A vital part of our outreach and recruitment programs

Ela Acevedo

I am originally from Lafayette, Louisiana. However, my parents are from Panama City, Panama and Mobile, Alabama. I graduated from LSU with my bachelor's degree in animal sciences.

My interests primarily lie in small animal, equine, and practice management. I thoroughly enjoy learning about internal medicine, soft tissue surgery, and integrative medicine. 

When I’m not at school, you can find me doing pilates, journaling, ceramics, traveling or bingeing my favorite shows. 

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Alexis Bell

I am born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I received my Bachelor's in Biology with a concentration in Veterinary Bioscience and a minor in Chemistry with Honors. I grew up around Creoles, and it shows through my cooking!

My interest is in small animal emergency and surgery. I began my vet tech journey as a CVT in the US Army. I continued it into my civilian life and became a lead tech at Sherwood South ER hospital. 

I love superheroes and anime, and my favorites are Batman and Demon Slayer. I have 2 dogs, a German shepherd and a chihuahua. 

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Angelo Bowens

I’m from New Orleans, LA and earned both my Bachelor’s degree in Biological Sciences and Master’s degree in Animal Sciences from LSU.

I’m interested in working with small animals as well as wildlife and exotic species. After graduation, I plan to work in emergency and critical care, with the long-term goal of specializing in surgery or radiology. I also hope to one day own my own veterinary practice.

When I’m not studying, I enjoy playing video games, watching movies and anime, and relaxing.

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Lena Hanson

I am from St. Petersburg, Florida, a beautiful city on the coast of Tampa Bay. In 2025, I completed my bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences at the University of Florida.

I enjoy learning about herpetology and oncology the most. In college, I worked on Florida Fish and Wildlife’s Manatee Genetics Project and helped investigate obesity in mouse models. While at LSU, I want to learn and experience everything I can.

I have four reptiles at home, and I like to hike and practice martial arts in my spare time.

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Tyler Jackson

I was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I received my bachelor’s degree at Southern University and A&M College just 20 minutes from LSU and am proud to be immersed in Louisiana culture. 

I have a strong interest in small animal surgery, and I’ve recently developed a liking for dentistry. I’m open-minded and excited to see where my career takes me.

I enjoy going to the gym, fishing, bowling, being out with family and friends, and simply enjoying life. I am the youngest of 3, and have a Rottweiler named Nala!

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Sophie LeBlanc

I was born and raised in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and from a young age I knew LSU was where I wanted to be. I graduated from LSU May 2024 with a bachelor’s in animal sciences and technology— Geaux Tigers, always!

I am currently interested in small animal general practice, neurology, and emergency medicine. I remain open to exploring other areas, as many aspects of veterinary medicine continue to spark my interest. 

A fun fact about me is that I attended my first LSU football game at the age of two. Outside of school, I love spending time with my rescue chiweenie, Piper. I also enjoy running, adventuring with friends, and traveling to new places.

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Abigail McCurry

I was born and raised in Baton Rouge and graduated from LSU with a bachelor’s degree in biological sciences and minor in animal science.

I have always seen myself practicing either small or mixed animal GP, but my newest dream is to also explore the realm of wildlife and exotic medicine!

I love reading, spending time with family and friends, and taking long walks, especially along the levee or around the LSU Lakes.

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Taylor Mitchell

I was born and raised in Arkansas, getting my B.S. in Biology at Lyon College. In undergrad, I worked in privately owned veterinary clinics as a veterinary assistant and was involved in biology and chemistry research teams. 

I started my veterinary medicine journey here at LSU hoping to become a small animal GP, but now that I’ve had more experience and broadened my horizons, I’m exploring other options, too. At the end of the day, my biggest goal is to graduate and become a veterinarian, figuring out the other details along the way!

When I’m not at school or studying, I can usually be found crafting, quilting, hanging out with friends, or playing with my dogs, Grimm and Cherry.

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Melisa Molina

I am from Nogales, a border town between Arizona and Mexico. I graduated from ASU with a bachelor's in biology and communications.

