VetPAC Impact 2025–2026
“This year, VetPAC reached new heights, from a record-breaking networking event connecting 241 students with 90 professionals to our students earning national recognition through the APVMA Executive Board. Watching our students grow into confident, career-ready future professionals through experiential internships, conferences, and mentorship remains the greatest privilege of leading VetPAC.”
Dr. Shweta Trivedi, Director, VetPAC
INTERNSHIPS
VetPAC Internship
25
Interns
18
Interns
As future leaders in veterinary medicine, VetPAC interns supported the pre-vet advising center by maintaining advising resources, managing student communications, and assisting with major initiatives including annual events, internships, and recruitment opportunities. Through individualized mentoring and advising, interns supported 55 pre-vet students. Interns also advanced their own professional development through conference attendance at NCVC and APVMA. Additionally, interns visited the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine (NC State CVM) Comparative Pain Research Center.
Shelter Medicine Internship
Interns working at Orange County Animal Services (OCAS) gained over 50 hours of hands-on animal and veterinary experience in a real world shelter setting. Students assisted with essential tasks including animal health assessments, surgical preparation, assisting with spay and neuter procedures, cleaning and sterilizing instruments, wrapping surgical packs, and safe animal handling. They also contributed to enrichment planning and adoption preparation while working directly with veterinarians and shelter staff. This experience highlights the critical role of veterinary medicine in animal welfare and community health.
Museum Medicine Internship
6
Interns
Interns supported the care of the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences’ Living Collection under Dr. Dan Dombrowski’s mentorship. Through direct involvement in husbandry and medical management of exotic species, interns developed clinical skills while strengthening public engagement through the Window on Animal Health exhibit. A highlight was a collaborative research project with the Museum’s Sea Turtle Conservation program that investigated cold-stranding effects on sea turtles, combining field research with direct animal care. This experience reinforced the connection between conservation, research, and veterinary medicine.
2
Interns
Feline Health Internship
During peak summer kitten season, interns supported high-volume operations at OCAS, contributing to intake exams, medical treatment, surgical preparation, and foster coordination. Working alongside veterinary and animal care teams, they assisted with spay/neuter procedures, anesthesia recovery, instrument sterilization, and kitten husbandry. Interns also engaged in foster communication and clinical support, building practical skills in feline medicine and shelter welfare. This experience enhanced their understanding of population medicine and large-scale shelter operations.
11
Interns
Canine College Internship
In partnership with the NC State CVM Lab Animal Resources team, interns gained direct experience in laboratory animal medicine through structured work with beagle and hound colony dogs. They facilitated enrichment, leash training, and basic command conditioning while applying positive reinforcement and humane handling techniques. Interns also completed a semester-long research project comparing treatbased and affection-based rewards, providing insights into animal behavior and welfare. The project helped strengthen their skills in data collection, analysis, and research methodology.
“Serving as a VetPAC intern has been one of the most meaningful parts of my college experience. As a SADAS Coordinator, I was able to give back to the programs and communities that have poured so much into my personal and professional development, while continuing to grow as a leader.”
“Having the opportunity to serve as a VetPAC Leadership Intern has been one of the most profound experiences in my college career, thus far. I have had the honor to attend professional development events, mentor peers, and coordinate the VetPAC Shelter Medicine Internships. This position has boosted not only my personal growth but, also given me an appreciation for making a lasting impact on my pre-veterinary community.”
Georgia Eckhardt VetPAC Intern, 2025-26
Hunter Merritt VetPAC Intern, 2025-26
OUTREACH
Spend a Day at State (SADAS)
122 Students Hosted
225 Students Hosted
VetPAC interns collaborated with CALS to host informational sessions for high school and admitted students interested in veterinary medicine. Interns delivered presentations on VetPAC resources, CVM admissions, VetCAMP, and shared insights on pre-vet life. Attendees received information packets containing VetPAC materials such as the annual impact report and various pre-vet handouts.
Open House Attendance
VetPAC hosted an outreach booth at the University Open House and the College of Veterinary Medicine Open House. Attendees were introduced to VetPAC, its support for pre-vet students and opportunities available to prospective and admitted students. Engagement primarily centered on high school audiences and highlighted the pre-college program, VetCAMP, and resources for aspiring veterinarians.
VetCAMP
81 Campers
133 Campers
Campers engaged in interactive activities at NC State Educational Units, small animal basics, suture lab, and a wound care and bandaging lab covering wound assessment, healing, and bandaging techniques. Additional learning included anatomy and physiology lectures with heart and eye dissections. A campus tour and dormitory stay introduced university life. Across both weeks, campers donated 196 lbs of food to Feed the Pack Pantry, 150 dog and cat toys to local shelters, and represented 27 North Carolina counties and 16 states.
Virtual VetCAMP
This flexible five-day program gave high schoolers veterinary experience through virtual labs in drug administration, hematology, and osteology, plus sessions with NC State CVM admissions, Turtle Rescue Team, a shelter veterinarian, and a canine fitness trainer. Over 90% of campers used athome dissection kits to review specimens, label anatomy, and engage with peers online. Campers completed and presented service projects connecting learning to community impact.
EVENTS
182 Attendees
105 Attendees
VetPAC Fall Seminar Series
“Experiential Opportuntities in Veterinary Medicine”
This year’s theme fostered meaningful engagement between students and veterinary professionals representing diverse specialties. Designed to emphasize immersive learning, the series connected attendees with representatives from the Undergraduate Research Department, NC State CVM Equine Emergency Services, the Avian and Exotic Animal Care Hospital, and a practice manager from Clayton Animal Hospital. These speakers provided insight into their work, outlined pathways for pre-vet students to gain practical experience and inspired exploration of the diverse career paths within veterinary medicine.
