Born in Bangladesh and raised in the United Arab Emirates, Sarah Yeasmin brings a global perspective to her studies at WSU and in the College of Veterinary Medicine. A biology and neuroscience double major with a minor in biochemistry, Sarah is set to graduate in May 2026 and will then turn her attention to medical school.
Sarah serves as president of WSU’s Muslim Student Association, works as a resident advisor through Housing and Residence Life, and founded a refugee fund through the WSU Foundation. She is also a NASPA Undergraduate Rising Star Award recipient.
We caught up with Yeasmin to talk about her experiences in the College of Veterinary Medicine and what she hopes to pursue after graduation.
What initially drew you to your major?
Biology has always been my passion. I love learning anything related to life, especially anatomy and physiology. Later, I started working at an ENT and neurology clinic as a medical assistant, where we would go over MRIs with patients. Just seeing the brain really intrigued me and made me want to learn more, which is why I chose to double major in neuroscience.
Have you had any opportunities to work in a lab or conduct research while at WSU?
Yes, I am currently part of the Driskell Lab under Dr. Ryan Driskell. It has not impacted my studies in any negative way, instead, it has been a great opportunity for me to further increase my knowledge of skin biology. I am also working on my honors thesis through this lab.
What advice would you give to someone thinking about majoring in a field within the College of Veterinary Medicine?
My advice would be to definitely take your time to understand the material. In biology, there is a lot of memorization. However, what I realized with neuroscience is that it requires deeper thinking, critical analysis, and truly understanding the concepts. If the language feels hard, copy it into ChatGPT and ask it to break it down, this was a lifesaver for me.
What’s your favorite thing about WSU?
The people are what I love most about WSU. WSU made me feel very comfortable because of the community they have built and continue to build. The diverse clubs and student centers make WSU unique.
What are your post-graduation plans?
I have applied to medical school, and after graduation, I plan to start immediately. WSU gave me the opportunity to build a strong foundation in medical-related knowledge, which is a major requirement for medical school.
What hobbies or extracurricular activities have you enjoyed at WSU?
I love playing pickleball and badminton, and playing with my friends has become one of my core memories. I also enjoy taking walks during stressful times like finals week, and walking around campus is always refreshing. My go-to spot is the roof of Terrell Library – it has an amazing view.
What’s a fun or surprising fact about you?
I am really scared of bugs and small animals. It’s hard to believe since I am usually the first person to euthanize or decapitate an animal during the lab. However, if I see a bug or a squirrel, you best believe I will be miles away from it.