Isabella Marchionne, VG25
Biography
California
M.S. in Conservation Medicine ‘25
Animal Science
Cal Poly San Luis Obispo 2020
Why did you choose to pursue this degree, and why did you choose Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine to pursue this degree?
I chose to pursue this degree because the MCM program at Cummings School is so unique. I’ve always loved wildlife, and I believe One Health’s interdisciplinary model is the best way to enact sustainable change.
What are your interests and/or experience relative to conservation medicine?
I’ve done research and conservation work in Australia, Kenya, and Costa Rica. Each of these experiences taught me something new about locals’ cultural beliefs and personal relationships with wildlife, field work, fundraising, animal welfare, policy, human-animal conflict, community building, and countless other things. These trips remind me how interconnected all of these topics are, which is part of why I enjoy conservation medicine- it’s like one big puzzle.
What are your career goals after completing the program?
My career goals are broad as of right now. I’m interested in strengthening my grant writing skills, but I also would like to study things like toxicology and conflict mitigation at human-wildlife interfaces.