Feathers of the Future – HBD’s Student Ambassador Program

Kaitlyn has served in a leadership capacity on multiple non-profit boards and has offered outreach advice to numerous veterinary associations and small businesses over the past decade. She loves helping people share their vision, passions, and skills with the world around them. Having a special interest in avian exotic medicine, she is excited to partner with Harrison’s Bird Foods to invest in the next generation of avian veterinarians through the development of a college outreach program. She hopes it will open up new opportunities for veterinary students to learn about birds, and create better access to care in the future for people’s beloved pets. 

Jen Park (they/them) is a second-year DVM candidate at the University of California, Davis. They developed a strong interest in avian medicine during undergraduate summer internships at the International Bird Rescue (San Pedro, CA), and Fox Valley Wildlife Center (South Elgin, IL). They aspire to become a wildlife/zoo veterinarian, but also hold interests in shelter medicine, access-to-care, public health and education, and anesthesiology. At UC Davis, Jen currently serves as the president of the Avian & Exotics Medicine Club, vice president of both SSVME and sPrideVMC student chapters, and is actively engaged in providing clinical support at multiple access-to-care clinics. Jen also works part-time at the teaching hospital’s exotic service and helps with daily care of the Bearded Dragon research colony.

“I hope my position as a Harrison’s Bird Food student representative will allow me to educate others about the importance and accessibility of avian nutrition, and encourage other students to become more comfortable learning about providing veterinary care to birds in their future careers.”

Jezebel is a veterinary student at Michigan State University with a deep enthusiasm for exotics and small animals. She also currently serves on the executive board of the Association of Asian American Veterinary Medical Professionals. Raised in Taiwan in a household that values avian care, Jezebel grew up alongside several foster and rescue birds. Her passion lies in valuing the strong bonds between birds and humans, and she is excited to learn more about avian nutrition through this program.

According to Jezebel, “As an ambassador at MSU, I strive to advocate for the use of proper bird food, while educating my fellow vet students on how quality diet can enhance the well-being of avian species and strengthen the avian-human bond. It’s truly fascinating to observe the varying approaches to avian nutrition between Asia and the United States.”

Rylee Clark is a DVM candidate in the class of 2028 at the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine (Virginia Tech) with a great passion for avian medicine and wildlife rehabilitation. She attended West Virginia University and received her Bachelors in Science in Animal & Nutritional Sciences and Biology. During her time at WVU, she worked with the Division of Poultry Sciences and volunteered at the Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia. At VMCVM, she is the student chapter representative for both the Association of Avian Veterinarians and American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians.

She is also a coordinator of the student-run Wildlife Ward at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. She hopes to take advantage of the Ambassador Program’s resource to build upon her knowledge and skills related to avian medicine.

Julia Hansen is a second year DVM candidate at Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine who has always been interested in caring for a wide variety of species. She graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington where she studied Marine Biology and Environmental Science. She found deep interest in avian species after completing her ornithology class and pursued this interest by consistently volunteering at a local bird sanctuary and rescue. Julia is interested in specializing after veterinary school, and plans to become a small animal veterinarian who treats avian, exotic, and wildlife patients throughout her career.

Kimberly Parker is a DVM student in the class of 2029 at Auburn University. Originally from Texas, she developed a passion for avian and exotic medicine through wildlife rehabilitation at the Texas Wildlife Rehabilitation Coalition specializing in waterfowl, native bird species, opossums, rabbits, and squirrels. Since moving to Alabama, she has volunteered at the Alabama House Rabbit Rescue and worked at an exotic veterinary hospital. Prior to matriculating at Auburn University, she taught science as a High School teacher for 7 years. She is excited to give back to the community by offering educational outreach, intern opportunities for high school students interested in veterinary medicine and providing low-cost veterinary care to underserved communities as a practicing veterinarian. She is excited to gain invaluable knowledge and resources through Harrison’s Bird Foods to provide high-quality nutrition and care to future clients and patients. 

Paige is a second year DVM candidate at North Carolina State University. She aspires to practice exotic animal medicine and has a special interest in avian medicine. At NC State University, she has active leadership roles in the Wildlife, Avian, Aquatic, and Zoological Medicine Club as their avian representative, Aquatics Team as tank captain, and as release coordinator for the Turtle Rescue Team. She also has a passion for wildlife and volunteered for several years at the Carolina Raptor Center. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her pets and being outdoors.”

Ashley Macedo is a second-year DVM candidate at the University of California, Davis. Ashley has expressed an interest in practice ownership, looking to provide care for both small animals and companion exotics. She hopes to learn as much as possible about avian nutrition to better provide education to future colleagues and clients. At UC Davis, Ashley currently serves as the BCP Coordinator-elect for the Davis VBMA chapter.