The Veterinary and Animal Sciences Department Peer Advisors hold weekly drop-in office hours in ISB room 313 to provide support, information, mentoring, and a sense of community for other undergraduate majors in VASCI. Animal Science Peer Advisors have received training in department curriculum, academic procedures and policies, academic enrichment, non-academic resources, and referrals for personal concerns and emergencies.
Fall 2026 office hours in ISB 313
| Day | Time |
|---|---|
| Mondays | 11:15am - 12:05pm |
| Tuesdays | 2:30pm - 3:45pm |
| Wednesdays | 1:25pm - 2:15pm |
| Thursdays | 11:30am - 12:45pm |
All peer advisors can help with basic questions, for example, the requirements of the different Animal Science concentrations, the Pre-Vet major requirements, changing to the Pre-Vet major, using Spire, GenEds, etc. They can also discuss their experiences with courses, internships, applications, and other activities. However, questions on more advanced courses in Animal Science and Pre-Veterinary Science may be better directed to the advising office or a faculty advisor.
We invite undergraduates to meet with Peer Advisors who have experience in their potential areas of interest.
For additional information, please contact Dr. Katie Beltaire.
Meet our peer advisors:
Hey everyone! My name is Sam Starbranch, I am a junior Pre-Veterinary science major with the Commonwealth Honors College. I have been working in veterinary clinics since high school in my time off, alongside my other summer job of sail instructor. I hope to attend veterinary school after graduating, although for what and where are up in the air. I have worked at the Hadley Farm, TA'd for AnSci 101, I work in a research lab, and I am on the E-board of the climbing team. Outside of that, I love to scuba dive, surf, thrift, and listen to Bob Dylan. I have loved my time at UMass and I love talking about it, so do not hesitate to come talk to me.
Hello everyone! My name is Allison Schroll, and I am currently a senior here at UMass on the pre-veterinary track. I have been riding horses since I was eight years old and have been loving them ever since! I have been working with horses since high school, whether on the husbandry side or helping my instructor train her horses for a multitude of events. I am grateful to be able to continue working with horses at the Hadley Farm equine barn. Since coming to college, I have fallen in love with working as a veterinary assistant at a local emergency animal hospital. I hope to further pursue my passion for emergency medicine as I begin my veterinary school applications this semester. Outside of school, I love to bake sourdough bread or just go on adventures around the Hadley area. My favorite classes here at UMass are the equine and poultry management classes at Hadley Farm. I am really excited to be one of your peer advisors and cannot wait to work with you on any questions that you might have!
Hi! My name is Jessa and I am a junior Pre-Vet major with a minor in Sociology! I love working with both animals and people, so I plan to pursue either veterinary medicine or veterinary social work as a career. On campus, you'll most likely find me hanging out with the ducks and geese at the campus pond! I am the treasurer of UMass Active Minds and I have served as an Animal Science 101 TA. I am working as a research assistant for the ViTAL Lab with the goal of understanding how domestic violence and traumatic stress affects the well-being of people from ethnically and racially diverse backgrounds. I'm looking forward to working with and learning from all of you, feel free to reach out!
Hello! My name is Kaylen, and I am a junior pre-veterinary science major. I have also been a teaching assistant for Dorset Sheep Management for a few semesters, and work at the Hadley Equine Barn. If you have any questions about academics, horses, sheep, or just want to chat I am more than happy to help!
Hi everyone! My name is Samme Ash, and I am a junior majoring in Pre-Veterinary Science. Most of my animal experience has come from working with small animals and exotics; however, since starting at UMass, I've gotten a lot of hands-on experience with livestock under my belt at the Hadley Farm. On campus, I've had the opportunity to work alongside some amazing students serving as a TA for AnSci 101. I am also involved in research studying juvenile river herring and zooplankton populations. In my hometown, I work as a veterinary assistant at a small animal clinic, where I continue building on my clinical skills. Outside of academics, I enjoy listening to music, experimenting with fashion, and buying overpriced coffee with my friends! I love talking about my experiences here at UMass, so please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions - I'm always happy to chat!
Hey! My name is Riddhi and I am a junior Biochemistry and Pre-Vet double major, as well as a member of the Commonwealth Honors College. I have been working at a small animal GP since high school and continue to do so during my breaks, though I am still exploring more areas within veterinary medicine. At UMass, I am a Residential Assistant in Wheeler Hall and a TA for both Anatomy and Physiology and Cellular and Molecular Biology. I am also involved in research with the You Lab and iGEMS synthetic biology team. In my free time I can be found singing (I am also in UMass Rang), baking, or playing a game of soccer. I also love talking, so feel free to stop by with any questions or even just to say hello! I’m looking forward to meeting with you all!
