Student Spotlight:
Brayan Osegueda Velazquez

What makes Washington State University’s Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture stand out from the crowd for those looking to get a degree?

We ask bioengineering major Brayan Osegueda Velazquez for his thoughts on what makes WSU such a special place.

What made you decide to attend WSU?

Washington State University offers a sense of community and belonging that I believed would be critical to my successes in pursuing a degree in bioengineering.

I would recommend WSU for anyone who wishes to have endless support as you move along the next step in your academic career. Everywhere you turn you will find someone who wishes nothing more than for you to reach your full potential. I personally have met mentors and role models that I will remember for the rest of my life.

What has been your favorite class?

One of my favorite classes was one that pushed my very limits: Chemical Engineering 201, Chemical Process Principles and Calculations.

Like breaking a bone, the process couldn’t hurt more but I personally believe I came out as a stronger scholar and person. Dr. Steven Saunders is an amazing professor and mentor that understood how difficult engineering topics can be and personally sacrificed his own time to ensure that all of us succeeded despite the challenges. I learned to collaborate, fight for my success, network and overall, how to keep my head above the water. I think this class taught me more than could possibly be listed on a course description!

Have you participated in any research projects?

I did undergraduate research since my freshman year with Dr. Alla Kostyukova in her protein engineering-focused lab. I work with thin filament capping proteins within the sarcomere, the most basic contractile subunit of the muscle cell. I think my time in her lab has been crucial for feeling of belonging in my major and a main motivator for my studies.

Have you received any scholarships, fellowships, or financial aid?

I have had the fortunate experience of being chosen to be a part of the first cohort of the ESTEEMED MIRA program. This program is NIH-funded and encourages freshman from underdeveloped backgrounds pursue undergraduate research.

What do you want to do with your degree after you graduate?

I have committed myself to pursuing a Ph. D after receiving my undergraduate degree as part of the Marc-WSU program. I hope to pursue research in academia for the foreseeable future and beyond.