Welcome Class of 2019! - College of Veterinary Medicine

Welcome Class of 2019!
Ross Point, ID
August 17-19, 2015
COLE 2014—c/o 2018
Your awesome COLE 2015 Mentors:
Abney Brown (2017)
Hello all! I’m Abney Brown. I grew up in Carson City, Nevada,
where I had the opportunity to work with not only small animals,
but also wildlife and zoo animals including tigers and lions (not
bears. Oh My!). I graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno.
I want to own a mixed animal practice where I can see every kind
of animal known to man! Currently, I am a third year here at WSU
after leaving USU and I am loving every second of it! I have my
two rescue-dachshunds, Namie and Ben, my Maine Coon mix
kitty, Goose, and last but not least my handsome tabby, Maverick,
here to support me.
Aaron Burden (2018)
Sad day. Aaron forgot to send his bio and an awesome picture.
Feel free to pester him about it! 
Cody Cano (2018)
I enjoy listening to the Beastie Boys while baking cookies. I cannot do a
handstand, but I can do a footstand. I like to juggle and count to 100. My parents
met at taco bell. I am a certified Sandwich Artist, but don’t ask me to make you a
sandwich. I took a Buddhism class in undergrad, so now I’m an expert. I stood
where Gandalf the Grey roped Biblo into an unexpected journey. My burger
recipe is awesome and eating one inspires greatness. I like watching house
hunters and just… dreaming. I dislike it when people use ROFL or BRB during
interactions. I want Ryan Gosling to build me a white house with blue shutters
and a room overlooking the river so I can paint. I like watching the price is right
and yelling at the contestants. Also, Bob Barker is my hero. I love to laugh…
LOL! I started playing racquetball last year and I’m always willing to play. I like
extra pulp in my orange juice. I will hug you if you let me. I want to be old just
so I can wear pants with elastic bands on them. I love lamp.
Ashley Coll (2017)—COLE Crew
Hey there! My name is Ashley! I am a 3rd year veterinary student that went
through the USU-WSU program and I am a part of the COLE Crew
Team. Originally from rural Nevada, I did my undergraduate studies at the
University of Nevada, Reno. I've just made the lovely move up to Pullman
with my handsome chocolate lab, Cooper (see picture) and I am excited to be
at COLE with everyone! I hope you guys enjoy the ride! The next four years
are crazy and fun! Welcome to Veterinary School!
Nashua Compton (2017)
I am a member of the class of 2017 and am SCAVMA’s
President. Born in Seattle and raised on Whidbey Island it was only
a matter of time before I became a Husky, graduating from the
University of Washington with a degree in Biology in 2005. I love
to cook, bake, and play soccer. I love soccer so much that I’ve torn
my ACLs a total of 3 times for the sport and continue to play today
despite it (for those questioning my counting ability yes, I re-tore a
repaired ACL). In school, I am focused on small animal surgery
and am a TA for our Clinical Simulation Center (or Open Lab as most people call it). We hope that
COLE will provide you with a great launching platform into the veterinary career. This is an amazing
school and I am very excited to get to know all of you so please feel free to come talk to me any time. I
respond well to bribes of bubbles and dinosaurs should you ever feel the need.
Cody Crenwelge (2018)
Howdy! My name is Cody Crenwelge and I was born and raised in
Fredericksburg, Texas! I attended Texas A&M University for my undergrad
and majored in zoology. I am currently a 2nd year vet student here at the
wonderful WSU CVM! I am a fan of the outdoors, tennis, a good
thunderstorm, Harry Potter, chocolate, hamburgers, (well any and all food
really), my giant family, and of course - animals! As of now I’m not really
set on any specialty; I’m keeping my mind open to all opportunities! I came
to Washington not knowing anyone in the entire state, but I’m happy to say
that I’ve found the best family away from home and I have no doubt in my
mind that you will too.
Lydia Gentry (2017)
Hello Class of 2019! I am a 3rd year interested in food animal medicine,
specifically "small ag" sustainable operations and diversified farms. An active
member and former officer in VBMA, I'm also interested in owning my
practice one day and making vet-med profitable. I started this journey later in
life, so I'm here to inspire and support all you career changers and older
students. Want to talk about or figure out how you particular skill set applies
to veterinary medicine? I'm all ears, and I'd love to hear your story! There are
many roads that lead here, and many ways to do vet school right. Welcome to
COLE, and the next chapter of your life!
Chelsea Gilpin (2018)
Why hello there! My name is Chelsea Gilpin and I am a second year student at
WSU. I grew up in West Seattle, WA and came to WSU in 2010. Currently, I
am interested in exotic and wildlife medicine, although cats and dogs will
always hold a place in my heart. By day, I am a mild mannered veterinary
student. By early evening, I am skating with Rolling Hills Derby Dames, a
local women’s flat track roller derby team as #206 Arma Killo. Derby is how I
keep my body and mind sharp. By later evening, I am reading A Song of Ice
and Fire or watching Netflix experimenting with my next Pinterest craft. I’m
looking forward to meeting you all! Keep a positive attitude and an open mind
during COLE and welcome to the WSU CVM family!
