Biography
New York
Environmental Science and Animal Science
University of Vermont, 2021
Why did you choose to pursue an MCM degree, and why did you choose Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine?
I chose to double major in animal science and environmental science in college to combine my interests in ecology and conservation with animal health and veterinary medicine. After graduating, I learned that the complex intersections that I had been studying could be defined through the One Health field. I chose to pursue an MCM degree as it is one of the only programs to deeply explore the One Health field and its vast subject matter. I felt assured that Cummings School would not only offer me a thorough education in conservation medicine, but also prepare me to join a competitive and challenging workforce.
What are your interests and/or experience relative to conservation medicine?
I am interested in free ranging wildlife health and disease and its impacts on human populations. I have explored these interests through various positions, including assisting on research projects studying green sea turtles in the Bahamas and dolphin populations in Panama, as well as volunteer positions at various aquariums. After graduating from UVM, I worked as a veterinary assistant in both general practice and emergency medicine. I am hoping to deepen my understanding of disease and population dynamics and gain more experience in this field this year.
What are your career goals after completing the program?
I am excited to explore the various sectors of conservation medicine and learn more about the careers available in the One Health field. Ultimately, I hope to join an organization such as the USDA or WOAH that work to research wildlife diseases and their impacts on human health.