Education
BS in Chemistry and Biology, Minor in Politics, Brandeis University, 2009
MS in Animals and Public Policy, Tufts University, 2015
MPH, DVM, Colorado State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, 2019
Biography
Current Position:
Medical Director at Bond Vet
What were you doing before entering the Masters in Animals and Public Policy (MAPP) program?
I entered the MAPP program straight out of undergrad, so I had just recently graduated from Brandeis.
What aspects of MAPP led to your decision to join the program?
I’ve always known that I wanted to go to veterinary school, but I acquired an interest in politics and policy sometime during undergrad. I wanted a chance to learn more about the policies that govern animal welfare and management with the hopes that this knowledge would make me a better informed veterinary doctor. I was also attracted to the self-directed nature of the program, and knew that it would expose me to new conversations surrounding animal law.
In what ways do you use your Masters in Animals and Public Policy degree in your current position?
The MAPP program provided me with a knowledge base that I believe is fairly unique within the population of veterinary students. My time at Tufts gave me a chance to formulate opinions and familiarize myself with terminology and basic facts such that I am able to understand some of the policies that govern practices within veterinary medicine. Further, I found that my year of public health classes approached some of the same issues we covered in MAPP, though from the human viewpoint. Being able to view the same concepts through multiple lenses is exceedingly valuable.
Tell us about your MAPP project or preceptorship. In what ways did it help you form your career goals?
I spent the month of January working at the Boston Public Health Commission in their Infectious Disease Bureau. Coordinating between their Veterinary Epidemiologist and Education and Outreach Coordinator, I designed signage for public parks that aimed to decrease exposure to arboviruses. I also designed and implemented a “Diseases from Animals” website that contains fact sheets about common zoonotic diseases in Massachusetts. The website is live now and they chose my design, so being able to leave a mark was very rewarding. I then went on to the MPH/DVM program here at CSU and believe that this exposure to public health catapulted me into this program/career.
What did you like most about the MAPP program?
My classmates were definitely my favorite part of the program. I continually think back to our discussions both inside and outside of class, and am thankful for the perspectives they were all able to share.
What are your outside interests?
Hiking, climbing, skiing, and trying to keep up with the native Coloradoans in all of those activities (or failing to do so). I also like to sing and play piano when I have time.
Is there anything else you would like to share with prospective MAPP students?
This is a self-driven program: don’t forget that and make sure you take advantage of all of the opportunities available to you. This is also the type of year that will be whatever you make of it. Do your best to design your preceptorship and final project accordingly. Lastly, make friends! MAPP is a unique program and probably one of the only places you’ll be able to meet people with so many similarities.
MAPP Capstone Research Project: Creating Long-Term Change in International Animal Welfare: An Argument for Engaging Youth in Participatory Inquiry Using Photography