Seeing animal welfare from two sides

摘要

I definitely see my career path as an evolution. I went into veterinary medicine with the simple wish to take care of animals. I didn't realize that what would intrigue me most was the science behind the medicine. Moving into biomedical research seemed like a natural progression for me. I was first exposed to research when, as an undergraduate at Michigan State, I took a course called 'Experiments in Zoology,' and I quickly became hooked. As a result, I spent the summer after my first year of veterinary school working in a parasitology lab, and the following summer I worked on a project involving the effects of a plant-derived toxin on the vascular system. My advisor saw great potential for applying the foundation of a veterinary medical education to the field of biomedical research. After finishing veterinary school, I took a job in a small animal practice, and while I learned a lot, I really wanted to get back to research. If I had not had these wonderful opportunities to experience research first-hand, I would probably not have considered this career path when I was looking for a change.