By: Hailey Meyer

“Life takes unexpected turns. You have to go with the flow and take opportunities when you get them. Things don’t always follow a standard trajectory, but that makes life more interesting,” said Sian Ritchie.

Sian Ritchie, a Washington State University Clinical Assistant Professor, grew up in the U.K. wanting to teach elementary students.

“It was never my plan, and I wasn’t even sure that I wanted to be a professor,” Ritchie explained.

She received both her Bachelor’s Degree and PH.D. at the University of Reading in the U.K. She also obtained her Bachelor’s Degree in Biochemistry, and a Master’s Degree in Teaching at Washington State University.

“After my Ph.D. I did research and I really enjoyed that. I also did more here at WSU as well,” Ritchie said.

She worked as a substitute teacher and also at the local science museum. Ritchie was later offered a part-time job teaching labs at WSU. She eventually turned into a full-time professor.

Ritchie now advises students who are pursuing Biology, Zoology, and General Studies-Basic Medical Sciences degrees. She is also fascinated with using technology to improve and help undergraduate students.

Ritchie also runs the exit-surveys for graduate students in her departments and wants to emphasize for incoming students to reach out and talk to professors and other students.

“It’s kind of intimidating to a lot of students but it’s so important to get out there and get involved, students can learn a lot,” Ritchie said.