Cougs Make An Impact with Mikayden

Transcript

Research is paramount at WSU and is available to all students in all majors, even in their first year. Meet Mikayden, who has participated in several research projects focused on contributing to the community. Cougs are passionate about using their WSU experience to help others, and one avenue is through life-changing, experiential learning opportunities. Over to you Mikayden.

– I appreciate it Alex. Before college, I traveled full-time to compete horses. This pushed me into an online high school where I was able to graduate early. Next, I followed in my mom’s footsteps and applied to Washington State University for a degree in Chemical Engineering. WSU stood out to me because of their commitment to undergraduate research. Over 85% of the students in WSU’s Chem E program are involved in research and internships. As students, we are not limited to focus on one area. In one laboratory, I manufacture miniature hands-on engineering equipment for classrooms all across the nation. Just upstairs in a different lab, I help grow immune system cells in a centrifugal bioreactor developed by my lab. This cell growth is the principle of a cancer treatment called immunotherapy. The work we’re doing here will allow immunotherapy to be more accessible and affordable for cancer patients. WSU also offers a program called CySER. In this program, I study cybersecurity and help teach others the importance of cybersecurity for the future. This program offered me the opportunity to travel to places such as New York and Texas where I presented cyber defense research to government officials and other field experts. WSU has allowed me to pursue many STEM fields, through undergraduate research, travel, and program options, but the most impactful lesson I learned from these pursuits is how I love helping others, which pushed me to apply to law school. And thanks to my background at Washington State University, I will get to help people every single day in a career that is right for me, and that’s how WSU has inspired me. Now, back to you, Alex.

– Well done Mikayden. We agree. You have built a strong foundation of inquiry and scholarship at WSU that will allow you to help others through your personal and professional endeavors. Wishing you all the best as you start your new chapter in law school. Take care.