Veterinary student Kenya Crawford has traveled the world in preparation for her career as a veterinarian. She graduates in May and hopes to find a career combining her experience in clinical, regulatory and international aspects of veterinary medicine. As a student, she worked as a lobbyist on Capitol Hill and received training from the U.S.D.A. She also interned with the Georgia Department of Agriculture. Originally from New York, Crawford came to Georgia after her participation in UGA’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program, where she worked with Dr. Ray Kaplan researching parasites that infect sheep and goats.
Hometown:
Harlem, New York City
High School:
Campbell High School (Smyrna, Ga.)
Degree objective:
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine
Other degrees:
Bachelor of Science, Biology, Savannah State University
Expected graduation:
Spring 2009
University highlights, achievements, awards and scholarships:
In April 2008, I interned with the American Veterinary Medical Association as a lobbyist on Capitol Hill. I met with numerous members of Congress to discuss issues pertinent to the well-being of animals, agriculture and the veterinary profession. I’ve received training from the U.S.D.A. on ways to recognize animal diseases foreign to our country, and I was awarded a scholarship related to my interest in public health and biosecurity. I’ve interned in the office of the State Veterinarian with the Georgia Department of Agriculture. While there, I created and edited educational materials on animal diseases in Georgia. The information is displayed on their Web site and used as a resource for veterinarians and producers throughout Georgia. I’ve also served two elected terms as a senator for the student chapter of the American Veterinary Medical Association. I was appointed chair of the SCAVMA auction, which is the largest veterinary student body fundraiser. Under my leadership, the auction set a record for funds raised and became an outlet to promote the many functions of the veterinary school to the community.
Current Employment:
This year I’ve participated in several international externships. I traveled to Copenhagen, Denmark to work on a project for the European Union that dealt with zoonotic diseases that are neglected throughout Africa. I spent time with veterinarians at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations headquarters in Rome, Italy. I’ve also completed a joint externship with EpiCentre at Massey University and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry in New Zealand. While in New Zealand I assisted with an Equine biosecurity project, as well as analyze data that proves New Zealand doesn’t have a canine tick borne disease called Ehrlichia canis.
I chose to attend UGA because…
While I was pursuing my bachelor’s degree, I was chosen to participate in UGA’s Summer Undergraduate Research Program. I conducted research on deadly parasites that infect sheep and goats with Dr. Ray Kaplan in the department of infectious diseases at the College of Veterinary Medicine. Those summer experiences confirmed my desire to become a veterinarian, and allowed me to interact with CVM’s amazing faculty, staff, and students. I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that UGA was the only place for me.
My favorite things to do on campus are…
…working out at the Ramsey Center. Whether it’s lifting weights or taking belly dance lessons, the Ramsey Center is where I go to relieve stress and maintain a healthy life style.
When I have free time, I like…
…to belly dance, cook and watch movies.
The craziest thing I’ve done is…
When I was 4 years old, my mother took me to the local city pool. I knew that she would take me to the “kiddy” end, so when she wasn’t looking I jumped into the deep end. I figured if I really wanted to learn how to swim, I should put myself in a position where I didn’t have a choice. Both my mother and I survived the experience, and I accomplished my goal of learning how to swim. I’ve taken that same radical approach to life ever since.
My favorite place to study is…
…outside at the Starbucks downtown. If I’m not surrounded by people and commotion, I’ll fall asleep.
My favorite professor is…
Dr. Ray Kaplan, Dr. Corrie Brown, Dr. Paige Carmichael, Dr. Lee Myers and many others continue to serve a profound influence in my life. I am very fortunate to have several outstanding mentors and professors that are committed to my development as a future doctor.
If I could share an afternoon with anyone, I would love to share it with…
…our Governor, Sonny Perdue. Governor Perdue is a graduate of UGA’s College of Veterinary Medicine and is a respected leader of this state. Governor Perdue serves as another example of the many avenues veterinarians can successfully pursue.
If I knew I could not fail, I would…
…become a U.S. Senator. I have a passion for creating policy and working towards the “big picture.” I am great at negotiating and integrating various viewpoints. Politician-Scientists are small in number, and their perspectives are really needed.
After graduation, I plan to…
…transition my various experiences into a career combined of clinical, regulatory and international aspects of veterinary medicine. My ultimate goal as a veterinarian involves traveling around the world working to eliminate diseases that affect the food supply, develop programs for disease eradication and assist with policy negotiations for various animal issues.
The one UGA experience I will always remember will be…
…my entire senior year as a veterinary student. By May 2009, I will have worked with all types of animals, traveled the world, and assisted those who govern our society. Dreams really come true with hard work, persistence and prayer!
