Where are you from?

I’m from a small town in western Pennsylvania, near Pittsburgh.

What’s your position at CROW and how long are you here for?

I’m currently a Veterinary Technician Extern and I’ve been here for 2 months.

What’s your favorite part of your internship? Favorite role in the hospital?

My favorite part has been being directly involved in patient care, especially assisting with treatments and monitoring critical cases. My favorite role would be working on intakes, where I get to assist the vets with the intake exams and initial patient treatments.

Favorite animal and why?

My favorite animal to work with is the royal tern. I really enjoy their personalities. They can be a bit feisty, but they’re also very rewarding to work with. I’ve spent a lot of time caring for them during my internship, so I’ve gotten comfortable with their behavior and handling. It’s especially satisfying to see them improve and get closer to being released back into the wild.

What’s your most memorable CROW moment so far?

One of my most memorable moments has been working with pelicans and a variety of shorebirds. Coming from Pennsylvania, we don’t really have the opportunity to work with species like that, so it’s been a completely new and exciting experience for me. It’s really expanded my skills and given me exposure to types of wildlife I wouldn’t normally see.

What activities or hobbies do you enjoy outside of CROW?

I love spending time with my 2-year-old German shepherd. I love photography and wildlife, so I try to combine those by going on hikes and getting some cool shots of Florida wildlife.

What has been the most surprising thing during your time as an intern?

The most surprising thing has been how rewarding the work we do here is. Even on challenging days, be able to care for these animals and see their progress makes it all worth it. It’s really shown me how impactful wildlife rehabilitation can be, both for the animals and for the people involved in their care.

What are some goals or aspirations for the future?

My goal is to continue growing in veterinary medicine, ideally working in wildlife or exotic animal care. I want to keep building my clinical skills and knowledge so I can make a meaningful impact in animal rehabilitation and conservation.

 

CROW Feathers are interview features of our student interns and externs! Interested in working with CROW? Click here to learn more.