Pre-Vet First Year Orientation
VetPAC’s 8th annual First Year Orientation welcomed new pre-vet students beginning their veterinary journey at NC State. The VetPAC director, Dr. Shweta Trivedi, introduced VetPAC’s mission and resources on campus. The NC State CVM admissions team shared insights on the VMCAS application and becoming a competitive applicant. Students chose to attend one of two workshops led by former VetPAC Interns: Career Mapping or Pre-Veterinary Opportunities. Packets provided to students included VetPAC informational handouts and pre-vet resources for career planning.
VetPAC Annual Networking Event
241 Attendees
90 Speakers
Held at Talley Student Union during the spring semester, the event was hosted for the 15th time and welcomed a record-breaking number of students for the second consecutive year. Students connected with 90 professionals representing 50 organizations, including veterinary schools, private practices, equine hospitals, exotic animal facilities, and industry partners. The event provided insight to a wide range of veterinary career paths while strengthening professional networking skills and fostering meaningful industry connections.
ACADEMIC PREPARATION
Students Admitted
ANS 281: Professional Development of PreVeterinary Track Students
This course prepared pre-vet students for the veterinary school application process while introducing them to diverse career paths within the profession. Students developed a stronger understanding of the VMCAS application process, including gaining veterinary experience, writing personal statements, and securing strong letters of recommendation. Guest speakers included CVM faculty representing lab animal, exotic, and large animal medicine, as well as former applicants who shared perspectives on the veterinary school admissions process and successful application strategies. Students also explored dual-degree pathways and strategies for managing veterinary school debt, supporting informed long-term career planning. Required participation in VetPAC’s Annual Networking Event and the CVM Open House further aided students’ professional development and career exploration. 99
15
Students Admitted
ANS 395: Introduction to Animal Behavior and Veterinary Physiotherapy in UK
A two-week study abroad program at Harper Adams University combined veterinary physiotherapy and animal behavior in an immersive, handson format. Week one focused on anatomy, biomechanics, and rehabilitation methods through lectures, labs, and practical work with companion animals and livestock. Hands-on activities included dissections, gait analysis, hydrotherapy and electrotherapy applications. Week two emphasized animal behavior, including observation, ethogram development, and welfare assessment across multiple species. Throughout both weeks, students developed practical skills applicable to veterinary medicine, rehabilitation, and animal welfare careers. Students also participated in cultural excursions to London, Oxford, Shrewsbury, Snowdonia National Park, and Welsh villages, enriching the overall study abroad experience.
CONFERENCE ATTENDANCE
2026 American Pre-Veterinary Medical Association (APVMA)
VetPAC sent 12 pre-vet students to APVMA, hosted by Louisiana State University. Students attended lectures on topics including mental health in veterinary medicine, affording veterinary school, animal behavior, dentistry, shelter medicine and neonatal care. Students also participated in one lab experience, choosing from anatomy, surgical skills, clinical skills, or ruminant medicine. Amelia Byrd, Georgia Eckhardt, and Rachel Titus presented posters at the first ever Research Slam. During the closing ceremony, Jeimy Aguilar-Mayoral was elected Secretary of the APVMA Executive Board, and our Pre-Vet Club (PVMA) received the Outstanding National Club Award.
2026 North Carolina Veterinary Conference (NCVC)
NCVC, hosted in Raleigh, provided 12 VetPAC interns with valuable opportunities to enhance their professional and networking skills. Interns attended sessions covering topics in equine neonatal care, veterinary rehabilitation, neurology and emergency triage, while connecting with veterinarians, veterinary professionals, and industry representatives. Following the conference, interns completed written reflections on their networking experiences with lecturers and exhibitors.
SOCIAL MEDIA
YouTube Videos:
> VetPAC How-To: Manage your Academic Life (30 views)
> Canine College: Undergraduate Internship Model for Canine Colony Enrichment & Program Refinement (16 views)
> Undergraduate Research Spotlight (50 views)
> Defining your Experiences for the VMCAS Application (233 views)
> Inside the Pre-Vet Journey:
- Work-life Balance and Tips for Success (52 views)
- Impactful Experiences and Student Growth (24 views)
- VMCAS Advice and Resources (19 views)
- VMCAS Application and Experiences (20 views)
87 Subscribers
220 Followers
1,256 Followers
638 Followers
686 Students
VetPAC YouTube
NC State Official VetPAC
VetPAC LinkedIn
Veterinary Professions Advising Center (VetPAC)
VetPAC Instagram @ncsuvetpac
VetCAMP Instagram @ncsu_vetcamp
Total Pre-Veterinary Students in VetPAC
AWARDS & HONORS
APVMA Executive Board: Secretary
Jeimy Aguilar-Mayoral
AAVMC Scholarship ($1,000)
Lakyn Platt
C.E.L.A Belize Scholarship ($375)
Trinity Forbes
Wild Inside Adventures Scholarship ($150)
Victor Shr
APVMA Outstanding Club Award
Pre-Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA)
CALS Undergraduate Student
Organization Engagement of the Year
Pre-Veterinary Medical Association (PVMA)
Alumni Distinguished Undergraduate Professor Award
Dr. Shweta Trivedi
