Genetics & Cell Biology Program

Thomas Ballinger is recognized as one of the top ten seniors among thousands in WSU’s 2023 graduating class.

Originally from Russia, Polina Karpushkina is only weeks away from graduating from WSU with a degree in genetics and cell biology. While graduate school may be in her future, Polina plans to find a job in the research industry to gain experience and, hopefully, find a research topic that sparks her curiosity.

Hannah Johnson has been busy during her time at WSU. In addition to majoring in genetics and cell biology in the College of Veterinary Medicine, Hannah works in a pair of labs and serves as a simulated client in a DVM training program.

Genetics and cell biology major Alec Durand will graduate this spring after five years in Pullman. The Spanaway, Washington, native hopes to work in the biotech industry for roughly a year before deciding if he wants to pursue a master’s or doctorate in neuroscience.

Many of the courses I have taken have given insight into what a career as a bioengineer and/or scientist would be like, which has helped to solidify my desire to continue research in academia.

Carson Carruthers has spent her time at WSU gaining valuable research and building relationships she hopes will help get her accepted into a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program after she graduates in May. Originally from Vancouver, Washington, Carson is a genetics and cellular biology major on the pre-veterinary track.

When genetics and cell biology major Nora Zander graduates from WSU in May, the Toledo, Washington, native hopes to either pursue a career as a forensic DNA analyst or remain in school to earn a master’s degree and eventually teach middle or high school science.

Nina Ly plans on pursuing a graduate degree in genetic counseling when she graduates from WSU in December. From University Place, Washington, the Curtis Senior High School is minoring in pre-genetic counseling and majoring in genetics and cell biology in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s School of Molecular Biosciences.

Bayley McDonald is a genetics and cell biology major in the School of Molecular Bioscience and is a member of the college’s prestigious accelerated degree program, Students Targeted toward Advanced Research Studies (STARS), in which students can earn a PhD in as little as seven years after graduating high school.

The scholarships are given to high‑achieving undergraduates pursuing science careers.