Prioritizing Fitness

Sarina, a fourth-year veterinary student and VMBS ambassador, is hitting the textbooks and the gym!

With a passion for both veterinary medicine and powerlifting, Sarina has made fitness a priority during her time in vet school. This spring, she achieved her goal of competing in a powerlifting competition!

Sarina stands, smiling, while holding medals in each hand. She in inside a gym and wearing athletic shorts and a black jacket.
Sarina squats with a barbell and weights in a powerlifting competition with spotters standing by assisting.

Learning About Outreach and Education

Claire, a third-year veterinary student and VMBS ambassador, gained experience in zoological veterinary medicine and animal outreach during her time as an animal ambassador at the Dallas Zoo!

Claire assisted veterinarians with procedures including radiographic imaging, acupuncture, laser therapy, and more.

She also worked with zoologists to travel across the Dallas-Fort Worth area to present interactive presentations on animals, conservation initiatives, and environmental awareness.

Claire stands, smiling, holding an owl on a gloved hand in front of a gray wall.
Claire stands smiling with a porcupine in a conference room.
Claire stands with thumbs up in front of a banner that reads "National Zookeeper Appreciation Week" with a graphic of a giraffe, held up on a wood fence.

Research Collaboration

Connor, a biomedical sciences graduate student and VMBS ambassador, participated in the second annual BioMed-a-thon!

Hosted by the Biomedical Sciences Association, the BioMed-a-thon is a 48-hour intensive research competition that incorporated skills from various disciplines — including healthcare, engineering, law, biotechnology, and business.

The event was a great opportunity for Connor and fellow students to connect with mentors as they worked together to solve problems and develop innovative solutions.

Five adults standing side by side and smiling for a group photo in front of a whiteboard. One person is wearing a badge with the logo "BSA.

Large Animal Labs

Susie, a second-year veterinary student and VMBS ambassador, and her friends participated in hands-on learning experiences during their first year of veterinary school!

Prior to veterinary school, Susie did not have lots of experience with large animals, however the labs with the veterinary school teaching herds allowed her to feel comfortable working with large animals.

Three veterinary students stand in scrubs and muck boots in front of an exterior staircase

Researching Antimicrobial Resistance

Emma, a master’s student in the veterinary public health and epidemiology program, spent the semester working on her directed study.

In her study, Emma researched antimicrobial resistance by studying multi-drug resistant microbes in recreational environments. This experiences allowed Emma to learn essential lab protocols and gain a deep appreciation for the vital role environmental research plays in understanding and combating antimicrobial resistance.

Emma hopes to utilize her new skills to pioneer innovative strategies that protect animal and human health!

Emma presents her research in a classroom with a screen next to her that displays her research findings.

Exploring New Opportunities

Madison, a first-year veterinary student and VMBS ambassador, grew up knowing she wanted to work with horses and become and equine surgeon.

However, during her first year of vet school, she joined several clubs such as the Equine Practitioner Club, the Zoo, Exotics, and Wildlife club, and others to find out more about the different facets of large animal medicine!

Madison is eager to keep an open mind and she continues to learn about the variety of opportunities within veterinary medicine.

Madison stands in maroon scrubs in front of the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences.
Madison stands with her arms in the air under a sign that says "College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences" in an outdoor courtyard.

Getting Plugged In

Katie, a freshman animal science major and VMBS ambassador, recently volunteered at Paws and Claws, a local wildlife rehabilitation shelter!

Along with other members of the Veterinarians Without Borders organization, Katie was able to syringe feed baby squirrels and opossums.

Whether big or small, Katie has been able to work with a diverse array of species, helping her gain experience for her veterinary school aspirations!

Katie smiles at the camera with a brown chicken perched on her shoulder inside a clinic
Katie holds a baby squirrel as she syringe feeds it, with trees in the background
A baby opossum lays in Katie's hand with animal kennels in the background

A Day In The Life Of A VMBS Ambassador

Natalia, a senior allied health major and VMBS ambassador, shared what a day in her life as a VMBS ambassador looks like!

Natalia’s day began with working on assignments at the VMBS front desk, as she greeted visitors. She then left to meet up with a friend at Evans Library to study and ended her day by working out.

In her third year as an ambassador, Natalia has enjoyed making friends with other ambassadors, giving tours of the college, and connecting with potential students!

Person working at a reception desk with a laptop, multiple papers, with large glass doors in the background.
Person studying on a tablet at a library desk, surrounded by bookshelves, with a laptop and a water bottle on the table.
A modern gym with pilates reformers lined up under a chandelier with a wall of mirrors and racks of weights in the background

The Untraditional Path

Anna, a first-year veterinary student and VMBS ambassador, didn’t take a traditional path to veterinary school.

Prior to beginning her DVM program at the VMBS, Anna moved to Texas for a research opportunity in the Rio Grande Valley. She studied road ecology, specifically the movement of ocelots and bobcats around highways.

While completing her research, Anna spent her free time interning at a local zoo, helping with wildlife rehabilitation and caring for sick zoo animals. She also volunteered with Sea Turtle Inc. and a bird banding project.

All of these hands-on experiences led Anna to pursue a degree in veterinary medicine in Texas!

Anna stands holding a bird she banded on a dirt path with trees in the background
Anna stands behind a podium presenting her research in a classroom

Anna and fellow volunteers release sea turtle hatchlings into the ocean
Anna stands in a grassy field holding research equipment as she conducts field work

Anna stands in front a screen presenting her research thesis

Gap Year Benefits

Niya, a first-year veterinary student and VMBS ambassador, was nervous to take a gap year. However, the experience she gained during this period has equipped her to become a better veterinarian!

Niya spent her gap year working for a medical device company, Enova Illumination, where she learned the importance of ergonomic medical equipment and how it contributes to a healthier lifestyle as a veterinarian.

During her gap year, Niya increased her professional skills and learned how to speak confidently in front of large audiences, all skills that have aided her as she has begun her career in veterinary medicine.

Niya poses with her goldendooble outside the VMBS building
Niya and her colleague stand in front of a trade show booth for Enova Illumination