Education:
Current Positions:
- First year PhD student, Biomedical Sciences, Human-Animal Interactions Track, Tufts University
- Cummings-Tisch Civic Life Coordinator, Research Associate, Tufts University
What were you doing before entering the Masters in Animals and Public Policy (MAPP) program?
Before entering the MAPP program, I was the Assistant Director of Fund Development at PAWSibilities Humane Society of Greater Akron. Prior to this role, I worked for this organization as a Community Specialist where I was able to interface with the community and help animals in need
What aspects of MAPP led to your decision to join the program?
After working in the field of animal sheltering, I wanted to find a program that could help me address animal issues on a macro level scale. The MAPP program had the research and faculty expertise I was looking for to guide me to the next step in my career, while also fulfilling my passion for improving animal welfare.
In what ways do you use your Masters in Animals and Public Policy degree in your current position?
In my current position, I use the research and communication skills I learned in the MAPP program. The program teaches you how to understand different points of view, which has been helpful not only in my career, but also my personal life.
Tell us about your MAPP project or preceptorship. In what ways did it help you form your career goals?
For my final project, I worked with the ASPCA and analyzed the relationship between interpersonal violence and animal abuse. This helped me form my career goals because I was able to focus on a topic area that not only interested me, but could also potentially help both humans and animals in the future. It also helped me realize I would like to continue my education in the future with a PhD program.
What did you enjoy most about participating in MAPP?
I think my favorite part of the MAPP program was getting to listen and interact with all of the visiting guest lecturers that came to campus. I was able to meet well known experts in the field, and also talk to different people about the organizations they worked for in the animal community.