Support Services
Our students have access to a wealth of resources and support services that help create a pleasant, positive, and productive experience.
- CVM Wellbeing
- Cornell Health
- LGBT Resource Center
- Cornell United Religious Work (CURW)
- Resources for Families with Children
- Cornell SHARE: Sexual Harassment and Assault – Response and Education
Faculty Advisors
All our incoming DVM students are assigned faculty advisors. Newly matriculated students will meet their faculty advisors during orientation. This brief meeting is meant to be a building of a relationship. The faculty advisor's role is to serve as a source of support and guidance for their students.
Peer Mentors
The goal of Peer Mentoring is to help incoming first year DVM students make a smooth transition and adjust to life as a student at the college. Peer mentors are second or third year DVM students and are invaluable resources as they can offer advice based on their personal experience at the college.
Peer Mentors are assigned to all first year DVM students. Incoming students are typically contacted by their peer mentors during the summer before they are scheduled to enter the DVM program.
Class of 2028 Peer Mentors | |
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Olivia Joy PerkinsHi everyone! My name is Olivia Joy Perkins and I am a member of the Class of 2026. I was born and raised in Farmington Hills, Michigan, and graduated from Case Western Reserve University in 2022 with a degree in Biology. Some highlights of my undergraduate career include playing on the women’s basketball team for 2 years, serving on the e-board for organizations like the African American Society and Spartans for Special Olympics, and contributing to feral swine research and management using environmental DNA (eDNA). My veterinary interests include public health, epidemiology, and global health, and I plan on initially working for the USDA post-graduation. Some extracurriculars I’m currently involved in include serving as the CVM Representative for GPSA, Special Events Chair for Omega Tau Sigma (OTS), and working as a Student Milker at the Teaching Dairy Barn. In my free time, I enjoy playing intramural sports with friends, eating my way through Ithaca, and watching cringey reality TV. I’m so excited to meet all of the incoming students, and look forward to providing them with support and guidance as they navigate their first year of veterinary school and beyond! |
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Rebecca BabekovHi everyone! My name is Rebecca Babekov, I was born and raised in Queens, NY and this is my first venture away from New York City. I graduated from CUNY Baruch College in 2021 and spent 2 years after to work in small animal surgery at the Animal Medical Center. I’m a proud first-generation student representing my mixed heritage from Russia and Honduras. For my future, I am interested in pursuing small animal surgery or general practice. In my free time off campus, I enjoy hiking, all water activities (kayaking, paddle boarding, swimming, white water rafting), weightlifting, roller skating, hanging out with my cats Boubeer and Leia, and trying new food (tacos especially but only the authentic kind!). On campus I enjoy taking walks down to the undergrad campus, soaking up sun on the slope, visiting the Big Red Barn, going to school sports events (the student vs. faculty hockey game is great!), and spending time with the Block 7 teaching dogs and cats. I am very excited to meet all of you and help make your transition to veterinary school as smooth as possible. |
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Vianna BassaniHi everyone! My name is Vianna and I am a member of the Class of 2027. I am from New Fairfield, Connecticut and I graduated from the University of Connecticut with a degree in Animal Science with a minor in Italian and a degree in Pathobiology. During undergrad, I completed my thesis on the effects of poor maternal nutrition on IgG in sheep, worked at a necropsy lab, and as a veterinary assistant during my summers. At Cornell, I am the retail chair and on the social committee for the Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA), |
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Claire ChiangHi everyone! My name is Claire Chiang and I am a second year vet student with a primary interest in avian and exotic practice, and a love for teaching/academia. Prior to vet school, I went to undergrad at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh with a major in biological sciences. My experiences stem from an avian, zoo, and exotic background where I did work at the National Aviary and a small exotic clinical practice. Here at Cornell, I am on the board for AAVMP (Association of Asian Veterinary Medical Professionals), ZAWS (Zoo and Wildlife Society), and work as a wildlife student technician at the Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital. I love reading, taking care of plants, spoiling my cat, and thrifting! My cat Kiki is a retired research cat and was adopted from the CARE program here at Cornell in my first year. As a peer mentor I am most excited to help students navigate vet school while discovering all that veterinary medicine has to offer. I am looking forward to getting to know everyone and congrats on choosing Cornell, it is going to be an amazing four years!
