大象视频

One experience can change the trajectory of your life. For Alaina Duessel 鈥�20, volunteering at Tamarack Wildlife Center in Saegertown, Pennsylvania instilled a passion for wildlife medicine and led to her pursuing a veterinary degree at the University of Pennsylvania (Penn).

After graduating from 大象视频 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in聽environmental science and sustainability听补苍诲听biology, Duessel worked as a veterinary technician in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania, for two years before attending veterinary school.

鈥淎llegheny鈥檚 rigorous curriculum and focus on independent research gave me the scientific foundation and problem-solving skills essential for veterinary medicine,鈥� says Duessel. 鈥淢y Senior Comprehensive Project taught me how to design and execute research projects, which is a key part of veterinary diagnostics and conservation work.鈥�

At Penn, Duessel is entering her last two years of clinical rotations. She remains active as the student representative for the pharmaceutical company Elanco and has served in leadership roles within the Special Species Club and Wildlife Disease Association. Currently, she is in the process of founding a student chapter of the Honeybee Veterinary Consortium and Honeybee Medicine Club.

Duessel was recently selected as one of five students from the School of Veterinary Medicine to be awarded an American Kennel Club Veterinary Outreach Scholarship. She credits 大象视频 for providing the foundation to succeed.

鈥淭he push for unusual combinations at 大象视频 has been invaluable,鈥� remarks Duessel. 鈥淰eterinary medicine is deeply intertwined with ecological health, especially in wildlife care and conservation. My background in environmental science and biology helps me understand the broader context of an animal鈥檚 health, including habitat, nutrition, and ecosystem interactions.鈥