MS in Conservation Medicine (MCM)
Hailey Thompson (She/her)
California | Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology - UC Davis
I chose the MCM program at the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine because of its unique focus and my long-standing interest in wildlife health. I’m particularly passionate about marine mammal health and have experience working on a behavioral health project with harbor seals in rehabilitation. Through this program, I hope to expand my knowledge and gain more experience in wildlife health. My goal is to pursue a PhD in a wildlife-related field and conduct research on marine mammal health. In my free time, I enjoy reading fantasy novels, listening to music and attending concerts, baking, exploring the outdoors, and caring for the stray cats in my neighborhood, who often follow me home!
Ben Baron
Massachusetts | Marketing - Bentley University 2017
I am passionate about conservation medicine and joined the MCM program to deepen my understanding of restoration projects, zoonotic diseases, and human-animal relationships. I was drawn to the program for its inclusive approach, diverse curriculum, and enthusiastic faculty. My background includes four years in project management and customer success at a tech company, as well as work in sports technology, where I tracked data for college basketball and the March Madness tournament. I also teach tennis, helping others achieve their goals. Excited about career possibilities in conservation medicine, I bring an open mind and diverse skills, and I enjoy sports and word games in my free time.
Ashley Mayo (She/her)
North Carolina | Animal Science & Zoology - North Carolina State University 2024
Growing up at the beach, I spent summers running through the sand and playing with seashells. From a very young age I felt connected to nature and when I started to consider my future, I knew I wanted a career that could give back. My specific interest in conservation began with my love for zoos and aquariums, which were safe spaces for me to learn and have fun. After completing this program, I plan to get a job with the government to work on environmental conservation with the goal of helping to find the balance between humans and nature.
Jayewon Hill
Alabama | Biology, concentration Environmental Science - Jackson State University
I am pursuing this degree to deepen my understanding of Conservation Medicine and its applications. In the summer of 2021, I conducted barn owl research at Boise State University’s Raptor Research Center, where I was introduced to the One Health concept and studied issues affecting raptors. This inspired me to further explore the approach through Purdue Global’s Conservation and Wildlife in Veterinary Medicine Certification program, enhancing my understanding of human impacts and their consequences. My interests lie in the human-animal dynamic, Raptor Biology, and shelter medicine. After completing the MCM program, I plan to attend veterinary school to become a Wildlife Veterinarian. Currently, I work as a veterinary assistant at Banfield Pet Hospital. In my free time, I enjoy drawing, volleyball, music, and spending time with my two Dachshund/Dalmatian mix dogs and my Calico cat.
MS in Animals and Public Policy (MAPP)
Madisyn McCarthy (She/her)
Baton Rouge, Louisiana | B.S., Animal Sciences, Louisiana State University, 2024
My passion for animals and desire to improve their well-being led me to pursue the MAPP degree at the Cummings School. I was drawn to its focus on animal advocacy, human-animal relationships, and hands-on opportunities. I’ve volunteered at vet clinics, worked at a doggy daycare, fostered shelter animals, and interned at Hill’s Pet Nutrition, where I gained insight into animal behavior and welfare. Through the MAPP program, I hope to focus on animal behavior, human-animal relationships, and advocating for animal welfare. My goal is a meaningful career dedicated to improving animal and human health. I enjoy scuba diving, fostering animals, and spending time with my tabby cat, Finnick.
Jennifer Cedrone (She/her)
Harleysville, PA | B.S., Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, 2024
I chose the MAPP program to deepen my understanding of animal science, policy, and welfare. Its integration of advocacy, public policy, and human-animal relationships aligns perfectly with my passions. I was drawn to the Cummings School by its reputation and the warmth I experienced during my interactions and campus visit. My goal after MAPP is to attend veterinary school, focusing on exotic medicine and possibly anesthesiology. Outside of academics, I love building computers, streaming games on Twitch, cooking cultural dishes, and reading—I'm on track to hit my 65-book goal this year! My 11-year-old cat, Babushka, has been my companion through it all.
Cara Kaminski (She/her)
Boston, MA | B.A. Visual Arts/Biology, Brown University, 2024
I chose to pursue the MAPP program to deepen my understanding of animal science and policy, areas not covered in my undergraduate studies. My passion for improving animal health through legislation and Cummings School’s reputation as a pioneer in animal welfare drew me to the program. My interests include policies on industrial farming, wildlife management, and infectious diseases, influenced by my biology background and wildlife clinic experience. After completing the program, I plan to pursue a DVM, combining medical care and policy to maximize my impact. Outside of academics, I enjoy painting, art history, video games, and learning to surf. I share my home with two cats and two gerbils, while my two dogs live with my family.
Elena Towers (She/her)
Bucaramanga, Colombia and New Rochelle, NY | B.S., Veterinary Technology, Mercy University, 2013
Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT) in New York | Certified Veterinary Technician (CV) in Massachusetts
After ten years as a credentialed veterinary technician, I deeply respected the human-animal bond, animal welfare, and the "One Health" approach. My work at a specialty center providing subsidized veterinary care inspired my interest in barriers to affordable care. I chose the MAPP program at Cummings School to refine my interests and focus on human-animal health. After the program, I plan to pursue a career in animal advocacy or further my education . I love swimming, cooking, reading, and sharing my home with my pets and wife.
Credits:
Created with an image by Robert - "green leaf texture"