Hello! My name is Gabby and I am a senior Pre-Veterinary Science major from upstate New York. I am in the process of applying to veterinary school, and am spending my time gaining hands-on experience in clinical veterinary settings. For the past two summers and winter breaks, I have worked as a veterinary assistant at a small animal clinic, as well as an equine referral hospital in my hometown. At UMass, I work at the Hadley Farm Equine Barn, as well as studying knock out mice in Dr. Mager’s research laboratory. I am also a teaching assistant for Belted Galloway Management! Outside of veterinary science, I enjoy working out, painting, traveling, and hanging out with my friends. I am so excited to be a peer advisor and hopefully help guide other students on their paths to achieving their goals. Please don’t hesitate to stop by with any questions about classes, vet school applications, veterinary experience, or even just to chat!
Hi everyone! My name is Hashini, and I am a junior Pre-Vet Science major. Growing up surrounded by cats sparked my dream of becoming a vet, and I hope to one day work with both small and large cats.
At UMass, I am a TA for A&P 220, work in the Admissions Office, and I am part of E-board for the K-Pop Dance Club. I've also gained hands-on animal experience through volunteering at the Hadley Farm equine barn, taking management courses, and working at a vet clinic.
When I'm not studying or working, I'm probably planning my next summer trip or convincing myself that buying concert tickets is a financially responsible decision. I'm excited to be a peer advisor and help you navigate classes, campus involvement, and pre-vet opportunities. Whether you want advice or chat about animals, travel, or music, I'd love to meet you!
Hello! My name is Lillian Winslow, but I typically go by Lilly. I am a Senior year Pre-Vet major here at UMass. Throughout my time at UMass I have been involved in the animal science RAP, multiple clubs ranging from pre-vet to gymnastics, and being a TA for Anatomy and Physiology 220. I have experience shadowing small animal general practice, small animal emergency, and connections with equine and large animal veterinarians. I hope to go on to veterinary school for the fall of 2027. If you have any questions about clubs on campus, vet school applications or shadowing questions, or just a friend to chat with, please feel free to reach out or swing by!
PS. Ask me what my favorite course was!
Hi everyone! My name is Sydney Sheehan, and I am a junior Animal Science major with a concentration in Biotechnology. After graduating, I hope to pursue my master's degree in Biotechnology and work in the industry. At UMass, I am involved with the Association of Women in Science (AWIS) and Ski and Board Club. Outside of class and studying, I enjoy painting, skiing, and cooking. I am looking forward to being a peer advisor and am happy to help with anything I can. I love UMass and enjoy talking about all of the amazing things you can do here. Feel free to reach out!
Hi! My name is Bella Ambroise and I am a junior majoring in Pre-Veterinary Science with a concentration in Equine Science. My experience with animals has mostly been with horses as I have been riding horses since I was seven. During the summers, I am fortunate enough to horse-sit two lovely horses for a family friend, horseback ride, and shadow a veterinarian that specializes in both horses and livestock animals. During my time at UMass, I have been a TA for the Animal Science 101 course, and currently am working as a Student Success Assistant at the Commonwealth Honors College. I hope to attend veterinary school, and maybe pursue veterinary surgery. During my free time, I enjoy horseback riding, knitting, reading, and taking long walks while listening to music! If you have any questions at all, I would be happy to answer them or just chat about future plans in Animal Science/ Pre-Veterinary Science.
Hello everyone! My name is Annaleise, and I am a senior Pre-Veterinary Science major. I am also a member of the Commonwealth Honors College. After graduating, I hope to attend Veterinary School to become a small- or mixed-animal veterinarian. I have worked at a small animal GP, at a dairy goat farm, and at a wildlife rehabilitation center, and I’ve loved all of it, so I’m keeping my options open. Outside of classes, I enjoy reading, ice skating, rec classes such as Zumba and yoga, and watching Football, UMass hockey, and F1. If you have any questions or concerns at all, please feel free to reach out or come by; I’d love to help you!
Hello! My name is Ava Vieira and I am a junior Animal Science major on the management track with a minor in Natural Resource Conservation. My love for animals was sparked at a young age, likely due to constantly being surrounded by a variety of pets ranging from dogs to gerbils to chickens.
