Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine

Meet Audrey Ponder, V28

Audrey Ponder, student at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
A smiling person in a blue hoodie gently holds a small brown bird in their hands while standing outdoors in a grassy, wooded area. A folding table with supplies and containers is set up behind them, suggesting a nature or wildlife activity.
Audrey Ponder smiles as she gently holds a small bird during a hands-on wildlife activity outdoors. Photo: Yi-Pin Lin

Audrey Ponder. V28, (she/her)

What are you passionate about in veterinary medicine?
There’s an endless list of what I am passionate about in veterinary  medicine. At the top of the list would be diagnostic imaging and pathology at this point in my career.

What drew you to Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine to pursue your degree?
What drew me to Cummings School to pursue my degree was interacting with current members of our unique Tufts [Cummings School] community which was a substantial factor in my decision to enroll here. I felt immediately acknowledged and welcomed during summer panels and the interview process. I was also eager to learn from reputable doctors and professors on a beautiful campus situated in a charming New England town.

Share an experience you loved at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine?
An experience I loved was last summer; I had the privilege of working under Dr. Yi-Pin Lin studying Lyme transmission in wild birds. My experience of spending early mornings catching birds, collecting blood, and releasing them with a small team has become one of my most treasured memories.

Additionally, Furball is always an event I look forward to because I love seeing classmates -- who can usually be found in scrubs or hustling during the week -- dress up in formal attire and cut loose on the dance floor.

Share an experience at Cummings School that changed you or changed the way you thought about something?
An experience that changed the way I thought about something was serving on the Executive Board of Tufts SAVMA (The Student American Veterinary Medical Association), which has been nothing short of life-changing. Taking on a leadership role such as this has taught me countless invaluable lessons, built my confidence, and brought me closer not only to the amazing team of officers working alongside me but also to the greater Tufts community [Cummings School]. 

What service or species do you love to work with?
My favorite species to work with are cats, dogs, and horses.

What brings you joy in life?
What brings me joy is spending quality time with my family, friends, and dog.

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