Class of 2012
Katie Laury
During her short time at Washington College, Katie Laury '12 has established herself as a standout student. The First-Year Scholarship Medal recipient was inducted as an apprentice to the Douglass Cater Society of Junior Fellows, and was recognized by Washington College's Theta Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa as one of nine freshmen to achieve a GPA of 3.9 or higher. Based on Katie's early achievements, Katie is on track to join the elite academic society known for honoring and advocating the ideals of a liberal arts education.
A biology major with aspirations of becoming a veterinarian, Katie chose Washington College because of the individualized instruction she knew she would receive from her professors. On her campus visit as a prospective student, Katie was impressed by the John Toll Science Center and immediately liked the science faculty, each of whom has lived up to her expectations.
"[Premed advisor] Dr. Kate Verville really helps me stay on course not only for my major requirements but also for the graduate schools I am considering."
Katie has already compiled an impressive résumé. She has been an intern at Cherryville Animal Hospital in Pennsylvania since high school.
"Working at Cherryville has definitely been a positive experience for me because not only do I get to do hands-on work with animals, I also get to apply the information I have learned at school. My college coursework has taught me about the different bacteria, parasites and diseases I see on a daily basis at the veterinary clinic."
Last summer, she started shadowing the large-animal doctors at Balliet and Associates in Northampton.
"Before my shadowing experience, I did not know much about large-animal medicine," she says. "Knowing this, Dr. Forbeck and Dr. Fenstermacher always made sure to fully explain the cases at hand to me, and would always take time to answer my questions and teach me things, such as large animal anatomy."
Katie also found time this summer to take part in a weeklong veterinary program at Tufts University. Dr. Verville suggested the program to Katie and helped her through the extensive application process. Of the experience, Katie says: "It was really great. We learned how to do different types of sutures. We learned about both small and large animals and we got to pick rotations to go on where we actually shadowed other vet students."
Katie had several unforgettable experiences during her week at Tufts: tackling sheep, nursing squirrels, feeding a baby alpaca, and watching equine surgery. She also talked to the graduate admissions advisor at Tufts. "That was helpful because I could see whether I was on the right track with my class schedule and internship experiences."
Back on campus, Katie juggles classes, labs and a paying gig in the Psychology Department.
"Working in the vivarium has given me yet another great opportunity to work with animals. I had not even considered the fact that there are veterinarians who specialize in lab animal care, and now that has become another possibility for me."
Despite her busy academic schedule, Katie still finds time to relax. "Intramural sports are a good stress release. After playing varsity sports in high school, I find it's a good way to get my school work done and still have athletic interaction twice a week."
Campus Involvement
- Major: Biology with a Pre-Vet Track
- Academic Honors: Presidential Fellow, First-Year Scholarship Medal
- Douglass Cater Society of Junior Fellows
- Internship: Cherryville Animal Hospital, Balliet & Associates
- Extracurricular Activities: Intramural Sports
Campus Event Appearances
Look for Katie in these event photos.