Biography
Qingdao, China
B.A. Psychology & Economics, University of Colorado Denver, 2022
Why did you choose to pursue this degree, and why did you choose Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine to pursue this degree?
After the pandemic, I encountered my emotional support kitties, who quickly became cherished new additions to my family (my first and second family members in the U.S.) and inspired me to venture into Animal-assisted therapy and Human-Animal Interaction. After I decided to devote myself to this field, I found that Tufts MAPP is the best choice for me to pursue a Master's degree and learn from!
Opting for the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine was a natural choice, mainly due to my profound admiration for Dr. Mueller's research area. I am confident that studying under her guidance will provide me with valuable knowledge and enriching experiences. I hope to gain a chance to learn from her.
What are your interests and/or experience relative to the MAPP program?
Since arriving in the U.S., I have devoted myself to being a cat shelter volunteer, actively involved in assisting homeless kitties to find caring homes. This altruistic endeavor has become an integral part of my life. My goal is to extend my efforts and contribute to the cause of aiding even more homeless animals in their quest for loving families, while also helping prospective pet owners find their most compatible and suitable new family members.
As an international student who has personally benefited from Human-Animal Interaction, I am driven to promote this concept to a broader audience. I firmly believe that spending time with animals can help alleviate loneliness in people's lives. Additionally, I am passionate about ensuring that all pets are placed in loving and responsible households, thereby reducing the prevalence of abandoned pets.
Furthermore, I am intrigued by the role that pets play in different types of relationships. I wish to explore how pets might influence the bonds between individuals and how their presence can impact the dynamics of human interaction.
What are your career goals after completing the program?
Pursue a Ph.D. degree. I am interested in doing research.