Meet Mary
Even before her first semester began, Mary found community and support by attending Cornell’s Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars Program. Now, with hands-on classes like Equine Management that give her the opportunity to apply classroom learnings, and student organizations like Minority Animal Science Students, she is well-prepared to achieve her goal of returning to her community, the Gila River Indian Reservation, to practice veterinary medicine.
What clubs/activities are you involved with on campus?
I am president of the Minority Animal Science Students club, a member of the Collegiate Science and Technology Entry Program (CSTEP) Pre Professional Programs (P3), Native American and Indigenous Students at Cornell (NAISAC), and American Indian Science & Engineering Society at Cornell (AISES). I’m also a project assistant at the Paleontological Research Institute, a student athlete of Cornell Women's Club Basketball and Women's Club Hockey, as well as a veterinary assistant for Rural Area Veterinary Service (RAVS).
What is your favorite thing about Cornell?
My favorite thing about Cornell is how supported I am. I have found a community in the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program where I know that if I need help, I always have someone I can reach out to — even if it's not academic-based. The Animal Science program has also offered amazing opportunities and resources to help further my education both inside and outside of the classroom.
Why is the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) a great fit for you?
CALS allows me to study animal science at an Ivy League school. I am provided with many academic resources like tutoring and support classes, while being able to participate in research that lets me apply what I learn in class.
What is your academic passion?
I love being an animal science major because it mixes my passion for animals with my academics. I get to learn in-depth knowledge of animals while also being able to take classes like Dairy Sheep Management and Equine Management to get hands-on experience and apply what I have learned.
What are your go-to campus resources? How did you discover them?
My go-to campus resources for both academic and non-academic support are the staff members at the American Indian and Indigenous Studies Program (AIISP) and Office of Academic Diversity Initiatives (OADI). I was introduced to both programs in the Pre-Collegiate Summer Scholars Program and have been able to go to both for any concerns I have.
How did you find your friends and community at Cornell?
I found many of my closest friends through clubs and programs, like Women’s Club Basketball and during the Pre-Collegiate Summer Program. I have been able to develop a great community through the Native American and Indigenous Students at Cornell (NAISAC) and attending events for the American Indian and Indigenous Study Program.
Hometown
Tempe, ArizonaGraduation Year
2026College/School
- College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
Majors
- Animal Science
Pull Quote
When you were applying, why did you choose Cornell?
I chose Cornell because of its strong Native American program. I liked that there was a program house (Akwe:Kon) for Indigenous students and allies. I felt that I would be able to feel supported academically and be able to interact with students from a similar background as me. I was also attracted to Cornell because of its strong Animal Science program and connections to the veterinary school. There are clubs like the Minority Animal Science Students club where they can pair club members with veterinary students. This was something that I looked forward to being able to participate in as I made my way through my undergraduate degree.
Where is your go-to place to eat on campus and what is your favorite thing to order?
My favorite eatery on campus is Trillium. I love the Wok Bar where I usually get BBQ Pork and Lo Mein. It is a classic and easy lunch to get!
What is your favorite class so far and why?
So far my favorite class was Dairy Sheep Management because I got to get a lot of hands-on experience with ewes and learn how to raise lambs. I really love the management classes for Animal Science because I get to learn how to raise and care for animals that I have not been able to interact with.
What are your plans after graduation?
I plan on applying to both masters programs and a few veterinary schools. I eventually want to attend veterinary school so I can return to my community, the Gila River Indian Reservation, and practice veterinary medicine.
Tell us about your favorite place to study.
Most majors have a building that is specifically designed for their classes and students. For Animal Science, our building is Morrison Hall which is right by the Dairy Bar. In Morrison, there is a specific conference room where I am able to have group study sessions with my friends and have an empty room to move around when I study alone.
Tell us about your favorite spot on campus or in Ithaca.
I love to go to the Dairy Bar for ice cream, especially after a long day of classes. Not only am I able to enjoy the amazing ice cream from Cornell Dairy, but it is often where I go to meet my friends after classes.