Education
B.S., Biopsychology, Tufts University, 2020
M.S. in Animals and Public Policy, Tufts University, 2021
Biography
What were you doing before entering the M.S. in Animals and Public Policy (MAPP) program?
I have been a student for the past few years, and I spent the summer before entering MAPP volunteering at a therapeutic equestrian center. This program is a wonderful and rewarding intersection of my interests in psychology and horses.
What aspects of MAPP led to your decision to join the program?
The MAPP’s extensive network of alumni working in unique positions for animals demonstrates how many possibilities this program affords. I think this degree will open many doors to a career I can be excited about.
Interests in and experience with animals prior to joining the MAPP program
I have been an “animal person” my whole life and grew up doctoring my stuffed animals with my plastic vet kit. Since then, I have become a passionate equestrian, owning my own horse as well as leading the Tufts equestrian team. I cannot imagine my life without animals as a central feature!
What do you want to focus on at MAPP? What drew you to this area?
I hope to learn more about research in this field. I have been involved in neuroscience research during undergrad and am interested in applying that knowledge of the process to a new topic.
What are your career goals?
I hope to have the opportunity to help people and animals through my work, and to impress upon people the value of animals in our society.
Interests:
I enjoy yoga, longboarding, and reading.
Number of pets? What type?
Meatloaf, my cat, and Chandler, my horse!
MAPP Externship
My summer externship was at WildEarth Guardians, based in the Denver office. I worked in the wildlife division, focusing on campaigns to ban wildlife killing contests and cruel trapping in Nevada. Related to these topics, I engaged in extensive research and analysis which ultimately resulted in published Op-Ed’s and a webinar. MAPP provided me with the writing skills for advocacy that allowed me to develop persuasive content for Guardians’ supporters. I am confident that MAPP, and my time at Guardians, has set me up to be an engaging and effective advocate for animals and for the environment.
Letter to the Editor, “Tessa Archibald: Wolves: CPW needs to do better”
Las Vegas Sun, “Guest column: Trapping has no place in a stressed-out ecosystem”
WildEarth Guardians’ Trapping in Nevada Webinar: