Students in the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine don’t just learn about science — they experience it. Just ask neuroscience and psychology double major Mak Lilley. Since arriving from Billings, Montana, Mak has jumped into research in multiple labs, found community in Pullman, and set her sights on a future in neuropsychology. She will graduate this spring with plans to enter graduate school.
In this Q&A, Mak shares what drew her to WSU, what fuels her passion for brain science, and what she hopes to do next.
What initially drew you to your major?
Growing up, I was jumping between wanting to do so many things at once. One moment, I was thinking about becoming a teacher, the next an ornithologist. When in high school, I was still having a lot of difficulty with choosing what I really wanted to do for college, and when I got the opportunity to tour several universities in the Pacific Northwest, WSU caught my eye with its undergraduate neuroscience program, which really helped in picking what I wanted to study when I eventually applied and got accepted here. I knew I always wanted to do something within the life sciences field of STEM, and I especially enjoyed learning about different aspects about the brain and mind, which led me to choose neuroscience as one of my majors.
Have you had any opportunities to work in a lab or conduct research while at WSU?
I currently work in two labs for two different departments on campus. I work in the Complex Social Interactions lab within the Criminal Justice department, under the supervision of Dr. David Makin, and in the Social, Cognitive, and Environmental Neuroscience Lab, under the guidance of Dr. Kim Meidenbauer. Working in these labs has really helped me with understanding the ins and outs of research and understanding the process of designing and establishing a study.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about majoring in a field within the College of Veterinary Medicine?
One piece of advice I’d give to something thinking about majoring in a field within the CVM would be to give it your best. Take that leap and pursue what you are passionate about! There will be times when things feel hopeless and bleak but persevere and you will make it out alright. You got this!
What’s your favorite thing about WSU?
My favorite thing about WSU is the community. Coming from a significantly larger town, the small town of Pullman is such a refreshing place to be. I’ve made so many strong friendships during my time here, be it through my classes, my on-campus job, or just people I’ve run into on campus, this campus feels like home to me.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I plan on attending grad school, most likely pursuing a master’s degree before getting a PhD in psychology. My future career after academia is neuropsychology, a field where I get to work with people and help them receive care.
What hobbies or extracurricular activities have you enjoyed at WSU?
I spend a lot of my free time playing video games with my friends both here and back home, especially games like Lethal Company, REPO, and Peak. Outside of that, I love to watch shows and rewatch some of my favorite movies, go on little adventures with friends, listen to music, and craft!
What’s a fun or surprising fact about you that most people wouldn’t guess?
I was one of the first five people at my high school to achieve the Global Seal of Biliteracy for Spanish!