Learn more about our Students, Alumni, Faculty, Staff, and their beloved pets!
Get to know the vibrant community that brings our college to life. From students pushing boundaries in veterinary science, to alumni making an impact in communities around the world, to dedicated faculty and staff shaping the future of animal and human health.
Here, we also celebrate the furry, feathered, and scaled companions who keep us grounded and remind us why we do what we do. Explore heartfelt profiles, behind-the-scenes moments, expert advice, and everyday insights that highlight the people (and pets!) who make our college extraordinary.
FACULTY
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VMCVM Alumni Spotlight: Kristin Eden , articleMeet Kristin Eden '06, DVM '10, PhD '18, anatomic pathologist at the veterinary college and associate professor at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. Passionate about education and mentorship, she brings a collaborative, compassionate approach to teaching both veterinary and medical students. Whether in the lab or the classroom, she blends curiosity, honesty, and a love for learning, plus a little ice hockey on the side.
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VMCVM Faculty Spotlight: Kush Kumar Yadav , articleMeet Kush Kumar Yadav, a faculty member who blends a passion for infectious disease research with a deep commitment to mentoring future scientists. His journey — from aspiring physician in Nepal to veterinary researcher — taught him that setbacks often lead to the most fulfilling paths. Inspired by mentors and driven to solve real-world problems, he now explores zoonotic viruses and the role of AI in preventing future outbreaks.
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VMCVM Faculty Spotlight: Ivan Ravera , articleMeet Ivan Ravera, who joined the veterinary college in January 2024. A second-generation veterinarian from Argentina, he finds the most joy in seeing students learn to think like doctors. Ivan is passionate about animal dignity, supporting future vets, and the promise of AI and biotech in veterinary medicine. At home, he enjoys quiet evenings with his wife, their rescue dog Bruno, and their cat Bayou.
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VMCVM Faculty Spotlight: Natalia Strandberg , articleMeet Natalia Strandberg, a clinical pathologist who loves balancing microscopy with teaching and finds joy in helping students grow and gain confidence in interpreting clinical data. She is passionate about mental health in veterinary medicine and advocates for a healthier, more sustainable culture in the profession. In her downtime, she crochets whimsical stuffed animals and relaxes with her husband and two cats.
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VMCVM Faculty Spotlight: Flori Bliss , articleMeet Florence Bliss, a dedicated faculty member who’s passionate about hands-on learning and helping dogs thrive. Inspired by her students and her dad, she values persistence, patience, and growth through experience. When she’s not teaching, she’s outside adventuring—whether hiking, mountain biking, or planning her dream trek on the Pacific Crest Trail!
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VMCVM Alumni and Faculty Spotlight: Sierra Guynn , articleMeet Sierra Guynn, a proud VMCVM alumna and faculty member since 2012. Inspired by her students, she is passionate about veterinary education, food animal medicine, and industry advocacy. She values resilience, problem-solving, and the power of people skills in veterinary practice. When she’s not teaching, she’s off exploring—because her travel list never stops growing!
STAFF
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VMCVM Staff Spotlight: Alex Ambelang , articleMeet Alexandra (Alex) Ambelang, clinical veterinary assistant at the Equine Medical Center since 2021. A lifelong horsewoman and former professional groom, she brings skill and calm to every case. Passionate about patient care and student mentorship, Alex also serves as an international FEI steward and loves ending the day with her rescue pup, Mona.
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VMCVM Staff Spotlight: Shaun-Claire Young , articleMeet Shaun-Claire Young, Dermatology LVT at VMCVM. Since 2013, she’s brought compassion and expertise to every role she’s held. Passionate about patient care and student growth, she finds joy in helping animals heal and watching students succeed.
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VMCVM Staff Spotlight: Rachel Elliott , articleMeet Rachel Elliott, an Internal Medicine Veterinary Assistant at VMCVM since May 2023. Passionate about patient care and low-cost veterinary access, Rachel finds joy in connecting with nervous animals and supporting students as they grow in their skills. Whether she's learning something new on the clinic floor or baking cookies to brighten someone's day, Rachel brings compassion, curiosity, and kindness to every part of her work.
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VMCVM Staff Spotlight: Deanna McCrudden , articleMeet Deanna McCrudden, Small Animal Specialty Ward Supervisor at VMCVM, who has been a steady presence in the Veterinary Teaching Hospital since 1989. Known affectionately as “The Chaos Coordinator,” Deanna brings 36 years of experience, compassion, and mentorship to every shift. She’s passionate about supporting students and LVTs, believing that growth comes through experience and resilience.
