Biography
Born and raised in India, now living in Cambridge, MA
B.A., Economics, University of Rochester, 2002
M.A., International Economics & Finance, Brandeis University, 2005
Why did you choose to pursue this degree, and why did you choose Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine to pursue this degree?
I have always been interested in animal issues and have closely followed the progress made in improving the status of animals in our society but have not yet been actively involved. After working in various corporate roles for almost two decades I wanted to pursue a career that has a direct impact on animal issues and welfare. I believe the MAPP program will provide a strong foundation from which I can launch a career in this space. Cummings School is renowned and respected with an impressive faculty making the decision to pursue the MAPP degree an easy one.
What are your interests and/or experience relative to your program?
Policies and laws created and enforced by humans ultimately determine how animals are treated in our society. Growing up in India, I witnessed firsthand how the scarcity of resources, lack of well-defined policies, and poor enforcement of animal laws contributed to the plight of many animals, ranging from stray dogs to draught animals. My interest in the MAPP program lies in understanding these complexities of the human-animal relationship and their impact on animal policies. I am eager to understand a variety of relevant topics – animal laws, evaluating, formulating, and communicating policies, understanding research techniques, etc.
What are your career goals after completing the program?
I plan on treating the MAPP program as a process of discovery from which I will emerge with a holistic view of animal issues and understand where I can be most impactful. This approach will help me better define my career goals as I progress through the program. Ideally, I would like to couple my vast experience in finance and strategy with this unique education in my future career.