Jerald (J.J.) Hansen (2018)
My name is Jerald Hansen but most people call me J.J. I recently finished my first year of vet school as a
part of the relatively new Utah State University regional veterinary
program and am glad to be starting my second year soon. It has been a
great experience being part of a new up and coming program along with a
program rich in veterinary tradition. I have a wife and two little boys who
love to play with their ten month old Brittany spaniel dog. When I first
started my college career I was interested in chemistry and chose that as
my major. As I came closer to graduating, however, I realized that many
careers in the field of chemistry did not excite me. One afternoon I was out
on a hike when my dog was bitten by a rattlesnake. We rushed him off to
the veterinarian. While the veterinarian worked on my dog he asked me
some questions about what I was doing in school. When I told him chemistry, he asked if I had ever
considered veterinary work. He then told me he also works at the vet school on campus and he would be
willing to meet with me to tell me more about this career path. My dog ended up being fine with an
awesome story to brag to his friends about and I was able to meet with the vet on campus the next week.
After meeting with him I switched my major to pre vet and never looked back. I will admit that though I
still passionately hate snakes, I have some unlikely gratitude toward the one that bit my dog.
Jared Hardaway (2018)
Hi, my name is Jared Hardaway, and I am a second year student. I grew up in, Belgrade, a small farm and
ranch community outside of Bozeman MT. Ever since I was a young boy I was immersed in the
veterinary and ranch community riding along with my father on ranch calls and late night emergencies at
the clinic. I have been fortunate enough to walk alongside and engage in my father’s veterinary practice
and hope to continue what he started working as a
mixed animal practitioner, mainly focusing on large
animals. When I am not working at the veterinary
hospital you can find me outside; skiing,
snowmobiling, hunting, fishing, riding my horses,
boating, and most importantly spending time with
family and friends. After school I plan on returning to
MT to work alongside my father.
Jessie Holley (2017)—COLE Crew, MC
Vet school is going to be a part of your life, just one part. And you’ll never
forget these next four years. Welcome to WSU Vet Med. Picture- “The
Border Colleagues” Final gig at Rico’s pub, spring 2015 (farthest to the
right).
Martha Jackson (2017)
Hi! I’m a member of the class of 2017, and this is me and my
roommate’s dog, Kova, when she was 7 weeks old. I am originally from
Baltimore, MD, but studied Zoology at WSU as an undergraduate. I love
all animals (but horses and dolphins especially). I also love hiking,
photography, languages, and travel. I am super excited to welcome you
to the WSU Vetmed family! I hope this start to your veterinary career is
fun, and helps you to become a cohesive and supportive class.
Sam Kerby (2018)
Hey everyone, I’m Sam, welcome to WSU. I’m a 2nd year and looking to go into small
animal or possibly the Veterinary Corps. Of the Army, we’ll see what happens. I’m
huge into sports, I’ll play just about anything that is on land, big time basketball fan,
GO DUKE. Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, went to Iowa for undergrad
and ended up out here. I’m also into cooking, barbershop, videogames, and outdoorsy
stuff if it’s a nice day. Welcome to COLE, if you want to get a game of ball or anything
going while here just come find me, I’ll probably be there already anyways.
Elena Kremer (2018)
Hello! My name is Elena Kremer and I hail from San Diego, CA. However, I have been a globe trotter
since I graduated from college and lived in Spain, Eastern
Canada, Wyoming, and Seattle before I finally applied for vet
school. My passions include travel, hiking, camping, horseback
riding, cooking, animals (obviously) and anything else I can
dream up to do in the great outdoors. I have so many interests in
the field of veterinary medicine it is just so hard to choose a
single one! I am currently involved in research and hold a
special place in my heart for equine medicine. I have loved
every second of my time as a vet student here at WSU, and am excited to welcome you to the vet med
family! Go cougs!
Joel Larson (2018)
Welcome class of 2019! I’m Joel, from the class of 2018, and I hope you are excited to get this new
journey on its way, because I know I am! I was born and raised in the small town of Arlington on the west
side of Washington State. Ending up in Pullman for my
undergraduate, I graduated from WSU with a degree in the
natural resource sciences, wildlife ecology as my major. I came
to vet school very open minded, so although I have small animal
experience, I am interested in gaining experience wherever I can.
Eventually, I would like to peruse a path for wildlife medicine.
