Elizabeth Demuro, a 2018 Animal Science graduate from the University of Vermont, spends her days as a veterinary technician at an animal hospital in New Jersey. Growing up vacationing on Lake George and near Burlington, Liz was naturally drawn to Vermont’s aesthetic – the lake, the mountains, and the sense of community. Liz always knew she wanted to major in something science related and had a great passion for animals. Luckily, with a little help from her freshman RA, Liz chose to pursue the animal science major. 

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A typical week for Liz is spent at Nutley Animal Hospital working as a vet tech alongside 5 veterinarians and other vet technicians. Her days are fast paced, usually involving appointments every 15 or so minutes. There are also surgeries scheduled for 3 days a week. Liz hopes to go to vet school and become a veterinarian of her own. 

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Liz decided to go into her profession because she wanted to help animals, but she has chosen to stay in her profession because she likes teaching people about animals. She explained that she is on the front lines of teaching people how to take care of animals the right way. She is able to see firsthand how her profession is making a difference. 

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Liz reflected on her time at UVM and emphasized her love for one specific class she took with Professor Pat Erickson. She took a class called “you to the zoo,” where she and 9 other classmates were taken to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse, NY. At the zoo, the students rotated between different enclosures, shadowing keepers and the zoos veterinarian. Liz explained that working in the zoo’s elephant colony was the most humbling and inspiring experience throughout her lifetime. She discovered her passion for teaching others about animals, especially elephant conservation efforts, and how each person can improve the lives of their own pets at home. To quote Liz, “the basis of change is education, and I really want to be a part of that change.” 

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It is no surprise that the animal science major Liz pursued at UVM shaped her into the person she is now. She has a continued passion for educating others on animals, and her efforts to take care of animals is practiced and developed daily.