During my time at UMass, I have had the opportunity to TA for Animal Science 103 where I was able to gain a lot of hands-on experience and skills I wouldn’t have received otherwise. I have fallen in love with the Hadley Farm during my time doing morning barn chores, participating in overnight lamb watches, and taking the sheep management course this past spring. The management courses at the barn have definitely been a highlight of my undergraduate years and I am looking forward to taking the goat management course this fall! On campus, you can usually find me at the rec center or sitting in a quiet corner with a good book or my current crochet/knitting project. I have also participated in intramural volleyball and softball with my friends and am a member of UMass’ chapter of Alpha Chi Omega.
UMass has helped me build my confidence both working with animals and with my peers. I have loved my time as an undergraduate and would enjoy nothing more than helping smooth out any bumps you may come across during your time here, so feel free to stop by and chat anytime!
Hi everyone! My name is Molly Schmit, and I am a junior pre-veterinary science major. After graduation, I hope to attend vet school though I don’t know where or what path I want to take yet. During my time as UMass, I have TA’d for An Sci 101 and 103 and am currently a veterinary assistant at a local small animal clinic. I am also the treasurer of both the UMass Equestrian Team and UMass Eventing Team. Outside of classes and homework, I enjoy hanging out with friends, running (I am currently training for a half marathon), reading, and riding. I am super excited to be a peer advisor this semester and cannot wait to meet you all, so don’t hesitate to stop by with any questions or just to chat!
Hi everyone, my name is Ella Jarzabski. I am a junior pre-veterinary science major. I have been interested in a professional career in the veterinary field for as long as I can remember. I grew up going to zoo camp and dreaming of working in the veterinary field. Later, in my high school years, I worked at an animal hospital. After graduating from UMass, I hope to further pursue my dream and attend a veterinary school. I would love to work with a variety of different animals, ranging from exotics to livestock. I currently work at the UMass Hadley Farm. Over the summer, I had the pleasure of working at two local cow farms, as well as being a TA for the Animal Science Pre-College Program! I am fortunate to be a Poultry Management TA. I love all things bird-related. I am also a member of NESA. In my free time, I like to go to the gym and take rec classes. I am a part of an intramural volleyball team. I love to listen to music and paint, as well as hang out with my friends and go shopping or thrifting. I am always willing to lend a helping hand. If you have any questions or just need someone to talk to, never hesitate to stop by! I am looking forward to meeting all of you!
Hey everyone! My name is Connor King, and I am currently a junior Pre-Veterinary Science major at UMass. I have worked at a small animal GP during my breaks but I am still exploring other areas within veterinary medicine. At UMass, I have been a part of the animal science RAP as well as a TA for Anatomy and Physiology 220. Outside of class I enjoy playing or watching sports and listening to music. I am looking forward to being a peer advisor and helping other students on their road to success. Don’t be afraid to stop by with any questions or just to chat. I’m looking forward to meeting all of you!
Hi everyone! My name is Lily Mankus, and I am a junior Pre-Veterinary Science major at UMass Amherst! Here at UMass, I am a TA for Goat Management, work at the Hadley Farm, and am newly a TA for a Public Health class, MBMH. Before coming to UMass, I attended an agricultural high school, where I gained years of hands-on experience with a wide variety of animals, including farm animals, reptiles, marine life, small mammals, birds, dogs, cats, and more. At home, I have also been working at a small animal general practice for the past five years, which also specializes in exotics. When I am not doing schoolwork or at the farm, you can find me going on walks with friends, taking classes at the Rec, or playing volleyball! I am so excited to be a peer advisor this semester and am looking forward to getting to know everyone! Please feel free to reach out or stop by anytime for anything you may need!
Hi! My name is Isabel Cyriac, and I am a junior Pre-Veterinary Science major and a member of the Commonwealth Honors College. I have had a passion for animals for as long as I can remember, and I have rescued several animals ranging from cats to chipmunks. While I love all animals, I have a strong interest in birds and reptiles. At UMass, I was introduced to large-animal husbandry, which is an area I had not expected to enjoy as much as I do. After taking Goat Management this past spring, I developed a stronger interest in livestock care and management. At home, I volunteer at my local feline rescue. I have worked as a kennel attendant for the past two years and have had the opportunity to work with small and exotic animals at my veterinary clinic since graduating high school. I’m so excited to be a VASCI Peer Advisor this semester, and I cannot wait to work with you! Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or stop by and say hello!