Bird Enrichment/ Basketball

As the lone senior and a co-captain on the women’s basketball team, Daelyn Stabler ’23 is used to being the squad’s veteran. As a key contributor to the team since her first season, basketball has been a significant part of her college career. However, the biology major and environmental studies minor chose the College because she knew it would enhance her goal of becoming a veterinarian.

“The impressive facilities, the friendly and helpful science professors I met, and LVC’s high health professions graduate school acceptance rate, combined with the comradery I felt from the basketball team, cemented my decision,” said Stabler.

Stabler completed three internships, including experiences with ZooAmerica in Hershey and the National Aviary in Pittsburgh.

“I was an Animal Collections intern at the National Aviary and, because they knew I wanted to become a veterinarian, they allowed me to work in the Breeding Center and observe and assist with various medical procedures in the Veterinary Hospital,” noted Stabler. “I fed, cleaned, and provided enrichment for more than 60 of the 150 species and gave daily presentations about African penguins and species conservation efforts. This unpaid internship was only possible thanks to the financial support I received from the Steven J. and Wendie DiMatteo Holsinger Immersive Experience Fund.”

Editor’s Note: Stabler received the Marion C. Alexander Rising Star Award from the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts Women in STEM program (see p. 11).