I am interested in working in wildlife conservation medicine and with small animals. As of recently I have been wanting to step more into the aquatic/marine mammal realm of veterinary medicine!

My favorite hobby is buying one-way tickets and exploring new places. I enjoy talking, hiking, baking, and being near large bodies of water.

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Shaye Alost

I am from El Paso, TX and completed my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Texas A&M University.

I have an interest in small animal general practice including small exotics. I also have interests in small animal orthopedic surgery and internal medicine.

I have 3 dogs and a cat that I care for all myself. I am also the only one in my family born in Texas as the rest was born in Louisiana!

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Mariana Gallaspy

I am from the small town of Bogalusa, Louisiana and attended an all-girls high school in Covington, LA. I completed my Bachelor's in Animal Science, Pre-Vet at Louisiana Tech University (Go Dawgs!!).

I am interested in mixed animal medicine, with special passions for integrative medicine and theriogenology. I would love to take part in part-time veterinary mission work as well. I am trying to keep an open mind to other opportunities, because the veterinary field has so much to offer! 

In my free time, I enjoy watching movies, fishing, puzzles/board games, and reading. I also have two cats, Remi and Goose, who I love hanging out with! 

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Katelynn Lorio

I’m from Jarreau, LA in Pointe Coupee Parish. I studied Microbiology with intentions of doing research, but decided to change paths to veterinary medicine.

I worked in Neurology and ICU as a technician for 5 years at the LSU VTH. My main interest is Neurology with some food animal medicine on the side. 

I enjoy road tripping and camping with my husband and dogs and going off roading in my 4Runner. In 2018 I was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis and Lupus. I own a dairy goat farm, and my husband and I own a firework stand called "Weenie Works Fireworks" named after my dachshund Bella Roux!

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Kaitlynn Moore

2026 Ambassador Chair

I was born in Manhattan, NY, and raised in Burlington, NJ. I completed my bachelors in small animal science with a minor in dairy science at Delaware Valley University. 

My current plan is to become a boarded surgeon and incorporate my love for dairy cows somewhere in my career. With having many different interest, I'm very open to change.

Fun fact about me is that I have a genetic bone disease that changes the color of my sclera blue gray. My hobbies include a little bit of arts and crafts when time allows and relaxing while doing nothing.

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Valentina Nunez

I was born in Colombia and moved to the US at 6 months old. After living in New Jersey, I moved to Prairieville, LA when I was 7. I joined the U.S. Air Force straight after high school, and then graduated from Southeastern with my B.S in Biology and Springhill with my MBA in leadership.

I’ve always loved animals and medicine, but my heart found its path during an Air Force medical humanitarian mission. While there to help people, I was drawn to the dogs wandering the streets, tended to their wounds, and fed them. It was clear then that my passion was in caring for animals.

I enjoy dancing, working out, traveling, and reading psychological thrillers. I own a small business, offering mobile pet grooming. I have 3 dogs (Athena, Boston and Zeus) and 2 cats (Josephine & Donatello)

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Amber Steinhauer

I was born in Redondo Beach, CA. In 2015, I flew to NYC and worked at several racetracks on the East Coast. I bought a car for $1,000 in Brooklyn, drove back to CA, and then backtracked to Hot Springs, Arkansas, which I have called home since.  

I started breaking colts right after high school at a thoroughbred farm and spent my life with thoroughbred racehorses. I am lucky to have worked with some exceptional equine veterinarians around the country. I am not sure what I will do after graduation, but I will be happy to start a career as a veterinarian.

I have four awesome dogs: Elsa, Red, Grey and Vinny the Borzoi! Elsa has been a pet therapy dog back home for 9 years, Grey is a live-find Search and Rescue dog in training, and Red and Vinny are here for moral support.

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Courtney Young

I was born in Dallas, TX and mostly raised in Shreveport, LA. I graduated from Nicholls State University with a bachelor’s in marine biology.

