California native Tryssa de Ruyter recently entered the College of Veterinary Medicine’s Combined Clinical Microbiology Residency and PhD program with plans to focus on infectious diseases in salmonid aquaculture.
Tryssa earned a B.S. in animal biology from the University of California, Davis, and a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Pennsylvania. Tryssa is an ARCS fellow. The fellowship is awarded through Seattle chapter of the ARCS Foundation to outstanding students studying to complete degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
Upon completing studies at WSU, Tryssa plans to pursue a career in academia as an aquatic microbiologist, combining a passion for research and teaching.
Recently, Tryssa answered questions about experiences at WSU and the College of Veterinary Medicine.
What inspired you to pursue your graduate studies at WSU?
The strength of WSU’s aquatics research and diagnostics drew me here along with WSU’s unique combined microbiology residency/PhD program. This program provides the best of both worlds, allowing me to become a veterinary microbiologist and researcher while maintaining a focus on aquatic species throughout both.
Can you describe your current research and its significance in your field?
I have not started my research yet, however, I am hoping to focus my research on infectious diseases in salmonid aquaculture.
What are your long-term career goals, and how is your current research helping you achieve them?
My career goal is to be an aquatic microbiologist. I want my career to involve research and teaching, so I think I may stay in academia.
What has been your favorite thing about WSU and the College of Veterinary Medicine?
Everyone at WSU and the CVM is so friendly, helpful, and supportive. It very much feels like a tight-knit community here, and I absolutely love that about this place.
What has surprised you the most about WSU and the College of Veterinary Medicine?
The way that WSU balances its highly academic environment while still ensuring work-life balance and emphasizing personal well-being has surprised me in the best way.
What would you say to prospective graduate students considering the College of Veterinary Medicine?
Once you meet the people and see the facilities here, you will know that WSU CVM is the right choice for you. My visit here on externship during my clinical year of veterinary school was a defining reason I decided to come to WSU because I saw firsthand how the environment allows for incredible personal and professional growth.