Paul Alves
Paul Alves is the recipient of the 2024 Dr. Rex L. Gilbreath Memorial Award, which was established in memory of Dr. Gilbreath, former associate professor of Animal Sciences, Alpha Zeta Professor of the Year, and researcher in the field of swine nutrition. Paul is an Animal Science major on the pre-vet track with a minor in Marine Science, graduating this spring with the class of 2024. Paul is the president of the Veterinary Science Club and a resident assistant at New Gibbons. Paul served as a Rutgers Day Swine Supervisor for two years as well as the Rutgers Day Activities Coordinator last year. Paul has also previously served as a Rutgers Farm Tour Guide and a Rutgers Writing Centers Tutor.
Paul currently works at his local veterinary clinic as a Veterinary Assistant and Social Media Manager, and plans to intern at an Aquarium over the summer. Paul is taking a gap year prior to vet school, and is interested in aquatic and small animal medicine. Paul's favorite animals on the Rutgers farm are the pigs!
Oliver Diggle
Oliver Diggle is the recipient of a Department of Animal Sciences Senior Excellence Award for Achievement in Academics. Oliver is an Animal Science major on the Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Research track graduating in May 2024. In his time at Rutgers, he has been involved in many clubs and programs, including intramural basketball, flag football, and softball. He has also spent the past 3 semesters working for the ODASIS program, where he tutored Organic Chemistry 1 and 2. Oliver also participated in undergraduate research, where he worked with the Goldman Lab Group in organic chemistry. He has also served as a teaching assistant for Horse Management, an undergraduate animal sciences course taught by Dr. Ross.
Upon graduation, Oliver will be choosing between Tufts University and the University of Pennsylvania to attend veterinary school.
Joel Kim
Joel Kim is the recipient of a 2024 Department of Animal Sciences Senior Excellence Award for Achievement in Academics and Research. Joel is a senior majoring in Animal Sciences on the Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Research track, graduating with the class of 2024. For the past three years, Joel has contributed to the study of touch and the somatosensory system in the Abraira Lab. Her senior thesis involved conducting her own research on the role of oxytocin on the somatosensory system. Some of her favorite experiences at Rutgers have involved learning about the animals on the farm, especially cattle! Joel is also a part of the Korean Student Association at Rutgers. In her free time, she enjoys going to the gym, cooking, and making food content videos.
Upon graduation, Joel plans on exploring the different fields of veterinary medicine, and eventually applying to vet school.
Shawn McDermott
Shawn McDermott is the recipient of a 2024 Department of Animal Sciences Senior Excellence Award for Achievement in Academics. Shawn is a senior majoring in Animal Science on the Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Research track, graduating this summer! Shawn is a transfer student from the University of Tennessee Knoxville, and joined our Rutgers community in the Fall of 2022. In his free time, Shawn enjoys playing basketball and golf, as well as working out.
In the Fall of 2024, Shawn will attend the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine! Shawn hopes to become a radiologist upon graduating from veterinary school.
Alexis Garcia
Alexis Garcia is the recipient of a 2024 Department of Animal Sciences Senior Excellence Award for Achievement in Academics and Research. Alexis is an Animal Science major on the Pre-Veterinary Medicine and Research Track, graduating in May 2024. She has spent all of her four years at Rutgers on the Rutgers Equestrian Team, where she currently serves as the treasurer. She is also a certified horseback riding instructor! In her spare time, Alexis works part-time as a veterinary technician.
In the Fall of 2024, Alexis will be attending veterinary school at The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.