Student Experiences

Submittee by Kristina Muise, Royal Veterinary College

As a first-generation student, I never knew what research and academia were, until I had the opportunity to be a part of it. During my Bachelor of Science (Honours) degree at the University of Winnipeg, in Manitoba, Canada I was incredibly fortunate to join a bat research lab led by Dr. Craig Willis and conduct a research project where I analysed the pre-hibernation feeding behaviour in a northern population of little brown bats (Myotis lucifugus). I then had the opportunity to complete a second research project analysing the stress-induced body temperature changes in a different species of bat – the silver-haired bat (Lasionycteris noctivagans). It was incredibly rewarding to work in the field and the lab, catching bats and being able to learn about these amazing species. Bats are the only mammal that are capable of true flight, and each species is vastly unique from one another. These fascinating research projects allowed me to gain an immense amount of experience in wildlife biology, diseases, and conservation, all of which were interests that I never expected I would have, when growing up and aspiring to become a veterinarian.

At the end of my undergraduate degree, I planned on continuing in veterinary medicine, however after multiple failures to obtain admission to vet school, I returned to the University of Winnipeg to complete a Master of Science in Bioscience, Technology and Public Policy. I re-joined the bat lab and started a research project where I analysed the hibernation behaviour, physiology, and water balance of big brown bats (Eptesicus fuscus). This species of hibernating bat is resistant to ‘white-nose syndrome’, a fungal disease that is currently devastating hibernating bat populations in North America. While the exact research mechanism is not yet known, my research provides some insight into the underlying processes. 

Following graduation of my M.Sc., I was incredibly excited to start veterinary school at the Royal Veterinary College, in London, England. While my first year is wrapping up shortly, I feel incredibly fortunate to have gained a vast amount of research experience, of which I can build my veterinary degree on. My overall career goals following my BVetMed degree is to continue with a Ph.D. in conservation medicine, with a focus in wildlife diseases. Had I not applied to a research lab during my undergrad, my interests in veterinary medicine may not be what that they are right now. My research degrees and experiences have shaped my interests, and ultimately the veterinarian I will become in the future.

  

Photo: Little brown bat (Myotis lucifugus) in the field.