About the 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.

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Alycia Basquiat

Hi everyone! My name is Alycia Basquiat and I am in the class of 2028. I’m from Queens, NY and graduated from Cornell CALS for my undergrad in 2024, where I majored in animal science and
minored in education. During my undergrad I was involved in parvovirus research at the Baker Institute and served on the e-boards of multiple student organizations, such as Pre-Vet Society. I had also worked/shadowed at a couple clinics in the area. I am currently interested in small animals/exotics and international veterinary medicine. At school, I now serve as CVM representative for the Graduate and Professional Student Assembly (GPSA), work as a student milker at the Teaching Dairy Barn, and work as an assistant in the university office of Student Disability Services. Outside of school, I like to go on nature walks, dance, watch ridiculous movies/shows, and frequent the bakery section at Wegman’s. I am really excited to meet and get to know everyone! Feel free to reach out to me at anytime (acb325@cornell.edu)!

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Ryan Bernbach

Hi everyone! My name is Ryan Bernbach and I am from Westchester, NY. I am a rising second year vet student in the Class of 2029 and I am super excited to be a peer mentor for the 2026-2027 academic year! I went to Cornell for undergrad as well and majored in Animal Science. I then took a gap year before starting vet school and worked as an ER vet assistant at VEG Chelsea in NYC. I am currently interested in small animal medicine with a specialty in emergency and critical care. Outside of classes, I am involved in the Veterinary Business Management Association (VBMA), the Student Chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association (SAVMA), and the Cornell Vet Dance Collective. I also work in the CUHA Anesthesia Department! I have two big fluffy dogs: a Great Pyrenees named Titan and a Maremma Sheepdog named Sage! Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my friends, walking around Cornell’s beautiful campus, listening to music, watching movies and reading for fun! I am so excited to meet you all and welcome to Cornell!!

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Allison Carpenter

Hello everyone! My name is Allison Carpenter and I'm in the Class of 2028. I often go by Alli, and I am from a small town in Eastern Long Island, NY. Long before veterinary school, I attended summer camp at a local farm where I first developed my admiration for working with animals. I attended and graduated from Colgate University in 2023 with a degree in molecular biology and a film studies minor. During my gap year and college, I worked as a veterinary assistant at a small animal clinic, and had a variety of interesting jobs, such as working at a restaurant and as an ironworker. I have an open mind about my veterinary interests and am still exploring what I enjoy most, but could see myself pursuing a specialty in small animal medicine. When I'm not studying or working in the CUHA ER, I love spending time with my friends, hiking, watching movies, swimming in the ocean or swimming holes in Ithaca, and going to see live music! I'm so excited to get to know you all and support you in your CVM journey!

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Brianna Chen

Hi!! My name is Brianna and I'm a member of the class of 2028. I grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona and graduated from Arizona State University in the 2022 with a degree in Biological Sciences. In college, I worked with reptiles in an environmental physiology research lab, and as a veterinary assistant in lab animal medicine and small animal GP. During my gap year I worked as an elementary school teaching fellow and volunteered at a local wildlife rehabilitation center during my free time. I'm most interested in working with exotics, wildlife, and small animals in the future, although I am keeping an open mind! Here at Cornell, I work at the Teaching Dairy Barn as a student milker, and I am involved with ZAWS (Zoo and Wildlife Society) and AAVMP (Association of Asian Veterinary Medical Professionals). Outside of school, I love nature walks, watching sunsets, trying new restaurants/coffee/boba shops, spending time with friends/family/pets, travel, and photography. I can't wait to meet you all! :)

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Isabel Davis

I am a second year veterinary student from northern Virginia and I am excited to be a peer mentor this year! Before coming to vet school, I was a biology major at Amherst College, where I rowed on the crew team. At Cornell I am a member of ultrasounds, the vet school’s a capella group, as well as a member of ZAWS, Tabletop vets and the Pride club. I am still figuring out my veterinary interests, but so far I am leaning towards small animal or exotic pet medicine and am considering specializing in neurology, internal medicine, or whatever else I find myself drawn to as I go through vet school. Outside of school I enjoy walking or hiking around Ithaca, baking everything from cookies to cakes to brownies, and spending time with friends. I also enjoy trying to teach myself the ukulele and spending time with my bearded dragon, Finnegan. I look forward to meeting all of you soon!