I’ve always dreamed of doing aquatics, but I’m excited to explore other possibilities. I worked in small animal for 2 years and before was afraid to touch cats, but now I own one!

I’m very artsy and love to paint and draw. I also love pottery and think it’s very therapeutic and the perfect combination of messy and creative.

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Kiersten Boss

Born in New Iberia, LA, I received my bachelor’s degree in Biology with minors in chemistry and psychology from UL Lafayette. I also have a masters of Comparative Biomedical Sciences from UGA.

I am interested in working with a variety of animals including small, exotics, and wildlife. I also hope to help with conservation efforts worldwide and also one day open my own clinic!

I enjoy playing video games, baking, and watching movies (especially horror). I also enjoy hanging out with my friends and my dog Zeppelin!  

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Alexis Nguyen

I’m from Baton Rouge, LA and earned my Bachelors in Animal Sciences with a minor in Biological Sciences from LSU.

The majority of my background is in molecular biology research where I worked on the creation of various nucleic acid vaccines for clinical veterinary application. While I fell in love with and began in research, I have loved gaining clinical experience and hope to work in clinical medicine after vet school.  

In my free time, I like to spend time outside or with friends and family, read, and garden

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Annmarie Raque

I grew up in New Orleans, LA and graduated from Mississippi State University with my bachelors degree in Animal & Dairy Sciences. 

I have a special interest in large and food animal medicine, specifically dairy medicine, and love all things cows! I also have a love for exotic animals and even have my own bearded dragon, Taquito, who is my best study buddy! 

I enjoy running, biking, reading fiction, going to Trader Joes, and watering my succulents!  

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Logan Roddy

I was born and raised in New Orleans, LA and I obtained my bachelor's in animal science from LSU.

I worked as a veterinary assistant at a small animal general practice and as a registered veterinary technician in dermatology, ICU, and surgery at at a small animal specialty hospital. From this I discovered an interest in specializing in veterinary medicine. My main interest right now is veterinary dentistry and oral surgery! 

I have a pit-bull named Sansa and a cat named Whisk who I love very much. I love taking my dog for a walk as a great de-stressor, and also love to bake, spend time with my family/friends, and tailgate for LSU football games. 

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Spencer Stelly

I was born and raised in Alexandria, LA and earned my B.S. in Chemistry with minors in Spanish and Biology from Louisiana Tech University.

I have worked in emergency and critical care, companion animal medicine, and laboratory research. While I still love these, I plan on doing policy and advocacy work for the government to give our furry friends the voice they deserve!

When I have free time, I like going on road trips, watching musical theatre, and spending time with my friends watching horror movies, listening to music, or trying new foods. 

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Vanessa Barrios

2024 Ambassador Chair

I was born in New Orleans. I attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and received my Bachelor’s degree in Biology. After that, I received my Master’s degree in CBS at the University of Georgia.

I am interested in working for the government as an advocate for our profession. I am passionate about community service, so I would love to spend my time helping in animal shelters.

I enjoy skateboarding, playing video games, and watching movies. I recently became a cat mom, so I am usually chilling with my cat or chasing her around my apartment.

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Alysia Cannon

I hail from Shreveport, Louisiana. My educational background includes a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Biological Sciences from LSUS. Previous work experience includes: veterinary receptionist, veterinary assistant, and biological sciences college instructor.

My veterinary interests include emergency and critical care. Emergency and Critical Care is a very fast paced field, and I enjoy bringing comfort to families and pets in times of need. I am also working to gain the proper certifications to be a part of veterinary natural disaster rescue efforts.

Every vet student needs a de-stressor and in my free time you can find me oil painting pet portraits with my study buddy/rescue cat, Stormie.

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Jaylon Carothers

I am originally from the small town of Lake Village, Arkansas. I attended the University of Arkansas and earned a bachelor's degree in animal science in 2022! (Woo pig!)

I am currently interested in mixed animal medicine and hope to become a board-certified cardiologist in the future!

