Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
Ms in Animals and Public Policy
a person with black hair, wearing glasses, a short orange dress and multicolored short sleeve blouse and black booties. They are playing ball in a park with a black and white dog.

Elena Ann Towers Carignan, VG25

a person with black hair, wearing glasses, a short orange dress and multicolored short sleeve blouse and black booties. They are playing ball in a park with a black and white dog.
Ms in Animals and Public Policy

Biography

I was born in Bucaramanga, Colombia and was raised in New Rochelle, New York

B.S., Veterinary Technology, Mercy University, 2013
Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) in New York
Certified Veterinary Technician (CV) in Massachusetts

Why did you choose to pursue this degree, and why did you choose Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine to pursue this degree?
After working as a credentialed veterinary technician for ten years, I developed a deep respect for the human-bond, animal welfare, and the "one health" approach to optimizing human and animal health. My work at a large urban specialty center that subsidized veterinary medical care for those with financial need made me interested in studying barriers to accessing affordable veterinary care. I believe the MAPP program and its close association with Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine will allow me to refine my areas of interest and hone my academic skills, ultimately allowing me to effect real world change that positively impacts the health of people and animals.

What are your career goals after completing the program?
Whether I move directly into advocacy or policy work, or further my education by pursuing a J.D. a Ph.D., I want to be an agent of change. I firmly believe the health of humans and animals are intimately bound. I want to work with communities to find solutions that promote human and animal health and look for sustainable positive results.