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VMCVM Staff Spotlight: Bre Lucas , articleMeet Bre Lucas, administrative assistant for the Office of Advancement at the veterinary college. Passionate about mental health advocacy and community building, she finds fulfillment in knowing her work helps students, animals, and the broader veterinary college mission. Whether coordinating campaigns or working alongside Blaze the Ambassadog, Bre brings heart, humor, and a touch of Hokie pride to everything she does.
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VMCVM Staff Spotlight: Kassey Davidson , articleMeet Kassey Davidson, who supports DVM admissions and recruitment at VMCVM. She finds joy in guiding students from their earliest dreams of vet school to the moment they graduate, and feels honored to be part of that journey. Outside of work, Kassey loves lake days spent water skiing, family bike rides, and quiet evenings with her husband and kids.
STUDENTS
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VMCVM Student Spotlight: Ann (Lily) Stenning , articleMeet Lily Stenning, a second-year student hailing from New Enterprise, Pennsylvania. Lily is on the public corporate track in the Class of 2028, having studied biology with a minor in Spanish as an undergraduate at Old Dominion University. She loves to sing music and play instruments, particularly her guitar -- she plans to learn how to play Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird," a motivational song she often listens to before taking exams. Lily is inspired by her parents, who she describes as living life to the fullest with never-ending stories. She is pleased to be among "students, faculty, and staff from all walks of life who have come together because they decided that animals were going to be the center of their lives."
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VMCVM Student Spotlight: Andre Asarian , articleMeet Andre Asarian, MPH Class of 2026, a public health education student at VMCVM with a background in public health and political science. Inspired by his work as an EMT during COVID-19, Andre is passionate about medicine, education, and making a difference. His practicum with VTCSOM explores rural medical training, and he hopes to become both a physician and an educator. Outside the classroom, he enjoys sushi, football, and time with his rescue cat, Po.
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VMCVM Student Spotlight: Rana Estaleen , articleMeet Rana Estaleen, a Ph.D. student in the BMVS program at VMCVM. With a background in biology and chemistry, she’s passionate about advancing science to help others. Inspired by her sister and fueled by faith, Rana is currently researching arthritis and hopes to one day publish her work.
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VMCVM Resident Spotlight: Esteban Jimenez , articleMeet Esteban Jimenez, a resident in production management medicine and Ph.D. student in the Biomedical and Veterinary Sciences program at VMCVM. Originally from Costa Rica, he combines clinical work and research to improve livestock health and productivity. Inspired by his veterinarian parents, Esteban is passionate about teaching, lifelong learning, and living each day with a “Pura Vida” mindset.
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VMCVM Student Spotlight: Alyssa Blancke , articleMeet Alyssa Blancke, DVM Class of 2026, a small animal track student from Owings, Maryland. Passionate about companion animal care, Alyssa is working toward a future in veterinary medicine with dedication and heart. As she moves through the program, she’s building the skills and experience needed to make a meaningful impact in the lives of pets and their people.
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VMCVM Student Spotlight: Ezekiel Jennette , articleMeet Ezekiel Jennette, DVM Class of 2026, a mixed animal track student from Durham, NC. A former engineering major turned biology student, he followed his passion for animal care to VMCVM. Ezekiel is now helping develop affordable veterinary prostheses and is passionate about expanding access to care and increasing representation in veterinary medicine. An artist, saxophonist, and proud dog dad, he hopes to inspire the next generation of veterinarians.
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VMCVM Student Spotlight: Greyson Moore , articleMeet Greyson Moore, a Class of 2028, PhD/DVM student in the Public/Corporate track. He’s passionate about infectious disease research and the broader role of veterinary medicine in public health. Greyson values the diverse support system at VMCVM and enjoys winding down with a good book and tea. He shares his home with O’Malley, the leash-loving cat, and Cinnamon Bun, a grape-obsessed rabbit.
ALUMNI
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VMCVM Alumni Spotlight: Jessica Walters , articleMeet Jessica Walters '09, PhD '14, DVM '16, program manager for the Office of Laboratory Services at the VDACS. Originally focused on poultry medicine, she found her calling in diagnostics and lab leadership. She values the connections and skills she built at VMCVM and now gives back as a mentor, adjunct instructor, and advocate for agricultural communities—all while managing a lively menagerie at home.
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VMCVM Alumni Spotlight: Jacob Kocher , articleMeet Jacob Kocher Ph.D. ’14, a VMCVM alum working in biotech to fight respiratory infections with light and nitric oxide. At VMCVM, he gained hands-on lab skills and learned the value of collaboration and communication. He’s passionate about public health, scientific innovation, and the strong sense of community that continues to guide his journey.
