Sydney Lewis

I grew up in the suburbs of Washington DC and as a kid, I always had an interest in pursuing Veterinary Medicine. As I grew and continued my education, I found myself passionate about Conservation Medicine and Sustainability. I attended Virginia Tech for my undergraduate degree, and I studied Biological Sciences and double minored in Animal Science and Sustainable Biomaterials. During those years, I chose to immerse myself in several fields of veterinary medicine as I worked at a small animal practice, interned at the University of Maine's Aquaculture Research Center, and traveled abroad to Costa Rica to study Wildlife Medicine and discussed the impacts of Wildlife Trafficking.

Following graduation, I attended Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine in St. Kitts and Nevis. I spent as much time as possible in the water, weather permitting, either snorkeling or diving, and observed the underwater ecosystems. I volunteered with the Sea Turtle Rescue Network and expanded my knowledge of chelonian physiology and ethology. Following my didactic years of vet school, I attended Tuft's Cummings of Veterinary Medicine for my clinical year. This is where I first established a relationship with the Tufts Wildlife Clinic and had a wonderful time caring for the local wildlife during my rotation and additional elective time. I spent several weeks externing at CROW, Clinic for the Rehabilitation of Wildlife, in Sanibel Florida, and learned a great deal regarding sea and shore birds. I graduated from veterinary school in early January 2024. I spent the several months before this Wildlife Internship sharing my time between a small animal general practice and Blue Ridge Wildlife Center in Virginia.