Ashley DeRegis
Title of Program: Animal Conservation and Behavioral Sciences
E-mail Address: aderegis@vols.utk.edu
Hometown: Johnson City, Tennessee
Year: Sophomore
Anticipated Graduation Date: May 2024
Description of Program: My program is designed to examine how animals interact with the world around them in all aspects of science, while also preparing for veterinary school applications. I developed a curriculum that encompases animal health, behavior/ physiology, and human interaction with animals. By studying courses in animal science, agriculture and natural resources, wildlife and fisheries, psychology, ecology, and evolutionary biology. I aim to formulate a critical understanding of how animals and humans share this world and discover ways to improve upon those relationships. I will also be studying Spanish language and culture to develop my knowledge on animal health laws internationally. I will also be continuing my education in saxophone performance as a music minor.
Departmental Emphases: Animal Science, Agriculture and Natural Resources, Wildlife and Fisheries, Ecology & Evolutionary Biology, Psychology, and Spanish
Faculty Mentor: Adam Wilcox
Plans after graduation (career, graduate/professional school, etc.): My plan proceeding graduation is to attend veterinary school and pursue a DVM and PHD in exotic care and conservation. Following completion of such or similar programs, I’d like to travel internationally as a relief veterinarian to gain and share knowledge with various rescue and rehabilitation facilities. Later in my career, I’d like to pursue research in developing new rehabilitation methods and medicines. I plan to advocate for animal health policies in other countries and bring awareness to the state of our endangered species no matter what my career path looks like.
Study Abroad/ Internships: During my academic career thus far, I’ve studied abroad in Costa Rica twice. Once, in the UTK affiliated program “Parks, Plants, and Peoples” with Dr. Wilcox and Dr. Pulte, where we studied biodiversity, cultures, government, agriculture, and animal rehabilitation in Costa Rica over the summer. I went back, by myself, for an internship with the animal clinic at Rescate Wildlife and Rehabilitation Center, where I worked alongside veterinarians and wildlife rehabilitators to rescue and release exotic species native to Costa Rica. This provided me with insight as to how other countries experience health and their progress on animal protection laws and in-field experience rehabilitating and working with wild animals. I plan to continue my studies abroad during and after my undergraduate career.
Part-time employment; Hobbies; Campus Clubs/Activities: I’m a part-time veterinarian technician at Lange Animal Hospital in Knoxville, TN. I’m involved in two greek organizations at the University of Tennessee: Sigma Alpha and Sigma Alpha Iota. I’m the Vice president of Sigma Alpha, which is a sorority dedicated to cultivated women in Agriculture. I am the Sergeant of Arms in Sigma Alpha Iota, which is the Music fraternity focused on sharing music within the community. I am also involved in the Honors LGBTQ+ organization, Pre-vet Association, Pride of the Southland marching Band, 1794 Honors and Chancellor's Honors Programs, and I am a Smith Center Ambassador. When I’m not involved in campus life I spend my time in nature, hiking, participating in water sports, hanging with the homies, and playing saxophone to decompress. :)
