Amanda Avison

Program

PhD Biomedical Sciences in Cardiovascular Physiology

A bit about your path... 

I am a University of Guelph lifer, having completed my undergraduate degree, veterinary school and now my PhD here. After graduating from veterinary school, I temporarily moved to the US for 3 years for some specialized veterinary training before returning. I returned to the University of Guelph for graduate school because of the opportunities available at the Ontario Veterinary College.

How do you think your research (or the work you are doing at U of G) can potentially improve life? 

I hope that our research will improve the lives of performance horses and also stakeholders in the industry to provide some understanding about why sudden cardiac death is occurring at what can be done to reduce the risk. It is currently very frustrating for owners, trainers, veterinarians and the general public to know that this is occurring and not being about to do anything about it. I am very excited by the possibility of making a difference in the lives of performance horses and the racing industry with our investigation into sudden cardiac death. 

What do you plan to do after graduation? How has U of G helped you reach that goal? 

In addition to my passion for research, I also adore teaching and I hope to someday hold a faculty position here at the Ontario Veterinary College.

Briefly describe what it is like to be a graduate student at Guelph 

Being a graduate student is very independent compared to my previous schooling. You really have to be self-motivated because there often isn't someone setting deadlines for you and checking in on your progress but I have absolutely loved making my own schedule. It has allowed me to take breaks in the middle of the day to go to puppy class, appointments, etc and somedays your brain just isn't 'in it', so I often have the freedom to take the afternoon off and stay late the next day where I am being super productive. 

Tell us something about you, beyond being a grad student. 

I don't have much of a life outside of school but I recently started fostering my first guide dog in training. It has been a lot of hard work, a little frustration and a TON of joy having her in my life and looking forward to seeing what she can accomplish in her future.

What do you like best about U of G campus and the City of Guelph? 

I love the feeling of the Guelph Campus, to me it feels like home. At this point I have had classes in almost every building on campus. It has so much green space but also feels small enough that you can reasonable walk from one end to the other and back as a break. My husband and I chose to make Guelph our home because it is a big city with a very small town feel. We have always felt safe here and love the diversity and friendliness of the community.