As an avid recreationalist, I love to be outside. Hiking, biking,
camping, snowshoeing are just a few of the activities that calm
me down. Sports are also an interest of mine. You are likely to
catch me in the hallway talking about the Cougs and Seahawks
and it’s easy to rile me up the topic. Most importantly, I am a
Coug through and through, and I am thrilled to welcome all of
you into the Cougar family. We WILL have a great time!
Welcome again and GO COUGS!
Kat Martucci (2017)
I am a member of the class of 2017 and serve as the president of Behavior Club. I completed my
undergraduate degrees at WSU in Neuroscience and Psychology with an
emphasis in veterinary behavior. Although my career plans are still fuzzy,
I enjoy both large and small animal medicine as well as research and
academia. I have lived in 3 corners of the United States and currently call
Pullman “home”. Most of my free time is spent pursuing a variety of
hobbies including dog sports (primarily agility), robotics, rock climbing,
and photography. The picture shows me hanging out on the lawns in front
of the veterinary college with two of my dogs: Dazzle on the left (10 year
old border collie) and Kova on the right (3 year old golden retriever). I am
excited to welcome you into the close-knit WSU community and kick off
the didactic portion of your veterinary adventure. Every moment is a learning experience and
opportunities abound for you!
Lee Matheson (2018)
I am originally from Salt Lake City, Utah. I have been married
to my wife Rachel for 5 years and we have a 2-year-old son
named Marshall. We are members of the Mormon Church for
which I served as a missionary in Houston, Texas from 20062008. Our faith is a big part of our lives and we enjoy devoting
time each week to serving others - I as a clerk and my wife as a
teacher of young women. I received my bachelor’s degree in
Animal, Dairy and Veterinary Science at Utah State in 2014.
Before vet school I also worked as a banker for 5 years. My
interests are in small animal medicine and exotics. I enjoy doing
home improvement projects, working on cars, spending time with my wife and son, drawing, reading, and
traveling.
Lauren Michaud (2018)
Hi there! My name is Lauren Michaud. I am a second year student at the Utah
State campus in Logan, Utah. I’ve been really looking forward to being a
COLE mentor this year and can’t wait to spend time with all the students
from other campuses. I plan to go into small animal or equine practice; it’s a
tough choice. In my spare time away from school I love all things outdoors,
whether it’s rock climbing, hiking, backpacking, kayaking, skiing or anything
else that’s new and exciting. Here’s a picture of me with my husband and our
three dogs, Grace, Cash and Rosie. I can’t wait to meet all of you!
Colin Miller (2018)
Hi, I'm Colin and I'm a second-year vet student in Pullman. I was born and raised in
the Seattle area, and I enjoyed hiking, scuba diving and skiing all over the
Northwest. My path to vet school was a bit of a roundabout one: I went to college
in Walla Walla and graduated unsure of what career to pursue. I joined the Peace
Corps and served two years in Nicaragua training teachers to implement an
environmental science curriculum and make school vegetable gardens. After that I
worked for a year at a tech startup in Seattle, before deciding to take the plunge and
apply to vet school, and now I couldn't imagine myself anywhere else. I'm looking forward to meeting
you all!
Jessica Nielsen (2018)
My name is Jessica Nielsen and I am just starting my second year at Utah
State. I am the oldest of four girls, and I absolutely love my family. They are
without a doubt some of the coolest people I know. I was born and raised in
Salt Lake City and did my undergraduate work at Utah State as well. I was
very excited to continue my education there, and I have loved every minute of
it. I’m not entirely sure what avenue of veterinary medicine I want to pursue,
but I’m having a great time exploring the different options. This summer I had
an internship with Banfield Animal Hospitals, to explore small animal
medicine. When I’m not in school I enjoy nearly every type of water sport,
and was raised to ski, but my favorite is wakesurfing. If you don’t know what
wakesurfing is, or if you do and you also love it, come find me! But I love
snow skiing as well, and usually camp and hike in between ski seasons, and am
a novice rock climber, but I love it. And I absolutely love reading and watching movies, and could be
described as a mild tv addict.
Kayela Rushing (2017)
My name is Kayela Rushing and I am a third year student from Wenatchee
Washington. I love to hug large animals… but that's about as far as that
goes therefore I plan to work in small animal general practice. I attended
WSU for undergrad and received degrees in Animal Science and Zoology.
I was also on the WSU bowling team and have scented bowling balls (one
is grape and the other is chocolate). I love hugs and talking so feel free to
come say hello :D
Marie Salazar (2017)
Hi All! I am thrilled to be a part of your transition into vet school by
serving you at COLE. I know you’ve been told how challenging this
will be, but my hope for you all is to realize that the world is your
oyster and vet school will reward you in ways you never expected. So
be excited! I am in the class of 2017 and serve as budget chair on the
executive SCAVMA board. I tell people I want to practice mixed
animal medicine because, really, I just haven’t decided yet. I was born
and raised in Washington state and completed my undergraduate
studies here at WSU, so please feel free to approach me with any
questions about the area. Welcome Class of 2019!
