Marissa Johnston, a proud Honors student and zoology major from Lewis Center, Ohio, will graduate in spring 2025. She has exemplified excellence during her time at The Ohio State University. With her academic accomplishments, unwavering passion for wildlife and aquatic veterinary medicine, and dedication to leadership and research, Johnston’s journey is truly inspiring.
Having chosen Ohio State for its resources in zoology and veterinary medicine, including direct access to the Veterinary Medical Center and close connections with the Columbus Zoo, Johnston’s decision was driven by her early exposure to zoo animals during high school.
“Attending classes at the Columbus Zoo during my junior and senior years of high school gave me an incredible foundation and sparked my interest in zoo animal care,” Johnston shared. Her experiences solidified her passion for animal care and veterinary medicine, setting her on the path to becoming a traveling wildlife and aquatic veterinarian.
Her academic journey is nothing short of remarkable. Graduating with Honors Research Distinction, Johnston has engaged in impactful research, from microchipping mudpuppies to exploring cutting-edge coral recovery technology.
Reflecting on her research experiences, Johnston said, “Being able to conduct coral research with the Grottoli Lab and complete my Honors Undergraduate Research Thesis has been an incredibly fulfilling part of my time at Ohio State.” These experiences highlight her dedication to advancing knowledge in her field and her commitment to conservation.
Beyond academics, Johnston has left an indelible mark on campus through her leadership roles. As Vice President of the Pre-Veterinary Medicine Association and President of Campus Girl Scouts, she has demonstrated her ability to inspire and uplift others.
“My leadership roles have allowed me to give back to my community while also building lifelong skills and connections,” she said. Her involvement in the Global Leadership Initiative Program and her role in raising a Pilot Dog named Junior further showcase her drive to make a meaningful impact.
Johnston’s future plans are as ambitious as they are purposeful. After graduation, she will be taking a gap year to gain more hands-on experience before applying to veterinary school in September. She plans to continue working at Sunbury Veterinary Clinic, where she cares for both small and exotic animals. Additionally, she hopes to intern at a local animal shelter to gain experience with spay/neuter procedures and surgical care.
“I’m looking forward to working at the clinic and expanding my experience with both small and exotic animals, as well as diving deeper into surgical care."
Johnston will also stay actively engaged in research, continuing her coral studies with the Grottoli Lab. Her dedication to animal welfare extends to Rico Pet Recovery, a dog rescue run by her neighbors, where she plans to return to their field recovery efforts. Furthermore, Johnston is excited to have more time to volunteer as a Girl Scout co-leader.
“The Girl Scout mission has always been close to my heart, and I’m excited to use my resources, knowledge, and experiences to uplift fellow girls in my community,” she said. Her history with Girl Scouts, including earning her Silver and Gold Awards and founding Ohio State’s Campus Girl Scouts, underscores her commitment to service.
Outside of work, Johnston is eager to embrace her adventurous side. She’s planning trips that include a short getaway to Michigan, a road trip to Florida, and a longer West Coast journey through Canada, Washington, Oregon, and California.
“I’m so excited to have more time for hiking, biking, rock climbing, and just exploring new places,” Johnston shared.
Reflecting on her time at Ohio State, Marissa fondly recalls her freshman year living in Lincoln Tower, where she shared unforgettable moments with her roommates. “My time at Lincoln Tower was filled with laughter and great memories—it’s definitely one of the highlights of my college experience,” she said. These cherished memories are a testament to the community and friendships she built during her undergraduate journey.
Johnston embodies the values of Ohio State—innovation, leadership, and a dedication to making the world a better place. As she prepares to embark on the next chapter of her life, there is no doubt that her remarkable achievements will continue to inspire those around her.