2015 Graduate Closer to Becoming a Veterinarian
Recent graduate, Maggie Kelly, earned her bachelor of science in biology and is now on her way to the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine in Indiana. Kelly, who grew up down the road from Keene, in Marlborough, and later moved to Charlestown, NH, always knew she wanted to work with animals. She already had work experience, and needed to take the pre-requisite courses for vet school. “Keene State gave me that opportunity and now I’m on my way,” said Kelly.
In addition to her classwork, Kelly gained valuable lab experience working with Dr. Jason Pellettieri, an assistant professor of biology at Keene State. “It has been a pleasure to serve as Maggie’s mentor,” said Dr. Pellettieri. “She has an excellent understanding of her project and has been a valued member of my laboratory team. I look forward to following all her future accomplishments.”
Kelly attended Cornell University, before earning her associates degree in dairy science from Vermont Teach in Randolph, VT. Kelly went right to work in a calf management job at a local farm. “As much as I loved my job, I knew when I got older I’d want to do something not as harsh and physical,” said Kelly.
Enrolling at Keene State in the fall of 2012, Kelly said the transition from the farm to the classroom was seamless. “Being an older student, I found it easier to grasp the material,” she said. “Having a goal really pushed me to do well.”
Kelly will spend four years at Purdue, spending the final two semesters doing her clinical rotations. “Ideally I’d like to work at dairy farms helping farmers take care of their animals,” she said. “Dairy farmers work very hard and really care about their animals.”
Kelly knows the next four years will be difficult, and she’s up to challenge. “I don’t know if could have done this earlier in my life,” she added. “My academic experience at Keene State provided me with what I needed, and now I’m ready for the next step.”
