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.
Spring 2026 semester office hours in ISB 313
Mondays 11:15 am - 12:05 pm
12:20 pm - 1:10 pm
1:25 pm - 2:15 pm
Tuesdays 1:00 pm - 2:15 pm
Thursdays 10:00 am - 11:15 am
11:30 am - 12:45 pm
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.
Mondays 1:25-2:15 pm
ISB room 313
My name is Sherly Gomerez, and I am an Animal Science major with a concentration in Animal Management. After graduation, I plan to take a couple of gap years to focus on my career as a paramedic and firefighter while also gaining experience working in veterinary clinics. After that, I hope to pursue veterinary school at Purdue to specialize in mixed or large animal medicine. At UMass, I have served as a Resident Assistant in Emerson Hall and as a Teaching Assistant for the Sheep Management class. I currently work at the UMass Livestock Barn and serve as the Recruiting Captain of the Amherst Fire Department Student Force. I’m excited to be a peer advisor this year—please feel free to reach out with any questions! I look forward to meeting you all.
Tuesdays 1:00 - 2:15pm
ISB room 313
Hello everyone! My name is Allison Schroll, and I am currently a junior 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!
Thursdays 11:30am – 12:45pm
ISB room 313
My name is Madison Nett and I am a junior Pre-Veterinary Science and Biology double major. I’ve had the pleasure of working as a veterinary technician at a small animal hospital, kennel attendant at a local dog rescue, and critical care crew member at a cat shelter. This past summer I flew down to Texas to aid Alaska’s Hope Animal Rescue and the Cleveland Pound! My favorite experience by far was studying abroad in Thailand where I was able to assist veterinarians working with exotics like elephants and sea turtles. At UMass, I’ve been a TA for Animal Science 101 and Physiology and Anatomy 220. I have taken poultry, Dorset sheep, equine, and Boer goat management. I am looking forward to meeting with you!
Wednesdays 1:00 – 2:15pm
ISB room 313
Hi, my name is Kate Corey, and I am a junior pre-veterinary major with a strong interest in small and exotic animal medicine! My experience is primarily in shelter and small animal medicine, but I am always looking to explore more areas of veterinary medicine. While at UMass, I have had the privilege of becoming involved in research on Team CURE as a part of the Riley lab, which tackles antimicrobial resistance with bacteriocins. The VASCI department has also allowed me to spend time at the Hadley Livestock Farm through classes like Poultry Management. Outside of school, I work at a small animal hospital as a veterinary assistant and kennel technician, and volunteer at local shelters. I'm always excited to talk about animals, and I'm thrilled to be a VASCI Peer Advisor this semester. Please don't hesitate to reach out with questions or stop by to say hello!
Mondays 12:20 -1:10pm
ISB room 313
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!
Thursdays 10:00am – 11:15am
ISB room 313
My name is Lily Georgopoulos and I am a senior year pre-vet student. I am captain of the UMass Dressage team and a licensed horseback riding instructor. At UMass I have been a teaching assistant for Animal Science 101 and involved in research. I have worked as a veterinary assistant at a small animal practice and shadowed equine veterinarians. If you have any questions about research, club sports, gaining veterinary science and leadership opportunities, or applying to veterinary school I’m more than happy to help!
Mondays 11:15am - 12:05 pm
ISB room 313
Hello! My name is Maisey and I am a senior pre-vet major! I love animals of all kinds but have a special interest in marine mammals. At UMass, I spend a lot of time with our Belted Galloway cows and I am a TA for the Beltie classes. I also work in a small animal hospital and this summer I was an intern with Mystic Aquarium’s animal rescue program. In my free time, I can be found sailing all around and I am on the UMass sailing team. I am so excited to be a peer advisor this semester, please come visit and bring any and all questions or just come to chat! Can’t wait to meet you all and have a great semester!
Thursdays 10:00 - 11:15am
ISB room 313
My name is Lauren Kochan, and I am a senior Animal Science major with a concentration in Equine Science as well as a minor in psychology. I am also a member of the Commonwealth Honors College. I am interested in working in equine reproduction or rehabilitation in the future. While at UMass, I have had the privilege of working at the equine barn for two semesters as well as all summer, serving as a teaching assistant for AnSci 301 and 302 (Equine Behavior/Learning Theory and Development and Training), and assisting in Dr. Gradil’s Equine IUD project. Outside of the farms, I have spent the last four years as a summer camp counselor back home in Texas. Feel free to stop by to chat about anything and everything – I love baking and might bring some treats with me when possible! I can’t wait to meet everyone!
