Kyndl Brunson, a student in animal science pre-vet, interned at the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies in Edinburgh, Scotland in the summer of 2009.

Brunson's early interest in animals didn't steer her toward pre-vet studies right away, she said. “I began riding and showing horses at the age of six,” Brunson said, and in high school received the National Championship for Arabian Youth Nationals Working Cow Horse - as well as pioneering a class because junior exhibitors did not typically compete in Working Cow Horse. It wasn't until Brunson earned her undergraduate degree in marketing from OSU in 2005, moved to New York and worked there for two years, that she returned to Arkansas in search of her true calling.

Brunson began volunteering, and eventually worked with several area veterinarians before she knew she wanted to become a vet. Her study abroad this summer solidified her interest in the study of veterinary epidemiology or biomedical research. While at the "Dick" Vet, the name the school is commonly known by, Brunson observed and assisted anesthesiologists and surgeons in pre-medication, surgery, and recovery.“Being able to enrich the lives of animals and humans through preventative medicine and research, in the face of ever-increasing disease resistance, has proven …most fulfilling,” Brunson said.

Brunson is on the honor roll at the U of A, a scholarship recipient and employed as a work study. Brunson is eager to take on new challenges in her pursuit of becoming a veterinarian.

by Pattie Lanning, ANSC Department
contact: (479) 575-7260, plannin@uark.edu

Shown in home page photo: Kyndl Brunson at Glencoe in The Highlands, Scotland