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Katriella Hirsch-Hoffman

My name is Katriella (Kat) and I am a part of the class of 2028. I’m from Bronx New York and went to Binghamton University for undergrad where I was a Biology major. After graduation I took two years off to work in the field and gain a range of clinical experience. I worked in small animal ER/ICU, small animal GP, small animal specialty (Internal Medicine), and exotics. Now, I am a student technician in the CUHA exotics department, and am interested in pursuing companion exotics and/or small animal GP; I am particularly interested in (aka obsessed with) rabbits and other small mammals. I am also on the board for ZAWS (Zoo and Wildlife) and JAVS (Jewish Association) clubs. When I’m not at school or work I’m either at the gym, in my kitchen baking, playing with my 3 pet bunnies, thrifting, or just walking around and exploring Ithaca with friends! As a peer mentor, I’m most excited to help introduce new students to the CVM building, Cornell campus, and Ithaca at large; there are so many exciting opportunities and cool spots to check out :) I cannot wait to meet you all, and CONGRATULATIONS- it’s going to be an amazing four years!!

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Charlie Koncelik

Hi everyone! I’m Charlie Koncelik, a 2nd year vet student and I’ll be a peer mentor for the 2025-2026 academic year. I’m originally from Cleveland, Ohio and I went to Cornell for Undergrad where I majored in animal science. My veterinary interests are mostly in small animal medicine, with potential specialty interest in emergency and critical care. At school, I’m involved in the Business Club (VBMA), Southside Community Clinic, and I work in the CUHA Anesthesia Department and at the Teaching Dairy as a Student Milker/Herd Health member. Outside of classes I like to run/go to the gym, take care of my leopard gecko lola, listen to music, and watch movies. My favorite movies are La La Land, Mean Girls, and Inside Out, but I also love horror movies. I’m excited to meet you all and see some familiar faces!

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Jessica Kopping

Hiii everyone, my name is Jessie and I am from Long Island, NY! I am a current second year at Cornell Vet but I graduated last year from The University of Delaware where I majored in pre-veterinary medicine and minored in insect and wildlife conservation. I am extremely passionate about exotics, wildlife, zoo medicine, and surgery, and would love to pursue a residency in any of those fields in the future. At Cornell I am a member of ZAWS (Zoo and Wildlife Society), SAVMA, AABP (American Association of Bovine Practitioners) and on the Surgery Club EBoard. I also work as a student assistant in the exotics department at Cornell University Hospital for Animals (CUHA), where I get to see a plethora of procedures on a diverse array of patients. When I’m not at school I love to read, paint, watch movies, shop, hang out with friends, and explore Ithaca. I am so excited to meet all of you guys soon and help make the transition to vet school  easier!! :) 

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Hanna LaPointe

Hi everyone! I’m a rising second year student from Saratoga, NY. I started undergrad at SUNY Cobleskill before transferring to Cornell as a sophomore and finishing my degree in animal science. I then entered Cornell Vet through the 7-year accelerated BS/DVM program! I am interested in mixed animal medicine, with special interests in internal medicine, reproductive physiology, and neurology. My favorite things to do in Ithaca are watching sunsets on the slope, swimming and tanning at flatrock, going thrifting, getting ice cream from frosty cow, and going out downtown! I look forward to meeting you all. Feel free to reach out with any questions leading up to orientation! 

