Brooke Carruthers
Major & Minor
Major: Molecular and Cellular Biology
Minors: Astrobiology, Marine Science, French
Hometown
Spokane, WA
How’d you choose your major/minor?
I never grew out of my childhood “space” phase, but I knew I was more fascinated by biology than by physics and mathematics. So, when I discovered the field of Astrobiology, which perfectly melded these two options, I saw the perfect opportunity to pursue both my passions at once. I decided to major in Molecular and Cellular Biology to learn about the fundamentals of life on Earth in order to better understand the potential for life elsewhere, and I added the Marine Science minor because I think ocean life is particularly amazing. I also took up the Astrobiology minor to take some space science classes and interact with peers and professors outside of the life sciences. Finally, I added a French minor to have a break from STEM classes and to learn about global francophone cultures to inform future travel destinations.
What’s your favorite spot on campus?
My favorite spot is the courtyard nestled between the Education, Steward Observatory, and Psychology buildings. In between classes, I love to lay on the grass or set up my hammock and stare up at the leaves of the trees. Plus, being surrounded by buildings of diverse academic disciplines is inspiring helps me remember how amazing and enlightening college is, even when I am stressing out over exams and lab work.
What has been the highlight of your college career thus far?
For me, being part of my origins of life lab through the NASA Space Grant has been the central highlight. This lab validated my interest in astrobiology and taught me that I love being in a biology lab, and moreover that I love communicating my lab work to other people to get them as excited as I am about ancient proteins and space exploration.