Colorado State Students
Exploring the World of Possibilities
Outside of the Classroom
Published Fall 2007
Getting up close and personal with parrots, cockatoos, raptors and rats might not be everyone’s cup of tea, but it suits Jessica Axelrad just fine.
Axelrad with Sydney, a Sulpher-Crested Cockatoo at the Atlanta Zoo, where she interned in 2006.
As an intern at the Atlanta Zoo last summer, Jessica had the chance to experience life at Wildlife Theater, hone her public speaking skills, work with zoo veterinarians, and train some of the avian members of the theater's winged cast.
It was just one of her real-world experiences outside of the classroom – experiences that are helping her to better define her career path and determine her next steps following graduation in the spring.
Intrigued by CSU campus visit
Axelrad, who is originally from Southern California, came to Colorado State University after just happening to glance at a recruiting brochure, one of many sent to her during her junior year in high school. On the first afternoon of her first visit to campus, she decided that she had found her academic home. During Ram Welcome, she attended a talk by Assistant Professor David Gilkey and was intrigued by the possibilities environmental health offered.
"He talked about epidemiology, and I thought, wow, that sounds great," said Axelrad. "Then he talked about toxicology, and I loved that, too, then veterinary epidemiology – there were so many great options that I just thought I would learn about as many of them as I could and figure out later on what I really wanted to do."
Multiple ways to explore career possibilities
In addition to her classroom experience, Axelrad has taken advantage of internship and volunteer opportunities, research work, as well as a study abroad program, to further enlarge her world of possibilities. She is in the University Honors Program and is a Hughes Undergraduate Research Scholar, conducing DNA cancer research in the laboratory of Professor Robert Ullrich. She interned in 2006 at the Atlanta Zoo where she helped with the avian show, did the pre-show, worked backstage with the birds, brought birds out for wildlife encounters, and also worked with the zoo's veterinary staff on preventive health care for the avian residents.
In January 2007, Axelrad traveled to New Zealand and Australia for a study-abroad program where she took full advantage of the countries' natural beauty and abundant flora and fauna, further fueling her interest in avian medicine that was already heightened by her experiences in Atlanta.
Experience working directly with professionals
Maji, an African Fishing Eagle, poses with Axelrad during her internship that included working with the zoo's veterinary staff on preventive health care for the avian residents.
This past summer, Axelrad interned with the USDA Food Safety Inspection Service working with veterinarians inspecting slaughterhouses in Southern California, including pig, duck, chicken and cattle facilities.
"I think that what was a surprise at first was the level of inspection at each of the facilities," said Axelrad. "Every slaughterhouse we went to had their own veterinarian who monitored all of the animals coming in, looking for disease and other problems. The internship was an indepth education in the way meat is processed, including the kosher processing of meat, and in seeing how each and every part of every animal is used. It's not something that I could see doing for my career, but it was an interesting experience."
Axelrad also works at PetCo where she was the avian specialist, but is now looking to focus on reptiles, further broadening her experience. She is a volunteer with the Rocky Mountain Raptor program, a member of Toastmasters and has been an ambassador with the University's Admissions Office, a Hebrew tutor and a camp counselor. She is a member of Hillel and her travels also have included a heritage trip to Israel.
Veterinary school plans
"Once I get in (to veterinary school), then I'll worry about where I'll be going next."
Jessica Axelrad, CSU senior
Following graduation from Colorado State University in the spring, Axelrad hopes to attend veterinary school, applying to CSU as well as the University of California-Davis. She isn't sure yet what she'll pursue once in veterinary school, though avian medicine, surgery, equine medicine, and public health all have an appeal.
"Once I get in, then I'll worry about where I'll be going next," said Axelrad. Whichever direction she does decide to go, Axelrad, with all her worldly experiences, is sure to find just the right cup of tea to suit her tastes.
Originally published in the ERHS Emitter newsletter, Fall 2007 (PDF).