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Madeline McCoy

Hello everyone! My name is Madeline and I am a member of the class of 2029. I am originally from the Space Coast of Florida and got my undergraduate degree from the University of Florida in Zoology and Microbiology. In my undergraduate, I worked as a diagnostic imaging/ECC technician at the UF teaching hospital and researched in environmental toxicology and disease prevalence in feral dogs in Madagascar.  It has been a huge change moving to Ithaca, but I really love it here! I am currently a student assistant in the small animal internal medicine department, the president of the small ruminant club, and secretary for the small animal clinical sciences club. I am very interested in pursuing small animal specialty (specifically within academia) and am currently focused on internal medicine and critical care, but I am open to anything! I am also involved with research at Cornell: Spring 2026 I worked in Dr. Caddy's lab, studying equine maternal antibody transfer and through VILP this summer, I will work with Dr. McGeachy to study lymph node stromal environment architecture and function. I am super-duper excited to be a peer mentor, and I am always open for a quick chat! If you ever need to reach me: mmm477@cornell.edu I look forward to meeting all of you! :)

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Rose Molina-Gonzalez

Hi! My name is Rose Molina-Gonzalez, and I’m a rising second-year veterinary student. I was born and raised in Brooklyn, NYC, and completed my undergraduate studies at CUNY Hunter College in Manhattan’s Upper East Side. There, I majored in Biochemistry with a concentration in Music History and conducted research focused on improving drug delivery methods for cancer treatments using nanoscience and biotechnology. My current veterinary interests include small animal emergency and critical care, specialty medicine, and One Health research—but like many of us, I’m always exploring and evolving my interests! On campus, I work in the ICU department at CUHA and also serve as a Director at the Southside Community Clinic, where we provide low-cost veterinary services to the Ithaca community. Outside of school, I love reading, watching anime, playing videos games and sports like volleyball and tennis, and picking up new hobbies with friends. As a big-city girl who moved to a small town, I’ve come to really appreciate Ithaca and all the activities it offers in every season! I also brought my two cats, Nickie and Alex, with me to Ithaca—they’ve been a constant source of love and support throughout vet school!

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Anya Ocampos

Hi! My name is Anya, and I'm a rising second year (c/o 2028). I grew up in Waco, TX and went to Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi for undergrad, where I majored in Biomedical Sciences and completed research on common bottlenose dolphins in the Gulf of Mexico. My current veterinary interests are shelter medicine and zoo/wildlife medicine with a focus on large marine vertebrates. Here at Cornell, I'm involved in the Association of Asian Veterinary Medical Professionals (AAVMP), Shelter Medicine Club, Zoo and Wildlife Society (ZAWS), Omega Tau Sigma (OTS), and work as a wildlife student assistant at the Janet L. Swanson Wildlife Hospital. Outside of school, I work as a bartender at Lot 10 and like to spend my free time playing volleyball, catching sunsets on the slope, and grabbing boba with friends. I'm super excited to get to know y'all and offer support throughout this new chapter of y'all's lives!

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Alina Randolph

Hello, my name is Alina Randolph! I am a rising second-year student at Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine. Before vet school, I studied Animal Science on the pre-veterinary track at Cornell and pursued a minor in Education. I was born and raised in Westchester, New York, and my veterinary interests include wildlife conservation and small animal rehabilitation. I am excited to continue growing in these areas throughout veterinary school. Outside of academics, I enjoy going to the gym, Regal movie Tuesdays, hiking, and spending time with friends on and off campus.

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Makenzie Rivera

My name is Makenzie and I am from Rockaway Beach, NY. Before coming to Cornell CVM, I went to undergrad at Mount Saint Mary College where l studied Biology and got an introduction to the upstate winters. Right now my biggest interest is in small animal specialty but I am still figuring out exactly what field I want to head into. Inside of school, I currently work in the ICU at CUHA and will be joining the Latinx Veterinary Medical Association e-board. On my free time outside I absolutely love reading and traveling, but mostly hanging out with my pittie Sage.  

