Mariah Crevier

Program

MSc Population Medicine, Epidemiology

Why did you choose to complete your graduate studies in your program at the University of Guelph? 

After completing my undergraduate degree at the University of Guelph, I knew this was the school for me. From the courses, diverse research opportunities, and the animal research facilities, there is no other school I'd rather be at to enhance my education. Also, being able to study Epidemiology at a top veterinary medical school is an opportunity you cannot pass up.

About my work at Guelph...

The work I'm doing involves animal welfare and epidemiology. I have the opportunity to work hands-on with beef calves at the Ontario Beef Research Centre to investigate pain control for band castration of newborn bull calves. This is an intensive on-farm research project, but being able to work with the calves and the support from my advisors and advisory committee has made this research proceed smoothly. I started preparing and training months before this trial started in calf handling, collecting blood samples, and studying calf behaviour.

How my research can potentially improve life...

My research is on pain control for castration of newborn bull calves. Currently, there are no requirements for use of pain control for newborn calves at time of castration and little research has been done on this age group. The results from this research can help improve the welfare of beef calves for this common routine procedure, better understand the pain that is experienced, and determine the most effective method of pain control.

What it's like to be a grad student at U of G...

I love being a graduate student at U of G! There are so many opportunities to connect and meet others in your department but also throughout OVC. A wide variety of events go on throughout the year as stress-busters, making connections, or just to have fun! There are many clubs, groups and councils you can be a part of. I am a part of the Graduate Student Executive Committee of Population Medicine at OVC and I have met so many new people and made many friends. There is a sense of safety and support from the graduate students and the faculty because everyone wants to see you succeed. It's an amazing academic community.

The best thing about our campus...

I love the grad lounges specifically the PopMed grad lounge, the food, and Johnston Green. The University is also so well kept, it looks beautiful all year round.