The Veterinary and Animal Sciences Department Peer Advisors hold weekly drop-in office hours 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 2025 semester office hours:
Mondays 12:20-1:10pm 427L Integrated Sciences Building - ISB
Tuesdays 2:30-3:45pm Reception Area outside 427U and 427X Integrated Sciences Building - ISB
Wednesdays 1:25-2:15pm 427L Integrated Sciences Building - ISB
Thursdays 11:30am-12:45pm Reception Area outside 427U and 427X Integrated Sciences Building - ISB
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:
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!
Tuesdays 2:30-3:45pm Reception area outside ISB 427X
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.
Mondays 12:20 - 1:10pm ISB 427L
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. Looking forward to the year to come.
Thursdays Reception area outside ISB 427X
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 1:25 – 2:15pm ISB 427L
Hi everyone! My name is Mia Chen, and I’m currently a senior majoring in Pre-Veterinary Science. I’m excited to share that I’ve been accepted to the University of Edinburgh’s veterinary program, where I hope to specialize in large animal medicine, especially equine care. While at UMass, I’ve served as a teaching assistant for Biology 110 and interned at two veterinary hospitals, gaining experience in both companion and exotic animal medicine. I’ve also worked at a horse barn in Taiwan, helping with daily care and vet check-up. I still spend most of my free time around horses. I’m excited to be your peer advisor this coming fall, and I’d love to support you on your journey—please feel free to reach out!
Wednesdays 1:25 - 2:15pm ISB 427L
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!
Thursdays 11:30am – 12:45pm Reception area outside ISB 427X
My name is Claire Cowan and I am a junior Pre-Veterinary Science major. I hope to go to veterinary school, and I’m still musing over the many options I’ll have as a veterinarian. Over the summer, I interned at a small animal veterinary clinic. This year, I am the treasurer for the Pre-Vet and Animal Science Club and I am a TA for the Anatomy and Physiology of Domestic Animals class. Over the past two years, I have been involved in the Habitat for Humanity Club, the Libraries’ Page to Screen Book Club, and the NESA Livestock Judging and Quiz bowl Club.
I’ve enjoyed the time I’ve had at UMass so far and I am super excited to help out with any questions about the animal science major, VASCI department, or UMass as a whole.
Tuesdays 2:30 – 3:45pm Reception area outside ISB 427X
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 11:30am – 12:45pm Reception area outside ISB 427X
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!
Tuesdays 2:30 – 3:45pm Reception area outside ISB 427X
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!
Tuesdays 2:30 – 3:45pm Reception area outside ISB 427X
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!
Thursdays 11:30am – 12:45pm Reception area outside ISB 427X
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 427L
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 alongside you all in the future. 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
Mondays 12:20 – 1:10pm ISB 427L
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 12:20 – 1:10pm ISB 427L
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!
Wednesdays 1:25 – 2:15pm ISB 427L
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.
Wednesdays 1:25 – 2:15pm ISB 427L