Experience
At Ocean View Veterinary Hospital, I worked under Dr. Ira Neidweske. I was formally trained and responsible for restraining the animals for treatment. The training was a three-step process including a lecture on basic restraint and behavior, a written test on that lecture, and a practical supervised test of restraint. The presentation demonstrated how to recognize a content animal versus an aggressive animal. I was responsible for running an array of blood tests as well as taking x-rays for the doctor to view. Along with these responsibilities, I was also in charge of sanitation and informing clients of its importance.
Ocean View Veterinary Hospital
June 2015 - August 2015
Breeding and Genetics Laboratory
January 2016 - Present
As a research assistant in a breeding and genetics laboratory, I assisted the graduate researcher in sending off DNA to be sequenced from raw tissues of dairy cattle. To send off the DNA, I was responsible for extracting RNA from previously harvested tissues. I then confirmed the quality and quantity of the extracted sample using the Nanodrop and performed quantitative rt-PCR. For these tests, I was expected to follow detailed protocol for accuracy. Along with helping the graduate student with his work, I was given a project of my own to complete, allowing me to be proficient in each protocol.
Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine
May 2016 - Present
At the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, I have a variety of responsibilities. They entail collecting and distributing medical records throughout the hospital, navigating, troubleshooting, and using all functions of the hospital computer software, and ensuring accuracy and completion of all medical records. After retrieving the completed records, it is my job to ensure the record meets the correct standard of the hospital. For example, the master problem lists have to be accurately filled out with the correct diagnosis, which requires me to search the documentation to find the animal’s diagnosis.
Walnut Spring Stables
June 2016 - Present
At Walnut Spring Stables, I am required to do a variety of tasks. The main task I am given is to manage nutrient intake and diet for the horses. I groom and wash the horses along with cleaning stalls twice a day. I am able to easily put a halter on and guide a horse to where he needs to be in the field, which is an important skill for daily stall maintenance. The farm has many children’s camps to teach the basics on how to ride and maintain a horse. I am always a part of these camps. I also help with the bailing of hay during the summer or mowing any grass that needs to be mowed.
