Maggie Hayes is an animal science major from Newmarket, N.H. She has won a Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) to work with David Needle, professor and senior veterinary pathologist at the New Hampshire Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, on research titled “Skunk Adenovirus-1 Surveillance Geospatial and Genomic Characterization Study.”
Maggie, who plans to attend veterinary school following graduation from UNH, recently assisted in the birth of quintuplet lambs at a nearby sheep farm.
Maggie Hayes: When I entered college, I was still unsure of the career path I wanted to follow. With UNH having such a variety of majors to choose from, I felt comfortable knowing I would find something that fit my goals.
Another reason I chose UNH was because I felt a great sense of community on this campus that made it very easy to adjust to the lifestyle change of college. Durham is such a vibrant town that has everything you could need right downtown, there was no other campus like it!
Maggie: After taking an undeclared advising course, I found my way to the animal science major on the pre-veterinary track. I grew up around animals and always felt a special bond with them and was always fascinated by medicine. Through hands-on experiences at UNH I have been able to work with a variety of animals, which has not only enhanced my love for veterinary medicine but prepared me very well for veterinary school.
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Maggie: In addition to the numerous hands-on experiences with a variety of animal species, thanks to UNH I have been able to step out of my comfort zone, growing in confidence as a leader and public speaker — important attributes as an aspiring veterinarian. UNH has numerous leadership opportunities not only within many majors but within clubs, fraternity and sorority life, and more.
Maggie: After graduation, I plan to attend veterinary school to obtain my Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. With this degree I plan to move into clinical practice at a local small animal hospital.
Maggie: UNH has prepared me to achieve my goals through a variety of opportunities within veterinary medicine. Not only do we have the state's veterinary diagnostic laboratory right on campus, but there are multiple barns on campus or just a short drive away. If you prefer small animals like myself, there are numerous clinics and hospitals nearby that I have been able to discover through the help of faculty and staff.
Courses such as Animal Diseases have been a great way to connect learning material to real life cases that I am experiencing in my position as a veterinary assistant.
Maggie: UNH is right in the center of everything that is so amazing about New England. On a day off, I can travel down to the beach, up to the mountains or even to a bustling city like Boston on the weekend. And nothing compares to our autumn season. It is the perfect area to grow up — and go to college — in.
