Miredys Melendez’s passion for animals was one that was ingrained in her from a very early age.
Melendez, a junior at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore majoring in general agriculture with a pre-veterinary concentration, was surrounded by animals growing up in St. Croix in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
“We had about 12 dogs, two cats, and we even had iguanas, ducks, and rabbits,” said Melendez, who now lives in Delmar, Del. “In the Caribbean, there’s so much space and land that we had room for all of those things.”
Those experiences helped her find her calling in the field of animal science. During her time at UMES, Melendez was able to build her resume through working as a laboratory assistant, working at the UMES’ Small Ruminant Farm, and presenting research during symposiums.
“Being able to have these opportunities allows you to learn in an environment and understand what your path will be,” she said. “If you feel that vet school isn’t what you want to do, there are other options like becoming a vet tech or being a vet assistant.”
Following her graduation in the spring of 2027, Melendez plans to look at a veterinary school that has a three-year accelerated program in order to get into the workforce early.
“I want to get straight into vet school as soon as I can based on the recommendations once you get your bachelor’s degree,” she said. “A three-year program is a lot more work, but it allows you to get out into the career field early.”
A possible option for her schooling could be the University of Maryland Eastern Shore School of Veterinary Medicine, which is pending accreditation from the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA). Members from the AVMA Council on Education will visit the campus in June in what could be the next step towards full accreditation.
Melendez said that UMES establishing its own vet school allows underrepresented candidates to get the opportunity to pursue their dreams of becoming a veterinarian.
“I’m so glad that UMES, our HBCU, is getting a vet school,” she said. “It’s a big accomplishment, and it’s something I know a lot of people are happy about and proud of.”
One niche Melendez is interested in is working with exotic animals or being a travel veterinarian.
Dr. Kimberly Braxton, pre-vet advisor and an associate professor in the Department of Agriculture, Food, and Science Resources, said Melendez would be a natural fit for those fields.
“Miredys has a positive attitude and perspective, which shows her enthusiasm for being a veterinarian,” Braxton said. “With her interest in exotic animals and working internationally, she has the potential to be a great global ambassador for UMES.”
