Ashley Berthiaume, VG26
Biography
Massachusetts
M.S. in Conservation Medicine ‘26
Animal Science
University of Massachusetts-Amherst 2024
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 an M.S. in Conservation Medicine degree at Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine because I believe I will learn a multitude of ways to help protect animals and the environment.
What are your interests and/or experience relative to conservation medicine?
Encountering animals in nature has always been a joyful experience for me. So, over the past 4 years, I’ve been practicing wildlife and nature photography to convey the importance of conserving a species and their habitats.
I also worked at a small animal emergency hospital in Connecticut for a little over three years and began working as a technician in the ER and ICU at Foster Hospital for Small Animals here at Cummings School when I moved this summer.
What are your career goals after completing the program?
After completing the MCM program, I hope to be able to begin working in conservation with a focus on either wetlands or forests. I plan to stay in the New England area and possibly pursue a Ph.D. in Wildlife Conservation.