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Blazing A Unique Trail

Grace, an animal science major and VMBS ambassador, is blazing her own trail as an Army cadet while pursing her dream of becoming a mixed animal veterinarian.

She is a proud member of the Corp of Cadets, contracted in the U.S. army, one of the few cadets selected to attended Army Air Assault School, and a member of the Corps Ranger Challenge team. Outside of serving the country, Grace has worked as a veterinary assistant and spent a summer working on a deer and exotic animal ranch.

Whether caring for animals or training with the challenge team, Grace embodies selfless service.

Grace smiles as she holds a small kangaroo in a grass enclosure.
Grace and her friend smile for a selfie in camouflage with other soldiers in the background in a forested area.
Grace stands in camouflage in front of a large wall that reads "The Air Assault School" with a graphic of a helicopter with wings in the middle.
Graces smiles at a young deer she holds in her arms in a grassy enclosure.

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.

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.

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

Costa Rica Connections

Natalie, a senior animal science major and VMBS ambassador, traveled to Costa Rica to partake in a unique veterinary mission.

Under the supervision of a local veterinarian, Natalie and 10 other pre-vet students from across the U.S. assisted in running a 3-day, no cost spay and neuter clinic for local cats and dogs. She was able to learn clinical skills and shadow surgeries, in addition to participating in labs and lectures.

Natalie also visited a cattle and water buffalo farm, took a wildlife boat tour, and explored a sloth sanctuary!

“I learned how to work as a team with people I just met and create genuine bonds,” Natalie said. “I also gained a sense of independence, as well as a broader perspective of the world of veterinary medicine and life in general.”

Natalie, veterinarians, and pre-vet students pose under an outdoor shelter area, all clothed in blue scrubs

Natalie smiles with a black, tan and white dog
People on a guided boat tour in a dense jungle river, surrounded by lush, tall trees.
Natalie smiles as she looks into a scope

Leading With Passion

Caleb, a sophomore animal science and poultry science student and VMBS ambassador, holds leadership roles that have opened countless doors for him at Texas A&M.

Caleb serves as the Executive Director of MSC Aggie Leaders of Tomorrow, where he has built lasting friendships, developed leadership skills, served the community, and helped freshmen find their place at Texas A&M.

“I always encourage new and prospective students to find something they’re truly passionate about and stick with it, rather than joining organizations or teams they feel they ‘should’ be a part of,” Caleb said. “Focusing on what genuinely excites you can lead to deeper connections and a more fulfilling experience.”

Group of students posing outside a building with colorful posters
Caleb poses with a friend at a MSC Aggie Leaders of Tomorrow event at a partner reveal party
Group of volunteers posing for a photo at Houston Food Bank.

Learning about Dairy Science

Kara, a sophomore animal science major and VMBS ambassador, visited the Texas Panhandle to study and learn about the dairy industry, giving her a solid foundation in her pursuit to begin a career in large animal medicine.

“I loved having the opportunity to learn under a variety of different professors from all around the U.S. who specialize in different areas of dairy herd management and medicine,” Kara said. “It truly was a one-of-a-kind experience to observe such a vital industry in our day-to-day lives.”

Kara stands, giving a thumbs up, in a pen with dairy cows in the background
Kara stands with another female student in the aisle of a dairy feeding barn.
Kara holds a clipboard while taking notes from a man standing next to her by a dairy calf shed
Four A&M students stand in front of a vehicle in construction vests giving a thumbs up

Animals of the Amazon

Maria holding up a green macaw

As Maria, a junior biomedical sciences major and VMBS ambassador, explored her home country of Venezuela during a recent vacation, she became all the more excited about her future in veterinary medicine.

“The first destination was Canaima in the Amazon rainforest,” Maria said. “We stayed in a lodge that was an animal sanctuary and rehabilitation center for the animals in the rainforest. I got to interact with monkeys, tapirs, parrots, and a special little green macaw called Olive that would always love to be carried and cuddled!

“Then, I got to travel to an archipelago called Los Roques,” she said. “In one of the islands, they had a rehabilitation project for sea turtles. I learned how the island is the mating place for 3 species and how the volunteers protect their nests. When the eggs hatch a couple of months later, they bring them into the center and care for the younglings until they are ready to be liberated into the ocean. This project was amazing since they are helping species that are in risk of extinction!”

Maria holding a young sea turtle
Maria watching as two people feed an adult and baby tapir
Maria in front of a window overlooking the Amazon rainforest and river, with two red macaws sitting on the window ledge
Maria holding a sleeping puppy
Maria holding a green macaw with another on her shoulder
Maria holding up a sea turtle

Relaxing in Arizona for Spring Break

By Maria S., ’26, B.S. in Biomedical Sciences student

A college student in snowboarding gear posing with their board at the bottom of a snowy slope.

Taking a break from university life and exams is refreshing every once in a while. This spring break, a step into nature was necessary, so I traveled with friends to Arizona for snowboarding and visiting the Grand Canyon. 

