A vital part of our outreach and recruitment programs
LSU Vet Med Ambassadors
LSU Vet Med Student Ambassadors are eager to share their experiences in the DVM Program. If you are an applicant who wants to learn more about the DVM student experience, you are welcomed to view the profiles below and reach out with your questions.
Class of 2028
Shaye Alost
I am from El Paso, TX and completed my bachelor’s and master’s degrees at Texas A&M University.
I have an interest in small animal general practice including small exotics. I also have interests in small animal orthopedic surgery and internal medicine.
I have 3 dogs and a cat that I care for all myself. I am also the only one in my family born in Texas as the rest was born in Louisiana!
Katelynn Lorio
I’m from Jarreau, LA in Pointe Coupee Parish. I studied Microbiology with intentions of doing research, but decided to change paths to veterinary medicine.
I worked in Neurology and ICU as a technician for 5 years at the LSU VTH.
My main interest is Neurology with some food animal medicine on the side.
I enjoy road tripping and camping with my husband and dogs and going off roading in my 4Runner. In 2018 I was diagnosed with a rare form of Leukocytoclastic Vasculitis and Lupus. I own a dairy goat farm, and my husband and I own a firework stand called "Weenie Works Fireworks" named after my dachshund Bella Roux!
Kaitlynn Moore
I was born in Manhattan, NY, and raised in Burlington, NJ. I completed my bachelors in small animal science with a minor in dairy science at Delaware Valley University.
My current plan is to become a boarded surgeon and incorporate my love for dairy cows somewhere in my career. With having many different interest, I'm very open to change.
Fun fact about me is that I have a genetic bone disease that changes the color of my sclera blue gray. My hobbies include a little bit of arts and crafts when time allows and relaxing while doing nothing.
Courtney Young
I was born in Dallas, TX and mostly raised in Shreveport, LA. I graduated from Nicholls State University with a bachelor’s in marine biology.
I’ve always dreamed of doing aquatics, but I’m excited to explore other possibilities. I worked in small animal for 2 years and before was afraid to touch cats, but now I own one!
I’m very artsy and love to paint and draw. I also love pottery and think it’s very therapeutic and the perfect combination of messy and creative.
Ashley Zoltowski
I was born in Buffalo, NY and raised in Dallas, TX. I graduated from West Texas A&M University with my bachelor's in biology and a specialization in pre-veterinary medicine.
I love feline and avian medicine and am interested in exploring both dentistry and ophthalmology! I started as a surgical intern in Amarillo, TX and have had many jobs in the vet med field, such as wildlife rehabilitator lead, molecular biology drosophila researcher, ER nurse, and the lead nurse for one of the largest cat-only orphanages/hospitals in Dallas!
I love playing my bass guitar, painting, and winning Roblox bingo tournaments. At home, I love to study with my velcro cat, Danté, and hang out with my two handsome dumpster kitties, Dracula and Draco.
Class of 2027
Kiersten Boss
Born in New Iberia, LA, I received my bachelor’s degree in Biology with minors in chemistry and psychology from UL Lafayette. I also have a masters of Comparative Biomedical Sciences from UGA.
I am interested in working with a variety of animals including small, exotics, and wildlife. I also hope to help with conservation efforts worldwide and also one day open my own clinic!
I enjoy playing video games, baking, and watching movies (especially horror). I also enjoy hanging out with my friends and my dog Zeppelin!
Sara Bucher
I was born 2 hours North of New York City, and I received my Bachelor’s degree in Animal Science at Penn State with minors in Equine Science and Microbiology.
I am interested in equine medicine, and I also really enjoy research and teaching. I am open to wherever my interests may expand and adapt by the end of veterinary school.
One way I like to relax is playing online games with my friends back in New York. I also enjoy listening to music and spending time with my family.
Alexis Nguyen
I’m from Baton Rouge, LA and earned my Bachelors in Animal Sciences with a minor in Biological Sciences from LSU.
The majority of my background is in molecular biology research where I worked on the creation of various nucleic acid vaccines for clinical veterinary application. While I fell in love with and began in research, I have loved gaining clinical experience and hope to work in clinical medicine after vet school.
