Biography
Canada
BSCH, Environmental Science, Queen’s University, Kingston ON, 2024
Why did you choose to pursue this degree, and why did you choose Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine to pursue this degree?
What drew me to pursuing a Master of Science in Animal and Public Policy and specifically here at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine is its uniqueness and how the program is one of a kind and unlike any other graduate program offered. I knew for the longest time that I wished to pursue a career revolving around animals and I admire the program’s emphasis on animal welfare and the human-animal relationship. More specifically, I am eager to become a student of the MAPP program as it will allow me to combine my diverse experiences and academic interests in a unique academic setting. The MAPP program will allow me to develop a range of skills necessary for addressing the complex and interconnected challenges encountered by animals and explore the significance of the human-animal bond in society. I love the idea of utilizing the information gained from the program to collaborate with like-minded individuals in the program, who share similar policy and advocacy goals.
What are your interests and/or experience relative to your program?
My interests and experiences relative to the MAPP program are rooted in both my academic background and my practical experiences with animals. Throughout my undergraduate studies in Environmental Science at Queen’s University, I became increasingly aware of the intricate connections between environmental issues and animal welfare. This academic focus sparked my interest in the ethical implications of human actions on animal populations, such as the impact of wildlife tourism and factory farming. Additionally, my hands-on experiences as a veterinary assistant and as a volunteer in animal shelters and farms have exposed me to the daily realities and challenges faced by animals in various settings. These experiences have provided me with a practical understanding of animal care and the systemic issues contributing to their suffering.
In addition, my class involvement in initiatives addressing animal overpopulation and advocating for improved conditions in shelters has strengthened my resolve to pursue policy-oriented solutions. I am particularly drawn to exploring how policy interventions can address the underlying causes of animal welfare issues and promote more humane treatment across different contexts. The MAPP program’s focus on combining policy analysis with practical advocacy aligns perfectly with my goal of leveraging both my academic insights and practical experiences to drive meaningful change in animal welfare.
What are your career goals after completing the program?
My entire life has been devoted and driven to pursuing a career in veterinary medicine, due to my love of animals. From placing Band-Aids on my stuffed animals as a child to volunteering at a small animal clinic that I love, as an adult, my passion for animal medicine and welfare has been unwavering. As I continued my undergraduate years, I became passionate and eager about animal welfare and its role in my future career, focusing on both the human-animal bond and the broader implications of animal suffering. I envision myself actively engaged in addressing both visible and hidden factors contributing to animal suffering, and in exploring how humans and animals can positively impact each other. My goal for the future is to help influence a shift in societal perspectives on animals through policy advocacy, public education, and direct intervention. I aspire to drive meaningful change by fostering an environment where animals are recognized as valuable, sentient beings deserving of respect and compassionate treatment.