The week started with a 16-hour road trip, most of those spent crossing Texas. As soon as we entered New Mexico, the landscape changed to hills and gorgeous views. My favorite car activities for entertaining myself during the trip were singing throwback songs, listening to podcasts, talking with my friends, and enjoying the views.

Snowboarding At Arizona Snowbowl

At last, we entered Arizona, which was a spectacular moment since we drove on the historic Route 66! It was amazing to feel like I was immersed in the Cars movie. 

When we arrived at the house we were staying in, we only had two things on our agenda — renting the snowboarding gear and preparing for our hike in the Grand Canyon.

All my life I have been a skier, but on this trip, I wanted to try something new — snowboarding. I was very nervous, but I decided to give it a try since all of my friends do snowboarding.

On Wednesday morning, the excitement was unstoppable! We woke up early, grabbed our gear, and headed up to Arizona Snowbowl on Mount Humphreys. However, we were a little concerned about the snow conditions, as we did not see any snow until we were 5 minutes away from the base of the ski resort. The view was breathtaking.

I took classes to learn how to snowboard for the first time, and after many, many falls, I finally got the hang of it at the end of the day! I was extremely happy because it meant that I would be able to join my friends in the mountains. 

A group of twelve college students in winter clothes posing in front of the Grand Canyon.

Visiting The Grand Canyon

On Thursday, to take a break from snowboarding, we decided to go hiking in the Grand Canyon. I had been there when I was very young, so I barely remembered how incredible the view was.

In all honesty, I feel like this side visit was the best part of the whole trip. You truly don’t believe your eyes and can’t wrap your head around how beautiful the Grand Canyon is. The pictures don’t do it any justice compared to its beauty in person.

Standing there in front of the canyon, I realized why it is one of the natural wonders of the world, especially after learning its history and how it was formed. If you ever have the opportunity to visit, even if it’s only for a couple of hours, GO! You won’t regret it.

For the next couple of days, we continued to head up the mountain and enjoy snowboarding. Any sport involving the snow is so refreshing. They are always a blast because it makes you feel so alive, so I am very glad to have tried snowboarding on this trip.

Seven college students in snowboarding gear standing in front of a snowy slope with pine trees.

Making The Most Of My Break

Although my body ached at the end of each day, it was so much fun to experience going with all of my friends. I still don’t know what I prefer between skiing and snowboarding, but I will say this — if you are looking for thrill and speed, go skiing; however, if you are looking to enjoy the mountain and surf the snow, then snowboarding is for you.

This spring break was unforgettable. I got to relax from my everyday life and enjoy a week filled with adventure, joy, laughter, and memories with the people I love. Now, more than ever, I am ready to crush the end of the semester and feel motivated for the rest of the year!

Studying Abroad In South Africa

By Priya A. ’24, B.S. in Biomedical Sciences student

A young woman smiling and kneeling behind a nyala, a type of South African antelope, that is sedated.
While visiting Dinokeng Game Reserve, we transported five nyala (a type of antelope) from one side of the property to another about 30 minutes away. This is the animal I watched and monitored. The nyala is sedated.

In June 2023, I studied abroad in South Africa for two-and-a-half weeks through the Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences with Dr. James Derr, a professor in the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology. The name of the course was African Wildlife Medicine, and we partnered with South African veterinarians each day to serve their clients. The purpose of the trip was to gain experience working with African wildlife and knowledge in topics that arise with these animals, such as poaching. This course is unique because it includes both undergraduate and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) students.

In South Africa, lions, rhinos, cape buffalo, elephants, and leopards are some of the most ecologically and economically important animals. We saw and worked with some of these species, as well as others. There were two days in particular that were my favorite — the days we worked with white rhinos and giraffes.

On our first day, we worked with 11 white rhinos. Some of us rode in a helicopter with a local veterinarian while others took DNA samples, gave sedatives, and microchipped the rhinos, which helps keep track of rhinos since poaching is a major concern in South Africa. We learned how to be a team, which carried us all the way through our two weeks.

A woman sitting on a large metal trailer that is holding two giraffes wearing anti-stress blindfolds.
These are the first two giraffes we captured and transported. They are fully awake, but blindfolded and have earplugs to reduce any stress. I’m standing on the trailer that pulled the giraffes.

Later in the trip, we captured and transported three giraffes in order to help relocate them safely. This was the most physically exhausting day of the entire trip! Each of us had a particular role to ensure that both the giraffes and our team were safe.

Over the course of our trip, we worked directly with five South African veterinarians and their clients. They challenged us in our critical thinking, clinical, and communication skills. Personally, one of the coolest parts about networking with them was the possibility of getting to return for an externship with them during my fourth year of veterinary school.

As an undergraduate student, I found this experience beneficial and eye-opening as I applied to veterinary school and thought about what type of veterinary medicine I want to pursue. Those of us who were undergrads had opportunities to ask the current DVM students questions and get advice for the application process. If anyone is wanting to get more diverse veterinary experience for their vet school application, I highly recommend applying for this study abroad experience. You never know what new passions might arise!