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Abigail Russano

Hi! My name is Abigail “Abbey” Russano (she/her), and I am a rising second-year student (Class of 2029) at Cornell CVM. I grew up in Bridgewater, NJ and then attended Haverford College, where I earned a B.S. in Biology, completed a minor in Environmental Studies, and played tennis. During my junior year, I studied abroad in Denmark, focusing on polar and marine biology. I didn’t know I wanted to pursue a career in vet med until my junior year of college, so I took a gap year after graduating to work as a veterinary assistant in general practice, emergency and various specialties. My current interests include small animal medicine (GP, ER, shelter med, specialty) and wildlife/aquatic medicine. At Cornell, I work as a Student Assistant in the Internal Medicine department at the CUHA, I serve as the Junior Alumni Chair for SAVMA, I am the Treasurer of the Small Animal Clinical Skills (SACS) club, and I volunteer with the Southside Community Clinics and the Pet Loss Support Hotline. When I am not at the vet school, I enjoy reading, spending time outdoors, watching TV/movies, and hanging out with my toothless rescue cat, Cherry. I’m excited to meet all of you and support you however I can through vet school! 

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LeeAnna Russo

My name is LeeAnna, and I am a rising third year DVM student. I am a 2024 Davidson College graduate, and I double majored in biology and music. My veterinary interests include small animal general practice, small animal dentistry, and shelter med/high volume spay and neuter. I currently work in the dentistry and sports medicine departments in the teaching hospital, and I also serve as a SAVMA class rep for the third year class. This year, I will also serve as the education chair for OTS and the social media chair for the sports medicine club. When I am not at school, I enjoy playing violin, music production, and volunteering at a bat sanctuary. I have two pets - a tortoiseshell cat named Luna and a former research beagle named Finn. 

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Amy Salim

Hello everyone! My name is Amy, and I am a member of the Class of 2028. I am an international student from Indonesia and came to the U.S. at the end of 2021 to complete my bachelor’s degree. I graduated from the University of California, Davis in 2024 with a degree in Animal Science and an area of emphasis on Livestock and Dairy. My experiences in undergraduate were largely focused on animal handling in both small and large animals. I was also interested in research and had the opportunity to be involved in breast cancer research. This summer, I am keeping my research passion alive by participating in the Veterinary Investigation & Leadership Program (VILP), exploring centromere proteins involved in chromosome segregation. I am currently a Student Technician at the Imaging Service at the Cornell University Hospital for Animals, a Student Milker at the Teaching Dairy Barn, the Junior Delegate of Cornell SAVMA, and one of the Southside Clinic Directors. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, crocheting, and walking around the Arboretum. I am excited to be one of your peer mentors, and I look forward to getting to know every one of you. Congratulations on your decision to attend Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine and welcome to Ithaca!

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Ashley Smith

Hello! My name is Ashley Smith, and I am in the Class of 2029. I am originally from Chatham, NJ but my family just moved to Saratoga Springs, NY. I graduated with a Biology degree from American University in Washington, D.C., where I played on the Women’s Lacrosse team. I also worked as a veterinary assistant at a local small animal clinic in D.C. My veterinary interests include small animal specialty medicine. I work as a Surgery Assistant at CUHA and a Student Milker at the Teaching Dairy Barn. In my free time, I am most likely outside doing something active. At home, I have two family dogs, Lacey (golden retriever) and Winston (lab/husky mix). I am so excited to meet everyone! 

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Kellis White

Hii! My name is Kelis White, and I am a member of the Class of 2029. I’m from Long Island, NY, and attended Adelphi University for undergrad, where I majored in Biology. I’ve worked in the veterinary field since I was 16 as a veterinary assistant in general practice, emergency medicine, and surgery. While I’m still exploring, I’m currently most interested in small animal medicine (though I definitely have a soft spot for surgery!) At school, I am involved in SNABV (Student National Association for Black Veterinarians) and SAVMA, and I also work as a pharmacy student assistant. Outside of school, I enjoy binge-watching shows and movies, hiking, baking, trying new foods, and pottery. I’ve genuinely enjoyed exploring Ithaca and the surrounding areas during my time here so far! Congratulations, I’m looking forward to meeting and getting to know all of you!! 

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Sabrina Young

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Questions? 
Reach out to us at vet_sas@cornell.edu