Samira Diaz De Leon came all the way from Southern California to attend WSU, where she is now majoring in biochemistry with an emphasis on molecular biology. She was recently named as one of 12 recipients nationwide of a $20,000 National Institutes of Health (NIH) Undergraduate Scholarship given to those pursuing future careers in biomedical, behavioral, and social science research.
Richland, Washington, native Brayden Olsen is not only excelling in his undergraduate studies in microbiology at the College of Veterinary Medicine’s School of Molecular Biosciences, but he’s also setting his sights on a future doctorate. While making the most of his campus experience, Brayden has been deeply committed to his studies and is already making contributions as an undergraduate to mpox research in Dr. Heather Koehler’s lab.
When he isn’t summiting the tallest peaks in the Pacific Northwest, Sam Kindl is working toward earning a degree in genetics and cell biology in the School of Molecular Biosciences, with minors in math and computer science. When the Spokane native wraps up his undergraduate studies in the College of Veterinary Medicine, he plans pursue a doctorate degree.
Forty WSU undergraduates engaged in mentored research have received fellowships to support their research, scholarship, and creative activity for the coming academic year.
From Edmonds, Washington, and a graduate of Holy Names Academy in Seattle, Oliva Mohn is putting the final touches on her undergraduate degree in neuroscience from the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine. When she wraps up her studies in May, she will also graduate from the Honors College with a MESI certification.
Sydney Ackerman dreams of one day becoming a veterinarian. The Spokane native and Mead High School alumna will graduate in May from the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine with a degree in neuroscience (with minors in zoology and French), and while she plans to take a short break from school, she aspires to return to Pullman to pursue a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.
Following graduation in May, Jacob Satake will be off to medical school at WSU Spokane’s Elson S. Floyd College of Medicine. From Spokane and a graduate of North Central High School, Jacob is currently majoring in genetics and cell biology in the College of Veterinary Medicine’s School of Molecular Biosciences.
From Spokane and a proud graduate of Mead Senior High School, Lilinoe McCanna will be graduating from WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine in May with a degree in biochemistry. Following graduation, Lilinoe will be heading to Pacific University where she will study to become an optometrist.
From Vancouver, Washington, Maggie Munoz recently graduated from WSU’s College of Veterinary Medicine with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. While she has wrapped up her undergraduate studies, she plans on staying on campus to continue her research on Lyme disease and relapsing fever in the lab of Dr. Troy Bankhead before pursuing a doctorate in molecular biology.
Senior Katy Ayers, a bioengineering major minoring in biochemistry and mathematics, is the latest finalist for a Marshall Scholarship to study in the United Kingdom.