In my free time, I enjoy traveling, hanging out with friends, and going to sporting events. I also have a Labrador retriever named Zeke who I love to spend time with!

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Courtney Ford-Franklin

Born and raised in Alexandria, Louisiana, I attended LSU for undergraduate and earned my B.S in animal science in 2019. I then attended LSU again to pursue my masters in public health.

I am interested in small animals and exotics. Research is something I also really enjoy and have a lot of background in, so I assist on research projects with a lot of the veterinarians at LSU.

In my free time I LOVE to watch horror movies, read thriller books, or workout!

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Peyton Hall

Originally from Shreveport, LA, I recently moved to Arnaudville, LA and am loving getting to explore a new area! I received my bachelor's degree in animal sciences and minor in business from Auburn University where I was also a student-athlete.
 
My main interests are companion animal and equine practice, equine sports medicine, and theriogenology. My true passion is equine sports medicine!

In my free time I love to curl up with a good book, walk my dog, or ride my horses.  

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Blaire Holliday

I was born in St. Petersburg, FL and raised in south suburbs of Chicago. I received my bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.

I worked as an animal care technician at the University of Chicago, where I developed an interest in Laboratory Animal Medicine, and later worked as a Research Associate at LSU Vet Med. Laboratory animal medicine is my top interest, but I am open to exotics and mixed animal as well.

When I am free, I love to get my hands dirty in the kitchen, listen to podcasts, and play hide-and-seek with my dog. 

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Raven Kelley

I am from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I received my Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Science from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University located in Greensboro, North Carolina.

I see myself going into small animal medicine, but I do plan to specialize. My interests include emergency and critical care, cardiology, and internal medicine. Because veterinary medicine has so much to offer, I am also keeping an open mind about the different paths I can take!

In my free time, I enjoy watching TV, working out, catching up on sleep, and coloring!

eMAIL rAVEn

Mary Robin Miller

I am originally from Flowood, Mississippi. I received my bachelor’s degree in pre-veterinary biochemistry from Mississippi State University.

I have always seen myself going into mixed animal general practice after veterinary school; however, I am keeping an open mind to all the different paths that can be taken in veterinary medicine. I am excited to see what my future holds!

In my free time, I love photography, color guard, watching TV, going to the beach, and hanging out with my dog, Ace!

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Mya Orantes

I was born in Metairie, LA, but grew up in Lafayette, LA, a small city outside of Baton Rouge. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences with a minor in Physical Theatre at LSU.

I am interested by so many fields in veterinary medicine that I hope to work in a mixed practice facility in the future. Specific interests include equine medicine, integrative medicine, dermatology, surgery, and dentistry. I also dream to work with primates one day.

I’m always looking for new skills to learn or try! I currently love aerial silks, gardening, baking, knitting, playing piano, and playing beach volleyball.

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Emily Smith

I was born and raised in the small town of Cabot, Arkansas. I attended Southern Arkansas University where I earned my bachelor's degree in Agriculture: Pre-Veterinary Science.

I am currently most interested in a career in small animal surgery, but there are many different specialties that I could see myself pursuing. Some of these fields include integrative medicine, animal behavior, and emergency medicine!

In my free time, I love to hang out with my friends, travel, try new recipes, shop, and spend time with my dog, Punkin!

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Alexandria Taylor

I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas and have a Bachelors in Biology. I’ve worked as a vet tech, veterinary receptionist, and a surgery tech.

My veterinary interests include dermatology and internal medicine. I also have an interest in mixed animal practice.

My hobbies include working out, binge watching movies and TV shows, playing video games, and having game nights with friends and my cat SJ (Spicy Jalapeño).

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Carmelle Walker

I grew up in Shreveport, LA where I spent the majority of my time drawing, swimming, or riding my gray thoroughbred, Vail.

At LSU SVM, I seem to find new passions every week, but my main interests include integrative medicine and veterinary dentistry.  
Outside of school, my favorite hobbies include riding, gardening, cooking, and spoiling my German Shepherd mix named Fletcher. 

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