A smiling individual with strawberry blond hair wearing a blue graduation gown and holding a baby goat.

Madisyn Paige McCarthy, VG25

A smiling individual with strawberry blond hair wearing a blue graduation gown and holding a baby goat.

Biography

Baton Rouge, Louisiana

B.S., Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University, 2024

Why did you choose to pursue this degree, and why did you choose Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine to pursue this degree?
My passion for animals and my desire to contribute to their well-being and quality of life drove me to pursue the M.S. degree in animals and public policy. I felt immediately drawn towards the Cummings MAPP program upon learning about their educational opportunities that focused on subjects such as animal advocacy and human-animal relationships.  

What are your interests and/or experience relative to your program?
I have known that I wanted to study animals for as long as I can remember. While in middle and high school, I spent summers volunteering at vet clinics and animal shelters. While completing my undergraduate degree, I had many opportunities for hands-on experience with livestock. Outside of school, I was able to work at a doggy day care, intern for Hill’s Pet nutrition, and foster shelter animals. Watching the transformation of these animals while in a safe space has furthered my interest in their behavior. I hope the knowledge I gain through the MAPP program will allow me to be an advocate for the safety, welfare, and humane treatment for all animals.

What are your career goals after completing the program?
My end goal is to have a meaningful career dedicated to improving the quality of life for animals while indirectly improving human health. I currently envision a few career paths for myself and I believe that my experience in the MAPP program will help me decide which of those is best for me!