Holly Sawyer (2017)
I’m Holly Sawyer, and I have no idea how to start this! I’m a native
Washingtonian – I grew up in Yakima, have a music performance degree from
CWU in Ellensburg, and now I’m here in Pullman for my third year of vet school!
I’m currently in the process of adopting a greyhound (it may become a palpation
dog for anatomy, so keep an eye out!), I could eat potstickers all day every day, I
adore bright colors, I tend to sing and dance when I’m home alone, I love
Halloween makeup, and I smile probably way more than any person
should. When I grow up, I’m hoping to be a part of a small animal clinic or work
as a zoo veterinarian; I haven’t decided yet! Shout out to Bethany, who I get to
room with!!
Michael Snyder (2018)
"Seattle, 1991: Michael was born one dark and stormy night, and spent the next 18 years of his life
figuring out that being a vet might be a good idea. He then entered his chrysalis
stage at Colorado State University before emerging as a beautiful, nectar-drinking
first year at WSU. He enjoys good food and drink, staying up way too late on
school nights and regretting every minute of it, playing soccer, League of
Legends, and barely detectable sarcasm. His weaknesses are lactose, a lack of
alcohol dehydrogenase, and French braids. He would one day like to work in a
field that makes a positive difference at both personal and societal levels while
promoting sustainability and equality. To this end he is trying to figure out if he
can work with food animals as a veterinarian who helps create more sustainable
yet profitable food production systems either domestically or abroad. He also
really likes dogs and cats. He confuses himself too."
Erin Spencer (2018)
Hi, welcome to COLE! My name is Erin and I am from Salt
Lake City, UT. I have a degree in Animal, Dairy, and Veterinary
Sciences from Utah State University and I am a second year at
the Logan Campus. I wanted to be a COLE mentor because I am
passionate about this profession and the wide variety of
opportunities (both personal and professional) it provides to
those of us lucky enough to be a part of it! Many of you will hear
from me throughout the year because of my involvement in the
Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA). A little
about me… I am primarily interested in practicing small animal
medicine. I try to be outdoors as much as possible. I love to
travel, hike, ride horses, snowboard, read, and pretty much
anything that involves my dog, Charly!
Chiara Velotta (2016)—COLE Crew
Hey everyone! Welcome to COLE! I’m so excited for all of you to join our amazing community here at
WSU. I grew up in Las Vegas, NV, attended the University of Nevada, Reno for undergraduate and
graduate school and then began my journey through veterinary
school with WSU at the Logan campus. I made the big move up to
Pullman last summer for third year and am now in my fourth and
final year! I took a break from clinical rotations at the VTH to come
be a part of COLE with you guys! I have been a COLE mentor for
the last two years, but this year I am part of COLE crew and we
have lots of plans to make it a fun and memorable week for you. I
love being outdoors, camping, hiking and adventuring/traveling with
my border collie Burton. Also, though I’m a bit of a newbie, I’m
into photography as well. My plan after graduation is to go into private mixed animal
practice…somewhere…to be determined…Anyway, I’m thrilled to meet all of you! Come find me if you
want to talk or ask questions or even if you just want to say hi! Enjoy yourselves this week! Happy
COLE!!! (In the picture, I’m on the far right at The Wave, UT)
Erik Walker (2018)
Hello, Hope you are enjoying the bus ride to COLE! Here is a little about
myself to keep you distracted on the ride up to COLE. I come from Port
Orchard Washington which is along the Puget Sound (1.5hrs south of
Seattle). I am a graduate of the WSU Animal Sciences Department, with a
background in swine production and poultry. Upon graduation I went on
to become a Research Intern within the WSU Veterinary Microbiology
Pathology department investigating the herpes simplex virus and its
mechanisms of entry into the cell. After completing my research I applied
to the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine and am currently entering
into my second year in the veterinary curriculum.
Believe it or not there is quite a bit to do in the Palouse area (if you like the outdoors). I am an avid hiker,
runner, rock climber, pretty much anything outdoors I enjoy doing so if you are looking for ideas on what
to do during your weekends (other than studying) always feel free to hit me up. See you in a couple
hours!
Tara Whalen (2018)
Greetings! My name is Tara and I am currently entering my second year at the Utah
campus. Professionally speaking, I am fascinated with large animal medicine,
especially anything to do with equines. And goats. Goats are awesome. Outside of
school, I love to drag my husband and adopted Staffordshire terrier, The Potato, on
ridiculously long hikes, eat outrageous amounts of bacon and sample craft
microbrews. In addition, I have no doubts that you will be lucky enough to be regaled
by my excellent singing. I may be tone deaf, but I make tone deaf sound good.
Regardless, I cannot wait to meet you and take this first step on our crazy journey
together!