In my free time, I like to spend time outside or with friends and family, read, and garden
Annmarie Raque
I grew up in New Orleans, LA and graduated from Mississippi State University with my bachelors degree in Animal & Dairy Sciences.
I have a special interest in large and food animal medicine, specifically dairy medicine, and love all things cows! I also have a love for exotic animals and even have my own bearded dragon, Taquito, who is my best study buddy!
I enjoy running, biking, reading fiction, going to Trader Joes, and watering my succulents!
Logan Roddy
I was born and raised in New Orleans, LA and I obtained my bachelor's in animal science from LSU.
I worked as a veterinary assistant at a small animal general practice and as a registered veterinary technician in dermatology, ICU, and surgery at at a small animal specialty hospital. From this I discovered an interest in specializing in veterinary medicine. My main interest right now is veterinary dentistry and oral surgery!
I have a pit-bull named Sansa and a cat named Whisk who I love very much. I love taking my dog for a walk as a great de-stressor, and also love to bake, spend time with my family/friends, and tailgate for LSU football games.
Spencer Stelly
I was born and raised in Alexandria, LA and earned my B.S. in Chemistry with minors in Spanish and Biology from Louisiana Tech University.
I have worked in emergency and critical care, companion animal medicine, and laboratory research. While I still love these, I plan on doing policy and advocacy work for the government to give our furry friends the voice they deserve!
When I have free time, I like going on road trips, watching musical theatre, and spending time with my friends watching horror movies, listening to music, or trying new foods.
Joshua Thier
I’m from Queen Creek, AZ and I graduated from the University of Arizona with a Bachelor of Science in Veterinary Sciences.
I worked at a small animal general practice in undergrad, and as of now I have no clue of what I want to do but I’m keeping my mind open.
I enjoy baking, watching TV and movies, and not studying.
Savannah Watermeier
2025 Ambassador Chair
I am from New Orleans and graduated with a B.S. in Animal Science and a minor in Sociology from LSU. I then did online school through University of Alaska Fairbanks and earned my Masters in One Health while also working as a full-time vet tech.
I am currently interested in One Health, public health, and emergency medicine. My eventual goal is to become the Public Health Veterinarian of Louisiana!
I have a dog named Hunter who is missing half his lower jaw so his tongue hangs out all the time!
Courtney Wingate
I am from Shreveport, LA and graduated from Louisiana Tech University with a Bachelor of Animal Science. As a non-traditional student I spent 15 years prior to vet school involved with animal rescue and shelter work.
I have an interest in shelter medicine, but I also love the fast-paced environment of emergency medicine. I enjoy spending time with my family and friends playing card games, but I also just enjoy the comfort of my own home with my dog, Dory, and cats, Jingle and Patricia.
Class of 2026
Vanessa Barrios
2024 Ambassador Chair
I was born in New Orleans. I attended the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and received my Bachelor’s degree in Biology. After that, I received my Master’s degree in CBS at the University of Georgia.
I am interested in working for the government as an advocate for our profession. I am passionate about community service, so I would love to spend my time helping in animal shelters.
I enjoy skateboarding, playing video games, and watching movies. I recently became a cat mom, so I am usually chilling with my cat or chasing her around my apartment.
Alysia Cannon
I hail from Shreveport, Louisiana. My educational background includes a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Biological Sciences from LSUS. Previous work experience includes: veterinary receptionist, veterinary assistant, and biological sciences college instructor.
My veterinary interests include emergency and critical care. Emergency and Critical Care is a very fast paced field, and I enjoy bringing comfort to families and pets in times of need. I am also working to gain the proper certifications to be a part of veterinary natural disaster rescue efforts.
Every vet student needs a de-stressor and in my free time you can find me oil painting pet portraits with my study buddy/rescue cat, Stormie.
Jaylon Carothers
I am originally from the small town of Lake Village, Arkansas. I attended the University of Arkansas and earned a bachelor's degree in animal science in 2022! (Woo pig!)
I am currently interested in mixed animal medicine and hope to become a board-certified cardiologist in the future!
