MS in Conservation Medicine (MCM)
Lindsey Kastelle
Colorado | Psychology major with emphasis in pharmaceutical science, Biology minor at Western Colorado University
At the end of undergrad I conducted research on the prevalence of Benzodiazepine use amongst college students, and then worked as a Medical Assistant in an oncology/hematology unit prior to coming to Tufts. I arrived with an interest in wildlife and international crime - particularly drug trade and human trafficking. A couple months into the MCM program arborviruses captured my attention, specifically those spread by mosquitoes. I still have a high interest in international criminal trade; however, I am currently in the process of conducting research on factors of the human skin microbiome which influence the species of mosquito Aedes aegypti affinity. I enjoy human medicine and see surgery and infectious disease cases as a puzzle. I am going to be pursuing admission into a Physician Associate after graduation. Outside of research and academic interests, I enjoy climbing, backcountry, running and spending time with my pup Beatrice.
Isabella Marchionne (She/her)
California | Cal Poly San Luis Obispo 2020
I chose to pursue this degree because the MCM program at the 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. Experience: 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. Before the MCM program, I was a veterinary nurse at a couple small animal practices and I worked on bar at a popular third wave coffee shop in LA. I currently volunteer as a grant writer for Serendipity Wildlife Foundation, which is a non-profit organization. Career Goals: My career goals are pretty 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.
In my free time I like to roller skate, try new coffees and teas, and watch reality tv. I’ve recently gotten into rock climbing and one day I’d love to learn how to become a beekeeper.
Elizabeth Breitmeyer (She/her)
California | Biology, concentration in Physiology and Organismal Biology at Boston College 2024
I chose to pursue a Master of Science in Conservation Medicine because I want to better understand how humans and animals interact with their environment, and I want to find ways to repair and reimagine those relationships. The MCM program has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of the complex challenges facing our shared communities. I was able to apply what I’ve learned through a summer research project conducted on campus where I investigated how drone technology and thermal sensors can be used to detect nesting grassland birds. These birds face threats from agricultural mowing, which often overlaps with their nesting season. This research offers a way to introduce targeted conservation strategies that protect both wildlife and working farms. Looking ahead, I’m excited to continue exploring how emerging technologies can be used to develop meaningful new approaches for healthier and more sustainable living. Outside of research and class I love to read, hike, and adventure to new places.
Ayla Sinclair
Virginia | B.S. in Biomedical Science with Mathematics minor from Susquehanna University
Hey y’all, my name is Ayla (pronounced Kayla without the K.) I have a B.S. in biomedical science, and a mathematics minor from Susquehanna University, where I also competed in dressage and hunter jumper equestrian competition throughout my time as an undergrad. I love both making and listening to music, and make a new playlist of my weekly favorites every weekend for the next week. Throughout my time in the MCM program I was able to learn a lot and expand and my interests with aquatic medicine working on projects related to Manta Ray migration and conservation. For my case study I had the opportunity to return to my alma mater and work with undergrads continuing my epitrasnscriptonomic research with m6A in drosophila melanogaster, and teaching research methods as well as ethics. I am a bit of a nontraditional student and took a year “off” of my DVM education to complete my MCM degree. I am so glad that I made that choice and look forward to returning fulltime to the Tufts DVM program this fall. Post-grad I hope to return to the West Coast to practice disaster relief medicine, and support communities effected by forest fires. For now, I’m here in Grafton studying and hanging out with my kitty cat, Astrid!
Jeremiah J.E. English-Grant (He/him)
B.A. Environmental Science (Marine Track), German Studies (minor) | University of Massachusetts Boston
From a young age my family exposed me to nature by frequent trips to the beach, hiking, fishing, camping and so many other activities. My favorite activity is and will always be going to the beach as they are teeming with life. From nesting sea birds and turtles, to fish, invertebrates, and bivalves. Understanding and protecting these delicate ecosystems has been a passion of mine for as long as I can remember.
During my years as ER/ICU critical care Veterinary Assistant Technician, a coworker recommended the Masters of Conservation Medicine (MCM) at Tufts as a next step towards my journey to earning a PhD. I have learned so much from the amazing professors, guest lectures, my peers, and other faculty. I gained a new perspective through my lessons on One Health showing the complexity of the interconnectedness of humans, animals, and their shared environments.
MS in Animals and Public Policy (MAPP)
Miley Kim (She/her)
South Korea | Sociology and Pre-Health from the University of Notre Dame
Hi! I'm Miley, a current MAPP student with a background in Sociology and Pre-Health from the University of Notre Dame. I'm originally from South Korea and was drawn to the MAPP program because it combines my interests in both the sciences and humanities. In undergrad, I worked mostly with laboratory animals, and this past summer, I spent time back home working with shelter animals and horses at a therapy center. I'm especially interested in lab animal welfare and how animal care connects with policy and law. Outside of school, I love trying out new recipes and catching up on the latest TV shows.
Sarah Cass (She/her)
Massachusetts | B.S., Veterinary Science, Becker College, 2000
I graduated from Becker College with a Bachelor of Science in veterinary science and began my career as a veterinary technician where I worked in small animal medicine and surgery. I had plans for a future in veterinary school and small animal medicine, but my plans shifted after I started a position in lab animal research. This position introduced me to animal welfare, policy, and compliance.
Meghan Stille (She/her)
Denver, Colorado | B.A., Theatre, Miami University (OH), 2021 | Certificate, Allied and Professional Health Sciences, University of Colorado, Denver, 2024
Meghan is a MAPP candidate who has absolutely loved being immersed into the world of animal welfare, policy, and the human-animal connection. Meghan has focused in on companion animal welfare, especially in regards to dogs. While she is a crazy dog person through and through, Meghan has also taken a strong interest in laboratory animal welfare and wildlife management.
In the future, she hopes to work towards increasing public awareness of dog welfare, from responsible acquisition and awareness of genetic health to making informed decisions during times of illness and injury.
Vikram Mathur (He/him)
I am a former finance and business strategy professional who, after 20 years in diverse industries, chose to align my professional expertise with my lifelong commitment to animal protection. To build a strong academic foundation in this field, I pursued a Master of Science in Animals and Public Policy (MAPP).
Growing up in India, I saw firsthand how scarce resources, weak policies, and limited enforcement of animal laws harmed animals—from stray dogs to draught animals. The MAPP program has deepened my understanding of animal welfare from multiple perspectives, equipping me to address complex issues with both analytical rigor and compassion. I now look forward to applying my unique combination of financial acumen, strategic insight, and policy knowledge to advance animal welfare in my “second” career.
Credits:
Created with an image by andreanita - "African elephant (Loxodonta africana) bull walking on savanna, looking at camera, Amboseli national park, Kenya."