Maris D.

Maris's academic journey began at Carleton College, a rigorous liberal arts school, where she majored in biology and studio art. Her undergraduate experience was marked by a strong commitment to extracurricular activities, including being a two-sport student-athlete and representing DIII athletics as a member of the Student Athletic Advisory Committee (SAAC).

Before attending veterinary school, Maris gained hands-on experience in various settings. She worked at a small animal clinic for six years, interned at a zoo, and was a counselor at a horseback riding camp. During her senior year, Maris participated in a competitive Research Experience for Undergrads (REU) program at Friday Harbor Laboratories, where she published her first manuscript. After graduation, she began veterinary school at the University of Illinois, her first-choice professional school.

At UIUC, Maris was the Conservation Chair of the school's Wildlife Medical Clinic and was elected Secretary of the Non-Traditional Species Club. She was also a UIUC's Sustainability Committee member and worked as a microbiology student in the Veterinary Diagnostic Lab, participating in a swine influenza project. She is also the President-Elect for the North American Wildlife Disease Association student chapter.

Maris completed her PhD in ecology, evolution, and conservation biology. Her research took place in the Wildlife Epidemiology Laboratory, where she studied pathogen surveillance and management strategies in confiscated box turtles from the illegal wildlife trade. She will also be working with the Alaska State Wildlife Veterinary Team in the near future.

The United States Animal Health Association has also recognized her research, and Maris has been awarded for her achievements by the Wildlife Disease Association, Society for the Study of Amphibians and Reptiles, and the American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians. Maris's ultimate goal is to pursue a career in wildlife epidemiology and conservation, leveraging her blend of academic excellence, research experience, and passion for helping animals. 

Maris's passion for assisting others in the veterinary school application process stems from her own experience of feeling under-guided when applying to vet school. As a consultant, Maris brings a unique perspective to her work, leveraging her extensive experience with various writing styles to provide an in-depth understanding of the requirements for admission to veterinary school. Her greatest strengths are in writing, having published several manuscripts in journals such as PLOS ONE, Science Direct, and the Journal of Wildlife Diseases, focusing on diagnostic methods for wildlife diseases.

In her counseling sessions, Maris approaches each applicant by understanding all elements of their profile, such as hometown, college clubs, animal experiences, and research, to determine what will make their application stand out. Maris has a 100% success rate with helping students get into vet school—those she has coached have been accepted to Colorado State University, the University of Illinois, Midwestern University, the University of Minnesota, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison, among others. Maris is committed to providing a helping hand to prospective veterinary school students, sharing her knowledge to make their application journey as smooth and stress-free as possible.