Pre-Vet Student Association

Hello, future veterinarians! I am a fourth-year Marine Biology major with a minor in General Biology at Revelle College. I originally came to UC San Diego to become a researcher but after I learned how much I love problem-solving and aiding animals and people alike I have turned to a career in medicine. I’m currently exploring human and veterinary medicine with my biggest interest in anesthesiology due to the ability to provide pain relief and care for animals/people when they are the most vulnerable. I work part-time as a vet assistant at Center Veterinary Clinic and Urgent Care and volunteer at the UC San Diego cardiovascular intensive care unit and the Smith Lab at Scripps Institution of Oceanography. I’ve interned at the Santa Barbara Wildlife Care Network and volunteered at other pet hospitals. I have two cockatiels named Sunny and Rocky and a soft-coated wheaten terrier named Kona! One of my favorite animals is a type of cephalopod called cuttlefish due to their high intelligence and mastery of camouflage (manipulating 10 million color cells within their skin). When I’m not working or studying I love to be outdoors, whether snorkeling, camping, hiking, or reading at a park. Please feel free to reach out to me or the PVSA team anytime!

Hi! My name is Ellie Kim and I am a third year at Marshall majoring in Neurobiology. I have two adorable dogs, a chihuahua and a mini Aussie. I also have three rat sisters who love to play with toys and eat Cheerios. I have volunteered at Helen Woodward Animal Center and Beverly Robertson Veterinary Clinic. I have always loved taking care of animals and learning about them since a young age. I am interested in working with small and large animals, possibly specializing in neurology or surgery. I switched to pre-vet during my freshman year of college, so joining PVSA gave me a lot of valuable information about the field. Feel free to reach out to me if you want to chat about the club or just life in general.

Hello, my name is Thomas Kattadiyil. I am a third year Molecular and Cell Biology Major at Marshall. My favorite animal is a sea turtle, and I'm excited to start my career in wildlife and/or zoo veterinary medicine. I am currently a Vet Assistant at Bayside Veterinary Hospital, and I also have experience volunteering at Helen Woodward Animal Center and Project Wildlife. Please reach out if you have any questions about school or want to talk. 

Hi everyone! My name is Alisa and I’m a senior general Biology student! I originally transferred to UCSD last year, and am now finishing up my final year. I’ve always been an animal lover from a young age and knew I wanted to centralize my career around it, so I’m on the path toward veterinary school! I’ve volunteered at a wildlife rehabilitation center, worked at a doggy daycare, and currently work at The Drake Center, a local veterinary clinic up in Encinitas! I am a proud owner of two dumpy tree frogs, which I’ve had since they were the size of quarters, and I hope to adopt either a cat or dog after graduation. Outside of animals, I love to draw and paint in my free time, but also am guilty of being a binge-watcher and massive foodie. Feel free to reach out to me anytime with questions regarding the club or getting into the field - I look forward to meeting you all!

Hi there! I'm happy to be working with you all this year. I'm a second year at Marshall and a double major in Ecology, Behavior & Evolution and Biological Anthropology. My favorite animal is definitely a snow weasel and my dream is to get some amazing wildlife photos of weasels in the winter. I have shadow and volunteer vet clinic experience in both San Diego and Seattle and I'm currently researching with the de Silva Human/Nature Lab on campus. I'm interested in studying small animal internal medicine and surgery in vet school, but I've grown particularly interested in the intersections between veterinary medicine and ecology, especially as we consider how Western ecological practices could make space for Indigenous science. Outside of academics, I love cooking, playing Genshin Impact, and photography. I'm also an Orientation Leader for Marshall and I'm happy to answer questions about the college and university as a whole in helping y'all navigate your veterinary careers as undergraduates!

Hi! My name is Kylie, and I’m a second year from Seventh College majoring in Marine Biology with a minor in Global Health. My favorite animal would probably have to be cats because they’re just the best! I have my very own feline named Appa. I do not have my career goals figured out yet, but being a wildlife veterinarian or specializing in something like veterinary oncology or ophthalmology seem pretty cool to me :) My hobbies include playing music on the piano or bass guitar, reading, hanging out with friends, going to the beach, and trying new foods! I have experience interning at two veterinary clinics so far: one general practice and one urgent care. I got to observe some very cool surgeries, help restrain animals, and gave lots of pets!