. My mom’s side of the family has a history of chronic migraines, which I also inherited. In learning about how to treat them, one of my doctors told me about how sometimes genetics can cause a predisposition to chronic migraines. As a 15-year-old, I didn’t really understand what this meant. So, I started to do my own research about genetics and how genes are inherited from our parents, passed down from generation to generation. During this time, CRISPR was becoming more popular, so I was even more intrigued to learn about gene editing and how it can be used for disease prevention. I knew I wanted a career path that involved helping others, so I decided to pursue a career path in medicine, focusing my undergraduate degree on genetics.
Who has been the most influential mentor or professor during your time at WSU, and how have they impacted you?
Dr. Phil Mixter has been one of the most influential mentors during my time at WSU. I first met him through his science communications class, and he is currently the mentor for a club I’m part of (molecular bioscience club). He was one of the first people I met who really pushed the idea that science impacts everyone, whether directly or indirectly. It’s easy to feel removed from things like environmental policy making and sometimes even your own health care when fancy scientific language is being used. Everyone should have the opportunity to understand science.
Have you had any opportunities to work in a lab or conduct research while at WSU? How has that experience impacted your studies?
I have worked in the Kirchhoff lab in Molecular Plant Sciences since my sophomore year and also conducted field research in Australia with School for Field Studies. Being an active member of a research team has made my education much more impactful; I get to apply the things I’m learning in class to real lab scenarios.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about majoring in a field within the College of Veterinary Medicine?
Explore all your opportunities and build relationships with your peers. Having friends that I can study with has been a huge help throughout college. Not only does it make studying more fun, but you’re also building lasting connections that will last beyond your time here at WSU. There are so many resources available on campus that students aren’t always aware of. Take the time to talk with your professors or even just read the flyers around campus.
What’s your favorite thing about WSU?
My favorite thing about WSU is that there are so many opportunities for undergraduates to get involved in research. This isn’t really something I considered when choosing WSU, but something I have seen my friends at other schools have a more difficult time with.
What are your post-graduation plans, and how do you see your education at WSU helping you achieve them?
After graduation, I plan to attend medical school. WSU has allowed me to improve my critical thinking and time management skills, both of which will be very important in medical school.
What hobbies or extracurricular activities have you enjoyed at WSU, and how have they enriched your time here?
In my free time I enjoy hiking and working out. I’m a member of the Girl Gains and Powerlifting Club, which has allowed me to meet students who I normally wouldn’t have classes with, but who share the same passions and hobbies as me. I also recently joined the LAUNCH program as an ambassador, where I will help to host workshops with the goal of teaching my peers about all the opportunities we have across campus.
What’s a fun or surprising fact about you that most people wouldn’t guess?
I love plants and have about a dozen in my apartment. My favorite is my Thai constellation monstera.