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Casey KennyMy name is Casey and I’m a rising second year (c/o 2027). I grew up in Walden, NY |
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Kimaya BakhleMy name is Kimaya Bakhle and I am an incoming second-year DVM/PhD student. I am originally from Cleveland, Ohio and went to Purdue University for my undergraduate studies, where I majored in biochemistry and minored in Spanish. My veterinary interests include small animal medicine and translational research. At CUCVM, I am involved in Southside Clinics, AAVMP, LVMA, SAVMA, and Omega Tau Sigma. Outside of school, I enjoy working out, going on hikes,
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Joyce LuHi, I’m Joyce! I’m in the class of 2026 (rising second year), and I’m from Centreville, Virginia. I went to Virginia Tech for undergrad (go hokies), where I majored in Animal Science. The semester after graduating, I interned at the National Zoo in DC with the primate department, which was such an amazing experience. I’m currently interested in small animal emergency medicine as well as zoo/wildlife/exotics, although I’m still open to the many opportunities that vet school will provide! Here at Cornell, I’m part of the Social Committee of the Student American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA) and am Vice President of the Association of Asian Veterinary Medical Professionals (AAVMP). I also work as a student milker at the Teaching Dairy, and I’m a server at the Taverna Banfi at Cornell’s Statler Hotel. In my free time, I love going/hanging out with friends, eating out at restaurants, going to the gym, and watching movies. I can’t wait to meet you all, and feel free to reach out to me about anything! | |
Victoria LoveHi! My name is Victoria Love, but I go by Tori! I am a rising second year, and I am |
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Kobi RassnickHi everyone - I'm Kobi, a rising second-year from right here in Ithaca, NY. I completed my undergraduate degree in Biological Sciences at Cornell, coming to the CVM as a member of the 7-year Accelerated BS/DVM program. Right now, my veterinary interests lie in small animal specialty medicine, although I'm keeping my options open and certainly willing to continue exploring! I'm additionally interested in pursuing research, and I'm currently working with teams of students and doctors on several CUHA clinical trials. At school, I'm involved with SAVMA, AAVMP (Association of Asian Veterinary Medical Professionals), SACS (Small Animal Clinical Skills) club, and the Student Ambassador program. Off campus, I'm interested in all things music, working out, skiing, and hiking around our gorgeous town. Excited to meet you all! |
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Brittany TaggHello everyone!!! My name is Brittany Tagg, but please call me Brit! I am from Warwick, NY and graduated from the University of Connecticut in 2023 (GO HUSKIES)!!! I am a huge sports fan, as I played club softball at UCONN all 4 years, and LOVE the yankees, Ohio State football, and UCONN basketball (men’s and women’s). I had most of my animal experience with small animals before coming here and have since gotten a job at the Large Animal Hospital here. With that being said, I’m still trying to figure out what path I will end up going down, but right now, it’s looking like I will be mixed! When I am not studying, you can find me going on a walk, PADDLE BOARDING, enjoying the nice weather, trying new places to eat, binge watching netflix, or spending time with friends! |
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Natya ThirunagariHey everyone! My name is Natya; I'm a rising second year from Phoenix, Arizona. I graduated from the University of Arizona where I majored in Veterinary Sciences and minored in Biochemistry. I am interested in all things vet med, but I'm currently leaning towards pursuing a career in small animal specialty medicine or mixed animal general practice. At Cornell I'm involved with SAVMA, the VetED club, Student Ambassador program, and projects involving research and the MRC (Modular Resource Center). Outside of the vet school I love to throw pottery, thrift, watch movies, and try out new restaurants. I am so excited to get to know y'all!
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Stephanie WelbaumHi everyone, my name is Stephanie and I am originally from Blacksburg, Virginia. I |
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Katelyn YockeyHi everyone! I am originally from Fort Collins Colorado where I spent a lot of time outside hiking and biking. I then went to the University of Hawaii at Hilo for my undergrad. I studied
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Daisy DaiHi everyone!! I’m Daisy (Sum Yin) Dai, and I’m a part of class of 2026. I’m a Hong Konger from Chicago, Illinois. I graduated from the University of California-Davis with an animal science major and human rights minor (west coast best coast!!!). I’m interested in small and exotic animal emergency medicine with a focus on providing culturally and linguistically sensitive care to different communities. At Cornell, I’m serving as the president-elect for SAVMA, secretary for AAVMP, student ambassador for vet admission, and rush co-chair for omega tau sigma. I’m also working as the
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Brenna LashbrookMy name is Brenna. I am from the Rochester area of New York but went to Michigan State for undergrad and lived in Michigan for several years after that. I have worked as a veterinary assistant for about 4 years full time and plan to pursue a career in small animal medicine after graduation, however I am still unsure on the specifics. I enjoy going to the Dairy Bar on campus, playing ice hockey, riding horses, and reading. I am excited to meet you all!
