Student Perspective: Will Mroch

By Gary Hyatt, WSU Honors College, gary.hyatt1@wsu.edu

Name: Will Mroch

Year: Junior

Hometown: Spokane, Washington

Major: Biology

Minors: Chemistry

How has The Honors College impacted your time at WSU?

The Honors College has played a significant role in shaping my academic endeavors at WSU. I have made friends, developed mentors, and I’ve been provided unique opportunities within my major and within the greater WSU community. Engaging faculty have helped foster my growth as a person, and helping me better understand and realize my education as a journey. Mentorship and encouragement to explore coursework and research opportunities are in the DNA of the Honors College. The small, welcoming class sizes have helped me make connections within the College which have allowed me to grow as a person and as a scholar.

Most impactful Involvement/Leadership/Research you have engaged in and what each entail:

Serving as an Honors Ambassador provided me with the opportunity to speak in public and share with others my academic journey at WSU. It’s exciting to tell others about the Honors College experience. I have been able to pursue working in a research lab studying hyperbaric oxygen treatment in the setting of opioid addiction. Its inspiring working with such knowledgeable scientists looking to minimize withdrawal symptoms in methadone-dependent patient groups, in addition to studying mechanisms of inflammatory changes in the brain. These opportunities were made possible not only through the robust research activity at WSU, but something the Honors College faculty encouraged me to explore.

Career Goal/ Future education plans:

My goal is to pursue a career in medicine. The opportunity to work with patients, help the community and be an advocate for people in need would be an incredible privilege. I appreciate the support WSU and the Honors College have offered in helping me pursue this goal.

Favorite Honors Course and why?

One of my favorite courses was Honors 270 – Research Methods in Social Science. The course emphasized thinking critically about data selection, methodologies, and conclusions in modern research. The class exposed me to real world applications and significantly advanced my analytical skill sets. Concepts from this class were useful tools to apply to my research interest in opioid effects. It’s a great feeling growing academically and taking ideas from one class and applying them in a real-world setting.

Advice for an incoming Honors student?

My advice for incoming Honors College students is to engage with the faculty and allow them to get to know you and your interests. They are super involved and invested in your wellbeing and can help with guidance and also in opening doors to opportunities. Friendships made with faculty and classmates can enhance your experience, not to mention the unique topics and twists the Honors College faculty offer in their classes. Having a network of friends in different majors not only makes the experience more enjoyable but provides a range of perspectives to help us each grow as a person.

Have you ever received financial support from the Honors College? If so, how did that impact your academic journey?

No, but this summer I will receive support through the MedSure program to conduct research with Dr. Matthew Layton at the WSU College of Medicine Sleep Performance Center in Spokane. I’ll be studying hyperbaric oxygen therapy’s effects on patients undergoing methadone treatment, including impacts on sleep and withdrawal symptoms. This opportunity, encouraged by the Honors College, allows me to work directly with clinicians and researchers in an innovative setting. I’m excited to contribute to research that may improve treatment for people struggling with opioid dependence in my community.

What are some things outside of your academic journey you enjoy doing?

In my free time I love keeping active, spending a lot of time skiing during the winter and enjoy playing intramural sports with my friends. I also love spending time watching Cougar football on College Football Saturday’s, the Pullman game day atmosphere is truly unmatched. There is always something to do in Pullman and being able to unwind from academics has made my college experience super rewarding. Go Cougs!