Program: Master of Laboratory Animal Science
Undergraduate: Pennsylvania State University
Hometown: Bergen County, New Jersey

How did you first learn about Drexel's MLAS program?

I did my undergrad at Penn State where I studied biomedical and veterinary science. I was in a pre-vet track with the intention of going to veterinary school, but during my senior year, I took a lab animal class and that opened my eyes to the world of research and working with lab animals versus traditional clinical veterinary work. I found myself wanting to explore that. I was really interested in my core science classes, sometimes more than my clinical veterinary classes, so I knew I wanted to go into biomedical research. I heard about Drexel's Master of Laboratory Animal Science (MLAS) program through pre-vet club at Penn State. So, between the lab animal class and my interest in research, I decided this was something I wanted to pursue and it's been great.

Why did you choose to apply to Drexel's program?

This program seemed incredibly unique. It wasn't something I saw anywhere else, and I figured it would give me a good overview of what this industry is about and teach me everything I need to know to get into it.

So have you postponed your plans for veterinary school?

As of now, I am not planning to go to veterinary school. I'm really committed to the research side of things, and I want to stay in this industry instead.

What type of career options are you exploring as you enter your final year?

For someone who doesn't plan to be a veterinarian, we have a lot of career opportunities available after graduation from this program. We can be managers of a lab animal facility. We can also be more involved in labs as technicians. Basically, I can go into any industry that has lab animals because I'm trained to work with them and oversee their care. I can see myself doing any one of those, so I'm staying pretty open minded at this point.

Are you currently working in a lab?

Yes. I'm currently working at Drexel on the Queen Lane campus in Dr. Blankenhorn's lab. I'm a technician there. I'm working on my own project while also helping her PhD students with their projects. It's really been an invaluable experience, and I really love it.

Can you tell me a little bit more about the work that you're doing in the lab?

I'm doing genetics research on autoimmune disease, which is something that I'm personally very interested in. In the lab, we're looking at a disease model of scleroderma. We just started this a couple of months ago, so we don't have a lot of results yet. We're seeing where it takes us and will be starting to analyze our results soon. Another MLAS student and I do the injections and work with our PI and lab manager to pick the animal models. We're also doing all the breeding for those animal models as well as the genotyping and analyses on them. It's a lot of work, but it is fantastic experience and a project that I am very grateful to be a part of.

How did you find your job in the lab?

I found the job through the MLAS program. Another student from the year above me was in this position, and before he left, he opened it up to find a replacement and I took it.

Have you always had a love for animals?

Growing up I was always fascinated by animals. I worked at a zoo during high school, and throughout college I always worked in animal clinics. I grew up with dogs and other small animals. I've just always loved animals. I also always loved medicine and biomedical science, so this has been the marriage of the two and that's where I want to be.

What has been the best part of the program so far?

I don't know if I can name just one, but in general, the amount of education they provide in two years is incredible. They really dive into what labs do when they use animal models in research and different species that you will see and the biology and pathology of each of those species. I also love the clinical classes that teach you all the techniques that you may need to be trained in to work with those animal models. Another great aspect is the network that you build with all the people who are in the program or have gone through the program. It definitely opens up many opportunities.

What is your relationship like with other students in the program?

It's a very small program, which is awesome. You get to know everyone. Most of the other students do plan to go to vet school, at least in my year. They use this program to enhance their application, which they're usually successful with. I think myself and maybe one or two other people aren't applying to veterinary school. But even the people applying to veterinary school have dove into the lab animal/research side of things as well. A lot of them are working in labs, so we all have that common ground.

What is your relationship like with the programs' faculty members?

Because it's a small program, you really get to know the faculty. I've built some great relationships with them as well.

Erin Vogelsong is a jack of all trades. She does so much for us. If I have a question about anything – classes, jobs, or just about life during and after graduate school—she's always there to help. There's also Andrea McCurry. She teaches the clinical class during the first year of the program. That's when we received a lot of hands-on training and were really introduced to the way a laboratory animal facility is run. Last, but certainly not least, I have to mention Dr. Huneke. He's the veterinarian for all of the facilities. He's a fantastic mentor. He's very helpful, especially for the students who want to go to veterinary school. As a veterinarian who works with lab animals, he's a great example of what you can do with this program.

What kind of clinical training have you received?

During the first year, we've worked with several different species and learned basic handling techniques as well as how to give injections and do blood collections. . I will be taking another clinical skills class in my second year where we will be reinforcing and building on these techniques. I've been able to apply what I've learned immediately to my current job, so it's really great experience and training.

What is the rest of the curriculum like?

During my first year, I took physiology, biology of laboratory animals, microbiology, genetics and a management course. The microbiology course was neat because we learned about diseases that you can experience in a lab setting. We also had a whole class on different animal models that can be used to study different diseases. That was a great class to introduce us to the infinite possibilities this industry offers. In biology of lab animals, we learned about all the species that we might encounter. That course also went into all the regulations, policies, and procedures for the use of lab animals. The genetics course, like physiology and microbiology, helped us enhance our scientific background for things you might run into in labs in the research world. Finally, our management course helped us learn techniques and practices in order to be effective supervisors in the future.

Coming from Penn State, which is in a more rural setting, how has it been studying at Drexel in Philadelphia?

I do love the urban atmosphere. I'm originally from Bergen County in North Jersey, located just outside of New York City, so I have an urban-suburban background. I like the different campuses at Drexel. The Center City campus is so close to everything. University City is great too because it's close to all the other colleges and universities in Philadelphia. I work at the Queen Lane campus, which is more suburban, but I like that sometimes as well. I was excited coming here for the environment, and I've definitely enjoyed being here. I think it's a great campus that offers something for everyone.

Do you have any advice for incoming students or someone who is considering the MLAS program?

For incoming students, I would say keep an open mind and take advantage of all the opportunities that you find interesting. Work hard. I work a lot and I work really hard in school, and I don't regret any of it. I think it's been fantastic completely diving into this world. I would also say get as much experience as you can.

For people who are thinking about applying to this program, I would say it has provided nothing but great, life-changing opportunities for me, and I have only been able to further my experience and gain really valuable experience. For me, it's been a great choice and absolutely worth the hard work and dedication.