June 2022 ABI Student of the Month: Monica Ardon

Hi there, my name is Monica Ardon. I am a 5th year transfer student from Folsom Lake College. I graduated with an AA in Interdisciplinary Studies: Math and Science in 2020. I am majoring in Animal Biology and minoring in Spanish. I completed my practicum last July where I studied effects of Insulin Dysregulation in Quarter Horses at the Center for Equine Health. Currently, I work at the MRLT Lab at the UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine where I assist in multiple clinical trials and projects with VMTH patients, Center for Equine Health, and the California National Primate Research Center.  

I chose the Animal Biology major to learn about what research is and how I can make a difference in the veterinary field. So far, I have learned that research is creative and engaging with a pinch of imagination. My career goal consists of becoming a veterinarian researcher studying animal welfare to better the welfare of zoos, laboratory, and the animal entertainment industry. My research will go towards policy making and efforts toward fighting poaching in countries like Africa and Thailand.