Mondays 1:25 - 2:15 pm
ISB room 313
Hi everyone, my name is Hsin, and I'm an international student from Taiwan. I'm a senior pre-vet major with a strong interest in wildlife. I'm applying to vet school this cycle and hope to study in New Zealand or Australia. On campus, I'm an undergraduate researcher in the Cui lab studying oocyte functions in conditional knockout mouse models. I also serve as an Executive Board member of the Taiwanese and Chinese Students' Association (TCSA). I had the opportunity to TA for AnSci 101. I also participated in a pre-vet semester abroad in Thailand, where I gained hands-on experience in small animals, marine life, elephants, and wildlife. I'm excited to share more stories about my study abroad experience. Feel free to ask any questions!
Mondays 12:20 – 1:10pm
ISB room 313
Hello! My name is Lauren Morfeld, and I am a Junior Pre-Vet major. I am preparing for veterinary school applications while exploring various fields of veterinary medicine. I’ve worked with multiple large and small animals at UMass as well as at several internships/jobs. I am currently employed at The Cat Hospital in Northampton. I have been a Teaching Assistant for both the 101 and 103 Animal Science courses, and I am currently a TA for Dorset Sheep Management. I’m so excited to be a peer advisor and broaden my experiences. Please don't hesitate to ask questions and hang out! I look forward to meeting you and giving guidance on classes, study tips, finding opportunities, and so much more
Thursdays 10:00 - 11:15am
ISB room 313
Hello! My name is Bri and I am a Pre-Veterinary Science major with a Biology minor. I’m applying to vet schools this cycle and would like to specialize in small animal emergency critical care. At home, I have been a veterinary assistant at a general practice clinic for the past two years and it’s been so much fun. Here at UMass, I’ve been a TA for Animal Science 101 & 103, enjoy playing an intramural soccer game, and have been working in the Mager Lab studying knock-out mice. I’d love to meet everyone to talk about classes, research, vet school, or even just to chat! Please swing by!
Mondays 11:15am - 12:05pm
ISB room 313
Hi, my name is Kendralynn, and I am a Junior Pre-Vet major with a minor in Psychology. I plan on applying to vet schools this application cycle and hope to pursue a career in orthopedics, neurology or zoo medicine. When I am not at school, I work at a small animal hospital as a veterinary assistant and volunteer at a local animal shelter. When I have downtime, I enjoy reading and crocheting. I cannot wait to be a peer mentor in the VASCI department! Having had to miss large chunks of school for personal issues, I have become familiar with the Dean of Students Office and am eager to be a resource for students struggling to navigate whatever problems they may have. Please feel free to reach out to me if you have any questions or just want to chat!
Mondays 12:20 - 1:10pm
ISB room 313
Hi! My name is Delma Merino, and I am a Junior Pre-Veterinary Science major. I am hoping to specialize in either companion animals or exotics. While I love veterinary medicine, I have a strong passion for animal husbandry as well! During the summer, I work in the Animal Care department at Six Flags Wild Safari, which has allowed me to practice my animal husbandry skills on about 30 different reptiles and mammals ranging from boas to sloths to coatimundis! In addition, I work at a small animal veterinary clinic down the Jersey Shore. I have had the privilege of being a Teaching Assistant for both Animal Science 101 and 103, and I will be going on my third semester as a TA for Dorset Sheep Management. I look forward to meeting you all and offering help this semester! Please feel free to reach out with any questions.
Mondays 11:15am - 12:05pm
ISB room 313
Hi, my name is Kiernan Hjalmarson and I’m a Senior on the Pre-Vet track! I have a passion for animals that started at a very young age from my pets and visiting our local zoo. More specifically, I have an interest in wildlife, large animal, and radiology. This past summer I interned at a wildlife rehabilitation center where I gained hands-on experience with everything from opossums to raptors to coyotes. In my free time, I play hockey and have been coaching for over 5 years. You can often find me hanging out in VASCI knitting or crocheting. I’m here for anything from missing home to needing guidance with classes. Please feel free to reach out with any questions you may have! I look forward to meeting you!
Thursdays 11:30-12:45pm
ISB room 313
My name is Victoria Larson. I am a Senior Pre-Veterinary Science major. I currently have two cats of my own and two sugar gliders. I have been working in veterinary clinics since junior year of my high school career and have been in love with the veterinary field since I was little. Growing up I would go to a summer camp and take care of horses. I continued to work with animals while attending an agricultural and technical high school that had a farm on campus and a veterinary science program. I learned how to take care of different livestock and became more familiar with small animals as well. I was a TA for animal science 101 and 103 at UMass my sophomore year and helped deliver a lamb during lambing season. UMass has so many opportunities to get engaged in the animal world in different ways and I am excited to help others navigate their careers here as a VASCI Peer Advisor.
Mondays 11:15am - 12:05 pm
ISB room 313