Why did you choose Dickinson State University for your bachelor’s degree?

I knew someone that was currently in the biology program. Upon questioning that person about what DSU was like, I knew it would be a good fit for me. I chose DSU because it was a small school, great faculty, great natural science department, great sense of community, and I always had an ample amount of opportunities presented to me.

In what year did you graduate and what degree(s) did you earn?

I graduated in May 2015 with a degree in pre-professional biology and a minor in chemistry.

Did you graduate with any honors? If so, what were they?

I graduated cum laude and as the outstanding graduate.

Was there a certain professor who made a big impact on your life?

I honestly believe that I wouldn’t be as accomplished as I am today if it weren’t for the professors at DSU. It was Dr. Michael J. Shaughnessy Jr. and Dr. Lynn Burgess who took me under their wings in my first years at DSU. They both taught be the value of research in the scientific community. They also taught me that I never wanted to go into research again. Additionally, Dr. Shaughnessy taught me some fine motor skills throughout my research with him. I’d like to think some of those fine motor skills have translated to surgical skills now. Towards the end of my time at DSU, Dr. Craig Whippo and Dr. Joshua Steffan really shined through for me. Dr. Whippo and Dr. Steffan were both vital during my application process, the interview, and the acceptance process to veterinary school. I thoroughly enjoyed all of my professors throughout my time at DSU. I could never thank the entire faculty of the natural science department enough for always going above and beyond for me. The natural science department showed unwavering support for me and my dreams beginning on day one.

What is a favorite memory you have of your time as an undergrad?

Throughout my time in undergrad, I was highly involved in multiple extracurricular activities. It was through these extracurricular activities that I was provided multiple opportunities outside of the classroom. Perhaps my most fond memories from undergrad were through DSU’s Science Club. The Science Club frequently took summer trips to various places to gain valuable education through field work. I went on two trips while at DSU, one to Utah and one to Colorado. While in Colorado, I was given the opportunity to take a day and tour CSU’s veterinary school and hospital in addition to our other activities. I felt blessed to get a behind the scenes tour of a school I was looking at applying to before I started applying to veterinary schools. Seeing CSU’s school and hospital only furthered my passion for veterinary medicine.

What are you most proud of when you look back at your time at DSU?

While at DSU, I was involved as a student ambassador. Every year, I would volunteer to help with Yuletyme, amongst other events for the community. It was nice to help DSU’s student ambassadors, while getting to know some of the community members. I am proud to have been able to help the community as a student and I am looking forward to being able to contribute to the community again as a veterinarian.

What was the most difficult thing for you as an undergraduate, and how did you overcome it?

Transitioning between high school and undergrad is difficult. Part of that transition is trying to figure everything out. Throughout my undergrad, I found it difficult to balance school work, studies, and extracurricular activities with my work and on-call schedule. I found throughout this time that I am a highly organized and detail-oriented person. I found that my drive to wanting to do a little bit of everything made me become organized and efficient with time. These are skills that helped guide me through veterinary school.

What did you enjoy most about being a Blue Hawk?

I enjoyed the sense of community and lifelong friendship that I obtained while being a Blue Hawk. To this day, I am still very close with the friends that I made while at DSU.

What would you tell someone who is considering attending DSU?

I would tell someone that is considering attending DSU that although it is a smaller university, there truly is no limit to what they can achieve at DSU, regardless how big their dreams are. In the beginning of my undergrad career, I was told from multiple people that I wouldn’t get into veterinary school because DSU was too small and didn’t have a well-known science program like other larger universities did. Clearly, that just isn’t true.

How did DSU help shape your decisions for your path after you graduated?

I have always been a very focused person; veterinary medicine was always my goal from day one. DSU helped shape my choice in veterinary schools. I applied to four veterinary schools and was offered admission to three. Having done my undergrad at a smaller university with such strong connections between faculty and students, I was looking for something similar in my veterinary school education. It is for that reason, and a few others, that I chose Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine for my doctorate degree.

How did your time at DSU help you to be successful in your later pursuits?

DSU taught me a lot, ranging from how to be focused in class, efficient in my time management, detail-orientated, and how to work hard for what I want. These are traits that carried me throughout veterinary school and will continue to carry me throughout my career as a veterinarian.

What are you doing now?

I am currently finishing up my doctorate degree in veterinary medicine. I am set to graduate with my DVM May 11, 2019, in Ames, Iowa.

Do you have any plans for the future you would like to share?

I will be moving back home to Dickinson and will join the staff at West Dakota Veterinary Clinic as an associate veterinarian.