Student profile: Future veterinarian, College Ambassador, UConn Color Guard section leader, tutor
By Kim Markesich
As a junior majoring in pathobiology and veterinary science and minoring in molecular and cell biology, Kate Vezza has her sights set on becoming a veterinarian. She maintains a 3.8 GPA and has received numerous scholarships and awards.
“I love the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources because it’s like a family within a huge university,” Vezza says. “I know my professors and my entire class. I can ask questions during class, and the professors make time after class as well.”
Academics aside, Vezza is one busy young woman. She’s a College Ambassador, representing the College at alumni events, assisting with Cornucopia, and speaking at high school vocational agriculture programs across the state.
Vezza has been a member of a marching band since high school, and this year she is a section leader for the UConn Marching Band Color Guard. She’s also active with the UConn Winter Guard.
Vezza is a member of the Alpha Zeta Honor Society, Pre-Vet Club, Tau Beta Sigma National Honorary Band Sorority, and Alpha Beta Epsilon Biological Sciences Fraternity. She spent several semesters as a tutor with the UConn Community Outreach program at Mansfield Middle School. She currently works as a laboratory assistant with the Connecticut Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory.
“Kate is a very conscientious and successful student,” says her advisor, Salvatore Frasca, associate professor of in the Department of Pathobiology and Veterinary Science. “She’s unassuming, but if you take a moment to look at all she does, and the dedication that she gives to it, she’s really an exemplar of the program. She’s an excellent student and easy to advise, because it’s really just a matter of pointing her in a direction, and she takes the lead.”
At age 15, Vezza began working for Sandhill Alpacas, located in her home state of Maryland. As a 4-H member, she be showed alpacas at local fairs and Maryland State shows. At 17, she began work as a veterinary assistant with Linganore Veterinary Clinic in New Market, Maryland. Vezza continues to work summers at both Sandhill and Linganore.
“I really enjoy my classes in animal science and pathobiology because they are hands-on,” Vezza remarks. “We go to the barn every week for lab. My first semester, I trained a dairy cow. Not every school has the resources to provide that opportunity.”
Vezza plans to apply to veterinary school, and hopes to become a small animal veterinarian. “I like general practice because from what I’ve seen, you’re a lot like the family doctor.”
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