Master’s in Animals and Public Policy (MAPP) Candidate 2017

Education:
B.S., Animal Science, Pre-vet concentration, University of Vermont, 2016

What were you doing before entering the MAPP program?
I interned at Helping Hands Monkey Helpers in Allston Massachusetts.

What aspects of MAPP led to your decision to join the program?
I have always been interested in animal welfare, the relationships they have with humans, and how to be a better advocate in terms of regulations. MAPP would be the perfect opportunity to learn more about the different aspects of animals and public policy.

Interests in and experience with animals
I have a passion for wildlife and exotic animals. I volunteered at an animal rehab center in South Africa which further confirmed my interest with these animals! I am still fascinated with small domestic and farm animals. I worked for a small animal clinic during high school as a veterinary assistant and in college as a veterinary technician.

What do you want to focus on at MAPP? What drew you to this?
What drew me to MAPP was the education and direction I could gain in improving the treatment of animals in society (stopping puppy mills, inhumane factory farming), finding solutions to animal homelessness, spreading awareness on how animals and humans can further complement each other (service animals, behavioral diseases shared) and fighting for stricter humane policies. I want to be the voice they lack. I wish to learn the different laws that can help animals be treated humanely. There needs to be an end to puppy mill operations. I have been fundraising for years trying to make aware the importance of adoptions and rescues over monetary purchases for pets from stores.  In an ideal situation, pet stores would partner with breeders and/or shelters to place dogs and cats.

What are your career goals?
My goal is to be a veterinarian and take the skills I learn through this program and advocate for the domestic, food, exotic, and wildlife animal population through my practice.

What are your outside interests?
I love horseback riding, exercising, cooking.

Number of pets? What?
I have a horse named Trixie, a cat named Moo and a Yorkshire Terrier (lives with my parents) named Maggie