Student Spotlight on Victoria Parenti (’22)

While many students have hands-on learning opportunities with the animals during class time, the Animal Caretakers Team is dedicated to the animals’ overall health and safety. The team typically draws students from the Life Sciences programs, and provides them with animal caretaking skills for their future careers – or responsible pet ownership!

Junior Victoria Parenti’s interest in the team was sparked during Professor Twining’s Ecology lab. Parenti describes working with the animals as therapeutic and calming. “When you arrive for your shift in the lab, there is a check list of chores that need to be done. These consist of cleaning and changing water bowls, cleaning the animals bedding, and caring for their sources of food that we house in the lab,” Parenti says. “Once chores are all completed, we then make it a priority to handle and socialize with the animals. Handling the animals gives us an opportunity to connect personally with them. It also allows us to check their health and if there is anything medically that needs attention. Once the fun is over, I then make sure that the lab cleanliness is in good standing before I continue with the rest of my day.” She believes that her experience with the team is preparing her for a career in Marine Biology.

The Animal Caretakers Team is raising money solely for the care of the animals, that includes feeding, lighting, heating, and maintaining enclosures. To learn more about this important academic experience, visit our website