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VMCVM Alumni Spotlight: Kristin Eden , article
Meet Kristin Eden '06, DVM '10, PhD '18, anatomic pathologist at the veterinary college and associate professor at the Virginia Tech Carilion School of Medicine. Passionate about education and mentorship, she brings a collaborative, compassionate approach to teaching both veterinary and medical students. Whether in the lab or the classroom, she blends curiosity, honesty, and a love for learning, plus a little ice hockey on the side.
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VMCVM Alumni Spotlight: Amanda L. Weakley-Scott , articleMeet Amanda Weakley-Scott '10, DVM ’14, a food animal veterinarian and co-owner of Lee-Lynn Farms in Virginia. She combines her passion for agriculture with hands-on veterinary care, serving both producers and her community. A proud VMCVM alum, she values the mentorship and practical training that shaped her career and lives by the motto, “just make it work.”
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VMCVM Alumni Spotlight: JoAnna Pendergrass , articleMeet JoAnna Pendergrass, DVM ’10, a freelance medical writer at JPen Communications. After earning her DVM from VMCVM, she took a non-traditional path, pursuing a postdoctoral research fellowship at Emory University and then a career transition to medical writing, where she uses her clinical knowledge to make complex veterinary topics accessible to pet parents. Her VMCVM education equipped her with the resilience and versatility to thrive in a unique and meaningful career.
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VMCVM Alumni Spotlight: Melani French , articleMeet Melani French DVM '14, associate veterinarian at Clevengers Corner Veterinary Care in Amissville, Virginia. A proud VMCVM alum, she values the strong Hokie network in her area and the hands-on experience that shaped her career. Passionate about youth mentorship, Melani coaches a middle school step team and volunteers in her community, bringing the same dedication to her patients as she does to inspiring the next generation.
PETS
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VMCVM Pet Spotlight: Velcro , articleMeet Velcro, the 14-year-old, 12-pound (i.e. "big-boned") black cat whose mom is Katherine Harshman, LVT and development associate / "office extrovert" in Advancement. Velcro thinks his name is cool but will more readily answer to "CAT!" and considers a dog in the home his sister and best friend. Velcro once hid from everyone in a closet for a day and a half at his grandparents' house and once survived a ride in a dryer. You might not want to leave any paper or cardboard items you value near him, or they will end up as confetti. That may have something to do with how unhappy Velcro is at some of the food portions he gets from his mom. That said, Velcro loves to snuggle with her, and an occasional hit of catnip.
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VMCVM Pet Spotlight: Axel , articleMeet Axel, a 9-year-old dachshund mix (with 1% Rottweiler attitude) and proud sidekick to Madison Brown, VMCVM’s Content Specialist. A true survivor, Axel recently bounced back from a serious illness with help from his veterinary care teams and is now soaking up snuggles, Greenies, and beach trips. Whether he’s chasing his tail, snuggling on the couch, or showing who's boss at home, Axel brings big personality and even bigger heart to every day.
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VMCVM Pet Spotlight: Princess Petunia Potato , articleMeet Princess Petunia Potato, a 13-year-old Basset Hound with big ears, bigger attitude and a love for bell peppers. Rescued by her human Andrew Burton, a tech in the small animal ICU, she now rules the house from her bike chariot and keeps her furry siblings in line while perfecting the art of the nap.
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VMCVM Pet Spotlight: Ruby-Mae , articleMeet Ruby-Mae, a 4-year-old Red Golden Retriever and proud princess of her home. She’s sweet, silly, and a little scared of things like wind and new mops. Her human, MaLora Bush, works at the Animal Cancer Care and Research Center, and Ruby-Mae is her heart dog through and through. She lives for snuggles, veggies, and bedtime sink drinks — and spreads love with every tail wag.
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VMCVM Pet Spotlight: Rocky , articleMeet Rocky, a 5-year-old American Staffordshire Terrier with a big heart and a solid noggin to match. Once a foster, now a full-time momma’s boy, he’s the snuggly sidekick of Paula Hernandez, a Community Practice Tech at the VTH. Bilingual, sweet, and full of love, Rocky lives for whipped cream, sploots, and bedtime cuddles.
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VMCVM Pet Spotlight: Abigale and Plumjelly , articleMeet Abigale, a sassy two-year-old Hereford heifer with a flair for drama and a love for the show ring. She lives with her human, Sarah Grace Firestone, a large animal lab tech at the veterinary college. & Meet Plumjelly, a three-year-old Texas Longhorn with a sweet personality and striking horns. She shares a special bond with her human, Kelsey Gallagher, a veterinary nurse at the Equine Medical Center, who helped deliver her at birth.
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