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Ashley StroudAshley Stroud is an upcoming second year student. She is originally from Medina, Ohio. She completed her undergraduate degree in Animal Science at The Ohio State University along with minors in LGBT+ Studies and the History of Women, Gender, and Sexuality. She is a proud first generation student. On campus Ashley is involved in SAVMA, the Dean’s Leader’s Program, OTS, AABP, and she is also a tour guide. In her spare time she loves to go for walks, cuddle with her cat and her bunny, and sing. After graduation she hopes to become a dairy practitioner with a focus on consulting and productivity management. She is so excited to be a peer mentor and get to know the future of veterinary medicine. | |
Xin Rou Tan "Natalie"Hi everyone! My name is Xin Rou Tan "Natalie" and I am so excited to be your peer mentor! I grew up in Singapore my whole life and came over to the States in 2019 to obtain my Bachelor's degree at Stockton University, NJ! My current interests are Small Animal Emergency Medicine (+/- exotics) and International Medicine but I am open to seeing how my interests may change in the next few years. Outside of school, I like to explore the different waterfalls (esp since I'm from the flatlands), paint on canvas, find my motivation for the gym (haha!), try different cafes and all the different combinations of matcha lattes @ CTB, or just spending quality time with my close friends! Look forward to meeting y'all! :-) | |
Jonathan ZirkievHey! My name is Jonathan Zirkiev, and I’m a rising second year. I originally hail from Queens, NY and went to CUNY Hunter College for undergrad. There, I majored in Biology and Psychology, and also worked in a lab studying the parasite Trypanosoma brucei. While in school I also worked in a small animal general practice for a couple of years as a vet assistant. I have not yet decided what I want to do with my DVM as my interests are pretty broad, but I have dabbled in many of the clubs available at the CVM. I currently work as an ESA at the CUHA ER and as a student milker, will be serving as the herpetology rep for ZAWS, am a Pet Loss Support Hotline Officer, and will be serving as a student ambassador and tour guide. Outside of school, I enjoy playing intramural sports, hiking (really original for Ithaca, I know), working out, spending time with my cat, or hanging out with friends. I look forward to meeting everyone, and please feel free to reach out! (email: Jez27@cornell.edu) |
Student Disability Services
It is our intention to provide reasonable accommodations for students with qualifying disabilities who are admitted to the DVM program. The accommodations apply to classroom and examination situations and activities based in the Cornell University Hospital for Animals.
Students who believe they are entitled to an accommodation should contact the Assistant Dean of Student Services and Admissions, Dr. Jai Sweet (jr27@cornell.edu). In order to make decisions based upon an individual's specific situation, it may take some to determine what is appropriate and fair given the nature of the disability as well as the requirements of veterinary education. When possible, a student should initiate the process in the summer before their matriculation, or, if later, as soon as the disability arises.
While your prior history is relevant for determining reasonable accommodations, you should realize that we might not grant the same accommodations that you have received in the past. Your request for accommodations will be carefully reviewed according to what is reasonable and appropriate given the nature of your disability and the essential components of your academic program. The final authority regarding accommodations rests with the Dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine.
Counseling Services
Confidential counseling services are available at the college to all CVM students through Cornell Health. You can schedule an appointment by logging in to myCornellHealth and selecting Appointments. You may also call 607-255-5155 during business hours to schedule.
Diverse approaches to personal problem resolution, including short-term psychotherapy, crisis intervention, stress management training, and academic counseling are used. Long-term therapy and psychotherapy can be arranged for those in need of these services.
Career
Whether helping students create an individualized career plan or prepare to successfully compete for the professional path of their choice, the Office of Student and Academic Services is an active partner in students career development. The office maintains placement and professional development resources for students.
Family with children
The College welcomes applicants at every stage of their life. We recognize the importance of family in supporting a healthy student life experience and that families are essential allies in encouraging the academic success and well-being of our students. Ithaca and Cornell have a number of resources and support for students with children.
Life at Cornell
Resources for Partners and Families
Childcare
- Child Development Council
- Ithaca Community Childcare Center
- University Cooperative Nursery School
- Cornell University Child Care Center
- Cornell Summer Sports School
Education
Parenting
Recreation