Liz Poirier, originally from neighboring Rhode Island, decided to attend UMass because of the various opportunities to work hands-on with animals, the warm and welcoming VASCI department, and the natural beauty of the surrounding area. She is a proud first generation student and has certainly made the most out of her time at UMass. Liz will be attending Cornell University in the fall for her Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine with a special interest in exotics and wildlife.
Her first semester at UMass, Liz began working at the UMass Hadley Farm with Boer goats, Dorset sheep, horses, and our since deceased llama, Crystal. At the farm, Liz learned small ruminant handling, nutritional requirements, and husbandry and was able to assist Dr. Beltaire with many medical examinations and treatments. Volunteering at local farms, she gained experience with cattle and swine management, as well. She also began taking the Poultry Management course instructed by Dr. Cousin. She found that she loved poultry, so she took the course a second semester, then went on to serve as a teaching assistant for the following five semesters. Liz believes that becoming Head Teaching Assistant for Poultry Management was one of the most rewarding opportunities that she has been offered at UMass. She has discovered her passion for teaching (and birds!) through creating and presenting lectures on chick rearing, anatomy, diseases, and more while raising a new flock every semester. During winter break of her freshman year, Liz worked at Scituate Animal Hospital as a surgery intern where she was able to observe various procedures such as extremity amputations, episioplasties, mass removals, spays/neuters, and dentals. That summer, she served as a Science Coordinator for the National Youth Science Camp.
Sophomore year, Liz began relief fostering for Diggity Dogs Service Dogs, a local program that breeds and trains service dogs for invisible disabilities. Liz also began working as a Bird Care Specialist in the Healey Lab, creating and implementing care plans, breeding management strategies, and enrichment programs for colonies of zebra and Bengalese finches. In the lab, she had the opportunity to work alongside laboratory veterinarians, assist in research, and explore scientific literature. Liz worked as a Veterinary Assistant at South Hingham Veterinary Services during summer 2020, where she restrained dogs and cats during physical examinations, administered vaccinations and medications, and managed client interactions during COVID-19.
Liz began working as a Veterinary Assistant at VCA South Hadley Animal Hospital in her junior year. Here, Liz was able to combine her previous experience as a Veterinary Assistant and knowledge of birds to begin working with avian species, pocket pets, and reptiles. At UMass, Liz became a lab Teaching Assistant and Supplemental Instructor for Anatomy and Physiology and a lecture Teaching Assistant for Animal Care and Welfare. She also accepted a seat as a member of the VASCI Climate Advisory Committee, which is dedicated to fostering a safe, respectful, and diverse environment for students, faculty, and staff in the department.
For her final semester, Liz was fortunate enough to have the opportunity to study veterinary science in Thailand. Here she learned to speak Thai and work with elephants, sea turtles, stray dogs, and more. If you are interested in learning more about studying abroad, please read the article she wrote about her experiences!
Throughout her time at UMass, Liz volunteered at the Franklin County Animal Shelter, UMass Disability Services, and the Amherst Survival Center. She was also involved in the
Pre-Veterinary and Animal Sciences Club, the UMass Outing Club, intramural volleyball, and the Association of Women in Science. She held a leadership position in several of these organizations. Along with this, Liz served as a Peer Mentor and departmental Student Ambassador. Outside of class, she enjoys outdoor activities like backpacking and rock climbing, practicing yoga, and sharing snacks with her lionhead rabbit, Jojo.
Liz has been awarded several scholarships including the Chancellor’s Award, the David Knapp Scholarship, Byron E. Colby Scholarship, David and Kathleen Scott Scholarship, Leaders in the Making Scholarship, and V.A. Rice Scholarship. She was also awarded funds from the International Programs Office and College of Natural Sciences to help defray the cost of studying abroad. She is very thankful for the financial support that she has received to fund her education.
She would like to thank her mentors, students, and the entire VASCI department for making her time at UMass some of the best years of her life. She would like to especially thank Dr. Hélène Cousin, her academic advisor and course instructor, for all of her humor and support throughout her time at UMass.
Veterinary and Animal Sciences