What did you study at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine?
I completed a residency in Veterinary Anatomic Pathology at VMCVM and passed the ACVP Board Certification Exam in 2014. Concurrently, and continuing after my residency, I completed a PhD in Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences at VMCVM researching a new drug for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus (an autoimmune disease).
How did the Stamps Scholarship help shape your graduate experience?
The Stamps Scholarship allowed me to develop leadership and professional skills. It also supported me in helping other graduate students in my department develop these same skills.
Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give your freshman self?
Nothing goes as planned. It’s important to set goals for yourself, but don’t be too disappointed when things don’t go as planned. You’ll get there, but it may take a little longer and it will definitely be a little harder than you originally thought. In the meantime, be sure to take the time to enjoy yourself outside of your education and career.
Who has had the greatest impact on you throughout your college career and how so?
There are really 2 people that have had a huge impact on me since I started at VMCVM. The first is Dr. David Caudell. He has been a tremendous mentor to me and helped me get through a lot of the struggles I experienced in my first few years as a pathology resident and PhD student. He’s a fantastic role model and has an amazing scientific mind that I admire. The second person is my research advisor, Dr. Christopher Reilly. He’s been incredibly supportive to me and has been instrumental in helping me finish my PhD in a very limited timeframe. Not only has he been a great advisor to me in regards to research and academia, he’s also become a fantastic friend.
Please share your most memorable Stamps Scholar experience.
My most memorable Stamps Scholar experience was the National Convention in Atlanta, GA. It’s really exciting to see the other students that are involved in the program and what they’re doing with their education. I also enjoyed all the speakers we listened to and the aquarium was amazing. I’ve been lucky to attend 2 conventions, and they have always been inspiring and uplifting. I always enjoy these trips because I get to spend some quality time with the other scholars in our program. Even though we’re in the same program, it’s very difficult for us to find time outside of our busy research schedules to catch up with the entire group.
Plans after graduation?
I have accepted a position at the University of Illinois in the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory as a Clinical Assistant Professor in anatomic pathology and will start in July of 2016.