Professionally Published

Tyler-Jane credited Mazan’s guidance and assistance in preparing the research to be published. “She knew the information was important and the writing and the research were strong enough to be considered for publication,” Tyler-Jane shares.

Mazan explains, “‘TJ’ has worked in our lung function lab since her first year. She did an outstanding job with her independent work in analysis to prepare this paper for publication.”

Cummings School faculty members regularly collaborate with student researchers to help them work toward publishing the results of projects.

“It feels like an amazing accomplishment to be in vet school and have a paper published,” Tyler-Jane explains. “We came to some interesting conclusions, especially the importance of owner observation and astuteness and how they may be better at picking up certain things than veterinarians. I’m proud of that.”

Early Acceptance Program paves the way to Cummings School

A native of Toronto, Canada, Tyler-Jane always knew she wanted to become a veterinarian. With parental assistance, she found the Bachelor’s/D.V.M. Early Acceptance program, which enables Tufts University undergraduate students to apply for early acceptance to Cummings School during their sophomore year. After completing their undergraduate degree, those admitted are guaranteed a space in the veterinary school class.

While earning a B.S. in biology and anthropology at Tufts, Tyler-Jane gained experience working with chimpanzees at the Fauna Foundation and as a research assistant with the University’s Kibale Chimpanzee Project. She later served as a veterinary assistant at a Banfield Pet Hospital and completed a veterinary externship at BluePearl Pet Hospital. “When I arrived at Cummings School, I wasn’t sure what type of vet medicine I wanted to do, because there are so many opportunities to explore,” she explains.

Tyler-Jane soon met Mazan, who has conducted extensive equine research. Despite her lack of experience with horses, Tyler-Jane asked Mazan if she needed assistance with research. “When she said ‘yes,’ I started helping Dr. Mazan with a research project, and I’ve worked with her ever since, which I’ve loved,” Tyler-Jane says. “She served as my thesis mentor and the entire research experience has been invaluable.” 

Tyler-Jane has supplemented her education with campus leadership. She served as secretary of the Tufts Theriogenology Club and treasurer of the student chapter of the American Association of Equine Practitioners. “Through both positions, I met so many people on campus and learned a lot,” she shares.

Mazan convinced Tyler-Jane that her strengths would be well-suited for emergency medicine. “As a mentor, she’s shared advice about having a career and being a mom and balancing that. She’s been so supportive,” Tyler-Jane says.

After completing a small animal emergency rotation, Tyler-Jane decided to pursue that path when she graduates in May. “I will be accepting an offer from BluePearl to participate in an emergency vet training and mentorship program.” She will start the program in June.

Tyler-Jane is excited to find an area of veterinary medicine that she is eager to pursue and glad to have tried various opportunities to arrive on her current path. “If I were advising a student, I would suggest trying what interests you because you’ll learn so much from interesting people with diverse backgrounds. I didn’t know I would like emergency care until I tried it, but that’s what I’ll be doing.”