In my free time, I enjoy traveling, hanging out with friends, and going to sporting events. I also have a Labrador retriever named Zeke who I love to spend time with!
Courtney Ford-Franklin
Born and raised in Alexandria, Louisiana, I attended LSU for undergraduate and earned my B.S in animal science in 2019. I then attended LSU again to pursue my masters in public health.
I am interested in small animals and exotics. Research is something I also really enjoy and have a lot of background in, so I assist on research projects with a lot of the veterinarians at LSU.
In my free time I LOVE to watch horror movies, read thriller books, or workout!
Peyton Hall
Originally from Shreveport, LA, I recently moved to Arnaudville, LA and am loving
getting to explore a new area! I received my bachelor's degree in animal sciences
and minor in business from Auburn University where I was also a student-athlete.
My main interests are companion animal and equine practice, equine sports medicine,
and theriogenology. My true passion is equine sports medicine!
In my free time I love to curl up with a good book, walk my dog, or ride my horses.
Blaire Holliday
I was born in St. Petersburg, FL and raised in south suburbs of Chicago. I received my bachelor’s degree in animal science from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff.
I worked as an animal care technician at the University of Chicago, where I developed an interest in Laboratory Animal Medicine, and later worked as a Research Associate at LSU Vet Med. Laboratory animal medicine is my top interest, but I am open to exotics and mixed animal as well.
When I am free, I love to get my hands dirty in the kitchen, listen to podcasts, and play hide-and-seek with my dog.
Raven Kelley
I am from Baton Rouge, Louisiana. I received my Bachelor’s of Science in Animal Science from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University located in Greensboro, North Carolina.
I see myself going into small animal medicine, but I do plan to specialize. My interests include emergency and critical care, cardiology, and internal medicine. Because veterinary medicine has so much to offer, I am also keeping an open mind about the different paths I can take!
In my free time, I enjoy watching TV, working out, catching up on sleep, and coloring!
Mary Robin Miller
I am originally from Flowood, Mississippi. I received my bachelor’s degree in pre-veterinary biochemistry from Mississippi State University.
I have always seen myself going into mixed animal general practice after veterinary school; however, I am keeping an open mind to all the different paths that can be taken in veterinary medicine. I am excited to see what my future holds!
In my free time, I love photography, color guard, watching TV, going to the beach, and hanging out with my dog, Ace!
Mya Orantes
I was born in Metairie, LA, but grew up in Lafayette, LA, a small city outside of Baton Rouge. I earned my bachelor’s degree in Animal Sciences with a minor in Physical Theatre at LSU.
I am interested by so many fields in veterinary medicine that I hope to work in a mixed practice facility in the future. Specific interests include equine medicine, integrative medicine, dermatology, surgery, and dentistry. I also dream to work with primates one day.
I’m always looking for new skills to learn or try! I currently love aerial silks, gardening, baking, knitting, playing piano, and playing beach volleyball.
Emily Smith
I was born and raised in the small town of Cabot, Arkansas. I attended Southern Arkansas University where I earned my bachelor's degree in Agriculture: Pre-Veterinary Science.
I am currently most interested in a career in small animal surgery, but there are many different specialties that I could see myself pursuing. Some of these fields include integrative medicine, animal behavior, and emergency medicine!
In my free time, I love to hang out with my friends, travel, try new recipes, shop, and spend time with my dog, Punkin!
Alexandria Taylor
I was born and raised in Dallas, Texas and have a Bachelors in Biology. I’ve worked as a vet tech, veterinary receptionist, and a surgery tech.
My veterinary interests include dermatology and internal medicine. I also have an interest in mixed animal practice.
My hobbies include working out, binge watching movies and TV shows, playing video games, and having game nights with friends and my cat SJ (Spicy Jalapeño).
Carmelle Walker
I grew up in Shreveport, LA where I spent the majority of my time drawing, swimming, or riding my gray thoroughbred, Vail.
At LSU SVM, I seem to find new passions every week, but my main interests include
integrative medicine and veterinary dentistry.
Outside of school, my favorite hobbies include riding, gardening, cooking, and spoiling
my German Shepherd mix named Fletcher.